July 1st - 13:02

Title: July 1st - 13:02 Medium: Super-8 film Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Resolution: 2880 x 2160 File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4. Comments: It was our second day in Bentonville. Joshua invited us over for a warm and welcoming breakfast at his family farm. It was a grand and beautiful entrance to his forefathers land. We were greeted by his dad, Tim. He said howdy and had a big cowboy hat on with a welcoming smile. We were thrilled to be there and share a meal. They saw we had Sandy cat with us. They were okay with us bringing Sandy in to their home so we let him loose to roam around their living room while we sat for breakfast. They had prepared a big and hearty meal for us as their special guests. We of course brought our favorite tea and tea set from South Korea to share and sit for a cup or two of white peony tea. It was a lovely contribution of a juxtaposition between a classic American meal and a journey across the world to Asia with our tea offerings. While we were sipping tea, I looked around the room and I noticed a painting of a Heron and had gestured to Ethan that the bird spirit is with us. Tim had asked us what we meant. So we told him. The heron was a symbol of spirit. A representation that we are where we are supposed to be. In life and on this journey. The sacred bird guided us all the way around the world and back home. Whenever we saw a real heron or an image of one. It was a sign for us that this is the way… and keep going… We sat for a little while longer talking about their history and family, how they had this farm in their family for generations. And, speaking of generations, I wanted to honor their family by making a portrait with their newest member! Only 4 weeks old, Joshua’s son. They loved the idea. We walked out back where the animals are for a tour of their property. Before we started I respectfully asked if it was okay to smoke a joint. He laughed and asked if we were serious. We said yes, and so did he. Joshua later said how funny that was because his dad was a conservative man and we were two hippies trying to get inspired. And I quickly learned that with respect comes approval. Tim was proud of his horses. I suggested we create the family portrait right here. Joshua handed over his son to his father. Gently swaying to coo the baby to relax for a moment. Joshua’s mother was brushing the horses in the background and I realized how lovely this shot was shaping up to be. The foreground and background became one with the family tree growing in real time. What this place meant to them and what it will become in the hands of this toddler and their children thereafter. A lineage of love, kindness, and respect.