That's Just Poppycock - The Tradition

A few times a year I write about my life and not one of my client's photo sessions. Today's one of those times. 

It's the day after Christmas 2014 and to honest, I'm very nostalgic ... you might be too as you read this. As much as I (we, you) may try to suppress  the past it comes rushing back during holidays. 

Parents and Grandparents who are no longer with us, children who have grown and are now on their own, friends who we've lost touch with. 

For me, one of the best memories of Christmas past was the box of Queen Anne Artificially Flavored Cordial Cherries that I carefully wrapped and proudly handed to my Step-Father each Christmas morning until the last year of his life. 

Christmas music would be playing on the stereo, the smell of coffee and sticky buns and the sound of ripping wrapping paper filled the air. 

The last or nearly the last present was mine for him.  It was under the tree but I wanted to give it to him. He'd take the box, this box which was the exact size and made the same sound when he shook it each year and he carefully open it ... and smile this huge smile and look up at me and say how much he loved them. 

By this point in the year we were all so jacked up on sugar from the cookies and cakes and soda that he wouldn't touch those cherries for about a week. But one night as we watched a TV show together he would open them and we'd each have one. Those things were so sweet that I just wondered why he liked them so much.

This brings us to today .. well actually a tradition which started about 10 years ago and the Poppycock

Poppycock is an wonderful mix of popcorn and nuts and it is so sweet ... it is also the gift that I get each Christmas. Some years my Daughter gives it to me and others my Son does it. 

I realized this year, that it's the tradition that matters more than the product. It keeps us grounded and in the moment .. that moment when it was yesterday.

I wonder how many of you share in this tradition ? I know that it sounds trite. 

But I also know that I am so looking forward to next Christmas and that same sized package that makes that same sound when I shake it. 

Norwood Musical Group Photography by Walpole Family Photographer, Dan Busler {Rancho de Norwood}

Rancho De Norwood is a group of Portuguese musicians and dancers who carry on the traditions of their ancestors. 

The group ranges from very young to older folks. 

I was so stoked to have the opportunity to photograph the group We met at the famous "stone structure" at Bird Park in Walpole MA. 

The mood was festive and fun.  What you don't see is the absolute party that was happening behind me as I photographed each group. There was music and dancing and laughing !

I was also impressed at how well the children behaved. Each time a group was called they came right up. 

Even the musicians behaved themselves ... even though they do like they are a mischievous bunch .. HA!  

Give me a call for more information on my work 781-352-4863

You can see lots of my work here www.danbuslerphotography.com

Walpole Theatrical Performance Photography by Walpole Theatrical Photographer, Dan Busler {Boeing Boeing Walpole Footlighters}

I think that "madcap" is a good word to explain the Walpole Footlighters production of Boeing Boeing, a play about a guy and another guy who comes to visit him in Paris, and the three stewardess' who are all engaged to the one guy and a maid who tries to coordinate it all ... and   .... it's a crazy mixed up comedy 

The audience had a ball as the story unfolded and took flight . 

I on the other hand got to photograph it ... and that was tough because I was laughing ...! 

Foxborough Family Event Photography by Walpole MA Family Event Photographer, Dan Busler { Hyland Family Scholarship }

We all remember our loved ones and the people who have had an effect on our lives in different ways. 

For Dana Hyland who lost her Parents and Brother she joined with others in the community to honor their memory with a scholarship. 

  

The first annual Hyland Family Scholarship Dinner and Dance (and wicked good party) was held on November 28, 2014 at the Lafayette House in Foxborough MA. 

The scholarship will be awarded to a Foxborough High School senior who embodies the value of community service that the Hyland family embraced and demonstrated. It is given to honor the memory of George and Barbara Hyland and their Son Kevin. There were many moments of remembrance during the evening of who they were and what they meant to everyone who attended and many moments of celebration of their lives as well.

Creating something which will allow the memory of our loved ones to live on is important. It might be placing a plaque on a statue, naming a street after them, writing a book about their life or a photo album.

In this case, many years from now a deserving Foxborough High School senior will have the opportunity to receive this scholarship and get to know the Hyland Family ... who they were and what they dedicated their lives to ... and how important they were to others. And so their memories will live on. 

Of course, this was a celebration .... so they did do some serious partying!

  

Norwood Senior Portrait Photography by Walpole Senior High Photographer, Dan Busler {Sai Nedu}

Sai is such an interesting guy. He, his Brother and his Parents came to the states from India. And like a number of seniors that I've met who came here from other countries, Sai has no accent.  

It was such a great day for his senior session, the cool Fall air here in New England was blowing, the leaves were colorful and the time just flew by. 

We even got a few shot of Sai's family - and that made this even better! 

Boston Pumpkin Patch Family Photography by Walpole Family Photographer, Dan Busler {Epiphany Pumpkin Patch}

Family Values, Slow down and enjoy life, The Simple things ... the pumpkin patch 

Epiphany Parish; The church across the street from my studio in Walpole MA holds a pumpkin sale each year in October. They get thousands of pumpkins from a Navajo reservation in New Mexico. And most of the monies raised goes directly back to the farmers . 

I saw this as an opportunity to help and get some excitement going at the event by photographing the families who came out to support the great cause.

The mood was festive and the families had a great time posing with their kids and grand kids at the haystack background we built.  

I'm already looking forward to next year ... bring on those pumpkins !  

Norwood Theatrical Photography by Walpole Theatrical Performance Photographer, Dan Busler {She Kills Monsters}

"She Kills Monsters" written by Qui Nguyen 

... you go into this play without a notion of the subject matter and come out with a better understanding of the teenage mind. We all struggle with the things that affect us. Here in this "dramatic comedy" we get to see the struggles and the fight to control them come alive. Even if most of the characters are no longer alive. 

Well, that's what I got out of it.  Along with some very dynamic and moving pictures of this fine cast at Norwood High School in Norwood MA - November 2014

Boston Religious Event Photography by Walpole Event Photographer, Dan Busler {St Ann Neponset}

Confirmation is a sacrament in the Catholic church when the teens are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened in their Christian life. 

It is a milestone in their lives as young adults. 

They have a sponsor; who is typically a Parent or sibling. But it can also be someone who had an effect on their lives.  

So I've seen everything from a religious leader to a police officer who helped then when they strayed into a possible life in crime.

St Ann Parish Neponset in Dorchester MA was the site of a recent Confirmation celebration that I photographed. I love photographing any religious event. It is calming and family focused. 

The values that are most important in life and the ones that we too often take for granted.

Please contact me for more information on my photographic services 781-352-4863

You can see lots of my work at www.danbuslerphotography.com