A thoroughly content retired commercial fisherman, living in Campbell River, on Vancouver Island on the west coast of Canada. Life is good. I love this area and its natural attractions. Among other things, I monitor some of the local eagle's nests for reproductive success. Have a look at my website for a taste of the region I live in. The site was designed and set up by my friend Marcela. I'd highly recommend her services.
I guess it's time for an udate. On Feb. 22 of 2008 I had a lung transplant,
in my case a lifesaving operation that came in the proverbial nick of time. As I write this, I'm undergoing an extensive series of tests to mark the first (now the third, as of Feb. 2011) anniversary of the operation. My life had deteriorated to a pretty low level before the operation, and due to some serious complications, it very nearly ended shortly after it. With luck, and an amazing amount of support from everyone from the medical staff, to my family, and friends and strangers on flickr, I made it. I've learned a couple of things at least from the whole experience. Firstly, treasure your health, and do whatever you can to protect it. If you ever lose it, you'll realize just how precious a gift it is. Secondly, live your life as if it's ending soon. Don't put off the things you want to do, and don't be afraid to try new ones. I can think of nothing worse than period at the end of your life dominated by "if only------" Thirdly, value the people you care for, and that care for you. Spend as much time as you can with them, and never be afraid to let them know how much they mean to you. Your true value lies in the eyes of others.
These two quotes sum it up. The first is by the ubiquitous "anon", the second by Ralph Waldo Emerson. To my mind, they're words to live by.
"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin. " -author unknown.
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet, author
- JoinedSeptember 2004
- OccupationCurmudgeon
- Current cityCampbell River, BC
Most popular photos
Testimonials
Thank you flickr for introducing me to this fine gentleman. His photos are awesome. His knowledge is amazing, and his sense of humor can't be beat...well....except for some of his puns! He's kind and generous and I'm thrilled to know him...if only from a distance!
How can anyone not love Jim? He shares his part of the world with an eye for beauty, and has the best sense of humor. I'm so glad to have found him on flickr, and is one of the great people here I'd love to meet in person someday.
Jim has been a friend over the past year, giving me encouragement that helped me over some difficult times.He has given me permission to paint from his fantastic photos. His knowlege, his humour, his love of life and the area that he calls home, his love of Bethoven, and especially his love for Linda, are inspirati… Read more
Jim has been a friend over the past year, giving me encouragement that helped me over some difficult times.He has given me permission to paint from his fantastic photos. His knowlege, his humour, his love of life and the area that he calls home, his love of Bethoven, and especially his love for Linda, are inspirational. What a pleasure to meet Jim and Linda in my own home, where I found we have much in common. Thanks Jim, for being who you are. It is a priviledge to know you, and to call you friend.
Read lessJim is a wonderful photographer and has become a wonderful 'flickr' friend :o) His photos and words portray a 'real' life that is both colourful and inspirational and I'm honoured to be included as one of his friends. Thanks Jim, for making me feel so welcome in our new 'home' :o)
You're not 60. You just hope you last that long. Jim's turned out pretty well, finally, but it was a lot of work, mostly on his part. He was always a well of talent, and it was fun when ever he turned his intellect to some field or endeavor. Photography is much more benevolent than some of his earlier interests and… Read more
You're not 60. You just hope you last that long. Jim's turned out pretty well, finally, but it was a lot of work, mostly on his part. He was always a well of talent, and it was fun when ever he turned his intellect to some field or endeavor. Photography is much more benevolent than some of his earlier interests and it is all about his eye; what he sees and how he sees it. He has always been generous to a fault. Good guy to have for a brother.
Read lessGarnite's Pictures--A Poem With an eagle’s eye splashed with nature true colors azure, etched pewter and moss sprinkled through the lens of a true artist a keen sense of wit thrown in for flavor add a pinch of wonder coat the rim with salt air always stirred--not shaken strain and enjoy!!
Garnite's photostream is not just a collection of beautiful photographs, it's an *event*. Visiting Garnite's photostream is like entering a happy, bustling cocktail party with good friends and great humour. I love how Garnite shows off the beautiful places that he visits and lives in - and I particularly apprec… Read more
Garnite's photostream is not just a collection of beautiful photographs, it's an *event*. Visiting Garnite's photostream is like entering a happy, bustling cocktail party with good friends and great humour. I love how Garnite shows off the beautiful places that he visits and lives in - and I particularly appreciate the great discussions that his photographs elicit. It's as though we all pour ourselves a tall one, dial in, then spend a few hours talking about this, that, nothing and everything. And Garnite is the photographer who starts it all, photo by beautiful photo.
Read lessI like Jims photo of the eagles particularly gladly. Above all I find his relationship with Beethoven amusing. Sometimes I have linguistic problems of everything to understand which he write to his pictures. But by further inquiries we could so far nevertheless always inform ourselves.
Garnite has added such a burst of colorful happiness to my days. I absolutely adore his pictures. His photos capture and celebrate the wonderful world we live in. I only wish he lived closer so we could drink beers together every once in a while.
"has the ability to twine his words with fantastic photo's and encourages viewers to enjoy the entire experience. Plus he's a great guy for leaving spirit-lifting comments on others' photo's"
has a far greater familiarity with boats and the sea than I, and such a wonderful relationship with his environs -- visiting canada through his images is always a treat
Garnite has the gift of gab; that's as high a compliment the Irish can give to someone. He's also taken some fabulous photos that reflect the twinkle in his eye.
I believe man will obtain freedom of spirit of society, and therefore while man amidst the emence beauty of objective bodies, he must possess the capacity of self perfection and must observe and represent his world with full confidence. I believe photography is a tool to express our positive assessment of the world. A … Read more
I believe man will obtain freedom of spirit of society, and therefore while man amidst the emence beauty of objective bodies, he must possess the capacity of self perfection and must observe and represent his world with full confidence. I believe photography is a tool to express our positive assessment of the world. A tool to acquire ultimate happiness and belief ..
Read lessJim I love your sense of humor... tickles my funny bone. And your sense of life... strikes a chord. Could some of it come from being banged around on a boat? Course your pictures aren't so bad either!
A fine photographer, as knowledgable as they come about the world he inhabits, Jim is a great guy and a super friend. I've learned more, even about my part of the country from Jim than anywhere else. Well, hey, he's been a logger and a fisherman, the two main ways to interact with the northern California coastline to… Read more
A fine photographer, as knowledgable as they come about the world he inhabits, Jim is a great guy and a super friend. I've learned more, even about my part of the country from Jim than anywhere else. Well, hey, he's been a logger and a fisherman, the two main ways to interact with the northern California coastline too. And Jim knows Eagles! That alone makes him a champ in my book! But mostly, more than anything, Jim makes me laugh! It's a gift of the gods, the ability to bring forth laughter, and it heals a body and a spirit. Just look at his photos if you want. They're enough in themselves for me to write a testimonial. Know too tho that they come from one of the good guys of all time, a fine friend and a funny, funny man. Now if he'd just tell me what the heck 'Garnite' means . . ., nan, fan
Read lessOn your Birthday in your lovely world I send you my Best Regards for adding to my world and I wish you the Best in this coming year.
Why did I wait so long to write about what a dear person Garn is? About how he draws us all in with the wonderful images and witty banter?? Because I knew Sylvia the wordsmith would put it all in perspective, and I could just say "Ditto" . Well, she finally did, so I do , too. Ditto. :D
"Garnite will have the chance to review this testimonial before it is published, so don't bother with something rude or nasty." Oh. :( Never mind then...