A few weeks ago I got a chance to meet David Goldblatt. He is a photographer from South Africa and has documented the history of South Africa for decades... He is a great guy, very humble about his work and the power it holds. He has an exhibit going on at the University Museum of Contemporary Art titled "Intersections Intersected: The Photography of David Goldblatt." It contains many images, including diptychs of 'before and after' apartheid images. His work is truly moving. David has a way with the camera that people like myself only wish to develop... He can take multiple photographs of the same subject and make them all feel completely different. He is probably the most recognized photographer from S.A. and I am thankful to have met him. I encourage you to look into his work and go check it out if you are in the Amherst area! Here is some more of his work.

Labels: David Goldblatt, Jose Cotto, UMass, University Museum of Contemporary Art

Labels: art, flavors.me, Jose Cotto, photography, tumblr

Carlos Torres Jr., is a man that I personally did not meet; although he was a great friend of my brother and the brother of a great friend whom I spent many years with. Unfortunately, Carlos passed away in a car accident seven years ago. It has now been 5.5 years that I have been a part of his family, and words cannot describe the impact that his life and death have had on them. He was from what I hear, one of the greatest individuals, someone that people looked up to (I remember seeing people everywhere with tribute tattoos and stickers on their cars), someone with a great future ahead, and someone whose passion for cars was only outmatched by his passion for his family. I never had the chance to exchange words with him, but I often feel his presence through his family. In a strange way, I almost feel as connected to him as I am to his family and as they were to him. It is almost as if I have known him my entire life. This piece is something that I wrote 4 years ago to the day, when thinking about this feeling I get. I have since edited it and I often read it over to remind myself of the beauty of life and how we should not take it for granted; for life is too short and we do not know when our time is up. Although this was a tragic incident and one that has caused a lot of pain to a lot of people, it perhaps led to a series of events that let me enter his family and share the beauty that he once had. To be a part of something far greater than myself. For that, I am grateful. Perhaps if Carlos was still here today, I would not be where I am. Please, do not take this comment as one with selfish intentions; I truly am sorry for his loss. But I am also one that believes that everything happens for a reason, and in many ways, I can draw lines that connect his death to my 'rebirth.' To his family and friends, I feel your pain. I ask that you dwell on the good memories you created with Carlos and that you take a stand to not take your life for granted. I believe that Carlos would want all of us to live, to simply just live, and to enjoy everyday and strive for our passions. ~Jose C. Cotto

To Loved To Be Forgotten

By Jose Cotto (Written on 9/23/06 and edited on 9/23/10)

Although I never met you,

It feels like I've known you my whole life.

Such a tragic way you past,

Seven years ago tonight.

Carlos Torres Jr.,

A man who many will remember.

A leaf that bloomed in May,

And sadly fell in September.

Although you live on in people’s hearts,

It’s hard that you’re not here.

And that’s the reason why today,

The world experienced lots of tears.

But we all know and understand,

That you would want us to move on.

Watching over us,

Protecting us from evil and from wrong.

So tonight is a special night,

Filled with many emotions.

From people who wish they had met you,

To those who were the closest.

Your absence from this world is a reminder,

Not to take for granted this world that we were brought in.

CARLOS TORRES JR.

TOO LOVED TO BE FORGOTTEN

Labels: Carlos Torres Jr, Too Loved to Be Forgotten

Labels: haiku, Jose Cotto, poem

(Me and Mrs. Kaufman on the night of my senior prom in 07')

Labels: Education, Jose Cotto, Poetry, what is teaching

There is a new writer on the Internet. Her name is Kadijah Marie Harris. Although she will only be a senior this fall, in high school, she will undoubtedly be a great writer that will contribute nothing but great things to this world.

Asides from being an aspiring writer/journalist, Kadijah is my little sister. Not biologically, but to me, family is what you make it. I am so happy that she has started a blog. I know for sure that it will be a great way for her to express herself which is something that she has found tough at times in the past. This will be great practice for her and will most likely serve as a foundation for her future.

This is a young lady who I have seen grow before my eyes and now all of you can follow her growth. You can track her growth here: The World Is Yours

You can also read a post she wrote about me which truly means a lot to me. To have some one admire you and look at you for support and guidance is something most people would rather not have, but it is what keeps me going. I love you D. Thank you.

Thanks for tuning in...
Jose

Labels: Kadijah, The World Is Yours

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