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"inside the mind of a compulsive clicker"

2022

12/26/2021

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As the NEW YEAR begins... I have resolved to revamp my portfolio with the most successful season of football neatly tucked away. A full season of W.C.A.L. and the opportunity to photograph SHP (Sacred Heart Prep) to a California State Championship! 

The "will to win" was a result of young men deciding to make a "second" season into the playoffs a unique opportunity and a season to remember... for life! I hope you have the chance to realize your "field of dreams" in 2022.

Daniel
 
The Will to Win…
 
I recently had the opportunity to see a High School football team (SHP) rise from a season record of 3-7 to a Northern California Championship by winning 4 straight games. With the next game on the line for a State Title, I felt it was important to recognize the intangibles of winning and what it means to a group of young men. More importantly what this experience will do to their soul and mind for the rest of their lives. The qualities of winning require 4 aspects of commitment.
 
1-Physical
Yes... football is a physical game. One of the profound mistakes I have witnessed over the years begins with the effect of the physical realm of competition. While we all may wish for a 6’4”frame, coupled with 260lbs of unearthly flesh, the reality is we will not achieve this concept of what a “successful” football player needs to look like. What we must be clear about is… what we have, what we can improve, and what we are willing to do with it. 
 
2- Mental
The aspect of being undersized physically, can be greatly enhanced with the sharpness of mind. Having spent countless hours in the film room, studying my opponent, looking for subtle tendencies, knowing the dynamics of down and distance, and play calling, increased my mental capacity. When you study your opponent and can identify patterns…this opens the door to “instinct”. Football requires instinct. Controlled instinct is the result of a coach calling a play, accepting the responsibilities associated with the formation, and creating alternative reactions in a split second, to disrupt or challenge the outcome. 
 
3- Emotional
One of the most underrated or misunderstood  aspects of team play is the effect one player in an organization can have on the whole. To be emotionally mature is the catalyst of saying what needs to be said, and not what needs to be heard. Some of the most emotional events on the field require no spoken word. When a teammate sees in the eyes of his brother, a calm, confident manner, it  instills a knowing, a freedom, a direction and desire to emulate action rather than words. At times, just doing your job is the most powerful statement you will ever make.
 
4- Spiritual
Understanding what you have been given, the clarity of thought and the ability to respond, paves the way to momentum. A team with momentum incorporates physical, mental and emotional gifts in a defined space. You become embraced with positive thoughts in action and outcome. The feeling cannot be described nor should it. You just know it is there and the outcome can be overwhelming to opponents. Even though they be bigger, at times faster, and possibly smarter.
 
When you incorporate all four of the keys…in a moment of time, on a field of dreams, you will experience…The Will to Win!
(yes...SHP shut out Righetti High School for 5 straight wins and a 5A State Championship!)
​https://ccsfootball.shootproof.com/gallery/16039150/home

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We are all here... because we're not all there...

5/16/2021

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PictureNavigating can be difficult without a mentor...
I have had some great mentors along the way... And Jim Rohn (RIP) is without a doubt the best! On several occasions in the last week I have found my self repeating Jim's philosophy and insight I was introduced to in 1989.  His style and philosophy was engaging and made you feel he was talking directly to you (even in a room of 100's).

His insight on money and direction has been ever lasting. When I heard him say, "money does two things for you... makes you more of what you already are... and gets you where your going...a little bit faster." Now that made me think... he than added, " its amazing to think you give a 20 year old millions of dollars to play a professional sport... and then you wonder why he acts like a 20 year old with millions of dollars, when he's not performing on the court/field.

Another key insight was his discussion on how to set your sail. He explains that if you left tonight, headed for the Hawaiian Islands in your 40' yacht, if your off by one degree.. you'll miss the islands by over  a 100 miles. He was insistent that to navigate, you have to do a daily check and make the adjustments necessary to stay on course. He said, "the winds of negativity, politics, family issues, and sometimes LIFE...are always going to blow. And if you don't change the set of your sail, make the adjustments needed to stay on course, you'll get blown into the rocks.

Take the time...to plan accordingly. Know what your destination is... and make the adjustments needed to sail into the harbor at Ala Wai...with a smile and heart of gratitude.
​It looks good on you!

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Time with family at Yosemite 2021.
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What a difference a year makes...

1/10/2021

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PictureWhen the face in a wave...makes you think twice.
Adversity... a word that I have come to appreciate. As we continue to wind down the road of Highway Covid 19, we have learned what works, what doesn't, and WTF (waffles ,toast, and fries)! As we hear the words "the Great Reset" and "Covid 21", I think its only fair to take a deep breath (no mask please) and exhale slowly with a thought of what makes you smile?

What I have learned the last 10 months is that adversity can be spoiled with a good attitude of flexibility... And a desire to enjoy the project regardless of the obstacles. In some ways I have succeeded, and others I wasn't even allowed to get in the game. I am fortunate that I have diversified my business life in ways that allow for a "no football season" and the opportunity to explore new projects. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed the surf and photo opportunities from December and my local effort to continue retailing at various locations. Its been fun to witness the power of a cell phone as people walk by displays... without missing a beat (lol). The people I have met recently and had the opportunity to engage, has been invigorating to say the least. 

I look forward to a 2021 with enthusiasm and getting "the shot" you have to have! 

Cheers!

​

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HIGH Crimes and Misdemeanors...

5/15/2020

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(Fiction - literature in the form of prose, especially short stories and novels, that describes imaginary events and people)... On that note:
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It was an innocent text to my hair stylist. I had come to the conclusion I was due for a haircut and I had to see what the game plan was. After a quick text of "are you working" came a reply, "I'm booking in a week or so".  Knowing the "shelter in place" was in effect and the opportunity to connect was a risk... I texted "let me know...".

A week later, a text came that asked about "Wednesday at 3?". I replied, "sure...that works. At the mall?" The reply was, "yes...see you then".

As I drove up to a bank (get some cash) across from the mall, I noticed it looked rather empty. In fact, the only auto in hundreds of open spaces, was a police car. He watched me turn left in front of him and another left, into the back drive through. It felt a little odd as I realized he was watching every car driving past his domain. His car started and drove off as I got some twentys from the ATM.

I made the left turn and proceeded to the backside of the mall to a Salon office I was very familiar with. The odd feeling of isolation returned as I parked in a vacant lot of 500 plus parking spaces. We were obviously alone..as she greeted me at the door with a smile, "how are you" and a quick lock up behind us we walked down the dark...unlit hallway to her office. I commented "thats odd.. whats up with the lights"? She then intimated that the salon is "closed" and she only just started using it again the last week. 
 
I excused myself to use the restroom across the half lit hallway and returned a few minutes later. I sat in the chair, as she closed the door, and we talked about the "lock down" and latest news.  Cuts and trimming proceeded with light conversation about family and the future of this madness called Covid19....for twenty minutes or so. And then it started...

Hello...hello? A loud voice bellowed down the darkened hallway to our left. Hello? Anyone here? My stylist froze...The security guard radioed, "no ones here", are you sure he went in this way? A voice confirmed on the two-way... "yes, we got him on tape and his car is still in the parking lot". As he tapped on doors ..ever inching closer to our office... instinct told me to quietly tell her...as I got up and walked to the corner... "turn the lights off". She did and came past the locked door and stood next to me in fear as her career and income slowly evaporated in her mind. I couldn't decide to bust out laughing, scare the security guard with a big BOO!... or realize he may be armed and I could be dead over a haircut!

TAP! Tap! on our door... HELLO? anyone in here...? DEEP BREATH... "wait, he said to dispatch, there's a bathroom here, as he opened the door slowly... yep, someones been in here ..the lights on"! You sure he didnt leave?... "No his car is still here", said dispatch. Weird... I'm going to look down this hallway... Tap...Tap... Hello.... Hello as his voice drifted off. 

My stylist looked at me..."what do we do? she whispered. Oh my God! Is this a movie? I thought....man gets haircut... man gets shot! Ok Ok...here's the plan I whispered, you go to the left... and I will go to the right down the dark hallway. Give me a few seconds and ask out loud... "who is it? whats up?" and that will divert him so I can get out the front door. Ready? A look of compliance was all I needed and I slowly began to walk down the hall way towards the door...when I heard... "Hello? who is it? Hello?", as my stylist perfectly navigated the situation.... I heard the guard....as I walked out the front door, "What are you doing here"? 

I was tempted to run for it...and then I realized I was on camera and walked slowly to my car. Got in...started...put it drive and headed for an exit. No cops... no one followed me...thank God! I made it a 1/2 mile away when I realized how intense, crazy and ridiculous this situation was! OMG! I could have been arrested or worse for a hair cut! FREEDOM! The adrenaline kicked in!

Buzz.....buzzz....my cell....I pick up.... "That was crazy!" My stylist said, "its ok...were good, I explained that we were moving and re-organizing". Security reminded me I needed to call the office if I was to enter the Salon.  My heart rate began to settle down... I realized my cut was about 80% done. "so... you want a diet or regular Coke,? I asked. What?, she exclaimed! "Yes..I said, I'm stopping for a coke and going back... you need to finish". Ok..uh... "just tell them I'm coming back with sodas and you are leaving in a few minutes", I said.  She replies... "No I don't need to call them". "I think you do", as I left it with, "see you at the door in 8 minutes..."

So I got there, we laughed...nervously.... thinking my God this is a movie! My 20% was done in 3 minutes... and we got out of there!

​Now that's a cut.... to remember! 

(names, events and dates have been changed to resemble a story that if asked about, is purely fictional)







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Do photos matter?

11/10/2019

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There might be a tendency to discuss the nature of photography as "past tense" with the onslaught of iPhones and Androids. All qualified to make an event or moment, to be enriched with smiles as they are retweeted, and posted on social media.

When I see couples out for a walk with the kids, I'm prone to remind them to take lots of pictures... as they grow up fast! (my youngest just graduated from college). Some smile and others pull their phone out and say they got it covered. I do enjoy running across photos from 15-20 years ago and retweeting to my family twitter group as the reactions are fun.

When my father in-law recently passed, my wife knew she could count on me to provide 100's of photos I had archived for years on my hard drive and stored in apps. To reflect on 94 years and accumulate the moments we shared... or were captured, was a fitting way to remember the uniqueness of his life. I am reminded of Jim Rohn seminar in 1989, as he stated, "we leave 3 things behind of extreme value."

1.)Our library... (yes, he encouraged reading books)
2.)Our journals...(yes, he encourage writing)
3.)Our photographs ( yes, he encouraged photos)

What does your library look like? I am amazed at the books my father left behind and the fact that he signed a lot of them after reading...they make great gifts to family!

Do you journal? Do you take the time to write about events, blog, or send messages? Just last week, I received a written note from an advisor thanking me for my service and effort associated with my high school. We talked later in the week and he told me every Monday morning is his write time. That tells me a lot about a man...willing to acknowledge others. Do you have time to write a note of thanks?

Photographs... obviously near and dear to my heart. I have 500,000 plus over 40 years and just the thought of categorizing them makes me nauseas...lol. I do a fairly good job of finding those of  "extreme value" when needed and enjoy the response of family and friends as we remember... people like Popi. ( www.alfonsorios.co ) YES!... Photos matter.
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Salute Popi! 94 years and a life with memories we will never forget.
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Coffee and cookies...on our daily walk in Bogota, Colombia.
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Harmonica? No problem as he played for any audience and enjoyed the clapping and hoots for more!
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The accordion was his specialty! So many days filled with beautiful vallenatos in our home.
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Walk... the talk

7/14/2019

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Last year about this time... I was finalizing my desire to walk from San Jose to San Francisco. This thought had been with me for a while as I was impressed with Jonah's story as he finally consented (now that's a story!) to walk through Nineveh (est. 60 miles). It was a great 3 days and if you want to see my recorded walk you can visit here....https://youtu.be/IK1fOA2UZQU Point being, once I made the date, the commitment, it was on!

A mind made up...Thats a serious challenge to the average man as Brian Buffini (mentor of many) will attest in a couple of statements - “Inside all books of success and all stories of victories, there are chapters of failure.”  AND  “Even though you may stop for a while, when your mind is made up you never, ever give up.” With that in mind, I have to question my goals from a year ago (last August at Mastermind) and see what I have given up on or have held focus too. For added support you can listen to Brians take here... https://www.thebrianbuffinishow.com/episode-025-power-made-mind/​

Reviewing goals can cause joy or sorrow...hopefully a little of both. I encourage you to refocus as we begin the last half of this year. Write down 10 things you want to accomplish and refine to three musts! If you would like to attend a goals seminar here in the Bay Area... let me know and we can explore the options. I have the office and facility to make that happen. 

Some photos I have worked on over the last month or so have become one of my great moments this year. As you can see, my Garden Friends have brought some peace and reflection to a world in Silicon Valley that needs more of these moments. 

"everyday is Christmas..enjoy the gift"

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Garden Walk

4/22/2019

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When opportunity begets routine...
I know, I know, your running late, traffic was a mess, no time, no rest, no more minutes, and certainly no more phone calls! Got to go! Conference calls back to back, major decisions need to be made and no cooperation seems to be the rule of law...STOP! Take a breath, exhale...slowly...take a breath....and repeat. Close your eyes and repeat until the little crack of light begins to fill the room in your mind's eye. Breathe... 

Now before you jump in the car and valiantly fight traffic for the next hour, pull out your camera ( yeah that one...with the phone attached to it) and walk through your yard. With camera in hand, swipe the dial to portrait and choose between natural light and stage light. Be still... focus.. .take the shot. And breathe.

The only counter balance to the madness of this valley... is to be creative. Its chicken soup for the soul. You can do it! Just breathe...


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#shotonIphoneXS
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#shotonIphoneXS
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#shotonIphoneXS
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#shotonIphoneXS
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Goals and Jim Rohn...

2/8/2019

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I am always amazed at the reaction of "who's Jim Rome" (its JIM ROHN...lol)? Or uh, huh...yeah, ok, as I know my comment that, "He's free on YouTube" is being dismissed unconsciously by the person I'm talking to. Thats usually when I ask, "to get a pen and write these names down".

Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, Les Brown...That's a good start for the college graduate, entrepreneur, or business truth seeker. I met Jim Rohn in 1989 and his philosophies and story telling made a distinctive impact on how I see the business world and the results of my efforts. For a mentor to describe the outcome and predict your success based on the behaviors we exhibit (self discipline, learning, willingness, etc.), was refreshing and challenging. To know what the possibilities are through the experience of others, is a fundamental step to the enjoyment of learning and life. 

I have included a few photos that are a result of listening, adventure, and belief. Several prints are displayed in my home and remind me daily to "listen to the voice" and "you can do anything...if you take the first step". 

What are your goals this year? 

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Milan - Italy

12/31/2018

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2018
The opportunity to take a week in MIlan was met with little resistance as my wife informed me she had a conference to attend in December.
I have had the opportunity to visit Rome and surrounding cities, however did not know much about Milan and another stop known as Lake Como. After checking the weather (40-45˚)  with sunshine forecasted, it was a pleasant surprise to find some incredible photo opportunities for fun and education. 
Milan is well deserved for its reputation as the fashion capitol of he world as I walked the streets the first morning I arrived. The degree of seriousness Italians take in dress and fashion was on full display. I was also pleasantly surprised to navigate with my cell phone to several areas within walking distance of our hotel (Westin Palace).
​My adventure is documented in the Travel section of this site and includes the Duomo Cathedral, Starbucks Reserve (another story), Milan, Lamborghini, and a day trip to Lake Como. I can't describe the food ( amazing) so I will let the photos do the tasting...Enjoy!

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based in Menlo Park.

This keeps me busy:
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mittyfootball.com
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matthew6.life
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