New Web Site Up and Running

Hello, everyone
Wishing everyone a very happy New Year, may it be filled with lots of dreams to be dreamt, goals to be accomplished, strangers to meet, roads to travel, and visions to see. 06 has been an unbelievable year me, I had to opportunity to maybe fall in Love oh about 5 times, rushed a few to quickly and others stood back and wasted to much time thinking about what was right. Relationships at this age are very strange you just never know how to react. Finally, I decided to just be me, and likely someone saw that I was not out to impress anyone. She saw the real me even though my hair was a mess, and my jeans torn.

Kas said the other day that when she saw me that I had this awesome glow around me and that my smile lit up the club's darkness. That's pretty groovy. Kas, I give thanks for chance meetings, you just never know who you will meet. I look forward in 07 in building a friendship, and relationship with you, to work together on helping bring to light our passion and visions in making a differnece in others lives.

My experience on match.com was just that, an experience that I will never forget, I met many a women, some became lovers, some became friends, but all became a part of me, the stories they shared, the visions we embraced, the roads we all have traveled in life were like a one way street. We all have gone down them together. The ones I never met said that my profile made them laugh like they have not laugh in weeks, months and some even years. That's then a proven fact that I'm just silly and just want to make others smile and feel good for a while. I love that. Being a photographer and sharing a lot of my images along with my profile on match made a few women share their vision with me as well, that was great. The best compliment that I think I have received as a photographer came when Susan was with her ailing father, they were spending time together and were beginning to run out of things to embrace their conversation with, she had shown him a powerpoint presentation that she had done for her work, and he was not that interested in it. She then began to show him one that she had done for me for the New York arts festival that I was attending. The images of the War Memorial project in DC that I had captured regained his interest, their conversation lasted another few hours, he had talked finally about the war and shared stories never told before. That to me is me doing what I set out to do as an imager, I don't plan on becoming rich with money from the sale of my work, as long as I can become rich with stories like Susans. To Judy that I have yet met you are a true friend, to Pam, Karen, Patty, Susan, Debi, Linda, Laura, Laurie, Tracey, Mary Beth, Christine, Dawn and Debbie, the feelings shared, the words spoken, the stories told, the smiles exchanged and the times together will always be treasured memories for me. The very best in finding what your HEART deserves, your Soul seeks, what your BODY desires and what your MIND craves. Thank you all for entering my life, they say that people enter your life for a reason, still seeking some of the answers but I have embraced the inspiration from all of you. Debbie keep seeking to find your vision, just to let you know it's already in your heart.

Special thanks to Dawn, Judy and Debbie for your help and support for the 06 Ride for Life. We can make a difference.

I was able to finally complete the America's 911 Ride this past August and I did it riding side by side with my brother Rick, what a great time we had, truly looking forward to the 07 ride.

To the strangers that became deep rooted friends this past year, to Bridgette, your living a 100 yards away for 8 years and never met is crazy, the roads we have travel and missed each other by only a few steps is amazing, thank you for the understanding, the seeing and the true friendship that you have provide me with. To Patty Reese, your talent, your voice and the words you have written bring to me the light on the darkest nights and the sunshine needed on the hardest rain driven days. To, Rob Fahey, you always amaze me, since our first meeting in 1969 your musical talent, song writing, guitar playing and raw raspy voice has uplifted me when down, lifted me higher when up and put me over the egde with I felt I was already on top of it all. To Susan D, you for being you inspired me so much to continue to seek my vision not only as a photographer but as a writer, and to search my soul to become a better father and friend for that I will always love you. To Giuliana, your love for me is immeasurable and mine for you, you are my soul mate, what you told me at lunch proved that, the place in my heart will always remain a shelter for you, you too I will always love. To Amanda, we always come and go, but our love for one another will never fade, I will always remember and treasure the day that you told me two things: 1 being no one will ever love you until you love yourself, the other being that there are only two men in this world that you love, your father and me. I hope that, that is still true. I know that the love I feel for you is as deep as that as I share with Jess. You were and will always remain my first true friend. To Brian, our friendship is a treasured gift, our passion for the music world, our sick senses of humor always keeps me guessing, its great to know that we are always there for one another.

As for the photo world, 7 new awards this year, ideas for new books came to life, one completed entitled "Insightful Riots" due out soon, unforgettable images shot once again at the Flight 93 crash site and at Ground Zero, a new calendar this year, the Dawson Family Learning Center is about to open in January and I'll be volunteering helping the children find their vision at a much earlier age then I did, and as for "Water Play" it is still in the finals to be judged and the winner announced in March in Las Vegas at the International Amateur Photographers convention.

Other blessings this year were, the birth of my great nephew Jacob, the marriage of my nephew Brian to Melissa, the graduation of Jess from high school, her beginning college and the start of her own business called eleven eleven apparel, the wedding announcements of my son Nick, and niece's Erin and Jennifer. Along with fine health and well being of my family members and the meeting of so many wonderful friends who not only provided me with inspiration but who have also said that I have inspired them. That's pretty crazy to me but so is life.

For those who have found or who are seeking their vision in life, once you find it, love it, live it, but most importantly SHARE IT.

Bill, Rick, Bon, Linda, Erin, Sara, Jen, Mark, Bill, Shannon, Brian, Melissa, Evan, Jacob, Mom & Dad, Nick and Jess, always have and always will love you.

As for 07, who knows what journeys lay ahead, what roads to travel, what rivers to cross, and what fears and pains to erase, but remember the sun will always be shining as long as you keep smiling. This new year we will see the rebirth of the Dawson Home as a Learning Center and dedication of the Memorial Garden, the return of the fifth annual "Law & Order" golf outing and the 2nd annual "Ride for Life" both benefitting the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, Chuckstock 07 featuring Patty Reese and Rob Fahey will show case the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Happy New Year, God Bless and as always PEACE.

Oh hey, the new web site is up and running at www.cwhateyeseeimages.com see over 400 images and merchandise(which are for sale), stories, projects, upcoming events, and information about me being for hire. Check it out.

"Flag of OUR Fathers"

Ok, I was invited to see the movie "Flags of OUR Fathers" with me friend Debbie tonight, WOW. My favorite all time war movies were Patton and the Great Escape, I think this one is now on that list. If there is any truth at all other then the rising of the flag on Iwo Jima not one but two times, which I did know about, then shame once again on our Nations Elected Officials. What Fucking Assholes they were then what some are still now, plain down right and out idiots. I learned of Ira Hayes from a Johnny Cash song, (below). I learned tonight of the others who raised OUR Flag and that those who died on the Battle Fields were the heroes and those who lived wanted it to be known that way, they did not want to be recognized as heroes when so many of their brothers made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of FREEDOM. After seeing the movie I had thoughts of wondering if Jessica Lynch was really a pawn in the war. If you have seen it, what's your thoughts?

Ira Hayes, Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Gather round me people there's a story I would tell
About a brave young Indian you should remember well
From the land of the Pima Indian
A proud and noble band
Who farmed the Phoenix valley in Arizona land
Down the ditches for a thousand years
The water grew Ira's peoples' crops
Till the white man stole the water rights
And the sparklin' water stopped
Now Ira's folks were hungry
And their land grew crops of weeds
When war came, Ira volunteered
And forgot the white man's greed
Two hundred and fifty men
But only twenty-seven lived to walk back down again
And when the fight was over
And when Old Glory raised
Among the men who held it high Was the Indian, Ira Hayes
Ira returned a hero
Celebrated through the land
He was wined and speeched and honored;
Everybody shook his hand
But he was just a Pima Indian
No water, no crops, no chance
At home nobody cared what Ira'd done
And when did the Indians dance
Then Ira started drinkin' hard;
Jail was often his home
They'd let him raise the flag
and lower it like you'd throw a dog a bone!
He died drunk one mornin'
Alone in the land he fought to save
Two inches of water in a lonely ditch
Was a grave for Ira Hayes
Call him drunken Ira Hayes
He won't answer anymore
Not the whiskey drinkin' Indian
Nor the Marine that went to war
Yeah, call him drunken Ira Hayes
But his land is just as dry
And his ghost is lyin' thirsty
In the ditch where Ira died

Again this is dedicated to my Uncle's who fought in WW2 and Korea, Jerry, Ernie, Johnny, Joe, Frank and Norm (Purple Heart) and to Ira.

PEACE and Thank You......

Your Last Good Friend

You say it was this morning
when you last saw
your good friend
Lyin' on the pavement
with a misery on his brain
Stoned on some new potion
he found upon the wall
Of some unholy bathroom
in some ungodly hall
He only had a dollar
to live on 'til next Monday
But he spent it on some comfort
for his mind
Did you say you think he's blind?
Someone should call his parents,
a sister or a brother
And they'll come to take him
back home on a bus
But he'll always be a problem
to his poor and puzzled mother
Yeah he'll always
be another one of us
He said he wanted Heaven
but prayin' was too slow
So he bought a one way ticket
on an airline made of snow
Did you say you saw your good friend flyin' low?
Flyin' low, Dyin' slow

To those who have battled, fought and won over their demonds, time to fly high again.

It's Never Too Late - John Kay, 1972

Your eyes are moist, you scream and shout As though you were a man possessed
From deep inside comes rushing forth
All the anguish you suppressed
Up on your wall hangs your degree
Your parents craved so much for you
And though you're trained to make your mark
You still don't quite know what to do
It's never too late to start all over again
To love the people who caused the pain
And help them learn your name
It's never too late to start all over again
Well, it's much to late to start again
To try and find a little bliss
So on your woman and your child
You release your bitterness
You drift apart some more each day
You feel the guilt and loneliness
And the God of your childhood you can't find
To save you from your emptiness
It's never too late to start all over again
To love the people you caused the pain
And help them learn your name
It's never too late to start all over again
You say you've only got one life to live
And when your dead your gone
Your family comes to your grave
And with tears in their eyes
They tell you, you did something wrong
"You left us alone"
Tell me who's to say after all is done
And you're finally gone, you won't be back again
You can find a way to change today
You don't have to wait 'til then

What's going on?

After spending time with me close friends, it's time to get creative once again. I was spending to much time looking for what is not yet there. Although the journey was a true learning experience, with no regrets. It's time to go back behind the wall that I had let crumble. So, no more match.com. I have learned that during the times the wall was up I was at my best. Still giving but in my own way, not the way others wanted. So in the near future the Dawson Family Learning Center Photo project will be completed, the Memorial Garden will begin to blossom, The 07 Law & Order Golf Tournament & Ride for Life befitting the Baltimore Child Abuse Center will become bigger and better. The first of four books that I want to write should be completed by December (it's an insight photo book, they say a picture is worth a 1000 words so we shall see), maybe two will be done by then. The book "Baltimore a Monumental City" is coming along, where over 100 images have been shot and the research has begun into the over 120 memorials and monuments in the city dating back to 1816. Strangely the forth book is the first one I had the idea for, back in 01 after 9/11 I came up with the idea to compile a book entitled "what America faces". It was to be an image book showing all of us as American's, those who speak, dress and look different but are still as one.Then the idea came to mind to write about what we face as American's, I always have said that I'm not a writer but a story teller. The stories already have been written they just need to be told. So if there is anyone who would like to share their story then please let me know and let the pages begin to be turned. With the holidays coming upon us quickly and not sure what to buy that someone who has it all, how about spending a day feeding the homeless, dropping off some unworn clothes to a shelter, helping out or getting involved with the Baltimore Child Abuse Center or TurnAround Inc.. Here's a new one to think about if you are looking for a charity to give something back to. It's call Stand Up for Kids Baltimore, they are looking for volunteers to help out by talking to kids on the streets, hand out care packages, help with fund raisers, check them out at www.baltimore@standupforkids.org As we former hippies still say: Peace and thanks to those who are making my lifes journey well worth it.

Just Like Jesus

With these feet of mine...
I'll walk the distance -
To be near,
so you know no fear
and by your side,
with out resistance. -
With these legs of mine...
I'll travel through time -
As a memory in your mind.-
With these hands of mine...
I'll build the foundation -
For you to stand on,
this My fathers creation.
With these arms of mine...
I'll embrace you -
For the warmth of Love,
That will grace you.
With this back of mine...
I'll bear the weight -
That others will create.
With this mouth of mine...
I'll speak the word -
For you to say I have heard.
With these eyes on mine...
I'll guide you -
Through the dark of night
into mornings light.
With these ears of mine...
I'll listen to the words you say -
No matter what the time of day.
With this HEART of mine...
I'll give my LOVE -
That was given to me,
From him above.
With this Body of mine...
That they have taken -
My Soul left behind,
Not to be forsaken.
As I stand beside you,
I ask what now do you need me to do.

The walls we build

My Wall...

As he gathered the gravel
And poured the water
Mixing by hand
The concrete mortar

Stone by Stone
And Brick by Brick
Built thin as well as Thick

The wall of exclusion
The wall of pain
The wall of emptiness
The wall of sorrow
The wall of loneliness

Shovel and Trowel
Hour by Hour
Rises higher and Higher
To erase the Sun
Sheltered Behind
As the only One

The wall he Built
To hear I'm Sorry
Of others Guilt

Stone by Stone
And brick by Brick
Carried across this Land
Stands behind a Wall
A giving Man.

Bob Seger

Looks like Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band won't be coming to the area until after the first of the year, until then pick up a copy of "The Promise". Having memories are awesome, during the past 20 years and with meeting over 400 baseball, football, movie, music legends and assholes one of the fondest memories is from the 96 tour when Bob blew me off for an autograph but then came up to me after the show to apologize and talk with me. Mr. Bob Seger a true gentleman, showman and Rock & Roll Legend.
Check out his site at www.bobseger.com for updates on the tour.

When is it...

You're Down and Out
Lean and Mean
Down and Dirty
That's the way it Seems

Always asking for More
Begging at my Door
Telling all the World
You're a mat on the Floor

Being stepped On and Over
Shaken and Beaten
Razed and Rattled
No longer high in the Saddle

So, when is it...
that there is Not Enough

Earth to feed You
Cotton to cloth You
Trees to house You
Paper to buy You

Not Enough
there's Not Enough
No Never Not Enough

Ears to hear You
Eyes to see You
Hands to feel You
Hearts to heal You

Is it not Enough...
THAT,
When the man tells You
When he takes & sells You
When he in Hells You
When his World dares You
Then just buries You