Subject: Greetings from DeLand!
Date: 1/22/97 8:33 PM
Received: 1/22/97 9:08 PM
From: Dan Biferie, profbif@ix.netcom.com
To: Pedro Meyer, pedro@zonezero.com

All is well on this end as we prepare to celebrate Danny's (my oldest son) 15th birthday this weekend.

My son is experiencing what most children his age feel - a need for independence, the questioning (challenging) of authority and limits, etc.; all while still needing love, attention, and reassurance. Most of the time I can handle the unpleasantness that comes during this crucial time in his life, as I was a difficult child when I grew up.

Danny has many qualities that will help him thrive as he matures and balances his emotions with wisdom and experience (right now those qualities are more like a pain in the ass!) He is passionate, creative, focused, determined, and a champion for the underdog. I am amazed at the complexity of his personal, creative work. He draws complex maps, systems, and researches to learn detailed information that will bring a sense of deeper reality to his role-playing games. He has always been fascinated with public transportation and computers. He aspires to be either a great actor, CEO of VOTRAN (Volusia County Transportation) or a bus driver (and you know that bus drivers earn more money than teachers!)

When I was his age, I knew that I wanted to be a photographer. I also had a difficult time in school, like my son, although I was not particularly bright. I was bored most of the time.

It was not until I began my formal study of photography that I really enjoyed the world of academia. There were two high school teachers, one community college teacher, and one university professor, who made a difference in my life. They encouraged me. I hope that my son finds at least one good teacher that encourages him too.

I understand how you felt when your child was sick recently. I wish there was some way that we could keep all the sickness, pain and suffering to ourselves, instead of having it happen to our children. Ultimately it all contributes to their health and their character. Too bad you can't fast forward through the most difficult years.

My youngest son's Billy (9) and Robby (6) are still at really neat stages in their lives, no heavies. Disappointment comes when there is no second desert, or they have to go to bed, or tomorrow is a school day. Robby still has his two front teeth out. Billy is sensitive, Robby is a comedian (he really has a great sense of humour for a kid of any age.)

Please pardon my rambling, I guess that my son's birthday is causing me to reflect, while using your bandwidth!

Attached are two new images for you. They loose a lot when they are reduced, at least in terms of detail, but the spirit is still there. I find that it takes longer to make a good print now, and that the really good images don't come as often. But when they do come, and they do come, they are usually very strong.

ZoneZero continues to set itself apart from the rest of the photographic community on the Internet. You have a simple, but elegant design, an attractive interface, and GREAT content. Keep up the good work.

Warm Regards, .........

Dan..