Forgotten Memories

*Our neighbor used to rehabilitate birds so I took the roli out and took this photo of one of her Falcons. I love how it makes such a lethal bird look so gentle and sweet*

So here’s what I did today, because why not? I went underneath our gross bed, which is literally full of dog and cat hair, and started cleaning. Because, obviously, with all my spare time, I needed some serotonin-boosting cleaning energy to dust off both my brain (and the bedroom).

Then I discovered the archives of my pre-internet era. WOAAAAAH. Yes, back in ancient times—before digital cameras—we used to use chemicals to make images. We took these chemical tubes (also called film) to a place that developed them, 24-36 shots at a time. Then we waited for our pictures.

Literally. I think this is why some generations have more patience than others. We never saw our pictures for days after we took them. Sometimes weeks, if we forgot to pick them up. Now it’s instant—and almost instantly uploaded to the internet.

Anyway, I found these amazing archives and, of course, because I love organizing, I started making little piles. I separated them by era:
- One pile was high school/college
- Another was early career (SF life)
- And then the early dating (first met Heather) times ❤️

Seriously, I got a little choked up reading some of the notes we wrote to each other. I’ll spare you—it’s real gross, lovey shit.

But… BUT… I also found CDs full of my photos! I haven’t had a disc drive for years, but since we’re now weirdo bunker people with a DVD player and disc burner, I can finally put them on my computer. So here we go. Buckle up—we’re going down memory lane, and you’re going to learn a bit about Jon… or back then, Jonny, Martin!

I’m not sharing everything—he was a bit of a troublemaker—but I’ll share some PG versions.

What feels like a lifetime ago...

I was a young, aspiring photographer living in Santa Cruz. As I feel more and more like throwing my digital items off a metaphorical cliff, I find these artifacts not just nostalgic but a reminder of what life could be like if we had more analog things in our daily lives. (But let’s be honest, it was very inconvenient.)

I digress, but what I really want to share is just… some of my work, my lifestyle as a 20-something-year-old, and what insights I’m now gleaning 20 years later (gasp!!!). Turns out, I had a few things right back then that I didn’t realize at the time.

Lesson 1: Do something creative with friends.

*One of those nights we just drove around and found cool looking parking lots with no cars in them.*

This is something I did a LOT in my 20s. The photos show me and my photographer friends going out and taking night photos (yes, we were total dorks). While I definitely partied, we mostly went on night shoots, drank beer in parking lots, ate chips, and took pictures of things.

I realize now that this was a huge gap in my life. So, I’ve started doing art with people again at the ceramics studio.

Lesson 2: Try things out, be silly, and go on adventures.

*Random shows at the Catalyst of fun bands was always a go to for us back then*

I used to go on little adventures all the time—to a cool rock at night, a beach with friends, or a random concert in the middle of the week. I always found creative ways to document these moments.

The lesson? I was always down to get up and go out, whereas today, I just want to go to bed early. (Which is also okay—you need rest, too.)

But sometimes, we need to drag ourselves out and have a good time. Be silly with friends. No matter how old you are.

Lesson 3: Have a close group of 3-5 friends you always hang out with.

*My roommate Brian. He was a film student at the time and used to shoot with us every evening we went out*

Back in the day (pre-cell phones!), people would just show up at your house unannounced, like, “Yo, let’s go out!”

This would mortify people today. The thought of someone just popping by is unthinkable now. But back then? We were so comfortable with each other that it was totally normal.

I’m still working on this one.

Lesson 4: Take more photos.

I know, I know—people hate photos of themselves (same), or they want them to be perfect before posting online.

But sometimes, you need to just take photos for yourself.

The ones I’m about to share have never been online. Which is wild, because now everything worth sharing goes online instantly. Half my life is undocumented digitally—it all sits in an archive under my bed.

I’ll share some soon. But for now, just these.

Lesson 5: Stop taking yourself so seriously.

This has been the hardest lesson to learn—but probably the most important one.

When we were younger, we just lived—flew by the seat of our pants, didn’t take life so seriously. (Well, I didn’t.)

Now? I take everything seriously. It’s exhausting.

When did we stop being free-spirited and fun? Was it when the bills started piling up? The first promotion? Making more money? Supporting a family? Or just getting a little more tired and achy?

I can’t pinpoint exactly when, but it’s time to loosen up.

The world is weird as hell right now. So why not enjoy life a bit?

Unplug.
Play in the sand.
Run up a hill and take a picture at the top.
Do something fun and silly just because.

*And of course shooting at the Moto GP (back when they had them at laguna seca raceway)*

STUD, lol I shot with my friend’s roliflex

Final thought: All these rules? We made them up.

You can kind of do whatever you want (as long as it doesn’t harm anyone, including yourself).

Most things we stress over are just guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules.

So:

Go out for lunch.
Sit on a bench and draw something. (Even if you’re bad at it. Actually, especially if you’re bad at it.)
Close your laptop.
Take a mental health day.

Time is the only non-renewable resource. So we might as well enjoy it, right?