Today was a wonderful day, for it was a day of celebration and recognition of one of this country’s shining moments. Forty years ago the first Earth Day marked the beginning of a brave march towards a world in which commercial advancement could blossom in the beautiful morning light of sustainability. Nice work everyone. The whispers of industry collapse at the hands of regulation have gone with the winds of change and now more than ever before mankind acts with nobility as we practice stewardship over the land.

We of course have a long way to go.

Yet companies like the one I shot for today are shining marks of the progress we have made and an example of how “corporate” does not have to end with “greed.” Whiling shooting the Earth Day celebration for Whole Foods Market in Cherry Creek I met many groovy soul travelers. Some were building gardens for Battered Women’s shelters, some keeping promises to spouses, while others were providing loved ones with moments that may too quickly turn to memory. One little boy I met has kidneys that are failing him. He is but a year old. Yet even in this tragic story the light of spirit shines through.

All of these meanderings remind me of how much I love and miss photography. The endless stream of wondrous stories criss-crossing through the intricate map we call “reality” is such a cool ride. Late in the evening I was met with the latest photo for my ever evolving series “After Dark”. A DJ dedicated to Soul Music by the name of DJ Shake (Scott Stovall) met my camera in time and place to create a cool visual tale. His wide eyed expression framed by his passion sums up the entire day for me. If only we could all learn to meet every moment like this.

Please enjoy.