Day 5 Photo From Montauk

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon reviewing Brian's photographs, immersed in his landscapes. Seeing so many of them together was almost like taking a journey with him. Afterwards, I was scheduled to drive an hour and half to a remote high school, to watch my son's team play basketball. I was tired and not looking forward to it.

I live in a landscape that I happen to know Brian liked quite a bit, he photographed in New Mexico often for J Jill. Coming from upstate New York, like Brian, I never could imagine living in the desert. But I have grown to love the color brown, not just brown but sage and sand and adobe and rammed earth and terracotta flying by the car window. And I have come to appreciate open space; highways that disappear into a faraway blur of dust. Though I forget to look out my windshield on a regular basis, being consumed with the grocery list or how fast I need to get from point A to point B.

But soon after getting in the car, I began to think about Brian's upcoming cross-country trip. And for the next hour and a half I remembered how much fun it is to just get in the car and drive. I felt like I was in high school again. But instead of the green trees of upstate New York, there was the sun setting over a giant mesa, the San Felipe Casino with the crazy neon sign, the crossing over the Rio Puerco (pig river! my favorite), tribal lands, trailer parks, a church with a silver dome made out of tin foil. I wondered which things would catch Brian's eye, if he had been in the seat next to me. I understood completely what a blast it is going to be for him to get out again in the landscape he loves. And I couldn't wait for him to be able to get in the car, and just drive.

Jeane

This post is just a taste of the inspiration this project is bringing to those who choose to be part of it. Please feel free to join in and have your eyes opened in a new way. This journey is not just about Brain Trauma, it is about opening everyone up to the unlimited creations that are here and you are part of. CM

Day 4

When Brian Photographs, he has a different process in handling the camera. His camera is attached to a small gorilla tripod so he can hold it, as his grip is compromised. When he sees something he wants to shoot, he is handed the camera, and he finds the perspective. Who ever is with him, which is mostly his mother Sandra, pushes the shutter release for him on his cue. Quite the patient trusting photographic experience.

This can happen on the drive to and from rehab evidently. This is the same bridge on Blog #1. Change is at hand.

Day 3

The Tree that stood strong to the blizzard. I like this photo because I see it as strength in the chaos life can bring. Brian's life was pretty chaotic that winter. Sometimes holding on is not the answer. Surrendering and letting go allows new to seed and growth.

That little tree is gone now but, Brian is here and growing stronger in many ways that he could not have imagined.

Day 2

This photo is one of Brians favorites. The location is on his parents property in Garrison New York. The landscape Brian has available has been limited to the house he is living in due to his life style now. Fortunately it sits on a large piece of land. He shoots mostly from the porch. So you see he has become a master at looking for a different perspective, in his world of home and rehab. Of course we know our world is inside of us. It is how we choose to see it, no matter what is available. So my point of view is, this is a pretty beautiful abundant world Brian is and is living in.

This trip across the United States is going to be a huge challenge and change for Brian. He is in training for it every day.

Day 1

I am writing this post for Brian. He has been on this life changing journey going on 4 years now. This project is coming to life as he is coming back into himself little by little. The pictures that are posted right now were taken on his drives to rehab, Helen Hayes Hospital every day the first year of this journey. The seasons past and his physical body, emotional body, and spiritual body continue to change. Brian has a very big sense of humor and embraces the child in him with joy. I think his optimism is held up from his joyful child. He likes practical jokes and finds the irony and humor in most situations.

It has been a great lesson in letting go of preconceived ideas of what makes someone heal. Laughter is key for Brian.

We are just starting to fund raise and any help is celebrated. Hope you join in the journey and stay tuned. I am sure Brian will have some humorous and insightful moments to share. We will begin to share more and update as we are fund-raising and preparing for the trip.

Love to hear from you...