It is in recognition of the ironical that I communicate essence via digital connection. But here is the deal, if we get what essence is, we walk into balance as human beings and digital becomes an asset of high worth.

The note above was written during the last days of my friend Justin Doty, as he eyed his end here. It was shared by his life long love, Harmony Scott.  Breathe, then take it in. What he says on the note pad is exactly what I said, as I launched into my career in Photography.

Solitude created me as an Artist. I am not special in that regard.

essence |ˈesəns|
noun
the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, esp. something abstract, that determines its character: conflict is the essence of drama.
• Philosophy a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is.
• an extract or concentrate obtained from a particular plant or other matter and used for flavoring or scent.

So much of life gets lost in being led by the voice on the end of a digital leash. I have been thinking a lot about that of late. You may want to as well, possibly. Do your connections make you happier? Or do they lead to something else?

You see, we are informed by essence. Anything less, is just inferior. Being informed is very significant to our sense of peace and yes, personal power as individuals, and vital members of a community or tribe.

Here is an interesting performance by Nahko Bear. Life. Essence. The song is called “Wash it away” .

I have been spending a lot of time in the water this week. Some radical life stresses were left at the shore, as I was forced to follow the call of the Ocean’s voice and conditions, that is such an intrinsic part of who and what I am, and informs my career as a water photographer and film maker. Here are a couple of about 40 A listers.

I got to spend some time with my colleague and friend Shawn Alladio this week. By phone. Again, the digital leash. We don’t talk much by phone. But it helps some time. It generally leads us to the essence that is our friendship. The real.

My friend Tom Pohaku Stone and his family dropped in this week as well, headed down coast after a board building stint in Watsonville. Their essence left me feeling embraced, and loved.

Ed Brenegar, who has been staying with Donna and I, hit the road for his home and Church on the East Coast this week. He has been working on a project called the Spectacle of the Real. I highly recommend his latest entry, titled “The Art of the Real”  for those of you in pursuit of essence.

My lovely wife and I got to share a beautiful Indian Summer eve on the beach here in Ventura the other day. Here is an image. She is actually shooting an iphone video of the sight to share with her Betty B Community. Not everyone gets to see what you do. This is where sharing matters: when it leads to the happiness and connectedness of others.

Mind the white noise that is modern digital culture. Surround yourself with the real. In so doing, your life and work will matter.

This connection culture is all so very new. There is much to be learned in the managing of it’s digital tools so that our lives enhance rather than degrade in their usage.

Essence is everything.