CT.Ward

Beach Side Workspace

In the afternoon after picking fruit and teaching photography it came time for Annika and I to part ways and pursuit our individual tasks. She had been invited to go on an adventure to Rainbow Falls with some of her friends and as for myself there were some creative endeavors to be completed. One of my favorite beaches on the Hilo side is merely a set of calm pools created by lava rocks. Every time that I have gone there very few people, so it is quiet and an excellent place to read, write, play guitar and create. The CR-V has a hidden storage area that also stores a table. Upon reaching the beach my plan was to setup and enjoy the awesome view and work in the outdoors. No boundaries, no walls, open freedom and sunlight.
Multi tasking is sometimes distracting and conflicts with actually accomplishing goals, but for myself personally multitasking is mostly more efficient, especially when editing photographs and videos. My workflow has come to be just that... a flow of work. While the photos and videos are being transferred from the CF cards or a video is rendering, there are usually other tasks being worked on or I'm playing guitar. Having stated that, there is one lesson that has been learned over the years and that is to multitask on one individual project at a time. Meaning not to be juggling several projects at once. Have your main focus point and while that is on hold due to processing or other circumstance utilize the time further your knowledge and understanding in several other areas. In my case reading,writing or guitar are often the go to options during processing. This very much ties into the idea of always seeking knowledge and understanding as stated in the previous post "A Day of Picking Fruit".

Unfortunately for me the power inverter that was in the CR-V was stolen a while back, so the battery life on my macbook is only good in a situation like this until a place with electric is found. One of my next major purchases will be another so it will be possible for total self sufficiency.
After my work was complete my running gear was thrown on and down the road my feet trotted. Finding another nice beach to work out at and be in outdoor isolation for a bit. A tree stump was used for pushups and a large rock was used as a weight for sit-ups. There are no excuses for not being in shape, especially in a beautiful location like Hawaii. It's one of those things that is most definitely a process and you have to work for. Healthy and active living are mandatory for the kind of life that I choose to live.
Get out there and get it.

-ArrowAhead

by CT.Ward

Standing Like the Lighthouse

There were two hurricanes that recently blew through the Pacific passing the Islands fairly close and bringing the gifts of radical amounts of rain. Schools were canceled and fun was indeed had. In fact on of the best days I can remember since being on the island was just laying listening to the howling rain and winds for hours. The sun was nowhere to be seen or felt only the cold downpour.
One night there was a decent amount of time between the waves of precipitation and mild lightning shows, so I decided to venture around town and take some photos, something that hadn't been done for sometime. The Canon 7D had been somewhat put on the back burner and now that I think of it I'm really not even sure why. Perhaps it was a matter of convenience? The Panasonic Lumix that was being used was quick to pull out and shoot with. Always able to have on hand and wasn't making it so obvious that I was shooting. Especially in video blog type situations. People get awkward really quickly.
Now, on this night shoot there wasn't any specific destination of which was chosen to drive to. All that was done was simply park in downtown Hilo and walk around. Earlier I had been staring at a bedsheets that was hanging on a wall, specifically a spot that looked like a lighthouse. This brought to mind the small lighthouse that is just across the street from the shops of Hilo. Not being exactly sure if this would be a good subject for night photography, the curiosity took over and I was standing just below it. A few long exposures creating a panoramic and the excitement and forgotten fire of night photography was burning back inside my heart. Back on the mainland some of my night owl days were spent climbing cranes, pretending that my main occupation was a secret agent or spy and sometimes I still do. Tonight was one of those nights. A ladder bolted to the lighthouse' belly side called my name and soon I was shimmying up the wall to grab hold of it. The soothing crashing of waves behind me with the occasional flash of lightning giving life to every concrete detail in front of my face made the scene that more of a action movie. At the top a bright green spot light points to the endless ocean, giving yield to all the ships coming toward land.
My tripod left below on the deck, the 7D is placed on a flat platform reading "USCG" (United States Coast Guard) and a few more long exposures are taken. The time came around 3 A.M. when my eyelids finally began to get heavy enough to call it a night. The town was empty minus the occasional straggling homeless person. Fading into the fold out mattress in my car, not but two minutes passed then the clouds burst open with every spare drop of rain they had to give. My view from sleeping.

Two hurricanes rolled through back to back, the storms brought torrential rain, to the point that the talk echoed around town about how they hadn't experienced that type of rain here for sometime. All that and the light house still stood tall and shone its light for any ships at sea.
No matter the storm we should be strong and willing to shine our light. Like the city on a hill or lamp stand in the night. We stand tall and let the Lord shine through us to those lost ships at sea.

- ArrowAhead

by CT.Ward

Work that flows from above

Having been on the Island for a couple of weeks, I went through a stage too which my mindset was to enjoy life and take a break from merely working for "The Man". Meeting people that offered me jobs, then turning them down because of my desire to pursuit what is most important in my life : Jesus, Music and Videography.
There was a morning during the first week of deciding to live in my car and take life on with Jesus by my side, where I wanted to explore the shops and deliver business cards, offering my services and sharing the music that I've made. This particular morning my prayers were for guidance and directions to where I was supposed to be. For the life of me I couldn't find a parking space, I kept circling around and around the block where all shops and music spots were. In an instant, a spot opened up, directly in front of a spot where an artist was painting a mural. Sitting in the CR-V observing all the different highly vivid colors that made the composition pop out. Birds and a beautiful landscape of the ocean were very detailed and particularly placed. The artist was not just someone doing a painting, this was definitely his work and passion. Stepping out of the car I took steps forward towards him, he stood on the ladder reaching some missed spots at the top of the mural, then paused and turned to me with a smile. For a second or two I just observed the mural. Then the muralist introduced himself as "Patrick Ching". The name rang a bell for sure, then the memory of walking into a local store with his work popped into my head. He has put out many books and has all sorts of very well done artwork.
We began talking about each others lives and work habits. When I began to explain my main interests in life and that videography is one of those main interests, he perked up... Patrick Began to explain that the mural he was working on was nearly complete and was to soon be dedicated to the school and city of Hilo just a week from our meeting. Continuing on Patrick explained that he was looking for someone to document and put a video together of the dedication and detailed shots of the work. So I agreed. These are the types of opportunities that get me stoked, randomly meeting someone that you like what they do and they like what you do, so you both decide to collaborate and get creative together.
So that was that. The following week I was there documenting the dedication and meeting all sorts of interesting people and contacts.

There are so many things to be grateful for in life. For myself, when I am able to utilize the gifts and talents that I have in a positive manner it is hands down one of the most satisfying things.

Here is the video that I put together for Patrick :

Patrick Chings "Return of the Alala" Mural Dedication from Arrow Ahead on Vimeo.

"Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men," - Colossions 3:23 (Amp)

-ArrowAhead

by CT.Ward

Excursive hills towards the Waterfall

In the last weeks there has been much time to think and process about exactly what has been going on in this life here in Hawaii. From the hurts and curiosity of relationships and opportunities to the doubts and hopelessness that often protrudes through the curtain of strength. But behind with all of that, there will be another time for those words.

This post will be about explorations and living in the Son light. Recently we journeyed to Waimea on a hike and excursion called "Annas Pond". This is a hike that takes you through some of the most fascinating deep rolling hills on the Big Island of Hawaii. So much so that they remove your mind from the Island and place you into the scenes from "The Sound of Music" along with those seas of wavy flower blessed mountains of Europe. The drive is about forty-five minutes from Kona and about an hour from Hilo. You park at the side of one large green brush stroke of love and leave your vehicle to take a hop over a cattle guard gate. Now, there are no trespassing signs warning to keep out. But it is such a well known area and hike that it's nearly always ignored. The thin trail leads you winding backwards into the depths of the hillsides, the smells of freshly moistened blades caused by the early morning rains pours into your lungs. Behind you is Mauna Kea, surrounded with fluffy little clouds at the base and marshmallow sized near the top. The observatory protrudes through for a brief moment and stands strong at 13,796' tall, the sight is unlike anything ever seen. Micro streams are often passed over with the calming sound of cool water trickling down the rocks. We come to a fork in the road where the trail goes somewhat unseen. So I venture onward up the hillside with curiosity blooming, the contrast of bright green and a wholesome blue is almost overwhelming. Directly above swaying in the sky are swift clouds that look like soft brush strokes of water color. Atop the hill are very interesting looking trees, mangled and forcefully formed in one specific direction or another from the powerful winds that blow through the valleys.
Having found a tree that was so bent over from the wind that it was nearly horizontal, but not uprooted, I chose to sit down for a while and pray. Not too long afterward my name was being called from below. Knowing that the other members of the group, specifically my mother was concerned on where I was, the time had come for me to descend.
The trail was found and we were all headed back on track, destination Anna's Pond. After many Ups and downs, walking alongside the flowing river and climbing down ropes, we all had finally made it to the awesome waterfall. In all of it's force pounding down and ricocheting off the cliffside. There were a decent amount of people swimming, rope swinging off the cliff side and launching themselves into the pond. Gronaloa bars and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were for lunch. The water was a very potent root-beer color, caused from all the recent rain the Island had been receiving. The pond was icey, yet incredibly refreshing. My two sisters and a few of their friends ventured onward over to the waterfall, where the rope swing was. My oldest sister takes hole of the rope and pushes off the cliffside. Swinging out over the pond she lets go and begins to fall, only instead of staying straight her body begins to lean forward and she practically bellyflops into the cold water. We all started laughing at the visual. I could tell that she was somewhat embarrassed, but it was all in the fun.
The time spent with family was solid and allowed for some great exercise. Really wish that we could have stayed the rest of the afternoon there, but I had a job interview and was pushed Hilo side around 2 PM.
Learning more about family members is possibly one of the most gratifying thing in my life. Being able to hold fast to that knowledge and use it to help them is very powerful in a relationship. When times are rough and your mind needs a break there's nothing quite as relieving as going out on a hike and venturing around into unknown territory.

- ArrowAhead

by CT.Ward

New Leaps and Surprises

This video tells the tale of how Arrow Ahead made the move back to Hawaii and the surprise journey for one special individual.

by CT.Ward

Adventure Mobile Star Gazer

For the past week and a half I have chosen to live out of my car. Not because I have to be, but because of my desire to be more undefended by the security of a family members home or friends welcoming arms. Two years were spent like that and it wore on my mind and relationships. As stated previously : I told myself that I wouldn't put myself in that situation before getting on the plane out here. Inside my head a conclusion has arrived that it's not only important to keep your word to other people, but to yourself. If you say you're going to do something, do it. There are times of compromises, but don't compromise to the point it injures yourself.
Family are close by and there's a spare room for me to stay, but it's just too comfortable. To easy to get set in old ways of stagnation. Like in high school where I would procrastinate, the pressure helped force my focus to a beam and inscribe the deeds to be complete. Something tells me that the pressure will help accomplish more of my goals, take on new journeys and say that I was able to do it. Humbleness is accepting help, humbleness knows when to turn out of the easy path. Because the path of least resistance isn't always the correct path.
My mindset isn't prideful to say that I don't need anyone. A lot of people have helped me and continue to help me. My mindset is to learn and grow into more of what I want to be. To expand the my mind and experience of this life by not having four walls constantly around me in this season of time. Funneling creativity through the restricting life. No television, no refrigerator, no distractions. Mistakes are made in everyones life and I know I've made mine. But it's through the mistakes that we learn and are able to make the difference in our individual lives.

Every night I've gone to bed at peace and woken up at peace. Opposite of how I've gone to bed while staying in peoples houses. Is it wrong to want to live on your own?

-ArrowAhead

by CT.Ward

Are we really sinkin' this low?

The blues is a phenomenal scope to look through. To see through paranormal vision, my my, my mind has been covered. The slow significant intrusion, a thick grease that cakes onto my neurotransmitters causing the world to slow down to a dragging nag. Everything fades and the smooth blow of wind enters the room I'm staying in. Like the steps taken down to a warm basement with only a chair and blanket to settle down into I have found an un-comforting comfort here. I have found myself in the blank minded stare. Worrisome shakes and the placement of my fingers on a wet sanded guitar neck. it's not that I am hopeless, because that would describe me as faithless... it's just that the world has a sweet way of slipping me into a sickening carelessness. The doors of perception widen from the narrow road and my eyes witness all the things missing. The Lord has lifted me out of such darkness before and I believe he will do it again. It's just one brick being laid down on this road at a time, a double shot of mortar to keep me grounded in him. Because there's a twister circling round and round, the smooth blow of wind and turned into a tempest and everything inside me is turned into a stye. Demolished with the blink of an eye.
The golden light shines all around, there's so much blessing pouring down for me to be like this. To live like this. But it's there and I'm malcontent. I want to walk into the unseen and shoot down the burning door to rescue myself, but I can't. It's not my duty and I am not my own savior. So I'll sit patiently and enjoy the wonder and majesty. His words written in to carry on.

In all the drops of blood upon the black tile flooring I'm still breathing, I am still living. I truly believe because of the bread of life, not the bread of this world I have kept moving forward. Because if I am sinking as low as I have seen myself go before. It will take a miracle and time to crawl out.
The times of pain, stretching and bleeding are where you get to know someone the best. To know their reactions, their words linger in the back of your head like a record that quietly plays in the empty room next door. You know your significant other as yourself when the two are brought into times of reliance not only on each other, but the creator. You know God not by the things that he gives you, but the ways that he has saved you. The ways that he reaches out and grabs your hand as the flesh of your finger tips is being scraped away by the mountains edge you are clinging to. I am clinging to what I know, what has pulled me out from the burning furnace in the past. Circumstance has not caused this, because my circumstances are what most would kill for. Living in Hawaii, experiencing new days of reconciliation with God and his creation. A wonderful companion to take life on with, who uplifts my spirits when my mind is racing and soul wants to decline into the pit. This chapter of life is quite unknown, but it's one of the greatest chapters I've lived. Endless adventures and living love.

It's not that I am sinking, or drowning, it's that limits are being pushed and the G-forces are pressing down in such a manner that sometimes the black comes into attack.
This time we defy gravity and fly.
Onward and upward to new horizons...

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."
-Psalms 55:22

- ArrowAhead

by CT.Ward

Kona Side : Week One

As of today it's been nearly a week and a half of being in Hawaii since leaving the mainland on the 11th of August. Everyday has been a challenge, for the good and for the bad. My original plan for coming out here was to be self sufficient immediately. Unfortunately some unexpected financial circumstances came into play and my ability to move into my own place has been put on hold temporarily. So, as it goes I have immediately began looking for work. From coffee shops to painting, there are great opportunities here on the Island. You just have to know what to look for and hope for the best. My mindset has been in a place of somewhat discouragement and doubt. Mostly due to my depression and other circumstances at hand. Annika and I have been having a great time overall adventuring exploring the island in the little time that we have had together. Currently I am based in Kona and she is stationed in Hilo attending the University for Agriculture and Farm explorations. During my time alone, my mind has been going nonstop, a constant battle between what I know and believe is true and what is false and lies. My contentment has been lacking greatly, every situation I am in is not ideal for my flesh. I want to be on my own, I want my vehicle to be here already, I want to work, I want. Want. Want. Yet no ground is taken. Patience is a virtue that is rare, and I know I have bountiful amounts. But doubt can override and leave me desiring more than this world can offer. Where are my gifts and talents being used? Sometimes it seems as if I am an MVP on an awesome team that's been benched. Constantly teased by the presence of a lush green field with open grounds. After years of traveling, staying with other people and not always being able to stand on my own two feet and even buy groceries, I have had enough...
Before getting on the plane to come out here I told myself that I wouldn't stay with anyone, not even my mom for more than a week. If it means sleeping on the beach until my car gets out here I'll do it. Having been homeless in Hawaii before, there's no fear or care about being able to survive. There are showers everywhere and my vehicle is large enough to comfortably stay in until I can snatch up my own place. God has always provided and will continue to do so. But even if he doesn't Glory be to Him.

Work doors are opening and I'm glad for it. Sometimes it takes a fire of anger and suppression to really get me moving again. Like an old train that runs on coal and steam. Without that fire there's no moving forward. "Anger is more useful than depression."
Most of my anger is with myself, decisions I've made, actions that have been taken and some that have not. But it's time to set some of that aside and allow it to fade into the sea. Because Gods doing something amazingly new here, something that I'm not totally aware of. Something that could blow open new horizons to the life that I've been hoping for for so long.

I've stopped into the church that I was apart of so long ago (Two Years) and it felt like home. A lot of the people I knew and served with have gone elsewhere, but quite a few have stayed. I am curious to see if I end up serving there again on the worship team and other projects they have going on. Or if I'll be placed in a new operation. Schooling is something that I have been contemplating for some time now. There have been several attempts to go back, both in Arizona and Utah. The doors just wouldn't stay open. Hawaii may be a great place to go to school. In time, we all shall see.

Biking around Kona has been awesome, it's great exercise and definitely helps me clear my thoughts of negativity. Especially going into town on the highway where I am keeping up with 45 mph traffic. There's so much freedom here that had been forgotten. The peace that comes with the lifestyle of slowing down and letting go. Maybe in the rush of things the past two years, my mentality has changed. My heart misses the calm easy going - care free person. One of my major goals for Hawaii this time around is to accomplish many of the things that I set out to do before, but didn't. Already I have taken the reigns and checked a few of those tasks off my list. Onward and forward.

- Arrow Ahead

by CT.Ward

Trolley Square and it's rolling doors.

------- A new year of creative opportunity -------

The new year has been refreshing to my soul. Just before Christmas I was let go of my job, where I worked as a barista and server. The time there was spent well, building relationships with new folks and of course being able to store a few bucks in my pocket. In the first week of this new year of 2016 my days have been spent in depth writing new material, recording, exploring, hiking and taking photographs. An excellent way to kick off these days of snow and ice. It was very freeing, I felt like a new man every morning I woke up. "Less things, More heart..." Pursue and explore the world and your talents with the Lord and all your heart.

"Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." - Luke 12:31

Monday January 11th I awoke in a restful daze. My bed never felt more comfortable as I lay wrapped up in down bedding. Spending about an hour or so in prayer mostly asking for guidance for the day. Ten O'clock or so rolled around and I pulled myself out. The usual morning routine consisting of black coffee and a spinach and carrot omelet. My main objective was to get price tag stickers printed and mount them up at the Bake 360. As I was eating and getting the materials ready for print, I felt something pulling at me to go downtown. Showered and gear packed, I head for the car. My aunt sits on the couch watching a television drama. I asked her what she was watching. I couldn't understand exactly what she said, but it sounded like Abbotsford. A character on the television said "Downtown" in a British accent. I paused as I was preparing to walk out the door, mostly to gaze in my mind flashbacks of y time in the City of Abbotsford, Canada. One of the best experiences that continuously flashed through my mind was that of when I went downtown via the sky rail. When I arrived, the town reminded me very much of Seattle, Washington. Mostly for the fact that there were a lot of street folks, interesting local shops and coffee roasters and of course the art culture. Driving down the road, my head turned as I went past a neighborhood entrance, the street name was Abbotsford. I continued to think of my time up there, what I did up there that I could do there now. Most of which was in regards to photography and music of course. While there I played guitar in and met new people. The skies tones where very intriguing as the clouds formed atmospheric extremities.

My tan vehicle pulled up to the FedEx print shop, a short line of people stood waiting for printing services. I await patiently, Jeff Buckley's live recordings at the Sin'e Cafe in New York course through my headphones His music is a sense of communication that goes unknown to most people. My flash drive is pulled out and handed to the clerk. The price tags are printed on a single sheet of sticker paper. Ready to go I head out. As I walk to the car a pair of white fingerless gloves lay in the parking lot. My mind flashes back to my time once again in Canada. I had the exact same thing happen. Having started to play out in the cold, my fingers would be stiff making it difficult to play. So one afternoon I prayed for some fingerless gloves -  bang, the next night fingerless gloves were provided in a coffee shop parking lot. Now I stand here looking at a pair of fingerless gloves, more confident that I am supposed to go downtown Salt Lake. Picking them up, I set them on the dash of my vehicle to dry over the heater.

My path is directed downtown. Not knowing what to expect, a memory of an advertisement I briefly looked at a few days prior comes in my head. The Trolley Square Fall Event Center grand opening was today. Beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing on until late in the evening. It was already 3 P.M. but there was still a possibility of something good coming out of it. So I pressed on. Having lost my job, I did want to accomplish some job searching, so I stopped at a local drum shop and refreshed my face to the managers memory. Double checking to make sure they still have my resume on file. The place was empty, unusual compared to the other times I had dropped in. They have sound dampened rooms with drums in them that are for students, so I asked if it would be possible to jump on a set. The manager was really cool and told me to go for it. There's something special about being in a sound dampened room. The stillness and subtle tint of eerie compositions. It's been a while since I've sat on a drum throne. Too long... I didn't leave without  my ears ringing.

I leave the drum shop at 3:44 PM and head for Trolley Square. My mind goes clear, I feel as if I am traveling through space and nothingness. All sound seems to be turned down and focus turned up. "Better things are ahead" Flowed into my ears. The steering wheel turns here and there, my vehicle and I roll up to an area with a large banner hanging between buildings. "The Fall Event Center Grand Opening" Reads across it. A parking spot waits for me and quickly as I parked, I was out with my camera bag walking into the square. Stairs stood directly in front of me, Planning out my moves for efficiency, I decide to make my way up stairs and then sweep downward. Most of the shops are closed or being worked on. I stop atop the walking platform where a reflection pierces into my eye. Glass panes stand in front of a brick wall, light bends off the edge of one releasing a streak of color climbing up the brick wall. A rainbow. Snapping a photo of the bending light was mandatory. The center of the rainbow was white light meticulously aligning with a crack in the bricks. Looking for opportunity pacing my way to a restaurant to seek out some information, the two workers tell me that I would have better luck at The Coffee Connection down stairs. The receptionist directs me by saying, "Walk down this hallway and go down the stroller". "Go down the stroller?" I reply. She meant escalator. I give a disarming grin and proceed down the corridor to the escalator. In the building below working amidst the afternoon coffee aromas stood a man leaning over the counter daydreaming. Stepping into the coffeeshop I introduce myself and give a brief explanation of what I am about. Being curious to see if they host live music I ask off hand if I could jam here sometime. The worker tells me that he was actually just going to setup the PA system and jam out, that I would be more than welcome to kick out some tunes. Solid, a new opportunity at hand. Waiting for a minute or two, the barista pulls out two older looking speakers and a Pyvey pa system. It's a quick setup and I'm ready to jam.

At the mic, I contemplate whether or not to sing. My lungs and throat had been giving me some issues due to a cold, so I decided it would be best to take it easy and just jam.  Going through the usual material and some new ones as well for the first hour and a half, then about thirty minutes or so of improv work. When I looked at the clock it was nearly 7:30 P.M. so I made the call to bail. Thanking the barista for the opportunity, he explains that this upcoming Saturday is the Sundance Filmfestival Ticket sale, there will be tonnes of people walking around and that I could come and play. Lining it up, I agreed and took the opportunity. Saturday at 10:00 A.M.

Now there was a few more things I felt I could do since being downtown. After all it is nearly a twenty minute drive from my current stay, I decided to make the most of the trip. Camera bag on my back, my feet stroll around the Trolley Square area. Nothing too interesting, but across the street there are some interesting looking signs and buildings. Crossing the crosswalk a house stands out to me. It has two large marble pillars holding up part of the roof. Atop the sideboard of the roof are the home numbers "444". This number has a significant meaning to me and my past, most likely future as well. With a squinted smile I squat down to take a few photos. This inspired me to continue the journey some more. Only not on this particular road. The gloves to keep my hands warm were left in the vehicle. By this time they were stiff and of little use. Given that this area wasn't exactly downtown, I figured to scope out some real architecture and see what sort of shenanigans I could find myself in. I got to the location of which I first visited months ago. There were good experiences there. In a giant circle a few photographic buildings pop out at me. The lighting and shadows on a hotel sign grab my attention and I knew I had to stop. A parking space in a local presbyterian church offers up. Oddly enough right across the street from an excellent coffee shop. The church is very old, the architecture has interesting features so there are photos taken, but I'm more intrigued by the hotel and the strange shadows and lightning that was covering it. An old vertical type sign reading Hotel mounted sadly to the building, fades into the tan walls. No light emitting from it. Only its fading lettering showing its identity. Long exposures capture the diagonal shadows, the green hued alleyway lights and saturated orange walls. In my mind I think that I wish I was higher, more level with the building. The parking garage from which the lights are shining has a key code locked door. Turning around back to the camera, a man begins to walk directly towards me, passing only a few feet away. He types in the key code and accesses the garage. Out of curiosity I walk over to the door. It didn't shut all the way. My access was granted and new heights gained. I go up two levels and found myself on the fourth floor. Apparently street level is actually second level. On the wall of the parking structure are painted numbers which reads "444". Most parking structures I've seen only have single digits posted every so often. Another photograph is snapped. Then I hobble over to the edge where the opening to view the Hotel is. I'm level and the scene is better than I hoped. Leaning out over the steel cables acting as a barricade to get a better angle, the shutter clicks and stays open for a few seconds. The colors are incredible. I notice another cool shot from down the way. Soon my curious push through a door left ajar turns into an exploration of concrete structures. On the opposing side of where I am standing there are another set of stairways and instead of open slats with steel cable barricades the walls had large circular cutouts made of brick. I arrange my perspective so that the peephole is lined up with the sky scrapers of downtown SLC. The idea to setup my guitar in the hole flashes before me. So I do it. Using the yarn strap as a means of "hovering" by wrapping it around the steel cables. Allowing it to lean back on itself. Having just started an Instagram account for the new year, I figured this would be a good way to promote the acoustic session on Saturday. The shoot was enjoyable. There was a light that kept flashing on and off when I would have a new idea, literally. It's always fascinating to me when things like that happen. Someone honks their horn when an idea or the name of a person you feel should be contacted pops into your head. Then when you contact said person they tell you they were just thinking about you. How in tune are you?

To the rooftop I go, overlooking the hotel and parking lots below. The view in all honesty isn't that interesting. Salt lake city has a fairly simple layout and building structures. It's the religious buildings, cathedrals and monasteries that are more interesting. To the South stands the LDS cathedral, towering over apartment buildings and restaurants. My time at the parking garage was up. There was nothing else standing out to me. I was getting bored of looking down upon the city. The stairway back down is in a heated structure of its own. Convenient when you are lurking in the cold at 9PM. The thought to go towards the nicer side of town to busk persuades me to more in the opposite direction of my vehicle. Though, a feeling of time waste was overhanging. I probably should have just gone back to the car, because every restaurant was closed and there were no pedestrians. My guitar placed back in the car, I feel pulled to enter the coffee shop. Part of me really just wants to go home and get some food. But I felt led to go in. So I asked, whether or not I should go in. I received an affirmative for entry. The place is quite nice. There are different artists that have intricate characters peering out at the coffee consumers and college students. I found a single seater table next to the couch. In front of me there are a group of students studying. Less concerned with what's going on around me, my hands reach back into the camera back and pull the 7D out. The photos I just shot are downloaded to the Macbook and I begin dialing in. Focused on getting the images edited and ready for posting. Nearly ten to fifteen minutes into editing, I hear my name being called to my left. Looking over I recognize two faces. Two young ladies that attend the church I had been led to. They had just begun their schooling and were knocking out homework projects. They both ask me to take the empty seat next to them and talk for a bit, so I do. One shows me a page in her notebook riddled with a check list. Items that need complete before the end of this week. Coinciding with all of the things that I had to complete this week. It's always nice to have reminders and motivation to keep pushing forward. They were both curious as to what I was doing at the cafe, why I was downtown, so far away from the church area. I explained my afternoon, how I felt led to come up town and the events that followed. Time was rolling around, the hour was late and the young women needed to get back to their homes, for their week was only beginning and school was at hand. We say our goodbyes and I return to my work. The photos are mostly edited by the time 10:30PM comes around. The lead barista stands dazing into the wall. Walking up to her I ask if they ever have live music or such. I knew the answer already as I had asked before. But another worker walked through the kitchen door and said Whats-up. Telling me that I could get in contact with the owner, that I could probably set something up if I liked. They both tell me that if I wanted to leave business cards there was a table specifically for cards and advertisements. So that I do, a small stack is left for peoples having. There was one more location that I wanted to shoot before I headed back to the house. That is, the large Cathedral. I wasn't going to walk though, it was too cold and my lungs were bringing to my attention that I needed to take it easy.

Pulling to the front of the stone building I take a second to send out a message to someone that I had been felt led to get to know. Like most people that I have felt led to get to know or have an influence over, it has taken time for them to warm up to me. Much like those whom I mentored in Canada,  it has been a few weeks for the process to begin. With the message sent, I grab the gear and head to the front of the Cathedral. Two large pillars on either side of the structure house angels and strange demonic looking creatures. The detail in the stone work is fascinating, everywhere I looked there were unique patterns and geometric shapes, mostly triangles, of which are common in the church heritage. The front of the building was quick to shoot. There were a lot of trees and streetlamp that were either in the way or blowing out my shots. So i moved to the rear or the structure. As I moved closer and closer to the back, the less light there was and a particular electric buzz hung in the air. An out of place pink light illuminates a lone door. Light skims through the crevices around it. Standing beneath a the high pitched buzzing of a lamp mounted on a fence I look to the building. An entire wall of stained glass glows with a tinge of turquoise and ocean blue. The vast amounts of colors that these eyes had seen this night. A pallet of unknown. A fifteen second exposure captures the stars over hanging the phased building. A sign that says do not enter mounted on the fence, specifically for vehicles stares me down. I enter... As the alley way opens up to a courtyard surrounded by mint flavored lamps I get a new perspective of the Cathedral. "Too bad all of these lights are on, or else this could be a cool shot." The mint green lights flick off. Out of sudden surprise and lack there of, I let out a chuckle. Another fifteen or twenty second exposure. Slow down and enjoy the moments of which are provided. The crackling of melting snow behind me, the stars glowing in the sky above. My chest is filled with a chilling cold as I inhale. It reminds me of when I first quit smoking cigarettes and had a series of strange ramifications. One of which was an eerie piercing cold feeling that would enter my lungs upon inhalation. It's definitely time to head out, the cold is creeping through two pairs of gloves. My heater doesn't warm up quick enough, my phone vibrates in my waiting of warmth. The person from church actually replies back, after multiple attempts of getting in contact. We setup a plan for Friday to get together. The wheels pull towards home, another twenty five minutes away. Long drives alone at night are some of the best times of peace and wonder.

My night ended laying in the comfort of bed, completing the photo edits and listening to slow jams. It feels good to be back in the drivers seat.

by CT.Ward