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Burning Man or Bust

12 Feb 2012 | By

So 2012 is the year. Finally after missing the ticket sales, not having the time or the money or simply not being in the right head space before, this year is the year. Despite the messed up situation with the “ticket lottery” that is leaving some people hanging in the lurch I was blessed with a ticket. I’m going to Burning Man 2012.

I have the time off work, have been writing my checklist etc already and am extremely happy. Of course I’m excited to take my camera as well. Some of the images I’ve seen from previous burns are just breathtakingly beautiful and surreal and I want a chance to experience and capture the 7 day adventure that is TTITD (That thing in the desert). Considering part of the festival is about sustaining one’s self in the desert for a week I have a lot to learn. Some of my road trip skills will come in handy but I was never really THAT far away from a fresh coffee if I needed one. This is going to be different. Exciting and different.

As part of the Burning Man culture, while meeting new people and checking out their art, shade spaces etc it’s customary to “gift” someone something, perhaps a small trinket, a beer, almost anything. For me I’ve been working on an idea that will allow me to meet new people, capture portraits of Burners and gift them something all at the same time. I hope to get random Burners that I meet to allow me to take their portrait out on the playa. Once home, I will make available their edited portrait to download or will email it to them. To remind them of my gift I will give them a small print of one of my shots from my previous travels with a stamped url on the back when I meet them. So far, this is my plan.

I am simply excited and elated to be going. Over the last few years I think that I’ve been in a confused state of “there has to be more to life than THIS” and as I’ve read books on energy and flow I now realize that I didn’t get to Burning Man sooner because I wasn’t supposed to. But obviously, this year is different and I’m truly looking forward to what the desert, the playa, the people I meet and that tall fiery fellow all have in store for me.

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Changes in the Wind

07 Feb 2012 | By

So the end of 2011 brought me new opportunities, a big move and another chapter in the life of Wayne.

Through my search for employment I started looking into job opportunities outside of the Vancouver area and walla, here I am. Back in a city I spent 7 years in, Calgary Alberta. The new job is a step in the right direction, utilizing skills I’ve been honing for the past 12 years, making better money which will allow me to catch up on some finances, upgrade my photography gear and simply get ahead for awhile. The downside, only 2 weeks vacation for the year forcing my dreams of more extended road tripping on to the back burner. That in mind I’ve decided to really make it count and have solidified part of my summer vacation already. Check back soon for a detailed rundown on where I’m heading this summer.

For now, I’m firmly nestled in a routine, slowly getting things in order. Part of the appeal to returning here is that there seems to be a more vibrant music scene, at least for guys like me who aren’t looking to be rock stars but just want to play. I already have a band that I will be doing some weekend gigs with for fun and a little pocket money. Add to that cheaper rents, gas and general living expenses and things are looking up.

Being as I won’t be so strapped for cash I plan to get out on some weekend excursions with my camera, exploring the back roads and rural townships of Alberta. I will write often as those happen. So I guess for awhile it will be mini road trips, none the less, I will continue to explore.

So thanks for checking in and keeping up on my whereabouts, as things begin to level out here now I’ll have more time to contribute here.
All the best to you all,
W
Living Without Eyelids

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