World-Class Photographer (my son), + A BIG BIG GIVEAWAY

 

  above is the cover of his first book, aptly titled, a portraiture book of
Texas singers and songwriters.

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the words below are my son's


South.

a word that conjures up a mighty big idea.

it’s not just the context in which it’s used, as a noun, adjective, or adverb, but almost as an emotion.

when one thinks of heading south, you quickly imagine warm winds, hot sand and the infinite smell of burning. wood. grass. food.

step out of the normal routine and think south. i know that when i do, i head there quickly.

the tropics south of the border.

i’ve been escaping, not running, but escaping, from the northern antics, traffic, malls, the always depressing local news; friends, in search of a new tale to tell, another adventure from which to return, since i was 15 years old. that was the time when i first was let loose solo, with another friend the same age. we flew from Houston to Mazatlan, Mexico, with no itinerary except a return ticket 2 weeks later. exploration beyond our border was blossoming and the call of Mexico took hold the minute i got off the plane.

fortunate enough to have been bitten with the travel bug very early in life, this was another chance to add to the stamps in my passport. and i’m happy to admit that it is #1 in number, still.

although i’ve had the fortune to have traveled the world and visit some very remote areas of the globe, i find that the vast backyard that has become my mistress of sorts, is still my number one destination.

Mexico. it’s not at all about flying to a touristed destination and booking a hotel room at the fairmont or four seasons, sitting buy the pool with your book, and flying home the next week, thinking you were just in Mexico. you should have stayed at home and invested that money elsewhere. that trip could have easily been rewarding in a multitude of alternatives.

i find that Mexico, especially southern Mexico, is one of the most colorful, invigorating, and lively areas of all the states in Mexico. the have wonderful cuisine, at places that are so far from the normal track, that it makes you wonder, why isn’t this place more popular.

take it in and be glad it’s not.

the culture in and of itself dates back far enough that it’s ancient history, and it’s still intact. the celebrations and fiestas are something that books have been written on.

since it is November, just look at Dias de las Muertas, day of the dead. that is one of the oldest traditions through out the country, and also one of the most festive. let us all celebrate the life of those passed. for 8 days that goes on, and on. beautiful to witness.

the timelessness of ancient culture.

enough of the rambling on why. 

why not is the question i ask most.

i have driven the entire pacific coast of Mexico, most recently this past July, to finish another book that i’ve been working on for some time, entitled “south”. 

 the project has taken a variety of shapes, but has always had a somewhat definitive soul. 

the idea is to open the eyes of the reader, to travel off the path most traveled, to interact with the local culture, not be afraid of a wrong turn or two, because, if there’s no drama in a trip,

it wasn't worth traveling.

over the years i’ve focused on a variety of travelers, those, whom i’ve met and known, and those just passing through. both i find worthy of images and words. the final point of heading south is about finding the “perfect wave” at the end of the wrong turn, making the journey as elixing and magical as a night in the Mexican desert.

the people i have met, many whom have become friends, are included in the journals of south. all the people who travel by the seat of their pants, with no destination, are the souls and free spirits that make the world a fantastic place.

sure there’s violence and bad people everywhere, some closer to home than we’d like to acknowledge. but don’t be afraid to let it go just a bit. slip out of the comfort zone and experience the world. it doesn’t need to Mexico or even south, for that matter,

because it’s a state of mind when you hit the road, eager to share that adventure with your mates, upon return.

but at that point, your planning the next departure.

and awaiting the emotions that come with the first idea of where we go next.

to follow me on more travels & adventures

please go here:

http://steveharrisphoto.wordpress.com/

http://www.steveharrisphoto.com/

adios for now

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as promised we are GIVING AWAY a copy of
Tish Jett's new book
"FOREVER CHIC"
see right sidebar for a clickable icon

this book is written in Tish's brilliant style and please believe me, there are BIG
tips for every age on how to age beautifully and/or how to maintain your
youth & vigor.

&

a $100.00 Gift Certificate
to the 
SPLENDEROSA WEB SHOP

GOTTA BE A FOLLOWER
that's the only rule +
leave a comment, of course.



 this is a reprise of our By Invitation Only post from Tuesday,

all comments will be counted toward the giveaway.

& forwarded to Steve, which will make him so happy.

love to all....