Getting closer

First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Belshaw for his time yesterday. John Belshaw and his wife, Diane Purvey authored the book, Private Grief, Public Mourning, a scholarly examination of roadside memorials in the province of British Columbia. A professor's time, especially during their off time during the summer is judiciously guarded and I so appreciate his contribution to the project.

Dr. Gerri Exccell of Reading in the UK has also been of great help and inspiration. After watching her documentary, In Loving Memory, recently aired on BBC2, I can see the sensitive scholarly treatment she gives the subject of roadside memorials. Dr. Excell educates the viewer to the multi layered nature of this topic in effect bringing most of us out of the "sleep walker" like state most of us go about our daily lives in. Gerri Excell takes us, for the most part, subconsciously kicking and screaming and reintroduces us to our humanity, our empathic side and the compassion most of us have long since buried. Gerri educated in a way that makes us whole as a people.

Gerri Excell teaches us that death is indeed a pivotal part of life. I encourage everyone to check out her new web site.
gerriexcell.com

The project is nearing completion of principle photography. This will be presenting myself with new challenges. I just now have to await my "New" i7 imac's return from repair.

And the Beat goes on

First, I must applaud Gerri Excell of Reading in the UK for her wonderful and touching documentary "In Loving Memory" aired 7, July on BBC 2. Gerri puts a human face on a subject which many fail to recognize the vast significance of. Roadside memorials are an expression of individuality in a world which demands cookie cutter citizens both in life and in death.

I concluded my interview with a grief councilor just the other day. Through this entire process, I am learning so much more about myself and what it means to be human. I am in the pre interview stage with a young woman who survived a horrendous MVA. She lost her husband, sister as well as a dear friend. After listening to her story of loss and her determination to set right her life, those out there prone to complain about our own adversities should be ashamed, myself included.

Next week I will be speaking with renowned academic John Belshaw. After that I will need only to collect a couple more interviews and principal photography will be completed. Then the next phase of this project will begin.

Again in the right direction

My hats off to Gerri Excell in Reading, UK for her Documentary, "In Loving Memory". The reviews were all in praise. I will see it one way or another.

After my experiences with life throwing curves, things are slowly getting back on track.
I hope to correspond with Gerri and learn from her experience. The interviews are again being scheduled. All the stories are important and deserve a voice.

My special thanks to my dear friend Ivan who gave of his time and friendship to help in my time of need.

Time for me to grab my phone and camera and get back into the field.

Reboot

My father seems to be coming out of the woods but there still remains much to be done.

I have been getting pickup shots with the Lake Country BC Ambulance station as well as having a wonder talk with Linda Woods. I am setting up a time to interview John Belshaw, renown academician on the topic of Roadside Memorials ans well have been in contact with Gerri Excell in the UK who is airing her documentary on the subject on BBC2 tonight. It is good to be back in the saddle.

The Brakes go on

Life has a habit of throwing up speed bumps. Yesterday my father has a brain stem stroke and is in coma. I will be taking a break from the project till things get sorted out. one way or the other.