100 Strangers Project

Stranger #1 of 100 - Kristina

Northampton, MA - 8.24.15 "I love to read, camp, travel and teach. I have lived in my car due to a disability and can not work. But everyday something changes and if you let homelessness get to you it will ruin the <3 for beauty and life gets boring." Best of Luck, K

Stranger #2 of 100 - Julie and Philip

Northampton, MA - 8.24.15 “19 years married, TODAY! Why not dance?"

Stranger #3 of 100 - Verity

Northampton, MA - 8.25.15 “I love to dance and want to move to Maui to enjoy walking in sunshine.” *this specific stranger is a friend of my personal friend Nicole (also pictured). To me she was 100% a stranger prior to today. She is a dancer with such a great energy and as you can see great dance abilities I couldn’t hold this image back from being part of the project.

Stranger #4 of 100 - Taylor

Northampton, MA - 8/30/15 When asked if she would like a copy of the photo I shot Taylor responded “I have too much stuff in my life. Thank you and good luck with your project.”

Stranger #5 of 100 - Ro

Holyoke, MA - 9/3/15 "I love when people watch me dance on stage."

Stranger #6 of 100 - Ellie and Ava

Hatfield, MA - 9/4/15 “Watermelon is the best fruit ever and it makes good hats. We will be sisters for ever, and friends for life!” *Ellie and Ava are the daughters of friends of my good friend Sally Ekus. The topic of the 100Stranger Project came up and they asked to be part of it. They were strangers, so they put on their watermelon hats and became part of the project!

Stranger #7 of 100 - Anna

Hadley, MA - 9/16/15 “Whenever I accomplish something I treat myself to a new book! I have quite the library at home. It’s actually my most prized possession.”

Strangers #8 and 9 of 100 - Hlida (left) and Sue (right)

Hadley, MA - 9/17/15 Neither knew what to write so I said, Write what you would give yourself as advice in your younger years? Sue - “Be kind and have fun, it goes by way to fast!” Hilda - “Enjoy life! The ride is shorter than you think.”

Stranger # 10 of 100 - Bear (the service dog)

Northampton, MA - 10/23/15 I was at Haymarket Cafe doing homework when this beautiful dog came in with its owner. For about 2-3 hour she keeping a good look out. Just as I was leaving I looked over and she was just passed out. I snagged the photo, printed one for the owner, handed it to her and asked the dogs name. "His name is Bear! Thank you very much!" I left very quickly as not to disturb Bear, but over heard the owner showing Bear the photo leaving me with a smile as I would have done the same with Seamus!

Stranger #11 of 100 - Wonder Woman (Jen) and Super Woman

Northampton, MA - 10/30/15 I was walking into town to do some homework when I saw Wonder Woman and Super Woman. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to photograph two iconic super hero’s!

Stranger #12 of 100- Heidi

Holyoke, MA - 11/28/15 "Embrace Love" *Heidi was someone I met while I in line for coffee. We had a nice conversation and I had asked her to be part of the project but I didn't have my camera and gave her my card to contact me. We ended up getting coffee and I learned a lot about her and her travels throughout this world. A young girl at 23yrs, but a mature with her experiences through the world. Heidi embraces what we all want to do at that age; experience the world however we can. Her energy and constant smile energizes you to want to do more yourself! Heidi is on her way to Vail, CO to start a new chapter of her life! I wish her the best and glad I can call her a friend now!

Stranger #13 of 100- Sokah

Holyoke, MA - 12/15/15 "Next time you think of beautiful things, don't forget to count yourself in" *Sokah is one of the baristas that has to deal with myself on an almost daily basis. I had asked her about her tattoos one day as I'm working on a long-term photo project with people and their tattoos meanings. Sokah agreed to be part of both the 100 Strangers Project and my long-term project. Ironically Sokah is my #13 Stranger and has a 13 tattooed on her skin.

Stranger #14 of 100- Tom aka Crom Tossman

Amherst, MA - 2/18/16 “In the last 5 years or so I have practiced devoting time, energy, and love to my friends, family and community with no expectations of anything in return. To my surprise, the more I have loved everything and everyone around me the more it comes back in multiples.” *Tom or as I have come to call him Crom Tossman, was someone I met through my friend Noah who asked me to join their softball team, Scared Hitless. It was over the course of a summer of softball, more than a couple of beers, and some great laughs that I learned more about Tom. However, Tom is not just a local business owner who helps his community. He truly lives the words above, and there is not a day that doesn’t go by that I haven’t seen a post on social media from him about an fundraiser, event to support something or someone in need, or himself donating his time for something he believes in.

Stranger #15- John Allen

Hadley, MA - 04/08/16 My Dad Always said - "Now lad, just because your house has burned down, it doesn't mean someone won't run off with your wife." Words to take in. John and I had a great conversation about traveling the world. He was talking about a trip to Prague, he was speaking about it so passionately with a great smile. It was when it told me the trip was for his wife because she loves Czech Beer and he found out the Czech Republic beer festival is that weekend. He was super happy to be able to do that for her!

Stranger #16- David and Heidi

From Oakland, CA (met in Iceland)- 04/26/16 "Here we are cycling in Iceland. So glad the sun came out. We will continue on our adventure and hope weather allows us to complete the Ring. David and Heidi are cycle touring the entire Ring Road in Iceland. It is the same thing I'm doing in 8 days, they are hoping to complete it in 3 weeks.

Stranger #17- Claire

From Dublin, Ireland (met in Iceland) 4/26/16 "You helped me out to figure out the whole camping thing! So thanks a ton, made me feel much more comfortable out here." Claire is a young lady from Ireland who was car camping for about 4 days in Iceland. She came in late to the campsite and needed a hand with a few things.

Stranger #18- Archie

Cork, Ireland (met in Iceland) 4/26/16 "I'm going to steal a quote from a far better writer. 'Life is too important to take seriously, so get out there folks! Explore, dream and discover! Archie was a young man traveling around Iceland for a few days to a week, just seeing what happens.

Stranger #19- Josh and Renee

America "F**k Yea" (met in Iceland) 4/27/16 "This is day 2 of 365 for us. Glad we re-met you after the random meeting at Geysir. Today we heard a old British woman use the phrase 'diarrhea in your trouser.' We are still laughing thinking about it.

Stranger #20- Carly

British Columbia, Vancouver Island (met in Iceland) 4/27/16 "I'm from Canada in BC and for some reason the only quote or mantra I can come really think of is from Treebeard from Lord of the Rings, 'I've always like going North, somehow it feels like going downhill,' appropriate for Canada and Iceland."

Stranger #21- Linda

Reykajvik, Iceland 05/02/16 " Þú ert flott maður (you're a great man) It was nice and fun to meet you. Hope to see you soon!" Linda is local Icelandic friend through Facebook and also a fellow photographer. She was kind enough to show me around a bit and take me out to her favorite café in Reykajvik today! Ps: she is not fond of being in front of the camera, as most photographers don't but she was willing to be part of the project for me

Strangers #22- Justin and Deirdre

Great Barrington, MA (met in Iceland) 05/02/16 "Walking around on this windy day and ran into a former stranger! It was a pleasure to meet you and safe travels in the near future! Maybe we will see you soon!" Oddly enough when I said I was from "just outside of Boston" they asked "oh where abouts?" and I said "well it's west of Boston near Springfield/Northampton" and Deirdre says "haha we are from Great Barrington, MA!!"

Stranger #23- Steve Hicks

Killington, VT 8/20/16 "Strangers meet in many ways and to find one 100 miles away, who is from your hometown, at a mutual acquaintance who owns an inn and sharing the stories of how you all met. It was nice to meet you, until out path cross again. Safe Travels, Steve"

Stranger #24- The "6 Pack"

Pittsfield, VT 9/3/16 The "6 Pack" was the nickname I gave the group of riders I met in Pittsfield @trailsideinn this past weekend. It started with talking about where I was riding with my friend Josh as they over heard and learned more about it they decided to come along for the ride. After 175-ish riding together we were far from strangers at the end of the night with some Heady Topper next to a campfire.

Stranger #25- Beck Forsland

South Hadley, MA 9/8/16 "If your not happy change something, anything. And when your happy, go with it. #beherenow

Stranger #26 - Fan Talbot

London, England (met in VT) 10/4/16 "This was a special 60th birthday treat. Braved the plane, braved NYC, fell in love with Camden. Family were with me, ate too much, hiked too high, walked too far. Loved it all!"

Stranger #27 - Donna Brace

London, England 10/4/16 "Do one thing everyday that scares you, it's the only way to grow!"

Stranger #28 - Mandy Jones

London, England 10/4/16 "The stillness you seek does not happen when the world stops-this never happens. True stillness happens when you take time to live in the moment now."

Stranger #29 - Simon Brace

Cambridge, England 10/04/16 "That's a bullshit question!" (In context this makes a lot of sense, but I won't share that)

Stranger #30 - Emily x2

Mendon, VT 10/5/16 "I am you, and you are me. And we are we."---- "Eric, we met in a mountain top & it was no coincidence. Every person you cross paths with has a lesson to give & two ears to lend. It is amazing when we seize the courage to connect with others and unravel the stories curled around our tongues. Here is to learning from one another! Thanks for being a part of our stories man! :) . Love and be loved, The Emilys"

Stranger #31- Trevor A. Surgener

Stowe, VT 10/6/16 "The best prisoners lock themselves in at night." Side Note: When asked where he wanted his photo Trevor said, " I don't know." Which I responded, "how about the middle of the road" "Yes and lll blow smoke to make it even better."

Stranger #32- Angela

Out West Somewhere (met in Stowe, VT) 10/6/16 "BE HERE NOW!!" Side Note: "Angela said I want to shoot in the road too!" I said "Only if you do a handstand." BAM first try!

Stranger #33- Beth Pickhard

Out West Somewhere (met in Stowe, VT) 10/6/16 "Ride Bikes, drink beer." Side Note: At this point you can see the theme with my middle of the road crew. Beth said "I can't do a handstand but I can jump." So she jumped...

Stranger #34- Bob Epverson

Stowe, VT 10/6/16 "Keep on keeping on! Drink beer, forget that corporate crap, drink only craft." Side Note: Bob was the last one of my "middle of the road" group to get his photo taken. He looked at me and said, "you're going to make me stand in the middle of the road aren't you?" I responded, "Unless you'd rather sit in the middle of the road." Well yea that happened.

Stranger# 35- Scott Moore

Killington Peak- Killington, VT 10/7/16 "Enjoy life, cherish it, you never know when it's going to be your last day." Side Note: Scott was on one of the trails towards the top of Killington mountain when I ran into him. We spoke for a moment before I asked if he'd like to be part of my project. Just something about he was so soft and genuine. After he wrote in my book, he said "I'm 86 years old, trust me when I say you never know when your last day will be. All my friends who have died at younger ages had big plans. Don't waste time planning, spend time doing. More importantly do them with people you care about, for me most have passed away but they are still with me as long as I keep doing!"

Stranger# 36- Allison

Lithia Springs 10/15/16 "Sometimes it's the simplest things in life that bring you the most joy." Side Note: Alli and I have known each other for a little while now, but mostly due to following each other's social media, etc. Alli and I finally had a chance to catch up in person and she was willing to be part of my Strangers Project. When I asked if she'd like to make a "fun" photo she was skeptical. Before the words "what if you throw leaves in the air..." could be finished she was scooping up a big pile.

Stranger# 37- Dee J.

Springfield, MA 11/5/16 "Be kind to one another, life is a blessing. We should always cherish and be thankful. God Bless."

Strangers #38 - The Birthday Bash Crew Northfield Mt. - Northfield, MA

"Monication: what's it like being 30?"-Vic - "He is no fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."- Ruth - "I got the best gift! All my friends! Love ya all!"- Monica - "Moments like this are what life IS."-Corey - "Wood!"- Nina - "What a wonderful testament to human camaraderie and generosity. There is hope for the species." - Cristián - "To dare is to do." - David - "The most important thing in your life, is relationships. Love all of you." - Rachel - "I had the best weekend in a very long time with random people I just met over the weekend. Thanks for the great time. Amigos." - Jennifer - "Never let precious moments pass too quickly. Any moment can be a new beginning. Que ferá será. Thank you for sharing these moments with us this weekend." - Lynette

Stranger #39 - Tam and Meech

Chester, MA - 5/14/17 "Live a great story... LOVE!" Side Note: I met Tam and Meech while they were enjoying Sanderson Brook Falls with their families on Mother's Day.

Stranger #40- Cythia and Gary

07/09/17 - "Love illuminates everything."

Stranger #41 - Captain Thaxter Tewksbury

Newport, RI "Fair Winds and Following seas!" Side Note: Thaxter was the captain of our lobster adventure with @fishntalesadventures in Newport. They took my family and 15 people out into the harbor to pull a string of lobster. It was quite a great time, and very educational. My niece and nephew had a ball!

Stranger #42 - Hayley

Westfield, PA met at Hogback Mountain, VT "Life is about making connection and building your community" Side Note: Hayley and I pulled off the road to check out Hogback Mountain view yesterday. She was in her way home from a summer internship working in a farm in Vermont. Hayley was a well spoken young lady with a solid handshake and an amazing outlook on life.

Stranger #43- Wild Women’s Weekend

Grout Pond, VT 09/30/17 “We are women of wonder and share and celebrate our wits, tits and confidence!” - J.W. Gonzalez | “Give what you can and take what you need.” Lois Sparks | “Not all who wander are lost.” Kathy Colleran | “Nature and good friends, old and new, it doesn’t get better than this! DIRTY GIRLS RULE!!” Julie Nichols | “If not now - When?” Sharon Jones | “Good Friends and Nature restores.” Allison White | “Well behaved women rarely make history.” Jennifer Smith

Stranger #44- Jenny O’Brien

Holyoke, MA - 08/24/18 “If it’s meant to be, it will be!”

Strangers #45/46 Newly Engaged Rob and Beth

Burlington, VT - 11/18/18 “How I see you is how I am with you!” - Beth • “Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something larger than life then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized.” - Ultimate Warrior (Rob)