"Vale a pena"

Took the day off yesterday to attend my college soccer coach, mentor and friend's funeral service. It was a beautiful service to celebrate a man's life to which he lived to its fullest! The church was packed - a testament to the many lives this man had touched. Three members of his family spoke, his son and daughter, and his youngest brother - giving us a peek of Don Carlos, the family man. All three described the man as a selfless giver, a mentor, a coach, a professor, friend, a bailbondsman (laughter from the crowd), a father, and most importantly - loving husband. His son and daughter spoke with pride about their father and recounted how he was never an absentee father despite his busy schedule. I too am proud to have known the man and to have experienced this man's love and friendship... "Señor Lopez, you will be missed but never forgotten."

A reception was held at the campus where I spent two and a half years of my college life...and it was good to be back again. It's been years since I stepped back on this hallowed grounds, and it brought back good memories. Reconnecting with former teammates and classmates was also a welcome surprise (seeing them in person rather than online @ Facebook). I bumped into my Humanities professor - Mr. Pratt, whom I credit for introducing me to the Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer. As a photographer I can appreciate this master painter's use of light in his paintings. A group of us alums strolled along campus reminiscing about those, er uh decadent college days. We even managed to sneak in one of the dorms! And the soccer field? Gone are the days of the natural turf... can't believe it's been 20 years since I graduated from my beloved college.

After the reception I drove to the San Francisco to pick up some lighting equipment from Calumet Photographic. It was such a beautiful day in the city that I was tempted to drive to the Embarcadero and stroll along, but I really didn't have the time since I had boy's volleyball practice later that evening. I got my strip box and reflector holder from the store, and quickly left the city to avoid the rush hour. One final stop was to Ikea to pick up a (prop) chair to use for my upcoming shoot.

It was a great day off from work. Said my goodbyes to an old friend and mentor, reconnected with my college buddies, and I was able to run a few errands as well. And the best thing - today's FRIDAY! Have a great weekend .... I know I will!