The first time I met Roger we talked for an hour or more right off the bat blocking our dorm’s narrow hallway, letting people pass through as they came by. Probably annoying for them, great for us. We talked about photography, about movies and art in general (we were in film school after all). And then we were having such a good convo we hatched a plan to meet up again later that night where we drank cheap wine and continued the conversation. This was almost ten years ago now and that seems crazy, because it still feels nearby in my memory. I was captivated while he explained to me (in his characteristic soothing cadence) scenes for a film. When Roger’s explaining an idea it’s like everything slows down and you get pulled into his orbit and just want to stay there, floating. It’s like letting a hard caramel candy or an everlasting gobstopper dissolve on your tongue - savoring it and nodding, a total treat, with someone creating and pointing out notes and hues you would have never noticed along the way. If you’ve experienced it, then you just know. So we met, and then I had the pleasure experiencing that thing that happens so rarely in life when you meet someone and you immediately know they are a kindred spirit and that they are going to be your friend. 💛 It was the end of the school year then, and I left for the summer feeling excited and motivated and energized, I felt I had just struck friend gold 🌟 In the following year we would hang out constantly, and I’d get cred for introducing him and @coopvchrn and my experience of being a transfer student with zero friends and nobody to collaborate with would turn into the most formative, helpful and loving friendships of my life. And it all started with that conversation. A mutual love for making stuff and a curiosity to become better. So here here!! Come all ye faithful to wish a happy (belated) birthday to Roggie. I’ll be 30 with u soon and were just getting started!! ⚡️⚡️⚡️ [1st pic is from that day] https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmcbk_hPNPK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=