Manifest Destiny

During this turning in to a new year for me hasn't begun with so much as a mouse fart in terms of physical activity, but instead, big strokes of intentions and plans are being put into motion. More about things I spoke of a week or so ago...

Finalizing a montage reel for David Mullet to give to RSA with hopefully a good chance to get me on their roster of DP's shooting music videos. I helped him shoot a reel for years to eventually get rep'd and now he is helping me do simarlarly. This is something I have been waiting years to happen.

Travelling around China has been an even longer dream although it's one of those dreams you never think you will realize and as each year passes, it gets more realistic although more difficult due to commitments and responsibilities to various things. When you're 20 it seems like something you are automatically going to do by the time you are 30. In fact, One thinks one may have done everything and married and settled down by the time one was 30. In reality, One is only getting started in their late 20's and making those things happen during their 30's.

First time I was properly in China was in 2006 in Beijing. And I loved it. A few months ago I went back to see if I could live there and that was settled. My friend introduced me to a photographic book shot, worte and self published by a man named Agang. The book is called Discover China and is a photographic diary of his travels in rural China. It is a beautiful book full of humanity. Unfortuately it is only available (for now) in China. I am currently trying to get Taschen to publish it.

He is planning another trip and was looking to have someone document it. It would be for a year starting this year. I was indirectly offered and immediately began considering this trip of a lifetime. Although it frightened me, it's something I am meant to do- I just didn't know that I would get the oppotunity to do it so soon in life. It may be, the perfect oppotunity. I have no real commitments personal, financial or vocational at present.

Today I got word that Agang is happy for me to travel with him. I only met the man once and we were both very courteous to one another. My friend Dong Hong has become friends with him in Beijing. As with all things, there is a beginning.

I would have to move to Beijing for a month to live together with him and the third person. Though I suspect I will be there for a month before even that. Though I am unsure of when this will be.

Although I am filled with new thoughts of solid plans, those plans contain unknown experiences I cannot foresee.

- J