This is the opposing right side page to the neighboring LO. This all started with a close up I got of Brad during our Spring Break trip. I used a telephoto lens and caught this as they rode the go- carts. The photo was grainy but COOL! Just like he is. I applied a VP filter and liked it even more -- thought it was perfect for this class assignment.

Brad, my nephew, was born while I was still in college - and we had a special bond for many years. We called him Buddy as he was growing up but while at the beach together this past April he said his friends called him Brad and tried to pass the name of "Buddy" onto my son - now 7yrs. I'm afraid it didn't take to well ... he will always be "Buddy" to me. Brad is studying Film making in college and he seems to love the grainy film-noir look ... at least that's what it looks like to me! I so enjoyed being with him again and discovering what the child became! I owe him special thanks for his encouraging me to purchase CS2 ... he's a pro with it!

I put layer masks on everything! Used Linda Sattgasts grunge brushes to scratch the LO and to roughen up the edge and some of the text. How wonderful to be able to do those things with a layer mask - so easy to undo and soften!
What a blast this was to make!
TFL!

CC always welcome!

Journaling reads: BRAD - a man now, no question. Flirting with danger, powerful, contained. You skirt the dark side - laughing in it’s face. Strongly creative, sensitive to others, always right there near the edge. Playing hard, working hard, and sleeping almost never. A Man to take seriously, A man to laugh with, A man going places. A Man to remember - one I hold dear.

BUDDY- But I remember the child. How shocking to see him become a man. Being with you, I was constantly barraged with overlaid images of Buddy, the child. Always strong willed, a giggling boy, gawky teenager, pillow faces, shy questions, hard headed, silly, sensitive ... wonderful.

Now I know the man and as I watch, the child is ever present. He is there in the love you show for your mother, the gentle teasing way you relate to your girlfriend, and the loving way you spending time with your sisters. Perhaps for me, the most incredible - the instinctive way you knew how to relate to your 7 yr old cousin. Skateboard tricks, skimboard technique, gameboy and go-karts. You gave a bit of yourself to all us - and didn’t have to.

From birth I’ve loved a boy named Buddy -
Now I love and respect a man named Brad.