Michael Hanson-Metayer
Bio
A restless soul, typically caught in between 2 divergent things. Sometimes freelance writer, occasional photographer, wide eyed observer of humanity, often a chronicler of recent and contemporary events, and frequent storyteller.
Stories (21/0)
Un-Vicarious Life
If living through a year and a half of restrictions and social distancing, cancelled concerts and closed county fairs, shuttered theme parks and months without seeing friends in person taught me anything, it was that a life worth living is full of new experiences that take place outside of the home. I spent hundreds more hours inside my home with my daughter than I might have otherwise and I now maintain a sourdough starter in my fridge, 2 things I am very thankful for. However, having been unable to go on a proper trip, make new acquaintances, experience once in a lifetime events, and enjoy a well produced stage show in a packed theater for over a year are losses I will never forgive the virus for. I did however gain a greater understanding for how much joy I derive from new experiences, starting a new project, or first getting to know new people (face to face rather than over a zoom call) and a true appreciation for new to me and fully novel experiences
By Michael Hanson-Metayer3 years ago in Motivation
Gratitude At A Time Of Significant Loss, Isolation, And Disappointment
Since March 17th, I have not been within 6 feet of anyone who I have not known for at least 10 years ( I live in a state that has taken Covid seriously and I took Covid guidance and recommendations given to me especially seriously since, by many definitions, as a cancer survivor I am considered a part of the "vulnerable population"). I have not been within 6 feet of my parents, who are older, since the pandemic started and have greatly limited the times I have visited them at any distance. I have not seen my last surviving grandparent, my grandmother, in person since the pandemic began and part of me fears I may not see her again as she is older and community spread is worse than it has ever been in my area with the 6 foot distance recommendations having become no multi-household gatherings.
By Michael Hanson-Metayer3 years ago in Families
Thanksgiving 2020, A Thanksgiving Without The Drive
This year, as we slide in to Thanksgiving and reflect on both the joys and hardships of the last year, the one thing I am thankful for above all else is the health and well being of my friends and family. This year has been an unexpectedly difficult one for nearly the entire world (though video conferencing companies and hand sanitizing manufacturers have seen growth they could not even imagine in 2019) and people are ready for a reprieve from the realities of living in a pandemic. The visions of roast turkey with gravy and sticky pecan pie have danced in people's heads since they threw out their rotting jack-o-lanterns (in mine for much longer as I am all about the Thanksgiving spread). People are thankful for their health and their family and that they have made it through the pandemic so far, but are still worried about the future and just want to share the sacrament that is Thanksgiving with family and friends and feel a connection with what is normal for a few hours. Unfortunately, many cities and states have put limitations and restrictions, if not outright bans, on multi-family gatherings in advance of Thanksgiving and greatly restrict holiday travel, requesting quarantining for those that travel. Health experts advise limiting travel and gathering sizes, even in places without their own restrictions, especially in regards to out of town and out of state visitors.
By Michael Hanson-Metayer3 years ago in Families
Congratulations For Voting, Now Let The Real Work Begin
In 50 years, historians will likely look back and note the presidential election of 2020 as being one of the most important elections in American history. There is simply so much that hangs in the balance now, from corona virus to systematic racism, from a widening wealth gap to need for immediate fixes for the healthcare system, from correcting environmental deregulation concerns to rebuilding the dominant presence the United States once had on the global stage. With record turnout and millions of Americans voting for the time, it appears that a lot of individuals realized that fact. However, voting once every 4 years (or once in a lifetime) does not fulfill the civic obligations which go hand in hand with the right to vote. With so many people engaging in the electoral system for the first time in their lifetimes, it is an ideal time for a civics lesson and perhaps a collective investment in the bank of civic responsibility.
By Michael Hanson-Metayer3 years ago in The Swamp
Molasses Popcorn Ball
I am old enough to remember growing up in a community where people gave out homemade treats on Halloween and parents used to actually let their children eat them. Back before parents were afraid of razer blades in candy apples and rat poison in homemade sweets, treats made with love and care and given to neighborhood kids were common place especially in rural America. Blame it on stranger danger or Geroldo Riviera style shock journalism, but the homemade treats given out on Halloween feel as distant now as adult Halloween parties that did not feature "sexy" costumes. Perhaps it is a false sense of nostalgia, but those homemade treats represented a sense of community that seems to be missing in modern America.
By Michael Hanson-Metayer3 years ago in Feast
Blue Heron Gone Grey
When it comes to wildlife and photography, I am a big fan of color, texture, detail, and lighting. But in the absence of color and with different rules for how lighting presents, do texture and detail still hold the same exact value? Do they hold less? Or Perhaps more? Curious about these questions, I did something I usually do not do, I turned my camera to black and white before shooting a few shots on a recent outing to a pond I have shot at dozens of times in color, but never in black and white. Shooting in black and white on a digital camera is almost pointless as taking a photo from color to black and white in post takes a second and does not rob any fidelity or detail, but there is still a point to doing so. Shooting in black and white, you can focus on crispness of details, how lighting effects the photograph (differently than when color is present), patterning, and textures visible in a shot, and in framing your subject, capturing it in an interesting pose or position and one that might play with lighting. It can be a fun challenge, but can also produce some truly beautiful shots.
By Michael Hanson-Metayer4 years ago in Petlife
Why And How I Moved My Workouts To My Living Room
First and foremost, to be clear and honest, I am not exactly the quintessential yoga type guy. I am not one to dismiss its benefits and have used some modified stretching in pre and post workouts that could be likened to yoga by those who have never actually taken a class, anyone actually familiar with yoga would call bullshit on my "poses" and form in a moment. However, in March of this year, I went from spending 5 days a week in the gym, workouts ranging from 30 minutes to over 2 hours each, to having the gym no longer an option to me. My gym was in my office and my office is still not open to this day (work from home is my reality at least until Corona virus cases are dropping nationally instead of rising).
By Michael Hanson-Metayer4 years ago in Longevity
What Is Trump Doing In Trying To Cut Payroll Taxes?
July 23rd, 2020 The news first, and an apology for the photo, it sears me to my soul as well (if the Surgeon General put that picture on tobacco and vaping products, nicotine addiction would nose dive in short order). It was widely reported this morning that after significant resistance from members of his own party, President Donald Trump is dropping the demand for a payroll tax cut to be part of the upcoming corona virus aid bill congressional republicans are working to put together now. To be clear, it was not said that he was dropping the demand altogether but Steven Mnuchin was quoted as saying “it won’t be in the base bill”, when interviewed by CNBC about the payroll tax cut, but he did later say the White House may seek a payroll tax cut in future legislation.
By Michael Hanson-Metayer4 years ago in The Swamp
Is A Camera Also A Piece Of Exercise Equipment?
No Gym, What Now? In this extended pandemic in which we all live, the gym went from a place I spent time 5 days a week, to a place that was closed and I was not allowed to go to by statewide order for months, to a place that is now open but I do not really want to go at the moment for a number of reasons. However, getting the exercise I have desperately been missing is still very much a possibility now and strongly encouraged by the same folks who shut the gyms down in the first place. Outdoor exercise, trail walking, hiking, biking, running, and general activities that require moving one's body outdoors are considered to be the best way to keep in shape and in good health in a world where social distancing is also an important part of staying healthy. Though I have dabbled in certain outdoor sports from time to time, the one outdoor activity that has stuck with me over the years has been nature and wildlife photography.
By Michael Hanson-Metayer4 years ago in Longevity
