Up is down and day is night. Today was the first day I felt normal. Well, until mid-afternoon, then jet lag kicked in. Morning started with a traditional English breakfast buffet. Everything I was warned of was there. Baked beans, runny eggs, strange fruit and bacon that is somehow different. The room was full of…
Category Archives: Personal
Or so I overheard on the plane, just as we were landing in Heathrow. After nearly 12 hours of being cramped in airplanes with little reclining and no legroom. It was a contest of will to sit there for hours on end. The hardest part of traveling to London is traveling to London. My day…
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I’m so excited to see your daily posts!! How fun! Get some rest. Keep the stories coming!!!
So excited for you Randy. I remember when I went to London in college, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Love that city, love the brits, the pubs! Have a shanty while you are there, it’s half lemonade and half beer and really good!
I’m sure you are totally exhausted yet excited at the same time. Will you be there for the royal wedding? That will be a once in a lifetime experience. Have fun and remember to mind the gap:)
Your day 1 title line sounds like an Austin Powers quote… The photos look mashing Randy, have a great time. But I got to tell you, in Amsterdam you have Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands too. You are right about Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, it’s all you said and probably the longest ride in a airliner taxiing after landing that I have ever had at any airport. It seemed like we rode as far as Portland is from PDX.
Mind the gap! So funny you say that… I wasn’t quite sure what that meant until I rode the Underground, and then it quickly became obvious. Can you imagine a system like that in Portland? Yes,I will be within walking distance of the Royal Wedding. I suppose I’ll venture out, not sure about the crowds of 1 million+ … breakfast was fascinating. From the closeness of everyone in the way they seat you to the myriad of languages and accents. I feel as though I’ve arrived. it’s marvelous! (and the tea is quite good!)
Randy,
Looks like you have a nice room. Everywhere I stayed in France the rooms seemed so tiny, especially the elevators. Hope you get your sleep cycle in sync; it took me about 3 days. Glad you are off to a good start.
Life at a crossroads. “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” —Winston Churchill At one point in my life, change was a constant. It’s the one thing in life you can count on, right? In today’s world, change is something you can’t escape. And it’s happening faster than ever…
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Randy,
Your post made me cry.
I am so proud of you.
Keep me posted of your progress. Send me some pics along the way.
If you can dream it, you can do it. I believe in you!
::hugs::
Kim 
Kim… Thank you for inspiring me and believing in me. My life and the lives of so many other people have been blessed by you and your vision.
I promise to let the photos do the talking… this was one of the longest posts I’ve ever written, but there was so much to share and it is about a major change in my life.
How often can you say you were there, sitting on the sidelines witnessing such monumental change in a person’s life?
I’m dreaming and believing!
Good luck in London. I am just starting a major life change so I look forward to following yours.
What an awesome gift you have given Kim & Randy, you have grabbed the camera by the lens (well, that sounded better than the bull by the horns) and I know will use this wonderful opportunity to enhance and advance yourself. As a reader of Kim’s emails, I am thrilled for you.
The 20 pound note has some significance and meaning to me. I have tired of giving to many worthwhile charities, and have made some wonderful friends through Facebook. Right now, I am paying $600 to a wonderful young man in Kenya who is furthering his education on the keyboard. He plays at his church, but as the sole support of his elderly mother, the $100 per month does not cover their expenses. This investment will allow him to be certified and then turn around and teach others, and will give him more income at church as well. I do this because it is my heart to give, and I wish I could do more, but I am disabled and on a limited income, so can only do what I can do. There are so many in the world in need… sometimes a small need, and (as in your case) sometimes a big need, but when we can touch other people’s lives, miracles happen.
My daughter takes pictures as her living, your story is close to my heart, she is always telling me her client’s stories.
Thank you for the comments. It’s inspiring to read your stories and comments. I appreciate you stepping out of the shadows and taking the time to post. It makes it all worthwhile and has made my day.
Turn your face to the sun every morning, Randy and go in the direction your gut tells you to go. We’re all here cheering you on.
Thoroughly enjoyed your story, website and photos. Looking forward to your progress and future updates. Thanks for the inspiration!
Mr. Kepple Your message is wonderful the thoughts expressed done so well. Your use of English and the intelligence it shows is very impressive to this old man of 64! I think what Kim Komando has done for you is just the ticket to kickstart your career or should I say a great “octane booster additive” and as I say either way you will be able, if necessary, to change directions in your financial career with your way with words, I consider you to be one of the best salesmen I have ever heard! I have been a Kim listener for a long time probably not a day one’er but close maybe! She is the best thing I have discovered on Radio or elsewhere and constantly recommend her and am now very impressed again by this trip of kindness she has provided, so much more impressive than any other business sponsored giveaway, and it’s really not a giveaway it’s more like a sponsorship and stands “way tall” when compared to the other type of stuff we see! I wish you the best and will continue to hear how you are doing and how this “sponsorship” pans out…..be safe and make us proud!!
We had that sudden drying up of business this year and found ourselves unexpectedly retired. We had been in advertising for 25 years and though we are of retirement age, we didn’t plan to retire just now. Know how disoriented you feel. So happy you are getting a chance to move on and grow. Best wishes for the future.
Randy,
You told me once, “Leap. And the net will appear.” I believed you then and I believe in you now. Your courage and heart, your humor and wisdom, are a great inspiration and will continue to serve you as you touch and change the lives of those around you and as you change your own. I applaud the humility and honesty offered in this post. Your grace will carry you to the next level.
Wish you well in your adventure. My husband was a photographer and I know what it means to you. Thank you for telling your story.
Thank you friends for sharing your thoughts and comments. Fred… I agree. What Kim has done proves with action that who she is and what she represents is more than a corporate facade with meaningless promotional prizes. This was personal and custom tailored to reach down and offer me a hand up in a way that would never have happened on my own.
I’m so thankful for the people who have found their way here and are inspired. I have no idea what is in store for me as I step upon that plane on Tuesday, but I’m dragging all of you along with me.
Hi Randy,
This is a great story ripe with emotion. I can relate to it in so many ways. From living in Surrey, Kim’s show, iStockphoto changing my life, lifelong passions, friendships . . .
It’s a great inspiration for every creative, particularly photographers. I can’t wait to see your images and hear how fantastic everything was. Enjoy every step of the journey!!!
Try not to let the iStockers fill you with too many pints.
Great story Randy !
See you in a few days in London, Looking forward to meet you
Randy,
Don’t look back. I am here in London and will be meeting you soon. Just have an open mind and be willing to try new ideas and you will do well. My iStock story started five years ago, and it has been the best career blessing in my life.
–A.J. (member RichVintage)
Brother, you know I feel and share your mid-life growing pains. Good luck on your adventure.
P.S. Hurry back, I’ve got a couple of coding questions for you.
Randy, This is so very exciting! I just checked back in on your blog and learned your news. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. I applaud you.
“Hawaii has the ability to bring people together in an environment of trust, positive energy, and warmth. Within this environment interactions occur that catalyze the beginnings of great things.” ~ Burt Lum The journey of life is amazing. From thinking I’d never, in my lifetime, see Hawaii to the serendipitous turn of events that led…
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“Somehow, the love of the islands, like the love of a woman, just happens. One cannot determine in advance to love a particular woman, nor can one so determine to love Hawaii.” ~ Jack London All my life, I’ve heard of the beauty and allure of Hawaii. From the classic war movies I used to…
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Looks like an awesome trip. Maui is on my list of to-dos with the family. I especially like the detail and portrait at the surfboard fence. Your sharpening techniques are the bomb.
Thanks Brian! When you go, give yourself as much time as you can and drive around the entire island. It’s truly amazing! The road less traveled into Hana, the back route is just as amazing and completely different. So many amazing things to see and do.
Thanks for the comments on the surfboard fence. I really wanted to show the gritty texture of that board.
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Randy! I am so jealous of you – what a perfect time to be in London!! So awesome. Please, please do go out and take photos of the royal wedding madness, I’m a junkie and seeing your “behind the scenes” photos is too cool.
Sounds like the iStock has been pretty helpful? Sorry to hear about the rude guy – there seems to be at least one on every bunch, hey? Hope it didn’t get you down. You’re a fantastic photographer, go seize the day and enjoy England!
Go killer! You can take a punch. Remember, “rope a dope” was invented by an American. And anybody who’s more interested in disregarding the work of an entire nation of artists based on the use of strobe must be forgetting something about creativity and openmindedness. I admire your positive attitude and humble and perservering spirit. Thanks for sharing.
“I know everyone has an opinion (all valid) and different tastes, but this gentleman was downright rude.” If he was rude and his review “harsh and impolite”, then maybe he wasn’t really a gentleman! Thanks for sharing your adventures Randy. It sounds like you are rolling with punches but more importantly learning a great deal this week! Looking forward to more posts from London!
I’m sorry to hear that English photog was so rude. You would think he would have had a more open mind and taken the time to actually look at your work. The whole point is to gain constructive feedback to learn from.
It sounds like you are making the most of your trip with how much stuff you are packing into each day! wow! I am soo excited to see some pictures from the Royal Wedding! You couldn’t have gone at a more perfect time. I really hope you get to see the wedding party and such. It’s not often you get a chance to see an event like that. I hope you rest well tonight.
My man, eff that arse and his pre-concieved “review.” A portfolio review is supposed to be constructive not destructive (unless he’s a bitter fart). You’re too kind to refer to him as a gentleman.
You and Big Ben look good. Have fun tomorrow. Back to wedding photography already, hmm?
It really is amazing that you just happen to be there for the Royal Wedding. I’m sure you’ll get some great images.
How sad an unfortunate the guy doing your portfolio review was so biased. Good for you in keeping an open mind. Unfortunately I’ve witnessed similar reviews throughout the years. The reality is that if he doesn’t keep an open mind and contain his comments on the actual work presented he’s just not the person who should be doing portfolio reviews. Shrug it off (as best you can) and move on.
My suggestion to improve on the food it to cross The Channel into France. Great food to be had everywhere.
I think maybe your critic was attacking strobe lighting to cover up his inabilities or his laziness to learn how to use strobes…it’s not easy you know! But it is a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing your trip!
Hey Randy! Looks like you’re having fun already!
Hoping to be able to meet up with you tomorrow if your schedule permits – sounds like it’s been nonstop so far.
Give me a call – I think you have my mobile number – or email me…
cheers,
Chris
I’m so proud of you that you contained your “gentleman” ways with this “critic”! You are an amazing photographer and a pretty amazing person as well. PLEASE post today’s photos! I’m so anxious to see them…btw-did you get my return text?
Man, I love Jane Seymour.