Take Me Home, Country Road

So I've spent some Christmas break in sweet South Carolina, and back in 'ol Danville, Virginia.

On these journeys I've taken many pictures, and had many conversations.
These are things I've taken to heart.

Soon, I'll share them with you.

In the meantime, go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Love recklessly.

The K1000

• Pentax K1000
• Lens: 50mm
• Medium: 35mm
• Unedited other than cropping from scanning.

Some of you might look at these and realize they have a very "I'm just learning." Feel to them.

That's ok.

Because it's true.











"The day will come.
The sun will rise,
And we'll be fine."

Wrapping Project

Go look at this.

Stay Alert.

Here's what my life has been as of late.


Some of the picture's from that to come post developing.

Like Duh



Super 8 that has be processed asap.
Editing that has to be done.

Rewrites,rewrites,rewrites,rewrites.

One of the best busy times I have ever had.

Give it all you've got.
Breathe hard.
Breathe deep.
Repeat.

This Beautiful Life

I'm on Pandora.
Listening to the Explosions In The Sky channel.

I love it.

Today I:
woke up
had an apple
Read the word
Wrote a bit
rode my bike to chik-fil-a
worked on shot lists with Mike Lloyd
Walked over to Barnes and Noble
Finished the shot list

Writing dialogue makes me analyze life.

It's chilly out.
I love it.

I'm learning that speaking your mind is easy when it makes you seem strong.
But when it makes you vulnerable, opens you up to hurt.
That's when it makes something of you.
That's when you learn about yourself.
That's when it matters.

I feel so inspired.
Chomping at the bit to create.

This is going to look like many words:
But you should read it.

From G.K Chesterton's "Orthodoxy"
The thing I mean can be seen, for instance, in children, when they find some game or joke that they specially enjoy. A child kicks his legs rhythmically through excess, not absence, of life. Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we. The repetition in Nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore. Heaven may encore the bird who laid an egg. If the human being conceives and brings forth a human child instead of bringing forth a fish, or a bat, or a griffin, the reason may not be that we are fixed in an animal fate without life or purpose. It may be that our little tragedy has touched the gods, that they admire it from their starry galleries, and that at the end of every human drama man is called again and again before the curtain.

I'm-
almost done with firefly
about to make cornbread
the new proud owner of a Pentax K1000
way stoked on With Honor's "Heart Means Everything"

In other news...
How awesome is this?

Can't Stop. Won't Stop.

I've been working on a few projects.
One of which I have to wait for someone else to get me final versions of the files so that I can export my parts of the projects and be done with it.
You'll see those soon enough.

I just finished this for Bryan and Jenna Hamel.
I hope they're stoked on it.
You can click the link to watch in good 'ol HD.


Hamel Wedding from Michael Dalton on Vimeo.
music by The Six Parts Seven


In other news.
Start watching Firefly.
Because it's freaking epic.

So,

I can't be careful.

I can't take my time.

Life is too short.

To ethereal.

So, I will be reckless.

So, I will never stop trying.

I will cherish every moment.
Breath deep.
Hug with intention.
Keep my eyes clear.
Love with all I've got.
Laugh.
Cry.

I will appreciate.

I am not invincible, so I will honor my mortality by living in the weight of it.

"I have come that you might have Life, and have it to the Fullest."

Neti Pot

My life was changed today.




I've flushed my sinuses twice today, and I fear it will become my new q-tip addiction.
I like to dip my q-tips in rubbing alcohol to really clean my ears out.

I've been editing a lot lately, to finish up many projects.
Because of this I've spent the last few days in my room.
Editing.

Probably why I'm so enamored with water running in one of my nostrils and out the other.

Hopefully I'll be able to post some of these things I've been working on.
I'm pretty proud of them.

Smiling faces, Beautiful places on Wednesday.
Mountains.
Cold air.
Bros.
Bojangles.
Family.
Thanksgiving.

I think I'll bring my Neti-pot.

"Make"

Hot-Lanta

Matt and I made the drive up to Hot-Lanta to shoot the Downhill Soapbox Derby for Matt's friend Dave from BMI.

Turns out it's pretty cold in the ATL. And I love it.

Fall is in full swing here, as opposed to seasonally awkward Orlando.

Much video and many pictures to come.

Cold hands.
New friends.
Adventures.
Rooftop Honey Berry Backwoods.
Brotherhood Fightin' Texts.
The South.
Incredible new people.
Being wined and dined and fine establishments like Huddle House.

This ATL trip has redeemed Georgia for me.

I'll get some links at you soon to the work of some of the people I've met this weekend.

Check this stuff out.
Bionade.
Delicious!


Watch this!

g-speak overview 1828121108 from john underkoffler on Vimeo.
Incredible!

Read this.
Isaiah 26:8
Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.


We give You Your glory.
Your Warriors.
Your Pride.

A Darkness

A darkness wrapped around our hearts.

We breathed deep in anticipation of the dawn, for the night has overwhelmed us.

"Hold fast. The light will come," they say.

But I have seen ships battered on rocks and their crew beg for death in nights like these.

"Hold fast. The light will come," they say.

The dawn whispers peacefully in our ears and our sails flutter.

"THE WIND! MY CAPTAIN!"

You rise in the east, O blinding light.
You fill our hearts with hope.

Our vessel creaks with the movement.
Taught sails carry us homeward.
Eyes clear from sleep and hearts are renewed.

"The light has come. Hold fast," they say.
"The light has come. Hold fast."

Today

Today was a day where I wish I had a camera.

Nothing huge happened, but a good photoset of the day would be killer.

It was the kind of day I needed.

I slept in, woke up to a text about candy being thrown at kids faces during a veterans day parade.

I watched some Curb Your Enthusiam, which if you haven't seen. You need to get on it!

Cole then asked me if I wanted to ride over to Retro to meet Andres.

We rode over, and hung out for a bit, then rode over to the park for Mancel's birthday get together.

Jake rode home with us, and we made dinner.

We played Mexican Train Dominoes in the conference room our apartment building has.

Then a game Cole invented called Speed Uno, which is basically Uno on speed.
The game can literally be finished in 45 seconds. It's crazy.

So we rode over to Maven, to catch Drew.

Then I rode back home with Jake and Drew to breath in a cold Florida air and spicy tobacco mix, by their black lagoon of a pool.

Lots of pedals were turned.
Lots of life was appreciated.

"This moment means everything. This moment means the world to me."

I think cold air makes me appreciate life more.
I'm sure there is something scientific in there.
or maybe I just like it.


"I'll burn what it takes, drown what it takes. I will not go down with this ship."

Codecs

My life as of late has been largely exporting, and looking for codecs.

Also, watching Curb Your Enthusiasm.

I just wanted to take a break from the 1's and 0's and ask you to check out my friend Annie's work.
I worked at Starbucks with her in Greenville, didn't know she was that talented though.

In other news.
Watch this.



So simple, but so beautiful.

"Press on."

Flash Bulbs

The warmth of the light from the setting sun wrapped around their faces.

Shyness scanned faces for approval as fingers intertwined with familiarity.

This moment has been planned, but these emotions are new and real.
This moment is not to be wasted.
Not to be taken for granted.

Crumbling walls and curious vines provide the landscape.

Their lips touch and time freezes in minds, hearts, and cameras
But none could capture the moment like the boy, and the girl.
Embracing each other as they have countless times, and yet in this embrace, there is newness.

Cheers and applause meet the ears of all around. Echoing from concrete corners and over tables set with plates and glasses.

Friends and family scatter to and fro across the lawn, hearts full of joy and bellies full of wine.

The air smells of fall, and spicy tobaccos.
A brisk feeling dances across the skin, causing tiny hairs to rise and the sensation of life and chill is confused by all in attendance.

Led by a procession of closest friends and dearest family.
Their feet make their way from cobblestone and over trodden grass.

Music fills the air and their feet move together in shoes yet to be comfortable.

Darkness has fallen now like a spring rain.
Fragile and Fresh.

As they dance together to a song of their love they move through this fragile darkness.
Illuminated by flashes of white hues they are visible for only moments at a time.

Moments where they are smiling.
Moments where they cannot look away from each others eyes.

Flash bulbs light these moments and borrow them forever.

Their synapses fire, savoring each impulse with dedication.

These emotions are new and real.
This moment is not to be wasted.
Not to be taken for granted.

Tail lights illuminate the smiling faces of those dear to them.
And they drive over brick roads into the night.

You Won't Relent

Misty Edwards
-You Wont Relent


You won't relent until you have it all
My heart is yours


I'll set you as a seal, upon my heart
as a seal upon my arm
for there is a love, that is as strong as death
jealousy demanding as the grave
and many waters, cannot quench this love
My heart is yours


Come be the fire inside of me, come be the flame upon my heart,
Come be the fire inside of me, until you and i are one

My gums hurt in one spot.

My eyes are tired from being awake.

Filmed a beach wedding in the panhandle this weekend.
Rode up and back with Shawn Scott.
In the town the Truman Show was shot in.

Status tonight was incredible.

Been shooting a ton of video.

Hard drives are being filled with blips of the life I've been living.

My mind is being filled with so many words and so much inspiration, I can't wait for it all to come spilling out.

My feet stink.

No Shave November is upon us.

Cold and Foggy Orlando is my favorite Orlando so far.

Matt moved all his stuff in I guess.

Expanding time is soon.

My God is relentless.

Lunch tomorrow with the dudes, and then a day of making it happen.

Online school
Editing
Getting back in shape

For weathered readers, this will be quite familiar

Thought vomit:

Cold weather is go.

Cold weather means I can ride my bike longer, sweating less.

I have been riding a lot of bike recently, and changing less clothes than previously after said riding.

There are many projects I need to finish, and more to shoot.
So thankful, but also a bit stressed.
Wycliffe
Status Worship
Hammel Wedding
TOMS

I'm shooting Ben and Alicia's wedding Saturday in Tallahasee.
O' weddings.
Why can't something more exciting be just as lucrative and happen just as often?

I'm in a music slump.

Online classes?
Laaaame.

Status Family Conversation
Here's what I need took from it.

• It's ok to be a stepping stone, I don't have to be everyone's bro
• Be more outgoing
• End this "What can I get?" BS.
• Be intentional and spontaneous.
• Initiate!

"Hear that uproar from the city,
hear that noise from the temple!
It is the sound of the Lord
repaying his enemies all they deserve."
-Isaiah 66

I need to spend more time in that Word.

Toopenyoureyes needs an update.
I need to write papers and take quizzes.
But tonight, I edit.

In other news, Andrew Smith is now a blog.
Check it out.

All My Alarms

I slept through a class or two this week.

And decided I needed to start setting more alarms.

So in 2 minutes 3 of them will go off.

It's 5:15AM, and I decided to make it all nighter.

I watched Lonesome Jim. Not sure why Steve Buscemi would want to put his name on that product.

Cooler weather.
Bros.
Bikes.

Alarm one just went off.

Beanies.
Cloves.

Alarm Two.

Really busy days ahead of me.

I'm shooting video today and tomorrow for TOMS shoes and then Wycliffe Bible translators.
Need to make sure my A game is intact.

Holy Spirit, what about me is good and true?


May the waves usher my anchor into the depths
and the wind carry me onward

Alarm three still hasn't gone off.
Would I even have woken up in time?

Quite the dream

I just had one of the coolest dreams I've ever had.

I was in a small boat.

Like the white one up there.

I was in this boat, trying to find the way to steer it as water flew over the edges and into the cabin.
As I'm searching frantically for the controls a woman's voice is explaining to me the history of rank at sea.
How there have not always been captains, or 1st mates.

As she explains this I finally find the controls.

And see something very similar to this.



Except there was white water all around, and the mouth of the waterfall was much larger.

So anyway, we're heading down this waterfall, and I have the controls at this point.
I calmly ask "Do I steer us left or right?"

"We're going straight down." she says.

And for some reason I didn't panic, I just got really excited.

So I stear us right off the edge, and we jump from the boat.

We can't see the bottom when we fall, just the mist and fog that rises from the bottom.

As I enter the mist I see other people, who I guess were on the boat, open their parachutes, so I do the same.

Mine opens right before I hit the water, and as I land softly I realize that we have landed in a pool inside a building that was hidden by the mist.

That all of this was some kind of classroom or training exercise.

So we climb a ladder and head out.

Game over.

Pretty James Bond eh?

Courage, Dear Heart

Courage, Dear Heart from Michael Dalton on Vimeo.
Click HD, to watch it in full quality. Please.


I found myself standing groggy eyed on a beach in Titusville to watch the sunrise a few weeks ago.

The music is this really sweet ambient band from Wisconsin. O' Israel

-keep it up

Pancakes

I just ate pancakes.
I like them a lot.

Maybe because they are delicious.
or maybe because they are easy to make and still warm/filling.

Cold foods get old.

I'm too awake to sleep.
But I feel like it's the only solid option for 2 AM on this Saturday night.

I wish it was possible to live my life without ever being misunderstood, or have my motives questioned.
But then again, I'm not going to live my life just like how everyone else wants me to.
So there that is.

I wish it was colder in Orlando.


"Have Gun Will Travel reads the card of a man.
A knight without armor in a savage land.

His fast gun for hire head's the calling wind.
A soldier of fortune is the man called Paladin. "

Government Funded Institutions

I've spent some time at government funded institutions this week.

I'm tired of hearing everyone whine about politics and socialism.
I wish the media would be unique and artists be creative during all of this.
There are still beautiful sunsets and sunrises to watch, roofs to sit on and breathe deep of life.

Also, my g key is slightly marred from my move.
Which leaves me typing things like "hearin" and "typin"

But back to government funded things.
I got a new driver's license this week so I could be legal with my new address and register to vote downtown.
Had to take a new picture.
I had ridden a bike many miles with a hat on.
Awkward hair.
Don't do this.

The other government building is the library.
From which I rented of plethora of movies.
2 of which I'm super pumped about.




I have shot much video in the past few days.
Some of which you will soon see I believe.

Riding bikes many miles at a time requires bike riding music.
Enter: Have Heart, Kids Like Us, Guns Up!, and Bane.
Now I just have to learn how to not air guitar while dodging traffic.

Conversations have been abounding this week.
Root seeking conversations.

Go read Isaiah.

54:5
'Your maker is your bridegroom,
His name, God of the Angel Armies!
The Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
known as God of all the earth.'

You cannot love something you need. We are slaves to what we need. God doesn't need us. He is a God of relationships, and out of His personality, out of who He is, created us and sacrificed himself for us so that we may love Him and be loved by Him.

I love my friends.

"Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. Can't Lose"

The Marco Island Incident

So I've been attempting to get this online for some time now, but here it finally is.
You can view the stills from the day at Toopenyoureyes.com.

I'm still running low on P2 cards, so this was shot in standard definition.

Boom!


Marco Island Incident from Michael Dalton on Vimeo.

Ugh

I have made myself to be a liar.

I haven't updated with sweet things yet.

I moved all weekend long.

I'll get to it soon.

I promise.

It's 4AM

I just wanted to let you know,
That I'll be updating this soon.
Within a day.

With fantastic images of things I've been doing.

Then days later, video of the same thing.

O dear.

This is mainly a post to promise a post.

So hopefully you will all think, "Man, I should update my blog too."

Because then I'll have something to read.

Peace be with you.

Craigslist

I wish there were a job working for Craigslist, where I got payed to meet people to buy and sell things and take them out to lunch to discuss why they were using Craigslist and what they were using the item for.
Because I love meeting people in parking lots and selling them my things.

Maybe I should ditch this whole Film thing and just deal drugs and stolen goods.

I

If anyone reads this on a consistent basis, I'm sorry this hasn't been full of colorful images and videos as of late.
They are coming, I promise.

I have been in transition currently.
Life has been heavy.

I think the crappy parts of life are what make the rest beautiful.

I watched the sunrise over the ocean this morning with friends that have become brothers and strangers that have become friends.

We are all moving soon.

Empty houses and naked walls make me sad.
I hate watching memories get packed in boxes.
I hate hearing echoes of adventures off empty tiled floors.
My eyes still see the good times.
Moving, and moving on are brutal.

I don't own fake smiles or packaged responses.

So, I'm holding fast.
Because stormy seas make better sailors.
and broken rudders cause us to follow where He Who Makes the Wind leads.

I'm all in

I'm in a fighting mood.
Take from that what you will.

Not angry, not upset.
But hopeful.
So full of hope I would fight for it.

So thankful for friends I would take blows and give back that much more for them.

Full of enough hope to brave any tempest. To brave hell or high water for it. To stick out these battles, these tough times. To fight through shaky knees and a heart that gives way.

I am a floor stomp.

"I am Ripper... Tearer... Slasher... Gouger. I am the Teeth in the Darkness, the Talons in the Night. Mine is Strength... and Power! I AM BEOWULF!"

I'm in a fighting mood.
Take from that what you will.

South Carolina

O Carolina.

I have missed you, and my time here ends tomorrow.

This is home.

It always will be I think, whether I actually live here or not.

My formative years were spent here, and it holds my heart for that reason.

Life is simpler here, which can be viewed as either positive or negative.

It's just good to spend time with family and friends.

• Family
• Carolina sunrises and sunsets
• Grilled Meat
• BBQ
• Accents so thick you can cut them
• Mountains
• Trees with real leaves
• Grass soft as carpet
• Humidity that pails in comparison to Florida
• Bojangles

Stretch Armstrong
"For The Record"

I'm not exactly proud of the place I'm from
but I've been here my whole life so I guess I'll call it home.
In South Carolina a flag still shows the enslavement of our minds
but in South Carolina I learned from all the times.
We went to all-ages shows, Sunday matinees
hanging out wondering if the bands would show and even play.
The bands would come and we would all sing along (sing along sing along).
Would they ever know their impact would last so long?
The world is full of lonely places no matter where you're from.
A crowded show, familiar faces make me feel at home.
Many kids have come and gone but I know what kept me here.
The magic of those songs has sustained me through the years.
I heard the word sincerity and I know now what that means.
I learned it first with Black Flag, mohawks, combat boots and torn-up jeans.
We were more than just a tour date. You were more than just a song.
We sweat and sang together and that helped us to carry on.
We were more. You were more. For the record.


Do it.

A Recap Of Lost Time

The two of them wonder outside well after midnight.
Neither of them desiring sleep quite yet.

Small red glows illuminate their faces for moments at a time.
Only long enough to notice the importance of expressions.

Far away street lights in an empty field silhouette them against the woods as the trees sway and crack quietly.

"So what has happened during the year I've been gone," one asks.

"Just let me finish," the other says, " This is all still very epic to me."

Stars twinkle above their conversation, their eyes stare out into the darkness and into the heavens, dew covers the ground and makes every alternative sitting position a bit damp.

Hearts are emptied, truth is spoken, compassion is shown, brothers fight for the others heart.

From time to time a far off dog bark or tire's squeal brings conversation to a stop.

Clouds blanket the heavens then recede as the heavens aren't tired yet.

And these two boys, who are in the refinement process of manhood, breath deep the morning air as they talk to their Father of broken compasses left at sea and shattered anchors left in the murky depths. Of the need for courage, for boldness, for direction.

And in those few hours under the Carolina sky, with their feet hanging over the dew laden grass, the distance that a year created is reduced to a memory.

A memory that holds no sway.

Canoe-B-Q

Labor Day: Canoe trip to Wekiva/slight picnicking/swimming/evening BBQ at Megan and J-Grossss's

I didn't bring any type of camera, because every now and then a man needs to just enjoy what's happening.

But some people didn't need that rest, as you can view below.







Look at that paddle action!

Old man with a tuft of hair

I passed an old man with a small tuft of white hair in his car today,
which is a normal occurrence in the state of Florida.

And I decided at some point, when things are secure, to get a throat tattoo.
Because I want to be that crazy old man with something intense like this on my wrinkly throat.

In other news, listen to Dooey Decibel

I want

I want to live in a world full of bright colors and dirty shoes.

With high res. pictures of parties and excitement.

Where people think about their life and take every moment in as if they don't have many more.

Wait, I might live in that world.

Living rooms full of brothers baring their hearts.

Garages full of chugging contests of various beverages.

Bike Rides.

Insomnia.

Adventures.


I miss the feeling of piles on, sweaty bodies, sore muscles, full hearts and tired vocal chords.
Of feet sore from stomping.
The pat on the back and hug as we drive our ringing ears home to showers and quiet beds.
Where the air is cold and crisp.
Waffles and hash browns.
High beams on country roads.
I-85.
"Carolina, one day I'll. Someday I'll come home."

Many things are being done to cause me to trust God more.
God apparently wants me to trust Him pretty bad.


"I need Thee, O I need Thee. Every hour I need Thee"

8 miles

Jake and I rode to church tonight.

It's about an 8 mile ride, the way there is always more difficult due to heat and tailwind.

Tonight, the ride back however, it was raining.

Glorious.

"Lash our hands to the oars. Let us paddle home."

Inclement weather makes me think of Celtic punk rock, or Irish heritage.
Either way.

I went into Status tonight with a list of things in my mind I needed to due better.

I left realizing I needed to surrender those things and let Jesus make them better.

Exodus 14
13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

"There are so few words, that never grow old.
Jesus."

Working out in the AM again.
I'm going to eat now, and hopefully not throw it up after the intensity.

Read a book.

The way video looks while skating

Matt Addington and I spent the day yesterday in the Fort Meyers, Cape Corral, Marco Island area shooting some dudes who skated across Florida a while back to raise awareness of Buy Shoes, Save Lives.

It was super hot until Fay dropped some water on us.

Then it was hot again.

Living live is doing things that make you feel alive.

Yesterday was one of them.

There will be video up of this adventure fairly soon.

Here are a very few Polaroids of the day.








In other news.

Watch Rocket Science, because it's incredible.

and

Puffy Chair for the same reason.

God bless the Orange County Library System.

Mom

It doesn't matter how old I get.

Any time something happens where I was supposed to get a job/make a friend/maintain a relationship/ start a relationship/ get a promotion

and it doesn't happen.

It's always so reassuring to hear my mom say, "O well, it's their loss."

If I could do anything today I would...

Ride a roller coaster

Kayak the Weeki Wachi river, jumping off trees and swimming at every opportunity

Eat ice cream in the shade of a big tree while drying off from said swimming

See Dark Knight in IMAX

Convince Starbucks to bring back the decaf frappuccino.

Go to Buffalo Wild Wings in downtown Spartanburg with my family and friends

Intentionality

A couple weeks ago I was procrastinating at about 2 a.m. from a project due at 9 and made this guy happen.
I like it.

Our 16mm project at school has begun.

I'm Camera Dept. Pretty pumped about that.

Tom came to me at church last night and said he thought it would be awesome to include scripture and prayer into our morning workout. Which is something the Holy Spirit had put on my heart a few days before.

Tom brought the Word this morning with Isaiah 48.

10 See, I have refined you, though not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

11 For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this.
How can I let myself be defamed?
I will not yield my glory to another.

Intentionality is brewing over in my life. It's scary because there is a lack of comfort, or a lack of laziness allowed. Friends and family who are setting a pace of momentum and change that doesn't leave room for people to sit idly by.

We sang Fire Fall Down at church last night.

I pray that fire incinerates and obliterates the things in me that don't have the same attitude of change, the pace of momentum, movement for the Kingdom.

"twist your head around
it's all around you
all is full of love
all around you"

I've spent the better part of my evening writing media releases and support letters for the Iraq adventure.

This is an exercise in faith. In patience. In hope. In perseverance.

This is an exercise in life.

"Let's open fire on doubt." - Saints Never Surrender

Where's Waldo

I'm sure some of you out there were way into Where's Waldo? back in the day.

I'm sure some of you even still have the books, and others yet just miss it.

Well I have great news!

I stumbled upon some pictures from Cornerstone of A Plea For Purging, Sleeping Giant, and All In.

They all include me in some form or fashion.

I want you to see what this week meant to me.

For those of you who know my body.

Game on.
Happy Hunting.















Awkward face guy, right? Am I right?

My Knuckle Is Busted Into The Shape of Africa

I've been working out with some friend's early in the mornings.

Doing a lot of puking outside after these aforementioned work out's.

Today however, no puking. Did bust my knuckles up a bit on the bag, and my right pinky knuckle is sort of busted into the shape of Africa.

Weird?


I went to an impromptu beach wedding at New Smyrna with Shelby this weekend.

Everyone was shoeless on the beach, in a circle around the tattoo'd bride and groom.

The groom's dad conducted the ceremony.

They took two jars full of sand to represent the two families and then dumped them into a new jar.

Way better than a unity candle if you ask me.

I snapped a few shots.

Please keep your eye on toopenyoureyes.com.

I've got some editing to do.

Someday

Someday, in your house.

Will be a book, written by me.

Blog-tastic

Friends.

I'm doing some blogging over at toopenyoureyes.com too. Feel free to spend all of your free time there correcting our grammar and syntax.

This has been a busy couple of weeks for a few reasons:

We just launched the site.

We have a 35mm shoot at school tomorrow, which much pre-production is required for.

I’ve been working on editing a wedding, and putting together a portfolio for a 16mm shoot at school.
Hopefully I get the position I’m applying for.

I'll post some of my pictures from that in a bit.

Leading a small group.

Being taught humility.

Pure anticipate of The Dark Knight.

Started a new workout routine which I’m testing out this week. I puked my guts up the first day.

Between all of those items and regular life, it’s been busy times.
It’s what life’s about though right?
Staying up late, getting up early, spending time with friends and getting things done.

I need a day off, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To Open Your Eyes.com

For those of you who happen upon this, who aren't already my bros.

Heads up!

My friend Matt and I are heading to Iraq in November to document an organization called Pre-Emptive Love.


Mike's site promotion from Michael Dalton on Vimeo.



Please check out To Open Your Eyes.com and see what we're up to.

Thanks!

Sometimes I can't sleep

Last night was one of those times.

Maybe because my laptop, a foot from my head, was whirring away trying to export video, unsuccessfully.

Maybe it was the various things flying through my mind.
Getting up at 6 to work out.
Various videos that need to be finished.
A portfolio due for a school project.
Finances.
Get Legit.

Matthew 6 right?
Don't sweat tomorrow, let it sweat itself.

New musics are incredible.

Friday marks a month of something incredible.

Isaiah is freaking epic.

Go do what you get excited about, right now.

Love, and be loved.

I haven't

I realized just now while lurking my daily sites that I haven't updated this one in a bit.

Life has been way busy.

Video's have been being edited.
Websites have been worked on.
Pictures have been taken.

A site is soon to launch with all of those things available to be seen.
I'll let you know when that happens.

In the mean time.
Go play in the rain.

Excess Verbosity

I'd rather ride a bike than drive a car

My car apparently "needs" over a grand of work.
But about 500 will make her work.

Pedi-cab job is gone.
Blessing in disguise?
Do I cab elswhere?
I'd love to be paid for creating, but I'm not sure I can be that picky yet.

Go see Wall-E.
Read Brave New World.
"I claim it all."
Live your life.

"We don't want our beliefs. God of peace, we want You."

I need to attack day to day life with far more prayer.

Isaiah 35:4
Say to those with fearful hearts,
"Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you."

This life is beautiful.
Breathe it in.

Hail Blinding Light!

You are a cool breeze into my hot desolate cave.
I have brought myself here to wallow in despair.
Sweats drips from my brow and my hands find work keeping my eyes clear.

My hair stands on end and my heart swells as I feel you.
Bringing comfort and fight in one calm push.

I find rest in Your coolness.
I see the War in the very act.
I find myself moving into the breeze.
My feet slip on the rocky terrain but you have made me reckless.

Hail Blinding Light!

O, Glorious God of Nature!
Your world is so incredible!

Everything that is good is from You.
There is nothing I truly love that you have not made for me.

You are a cool breeze into the hot desolate caves.
You are the very source of the four winds.
You are, and thus, so am I.

When Body Odor Smells Like Family

I spent the last week of my life at Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois.
For those who don't know what that is, it's a huge Christian music festival.
But way more metal and hardcore and way less church rock.

I rode up with a band from Tampa called Fall Empire Fall! which was an adventure unto itself.
Greasel bus. 3o hours up , 30 hours back.

The festival was a week of camping with my bros in Divide The Sea and Sonset Down.

Here's a few words to explain things, then a few things worth thousands of words for you to feast upon.

• Sunburn
• Dust
• Propane
  
• Sweat
• Tears of joy
• Shows
• Tuna
  
• Bros
• Breakdowns
• Sunset
  
• Bread
  
• Prayers
• Questions
• Sunrise
  
• Eggs
  
• Sing Alongs
• Foods
• Smokes
• Life
• Love
• Joy