Mark Twain once said “truth is stranger than fiction.” Near the end of each winter, in the South Park-like mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, veritas and soaring fish find common ground at a festival for well-known resident “Grandpa” Bredo Morstoel. The event conveys little fiction, and instead relies on wild truths that would be difficult make up. Some revelers are local. Some are regional. A few are international. At least one is dead, but most are alive. That’s right, international. Since 2001, the Frozen Dead Guy Days has recognized Bredo’s mortality, and immortality, through a series of events that are fun, unique and just plain weird: “Grandpa’s Blue Ball,” coffin races, polar plunge, frozen turkey bowling, salmon tossing, and one of my favorites, the parade of hearses, but there are many, many more. This offbeat celebration strikes a global cord, because it has been featured in worldwide newspapers and magazines. It probably has something to do with the fact that Bredo, who died in 1989, is kept on ice in a Tuff Shed, to live (or die) out his remaining days in a state of cryogenic purgatory. None of this would be possible were it not for the town’s decision to (legally) “grandfather” Bredo into the city limits. Apparently, head townspeople were a little alarmed upon hearing the news that dead people were residing above ground in Nederland. Granted, Bredo’s core body temperature will forever be somewhere between -60 degrees and frozen stiff until reanimation, but laws were enacted nonetheless, to prevent people from setting up a mortal residence within the city limits. On the other hand, some people saw novelty in the debate, and the Frozen Dead Guy Days kicked off 11 years ago. Since then, it has been recognized as one of the top festivals in the country, if not the world.

In closing, I leave you with a few of my photographs, and encourage everyone to get out of the house, drive far from your office, part from the cell phone and enjoy life. The Frozen Dead Guy Days is a perfect opportunity to laugh at that which is certain for all of us, and may even put you in a better mood than the other certainty, taxes.

-Rob Mattson

Where do I even begin? I love this kid. I love Jonas. I love my wife. I just love my family. As stressed out as I can get about not having a staff photographer job, family is what keeps me grounded. Otherwise, I might work 18 hours a day, and blow my money on equipment that I’ll never use. That’s part of why I tried out the app “ShakeIt.” It was just for fun, and only cost me $1 or $2. However, it has become my favorite photo app. It’s square, looks like old Polaroid SX70 prints, and seems to recognize faces, so as not to chop them off. Ya, it crops a little, and has indeed cut off/cut short my kids, wife and friends, but it’s fun. The “shake it” part sucks, because you have to be very selective about photographs, as the app takes a while to produce the image. It just wastes time, but I’m okay with it, because the photographs look cool, and allow me to utilize my phone’s touch screen metering and autofocus. If I could change anything, however, I would fix the bug shuts the program down when to many pictures are made, and as previously stated, I’d enable the user to dodge the shake function.
All that being said, I still love this app. It enables me to do what I love, making photographs, of who I love, friends and family, when it’s convenient, and without taxing my equipment.
This photograph is of Henry at Boulder Reservoir, as all of us watched sunset from Boulder’s best beach.

Cheers,
Rob

Last month, I was verbally assaulted by an ELF type for driving my SUV (which I just sold to save money and downsize – it was packed full of photo equipment for a shoot). I actually engaged him in a conversation, because I am genuinely curious about this topic, and he seemed like an educated man. He told me I was “THE cause of global warming,” and when I asked him what scientific evidence there is to say that humans are the SOLE cause of global warming, he said every study completed conclusively shows it. I asked him where humans were when the mountains of Colorado were under water (there are masses of river rocks atop the NCAR plateau in Boulder), and he said without missing a beat that Earth, before the ice age, was bombarded by solar flares, which caused the ice caps to melt. Isn’t Earth at the end of an ice age? Is this part of a natural cycle? Are there any studies that show the impact of humanity. Are there any studies that take humans out of the equation, and quantify emissions from volcanoes, releases of natural gas from Earth’s crust, animal gas emissions, release of oceanic carbon, etc…? I’m asking for both independently and privately funded studies. Isn’t warming good for global food supplies? When I see people and companies of global influence, like Al Gore and NBC Universal, buying carbon offsets from their own companies (using their “green” salaries to purchase carbon credits and justify use of a private aircraft; in other words, re-purposing money spent on offsets, for offsets), it sounds the BS alarm for me. When I see mercury in “green” products, and no one says “WHAT?!” it raises the BS flag (trace amounts of mercury over years and decades will surely have an impact on our landfills and global water supplies). Collectively, humans always have the propensity to only look out for “number one” (self), and engage in corruption. We’re all guilty of it, but the degree to which humanity is swayed, one way or the other, concerns me. Don’t get me wrong. For the past couple years, our family has been doing what we can to reduce our carbon footprint. We do this because sustainability makes sense to us, and waste seems pointless. I have seen the reality of waste personified in those with environmentally induced illnesses (i.e. – Tallevast, Florida groundwater contamination, number of illnesses per capita in small, natural gas producing towns, and finally, the number of people with cancer on my mother’s block, which was right next to a rocket production facility – my mother died from her fourth bout with cancer, pancreatic cancer, in 2000 at the age of 53). Given the corruption that exists, like “climategate,” I keep an open mind to both schools of thought. People will blindly follow any message that sounds good, and then try to persuade others to follow them based on this information, and do so without fully researching the topic. That is what scares me. My dad thinks climate change is a scam, despite the research. Some of my best friends, however, believe that humans are THE cause of climate change, despite data that suggests warming hasn’t occurred in almost a decade. Both sides make valid arguments, but I will always question each. I will always question the motivations behind each individual argument. Why am I so slow to embrace one side over the other? Because I see green products with dangerous and deadly elements and byproducts. Because I see “Earth-friendly” politicians living in multiple 15,000 sq. ft. mansions, who pollute their lawns with pesticides, encourage trade with China (and turn a blind eye to products with lead), drive giant SUVs and fly on private jets. Because I see massive companies making billions of dollars off green products (the capitalist in me says “good for them,” but money always leads to corruption, greater power and influence to change policy under many different guises). Because our push to be green means more boutique fuels, which drives up cost and speculation (see the $5/gal prediction for this summer, and almost $10/gal predicted for Germany). Because we have an abundance of natural resources, some of the greatest reserves in the world to be exact, to satiate our needs until more viable, cost effective products and industries can be developed. Because accommodating fear of climate change is contributing unnecessarily to the global recession. We slam oil companies for record profits, but we as an environmentalist society and government put them in a position to put such a heavy premium on their products. With greater corporate overhead, comes greater risk, and results in greater cost. What was once just oil is now hundreds of refined products that cost millions to produce, but sell for hundreds of billions. This has a dramatic effect on everything around us. We spend more for groceries to arrive at stores. We spend more on air travel to see family over the summer. We spend more on oil-based products, like plastic. And, because those products cost more, “green” products are more in demand, which then drives up their costs. We are growing faster than our resources allow, which means inflation will continue to go crazy. Boiled down, we are killing our chances for fiscal stability. If this side of the argument is fiscal suicide, then the other side is environmental murder. Wow! Environmental murder? When we clearcut and deforest, there will be noticeable changes, especially since these renewable sources, are slow to be renewed. When we continue to pollute without thinking of the environmental repercussions, and how it will affect future generations, then we are killing the world around us, and our chances at survival. Why do people intentionally waste? It’s just plain stupid.

Relative to the poster picture, what do I tell my sons? Do I tell them air travel is environmentally sound? Do they not travel to send their message to oil companies and speculators? I don’t know what to do. However, I do know that I’ll continue to think about Earth, and support environmental projects, but only if sustainability is fiscally viable and responsible. I will only be an activist if people and companies put money and actions where their mouth is. I look for the day when we all can collaborate, and draw up a solution with all factors in mind, sans corruption and narrow mindedness. Hopefully, that day will come in this lifetime, even if humanity ends today.

A rest area with a scenic overlook: only in Colorado. Okay, so I guess it could also be in Hawaii (near Mountain View, on the Big Island). Okay, there is also one next to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida. Okay, terrible lede. My point is that the seasons are changing, and even rest areas can be beautiful places. Take this place, for example, on the north side of I-70, right before the Copper Mountain exit. There is a man painting or sketching 50 feet from his car, and 100 feet from traffic zooming by at 65mph. When I see stuff like this, I know that I am living in the right state. I used to have dreams about this kind of terrain (not rest areas, rather beautiful scenery), so returning home two years ago eased a lot of geographic tension I felt. Some people don’t like, or can’t hack the cold weather and dry air, but for me, the beauty outweighs any negative drawbacks. This is Colorado. This is home.

The Logemann Family.

Above is a link to the photographs I made yesterday (just click on “The First Day”), which just happens to be one of the most important days of my life. Until now, the photographs have been mainly of Henry. However, we had a new addition to our family yesterday: Jonas Edward Mattson. My insensitive dad said the name “Jonas” reminds him of what one would name a hemorrhoid. My sister says she’ll call him “Jones,” because she had a dream. A friend of my nephew has already brought up the “Jonas Brothers,” as if his sentiments were original. Does it sound like I have a crazy family? Well, which one doesn’t have a bit of dysfunction? Let it be known from this day forward that I got the idea for “Jonas” after coming to admire the work of Norweigian Magnum photographer Jonas Bendiksen (http://www.jonasbendiksen.com/). After sharing a conversation with him over email, he seems like a nice guy, which is a prerequisite when naming a child after someone. Wish I could say the same for Jonas’ middle name, “Edward,” which is titled in honor of my father… The same one that said Jonas reminds him of a sore. My dad’s middle name, however, is Herman, like “Herman Munster,” the newly created word “Herm-orrhoid,” or “Hermonster.” Needless to say, there will be plenty of fun in our relational dynamic. There is no anger in my family, just a lot of fun, and making fun of each other. Seriously, I swear. This is why I wish there was more time and ability to be with my family. I wish they were able to be in Colorado on a permanent basis, but know it’s probably not possible. On a good note, my big sis has the potential to move to Colorado, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed for her (and her husband, to find employment outside of Duncan, Oklahoma).

All that said, I’m overjoyed and humbled to be the father of two boys, and husband to the world’s greatest wife. If it get any better, you’ll find me pinching myself at every opportunity. Time to close my eyes for a moment before Jonas opens his.

-Rob

There are times when I reflect on my love for family. Now is one of those times. My wife and I watched “The Blind Side” last night, which got me thinking about how much I want Henry to not only be successful, but happy. I don’t care if he flips burgers… Wait a minute, I think it would be better if he found a passion elsewhere, but if it puts a smile on his face… So, as I sit here listening to Moby’s “18,” I think about all of the stories I did on parents, children and families. One comes to mind from when I went to the Mountain Workshops (http://www.mountainworkshops.org/) in Cave City, Kentucky. Somehow I was picked to be followed through the week-long venture (perhaps it was because I was roommates of multimedia guru and workshop video guy, Chad Stevens, and former intern of Western Kentucky University professor Tim Broekema, both of whom worked with me at the Kalamazoo Gazette), but “18″ was the background music for the final presentation. The story I worked on all week was about a fire fighter family, and their daughter. She was four years old, but was as big as any ten year old. But that did not hinder the love of her mother. In fact, I think it brought them closer. Their bond was stronger than a high rise weld. It’s rare to see that degree of closeness, especially in today’s world of cell phones, television nannies and Facebook.

Last night, when my wife and I were sitting together on the couch, I recalled stories of the past, and pulled my wife in close. She knew I was thinking of her, Henry and us as a family. I like to think we are close, bonded by the ties of family. So as we walk through our lives together, I always want to be reminded of the special moments we share: the ups, downs, firsts and lasts. I guess that is why my camera is always at the ready. It’s my way of remembering. It’s my way of sharing.

As I post this photograph of Henry’s first walk in the snow, I know that I will always remember his fascination with the sound of snow giving way beneath his feet, the look on his face and sense of wonder about the world around him. These are the things I am always thinking about: when I work, when I drive, and when I feel sadness for dropping him off at daycare. These moments are the ties that bind, and I hope for many more in the future.

-Rob Mattson

I could sit here, and look at this picture for quite a while. Really, I could. This is what goes on for hours each night after Amelia and I put him down, and close the door. It’s what follows brushing his teeth, watching a little bedtime “Sprout,” a diaper change, book reading, hugs & kisses, and the night’s final “I love you.” I pictured the joy of fatherhood to look exactly like this (without the green, of course). He’s not smiling or laughing, which might be the iconic image for successful parenting, but he is comfortable, safe and warm. One of the nicest guys I know, Thomas Bender, told me that one’s career is not a sprint race, rather a marathon. I think the same is true for parenthood. As long as you guide a child in the right direction, provide love and care, teach them to respect everyone, and show them that life is not all about money or possessions, then they will appreciate the simple things in life. I hope Henry will grow to find his passion(s), and that which makes him happy. I don’t want him to like photography or airplanes because I do. Instead, I want him to find something that peaks his interest, and makes the little guy want to learn more, and more, and more. It’s like the old saying, “if you do what you like, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I can’t tell you how much fun it has been to see him grow, hear him speak, watch him walk and learn to pee in the potty. It sure doesn’t feel like 22 months since his birth. Perhaps a better way to spell it out is “time flies when you’re having fun.”

-Rob Mattson

P.S. – The only light in this image is from Henry’s turtle night light, which also casts images of stars and a moon on his ceiling. It took almost an hour to get one sharp frame, as I had to hand-hold for eight seconds, and focus manually.