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The name is Dwayne Holder.  Native of Lynn, MA work and play in Boston.  This space?  My thoughts, observations and random events in my life.  More info here.

This space will always be a work-in-progress. I will always be tweeking, updating and soforth, so don't be alarmed if things sometimes look a little "funny."

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Tuesday
Sep072010

What I've Been Up To

Yes, I know it's been a long time since I've last updated this thing. I plan to change all that. Given the event of this past summer I had to take some time and reflect and readjust. I still think about him, every day in fact. However, he wouldn't want me or anyone else in the family to lay about and be sad. He lived life always on the move, never stopping for anything, and he would want us to do the same. So let's get the ball rolling.

Change of Scenery

I've since moved out of my hometown of Lynn, MA and into the city of Boston with a very lovely lady. The transition went smooth with most of the wrinkles ironed out. Having a vehicle in the city is still a pain but a small price to pay.

New Project

I took up photography a little over a year ago and recently finished a Night Photography course at the New England School of Photography. The class was fun, and I plan on taking more workshops at the school in the future. You can see a small sample of my work here. For some reason not all of my photos are uploading so I'm going to have to do some tweaking and update you guys when more photos are up. During my reflection period, being active in taking photos has slowed down. This is something I plan to change, especially with the Fall foliage season closing in.

Another reason why have been less active in photography, is because I took on another responsibility, one that focuses on another passion of mine. Outside of my day job, I became a Writer at GameRant.com. I, along with many others, provide gamers with the latest videogame news, reviews and features...without the sugar coating. Writing for the site has been a great experience, mainly because I've been on the fence about being a game journalist for a long time. The opportunity allows me to to see how a fully functioning blog operates, and build some writing skills in the process. The staff are super-cool and a blast to work with. I look forward to creating more content for the site and helping it grow into something amazing. You can see all of my articles here, and don't hesitate to take a look around the rest of the site. If you like what you see give 'em a Like on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

The main thing I've learned these past few months is, life is way to short to be wasting time with things you dislike. Do what you enjoy, love, do what you have a passion for. Cause no man knows the day nor the hour...

DateTuesday, September 7, 2010 at 11:00AM | Comment1 Comment |
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Monday
Jun212010

I Remember...

I remember when he was born. 
I recall being so excited to be an uncle. I was about 8 or 9 years old, so gaining a new title was one of the highlights of my young life. I met him for the first time in New York at my Aunts house, so overwhelmed at my new position in the family social structure I neglected to get his actual name. I think I called him something along the lines of Fabio, my parents, bewildered corrected me and said his name was Antonio.

I remember his laugh. 
During the summer months he and his younger brother would come to Boston to spend some time. Back then I was very possessive of my belongings and kept them at bay, no thanks to my little sister. That quickly changed when I learned they could be trusted with my stuff and wouldn't break anything. Unlike my sister who wouldn't ask, take and destroy what she could get her hands on. She also learned something this summer, because that first time she encountered Antonio, he was just some kid who came in like a whirlwind into her room and her life playing with her toys. No doubt a result of me initially kicking them out of my room.

Those summers would always be ingrained in my memory as being the best of my young life. I remember, distinctly that everything was funny to him. He has this infectious laugh "NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK!" Like the Three Stooges but in rapid succession. We found it stupid, but hilarious all at the same time. I will never forget it.

He had a way of leaving an impression on you, even if you only knew him for a short period of time. I remember when he came to visit one summer, and it was a summer when a group of my high school friends met him for the first time. We, being the "responsible" teens that we were ,decided to combine one of Antonio's newly introduced memes with a telephone. And it went a little something like this...

*RING*RING*
Unsuspecting Victim: Hello?
Responsible Teen: Hello, have you seen DeVein?
UV: UH, DeVein?!
RT: Yeah, DeVein.
UV: DeVein who?
RT: DA VEIN ON MAH DDIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCKKKKKK!!!

I don't have to tell you that this made our freaking night, not to mention our summer.

In Like A Lion, Out like a Lion
You ask anyone who knew him and they would say he entered their lives like a hurricane. Unlike actually storms, this is one you wanted to stick around. Unfortunately like all good things, this storm came to an end two weeks ago. Antonio was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident and even though he's gone, he left such a presence when he was alive that it doesn't feel like he's gone. It's been one week since we laid him to rest, one of the most difficult things I or anyone in this family has had to do. It is something that I do not wish to repeat.

He was a family man, always making sure his mother and brother had what they needed. He did what he wanted, and died doing what he loved doing, and that was living life to the fullest. 

Many thanks to all of you who have helped this family get through this trying time. Thanks to the hundreds of people who came to send Antonio off. Nephew, you did in 22 years than what most don't even accomplish in a lifetime. You left your mark in the lives of so many, ensuring that everyone will always remember, allowing your spirit to live on.

You will be missed dearly.

 

DateMonday, June 21, 2010 at 05:10PM | Comment3 Comments |
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