Since so many are asking, I'll start by explaining “Mad Cow”. NO, I am not heavyset, nor mentally insane…the later, of course, being to the best of my knowledge. Mad Cow is not a nickname I’ve been saddled with befitting my personality and demeanor. Mad Cow is simply 6 letters taken from my name which I found just humorous enough to use in a chat forum…a decision I now regret. While I’m at it, and because these issues seem to be far more important, to some, than just meeting someone new, I’ll address the picture controversy. Yes, my pic is a shadow of myself…taken by myself on a beach. I’m a photographer and feel it is, albeit a tad whimsical, a fairly accurate depiction of myself. Since I’m not here to find a date (note the word “friendship” in my category choice) the only ones I can imagine taking exception to the fact that I’ve not posted a mug shot are those who imagine swaying me toward online dating or those who chose their friendships on extremely shallow grounds. I have little patience with any such persons, on either score, and don’t plan on wasting the time I spend here defending my position on these issues. Otherwise, I’m happy to meet anyone who cares to send mail my way. If you’re interested in getting to know me, the best way is probably to engage in conversation. I’ll include some tidbits about myself for the curious who do not yet know if they wish to write me. By trade, I am a photographer, but consider myself more of an artist. My pion is for capturing life’s fleeting moments before they are forever lost. The camera defies the law that you can never go back, and I consider it my job to insure that you can. When I’m not behind the lens, I enjoy touching paint to canv as well. Some would (and many do) consider me an expression junkie, since I practice, to some degree, about anything within the wide realm of art…paint, sculpture, dance, music, literature and poetry…I love it all. I believe the fastest way to personal growth is through expression…in which case I intend to grow ENORMOUS!!! Ha ha! I have never been married, though I’ve had a couple of close calls. I’ve lived all over the US and spent time traveling abroad…though not as much as I’d have liked. I have a fabulously large family who are always in my business, but that’s ok, because I love them all. I have a good handful of wonderful, lifelong friends who are also in my business, but that’s ok, because I love them too. I’ve had the great fortune of the ultimate canine companion for the last 16 years, until she ped away in the spring. I might add that more people came out for her funeral than will my own. Ha ha! To summ this up a bit, I would say I don’t pay tribute to trivial nonsense, but concentrate my efforts into things that hold importance to me…joyful life, family and friends. I don’t entertain any one “type” of friend, but enjoy a wide array of personalities. I liken the people I surround myself with to a garden of life, the more variety you plant, the more colorful your garden will grow.