big sisters

Remembering my sis, when we were all so young - and having fun riding - growing up on the Key.
Caren at the annual Horse Show with Capt. Heyer at the Out-Of-Door School. (March 1956).

Louis Gandolfi & Sons (camera makers)

Today I am relinquishing something from my past - at least emotionally.

Yesterday I put some photo equipment up for sale - camera equipment that has been by my side for over forty some years - and equipment that became a large storied part of my career.

Fred Gandolfi, (one of the cantankerous sons of Gandolfi & Sons, in his mid-sixties), sold me a rare Cuban mahogany camera system in 1970 - during the time that I was attending college outside of London. Today a Gandolfi camera is rarely seen outside of a museum. And today, the 'Gandolfi' is considered the epitome of all the great vintage cameras. Unique and rare, she always served me well - and I figured she deserves a final tribute.

My buddy Fred (second in from right) outside their Peckham workshop (1960's).  In 1972, before I left England, I met with brothers, Fred and Arthur (far right) and custom ordered a larger 8x10 version of the above camera. It took them one year to complete - and ship it to me.  Still using it today and will never be for sale. (I hope).

family photos

Yesterday, my daughter Rebecca sent along this family photo. The Balaban's had just returned from their annual vacation to the Poconos. Shortly after a local theater production, their two children posed, my little guy Dustin on the left and our little sweetie, Neve on the far right.

It made me smile real big.

postcards

It's great to get postcards in the mail. They come at you in funny and unexpected ways. And, while not knowing immediately who they're from - the context can be somewhat baffling.

From my good buddy Michael, who was recently in Seville, Spain and signed - Miguel. "She flicked the flea right onto my nose. I fell madly in love".

The legendary Flamenco dancer - Carmen Cortes.