Waiting for Mike to come back

[peppard]

👍

 

[skopar steve]

Glad to see you back! Looking forward to more of your images.

 

[laurentb]

I hear that nobody says “no” to the Dogman.

I’m sitting at home (stuck in the house) waiting for a typhoon to pass by. With time on my hands I started thinking about the whole mess I left behind at RFF. I started thinking internally about how I could have handled things better. Of course there were many ways I could have handled things better; none of which I chose to do. I’m 69 years old, one would think that by now I’d be smarter, more mature, perhaps even have a little bit of wisdom going for me. Alas, that was not the case, I immediately opted for immaturity and over reaction. I bailed out without even a goodbye to the friends I’ve made here over the years.

So, with all this on my mind I came back to RFF to take a look at what was said, what I said and to think about what I could and should have done better. I see that the Mods/Admins have cleaned things up considerably; thank you.

Then I noticed this thread started by Dogman, the nicest member of RFF. I was seriously touched by him and the picture of his dog. Like they say “nobody says no to the Dogman”.

And, with that and perhaps to the disappointment of some other members…. I’m back!

Time heals all wounds, I hope so. Or per Groucho Marx, “time wounds all heels”. We shall see. Either way, I hope to do better in the future.

Apologies to the forum members that I hurt or disappointed and thanks to the members that have asked me to return to RFF. And, lastly a special thank you to Dogman.

All the best,
Mike

Mike,

I missed the "mess" you left here (as an AuDHD person, my focus tends to be ... fleeting) but I really appreciate your contributions, even if I'm not the most vocal person (now that is an euphemism I guess).

I'm not sure over reacting indicate any immaturity (and, BTW, playing with cameras at 69yo, is that really "mature" (says the 57yo guy)).

Laurent

 

[Bolo Kukus]

laurentb, as you wrote, feeling hurt over comments made by someone - who has since rescinded their critical remarks and in fact apologized for having made them, which was most admirably noble - has really nothing to do with over reacting or immaturity. One can be hurt by what others say, especially so if they believe the criticisms ware unfair - and naturally respond by withdrawing. To me, this is a natural self-protective tactic. We all do it, and it often can be useful in therapeutic ways to do so.

In this instance, Mike took time away to consider what was said, and has (wisely I believe) opted to return. He has posted his reasons why and made an apology to all. This I see as a mature and positive response, and I applaud him for having the maturity and wisdom to do so.

The most important thing in all this is, he is now back with us here in RFF. He is a valued and respected member of RFF, and he was missed while he was away. We are now pleased that he has returned. So all is well in our world. May it go on, and may it last!

As for playing with cameras - in which case, this 76.5 year old must emotionally and mentally be a 16.5 year old, wondering "what the f*** happened?"!!

To sum this up, I've considered your posted comment, and I rate it as well thought out and written.

 

[Ororaro]

Damnnnn I always miss the good stuff.

What happened?

 

[lynnb]

Welcome back Mike.
Kind regards,

 

[Barry Kirsten]

Ditto from me. I always enjoy your posts too.

 

[yanchep_mike]

Everybody talks about Mike being back, Where the hell has he been?
I am lost.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I too am glad Mike is back.

When I watch NHK everything looks just a little too perfect.
Mike's photos show me what Japan really looks like! 😎

Chris

 

[Ororaro]

I too am glad Mike is back.

When I watch NHK everything looks just a little too perfect.
Mike's photos show me what Japan really looks like! 😎

Chris

One or two big faces at 45• everywhere you look at?

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

I too am glad Mike is back.

When I watch NHK everything looks just a little too perfect.
Mike's photos show me what Japan really looks like! 😎

Chris

Thank you, Chris, your kind comment is sincerely appreciated.

All the best,
Mike

 

[Richard G]

What strikes me about Mike’s Yokohama chronicle is the evident cheerfulness of so many people. I may never get to Japan but have long wanted to. We hear of the isolation of housewives, the excessive drinking of overworked men etc. But this belies the evident wonders of Japan, the survival of many of its traditions. In photography there are many wise and delicate practitioners, some printing on paper they made themselves which will last a thousand years. The gardens and their great cities, and in Tokyo, gardens in great cities, all await a visit. No-one seems to return from Japan saying, yep we’ve done Japan. They all want to go back. If I could have one overseas trip only it would be to Japan.