South African Smokes

South African Smokes


Me and a cub in South Africa, July 2008

Me and a cub in South Africa, July 2008


my favorite lions in SA

my favorite lions in SA


A Black Bear I met in Alaska, June 2008

A Black Bear I met in Alaska, June 2008


Please Rest In PeaceSkylar Beechler5/18/2002  –  6/24/2008On Tuesday June 24th, 2008, Skylar was unexpectedly chosen to move onto to a better life.  Although she showed no signs and suffered very little, if at all, Skylar was internally battling cancer and she unfortunately and tragically lost this fight.  Skylar was truly my best friend and she seemed to earn the love and respect of everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her.  I am heartbroken and selfishly wish she could still be around, but this truly was a blessing in disguise.  Skylar lived 6 full years of life and she was happy and healthy right up until the final hours before she left.  Cancer can be an incredibly brutal and ruthless disease that usually shows no mercy, but in Skylar’s case I think she was given a break, and she was allowed to pass away in comfort and grace.  She went from one moment being the happiest dog in the world and then just a few moments later she entered into an even better place where she will continue to touch the lives of others I am sure.  I am so happy most of you were able to meet Sky and truly understand what an incredible spirit she possessed!  She was my best friend will be missed but never forgotten.    


Please Rest In Peace
Skylar Beechler
5/18/2002  – 6/24/2008

On Tuesday June 24th, 2008, Skylar was unexpectedly chosen to move onto to a better life.  Although she showed no signs and suffered very little, if at all, Skylar was internally battling cancer and she unfortunately and tragically lost this fight.  Skylar was truly my best friend and she seemed to earn the love and respect of everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her.  I am heartbroken and selfishly wish she could still be around, but this truly was a blessing in disguise.  Skylar lived 6 full years of life and she was happy and healthy right up until the final hours before she left.  Cancer can be an incredibly brutal and ruthless disease that usually shows no mercy, but in Skylar’s case I think she was given a break, and she was allowed to pass away in comfort and grace.  She went from one moment being the happiest dog in the world and then just a few moments later she entered into an even better place where she will continue to touch the lives of others I am sure.  I am so happy most of you were able to meet Sky and truly understand what an incredible spirit she possessed!  She was my best friend will be missed but never forgotten.    


One of the last pictures I took of Skylar on her 6th birthday, just a month before she passed.

One of the last pictures I took of Skylar on her 6th birthday, just a month before she passed.


Venice Beach

Venice Beach


It might be difficult to accept now, but the struggle you face coming up will become the most important aspect of your character. REMEMBER, Pressure Can Crack Pipes. But It Can Also Create Diamonds. You can turn your struggle into a jewel. Thats why, when people ask me what they can do to be successful, I always tell them, “Anything you want.” Because when you follow your dream with persistence and resilience, that dream will always become reality
— Russel Simmons (Do You!)

“Aspiring to be Inspiring”

My goal is to simply be the best I can possibly be, and help others do the same. What good is success if you just selfishly hoard it? As I grow in all aspects of my life, I will make sure that others are growing along with me.

~johnnyb

La Pierda Beach- 4-08Stairway to the Pacific 

La Pierda Beach- 4-08

Stairway to the Pacific