Carl VanderLaan

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I've always said, "If I didn't have a camera I wouldn't travel" I think deep down I have this sense that I'm a photographer and that maybe I'll capture those images that will put people in awe. Until then here are some honorable mentions. ENJOY (read more)

1. I was obsessed with reading about airplanes when I was a kid. 2. When I was born I was already awesome. I think it runs in the family. 3. I flew an airplane by myself by the age of 18 at Muskegon Airport. 4. When I was young, I'd lock myself in my room and record my favorite songs from the radio on to tape and practice singing them. Then in the evening I'd drape my sheets over my bunk-bed to make… (read more)

Death bites. But dying while healthy, rich and free enough to drink life to the last drop is ludicrous. The idea's premise resonates. That’s why I have created a dream "do" list! This list is far from complete and will probably be ever changing but I've already started to cross some items off! Places - Visit a concentration camp (I love learning about WWII) - Visit the ancient city of Petra in Jordan… (read more)

Hi out there... thought I'd check in to let you all know what's up in my world... I've been working a lot lately... I'm enjoying off time right now from performing. That means I'm not really playing any shows as I concentrate on bettering my musical skills. Traditionally that would mean that you never see me at all, and my absence makes your hearts grow fonder, and then I appear again with my next… (read more)

Hugging my Mom and girlfriend, Sarah, and that's when fear started setting in. I started wondering when will I see them again. I turned to head to the flight gate. I didn't want to turn because I was already struggling to hold back my tears and I didn't want to see that pain that I've caused. Passing thru the TSA personnel I took my seat and immediately started texting Sarah. As we took off the signal… (read more)

Just days before my departure, my family throws a going away party. It's the last time that we're all going to be together for a while. I arrived to smiling faces and open arms, my Mom and Aunt Phyl hastefully preparing food. Shortly after I arrive other friends and family trickle into the party. My father and I setup outside and started playing tunes back and forth. Ari took our guitar picks and… (read more)