Hanson Photography

I’ve been to tons of weddings.  Quite literally.  If I were to weigh all the people at all the weddings I’ve been to, there would be tons of people trying to stand on that scale.  I’m sure someone would get hurt.  There would be the shrill cries of a baby or two.  Somebody’s white dress would be getting dirty.  Numerous decorative cakes would be destroyed.  Alas, I digress.

However, none of these weddings could be looked at through the same lens as the next wedding coming up.  I saw each one as a bit of an outsider.  Nothing in my life would significantly change by the marriage of any of these couples.  This June, things will change.  When my brother walks down that aisle with his bride in tow, nothing will be the same.  If I go to visit, I’ll be staying at “their” place instead of “his” place.  No longer will he be sharing an apartment with a bunch of guy friends, but he’ll be in charge of something all his own.  I looked in on his old bedroom the other day and realized, he’s not coming back to this.  Though still young, our youth has changed, evolved, and ended.

I won’t get too sentimental, because I still have a speech to write and I don’t want to accidentally give any of it away.  As it gets to be almost time for his special day, we’re all doing our parts to help prepare.  It fell to me to be their engagement photographer.  I was glad to do it, and even more glad that he asked.

I made a quick trip for a weekend to the Twin Cities to grab some photos, and spend some time with the couple.  Thank goodness Mother Nature was so cooperative.  She blessed us with warm weather, beautiful sunshine, and a fair bit of wind.  All in mid-March in Minnesota.  Guess I’ll take a little wind if it means we were freezing our butts off like we should have been.  So here are a few of the highlights, more can be seen at Hanson Photography’s Facebook Fan Page.

A stolen piece of advice from a wise man named Red Green, “Keep your stick on the ice.  I’m pulling for ya, we’re all in this together.”

You Got CATS!

It almost sounds like a disease doesn’t it?  Or some sort of infection.  Perhaps an infestation.  Comparable to bed bugs, crabs, or rabies?  Don’t get me wrong, I like cats well enough.  I just like dogs better.  I simply feel that there’s a special bond between cat owners.  I’m not a cat owner personally, but I’ve lived with them.  Everyone believes they have the craziest cat around.  I’ve seen some that climb walls and turn off lights while chasing lasers.  I’ve seen Laser Cats on Youtube.  I’ve seen cats that hide in Christmas trees and jump out when you sit next to it.  I present to you, “my” CATS.

This blog was brought to you by the inspiration of a dirty car.  You’ll understand later.

Why Bother Washing?

Here’s something that illustrates cats are like diseases.  They come with symptoms.  If you live in the country and park your car outside, the symptoms will be evident.  On your hood.  Streaking down your windshield.  All over the top of your car.  Down the back window, all over the trunk, and off the back bumper.  Of course I’m talking about kitty prints!  These cats are notorious for leaving foot-prints all over your car, immediately upon returning home.  I guess it’s because the hood of a warmed up car is more comfortable than cold cement.  Can’t you guys use the little “Welcome” mat first?

The Big Guy

This one, he’s not so much for sitting on the car.  That’s where his arch nemeses park their rears.  His spot is rubbing up against your face.  Drooling.  You heard me correctly, this cat drools like nobody’s business when he gets excited.  He rubs his face into yours, can’t pick a shoulder, and covers whatever you’re wearing in the clear froth that drips from his lips.  Funny thing is, his two sisters did that exact same thing!  This is the cat that disappears from the farm for days at a time and my parents worry about.  This is the cat we’ve named Bear.  Yeah, we got CATS.

Live Long and Prosper

The ball is rolling, I can’t stop there.  Bear is a relatively young gun, and still kickin’ it around here.  This guy though, he’s long gone.  You could say he’s the father of the cats we have now.  He’d seen it all.  Started out as the runt of a litter, we felt bad so we raised him in the house.  He became the special pet, so he got the special attention when he needed part of his shoulder removed, or shots to cure him of his ailments.  As his teeth fell out he was given softer food than the other cats.  He chased the ladies incessantly, it was comical to watch them shoot him down.  He never liked jingle bells (bells on a leather strap) or the vacuum…so my brother and I chased him around with both of them.  With all this, he managed to outlive most every thing around him.  Here’s to you Kitty.

He'll Getcha!

The creative names don’t stop there.  Next up, is our good friend Blacky. Or Blackie.  I guess I’ve never seen it spelt.  He was found on the side of the highway, cold and alone.  Nobody claimed him, which makes sense because he was probably dumped there in the first place.  He’s one of the “Big Boyz” now, and he demands attention.  He’ll come with you to an extent around the farm, but once you start petting him you’d better keep it up.  If your hand trails away he’ll paw your hand with claws to get you back.  Then he’ll lick it clean.

I'm Lazy. So?

His least favorite friend is Shadow.  His name comes from the fact that he follows you everywhere you go.  Shadow is like the honey badger, he just don’t give a (see “Honey Badger Doesn’t Give a Crap*).  He rides in the wheelbarrow.  He rides on a shoulder.  He’s afraid for you to pet him initially, and then wants to climb up into your arms.  He also photographs the best.  Basically he’s just a big baby.

The Jumper

This is a little lady that is no longer with us.  She was a character though; we all have comically fond memories of her.  She was absolutely desperate for attention.  At all times.  If you had your back turned to her, well, you’d better just hope you had a thick shirt on.  She would climb you like a tree; and those claws aren’t made of soapstone.  Soapstone?  Hmmm…anyways it was quite a surprise when it happened.  She was also a drooler.  Yes, this is Bear’s sister, Sadie.

The Cute One

Their other sister, the cute one, was named Mini.  She was the quiet, reserved one.  You see how I describe these things?  Like they’re people!  You know you have CATS when you’ve begun to analyze and compare their behavioral patterns.  Mini’s way was the gentle way.  I think she even had the softest fur of any cat I’ve known.  Not to mention, she was the one that began the drooling phenomenon.  It was these qualities that lead me to choose her as the subject for my favorite new sport, Kitty Tossing.

They Wander From Farm to Farm

Yet another symptom of CATS is once you have them, you continue to get them.  They reproduce at an astronomical rate unless you have them looked at by a doctor early.  It’s a quick surgical procedure, but it insures that CATS won’t become an epidemic.  That is why I cannot name the CATS in these last photos.  It’s something to do with Betsy, Buttons, or Boots.  I’m terrible with names and I’ve never been formally introduced.

He Takes The Front

So my advice to you, is if you think or know you suffer from CATS, do yourself a favor and visit a nearby medical professional.  If it’s too late for you, please feel free to share your stories.  Individual’s symptoms may vary.  Good Luck!

We'll Never Know

*May contain…haha no it definitely does contain…language unsuitable for children.

What do I bring?  Will I ever use this?  What couldn’t I live without once I get away from the comforts of home?

All these questions will be answered, in this must have list of items to take with you on absolutely any trip.  You might just be headed down the street to get groceries.  Bring them.  Perhaps you’re on a one way ticket to Asia.  Bring them along or buy them there.  You’ll be glad you did.  Here’s the list of the Top 5 Most Important Travel Tools ever.

Tool #5:  (It’s best to count down, it builds up the excitement)  A plastic bag.  It sounds simple and boring, but let me explain.  What if you’re riding along on a bumpy mountain road in a Nepalese bus.  Your stomach begins to ache.  Soon, you’re too sick to keep those samosa’s inside.  Where do you turn?  Ah, that precious little plastic bag you brought along!  Just puke and rally, throwing the bag’o'joy out the window.  I saw plenty of locals do it.  The usefulness doesn’t stop there.  Keep your wet clothes away from the dry ones.  Separate little bits and pieces, keeping them organized.  Suffocate your enemies.  The list is endless.  And so are the styles/choices for plastic bags.  Just make sure you bring some.

Tool #4:  A small blanket.  I’ve recently discovered the magic withheld in my recently purchased, yak wool blanket.  This thing goes with me everywhere now.  I can wear it as a dress, a dashing scarf, pillow, seat cushion, the list goes on and on.  Warm or cold this item has really been a lifesaver.  You’ll wish you had one next time you have to lie down on a dirty sleeper train…

Tool #3:  The tiny knife.  Just so you know, I’m basing all of these tools off of the ones I’ve brought with me on this trip.  I found mine in the door of the car I bought this spring, BONUS!  It’s helped me pry open bottles, cut off shoe laces, extract the never ending dirt from under my fingernails, peel/cut fruit and veggies, scare off vagrants…you name it and this little guy can do it!  Of course, the knife is up to you.  Perhaps you’d like more of a Swiss Army Knife with attached bottle opener, or a Gerber for the powerful claw-like pliers.  I’d bring them, but frankly I’m afraid to lose such expensive items.  Plus airlines don’t like you bringing them on planes.

Tool #2:  Getting close to the cream of the crop, but no list of travel tools would be complete without a headlamp.  These little babies are priceless in a dangerous situation.  I’m not even sure where to start, it seems obvious that this would be on any list.  Also note, this is the first item that includes batteries.  When traveling, especially when you’re journey requires packing as light as possible, I avoid items that require constant charging or extra batteries.  When they’re dead they’re no good to anyone.  Except maybe to throw as bait to would-be robbers.  When looking at headlamps, you get what you pay for.  Aim for a quality one that will stand the test of time, and not die every week.  These puppies will let you read in the dark while your friends are sleeping.  Many have strobe modes and when a group of headlamps get together, it’s one rockin’ party.  In die hard bathroom situations in the woods, you’ll want to know if…well…just know it’s handy.

Tool #1:  The moment of truth.  The secret to traveling and having the right tools for every situation.  I think you’ll be surprised to find out that the most important item is…WHATEVER YOU WANT!  That’s right folks, it’s pretty much whatever is going to make you happiest throughout the trip.  This includes but is not limited to, an iPod, watch, altimeter, Gameboy, cellphone, compass, Kindle, etc.  These are all personal choices, but depend on the type of person.  I don’t call home a lot, but enjoy music and videos so I brought my iPod touch.  For someone who wants the latest copy of “Lonely Planet” and a ton of books that fit into a magazine sized space, throw in your Kindle.  I never know what time it is so a watch can often be crucial.

In the end, when all is said and done, you get to bring what ever you want.  It’s your trip.  I’ve just found from experience there are a few basic things that I wouldn’t want to have been without.  Just keep in mind, it’s always advantageous to pack light.  Smaller the better.  Items with high upkeep such as battery powered items can be frustrating, as they seem to break more often, require charging or batteries, and tend to be targets for theft.  It is also hard to leave behind the, “Just In Case” items.  They fill your bag and maybe get used once or twice.  Try to focus on things that will get used all the time, with many purposes.  Most importantly, remember that you’re out to have fun.  The trip shouldn’t be about the gear you bring, but the memories you make while you’re away from home.  So don’t get too caught up in what’s in your bag, but what’s surrounding you.

Hanson Photography – Out.

“Sorry sir, we don’t have”

“We just ran out.  Maybe tomorrow.”

A simple nod that said it all. “No.”

Everywhere we went, the response was the same.  Then they would point in another direction and tell me the store up the street would have some.  The next place could help me.  I believed them.  For awhile.  Until I started to realize, “How is it possible that every cell phone store just happens to be out of SIM cards?  Really?”  Something wasn’t right here.

Being a foreigner in India can be tough, especially if you take things personally.  You’re going to stand out like a sore thumb, and the Indians that hassle you for rickshaws, in the market, and even phone carriers won’t bat an eye at denying you what you want or charging you exuberant rates.  This was evident when I finally found a store that had a SIM card.  We didn’t have all the necessary paperwork (copies of passport, miniature passport photos, a local address, etc.) so we purchased the card on the premise we’d come back and finish up.  When we did there was a different man working, and as soon as he heard SIM card he said, “No, we do not have.”  Well, joke’s on you buddy, we already got one!  Seemed to me that the color of my skin was denying me the rights that the locals enjoyed.  This was an eye opener.

The “SIM Experience” has been an analogy for travel in India.  The easiest part about it was crossing the border.  Two simple pieces of paper and a quick jaunt under an archway…and we were in.  No questions asked.  No bags searched.  Man, if India is this simple we’re going to have a great time!  ERRRRRH!  (buzzer sound)  Wrong answer!  Since then we’ve seen hotel owners that operate “Indian Only” hotels, auto-rickshaw drivers that charge 4-5 times the price that locals pay, or even tourist standards like the Taj Mahal.  Here an Indian entry ticket costs 20 rupees…but the foreign price is 750!

Don’t let me give you the wrong impression.  India is a gargantuan country; based on statistics on the CIA’s website, it is second only to China in population.   With well over a billion people, and for traveler’s who stick mainly to the touristy routes, you’re bound to run into the crowd that survives off of tourism.  It’s cutthroat, and they know how to work the system.  Once you find your way off the beaten path (or retreat to the safety of your hotel room) you will find some great times.  Non-touristic camel safari’s, motorcycle rentals in the desert, cheap Indian alcohol, older mothers who take you in as their own, and evenings with Couchsurfers are just a few of the highlights that can be hassle-free.

Tomorrow it’s off to Bollywood to find my way into fame and fortune.  Rumor has it that Westerners are picked up off the street to act as extras in films.  Check back again to hear how this turns out, and to find out more about travels through Nepal, India, and England.  Photos to come once Hanson Photography returns to stable ground.