Starting at a very young age, Michael Over There has been a traveler. Since his birth in… A long time ago, Michael has lived in Florida, Arizona, Ohio, Mississippi, Oklahoma, seven recalled locations in Upstate NY, 15-20 places in Washington State, and Greenland.
Now for those of you wondering, our definition of “living in” a place means they’ve been there for at least six months, which means he has also spent at least a few months in many other places, including Alaska!
A lot of this moving was a result of military service, but much of it was family, either drama-related or deep-seated nomadic tendencies. As a result, he’s seen some things, including all 49 of the continental United Sates, most of which he has driven through and/or hung out in for one reason or another.
If asked, he will tell you that the diversity of location in his early childhood had a huge impact on his curiosity. After all, look at all of these amazingly different and sometimes bizarre places right here in your own country. He started reading almost as soon as humanly possible and from the age of six was found in the library more than in front of the television, although let’s be realistic, he watched a lot of TV. It was the Sixties. The television was the de facto babysitter for many.
As a teenager, he started learning to play guitar. His family (at the time) was a musical bunch and it was fun to join in and be a part of it. He found that his ability to learn instruments was one of his superpowers and has since learned to play all manner of stringed instruments, including piano, mandolin and all of the guitars. He’s also just found an old violin in the attic and is going to learn that one too. Among other instruments he’s given a whack at: 5 String Banjo, Harmonica, Drums (including Congas), Clarinet, Saxophone, and Trumpet. Given a few moments to warm up with any of them, he can sound like an absolute amateur but he’ll play something you recognize. He sometimes goofs around and funnels some effort into playing and actually records blues covers for fun.
Photography is one of Michael’s favorite things. While it is sometimes about capturing amazing vistas or spectacular events, for Michael it’s often about the quiet moments, the things that are hidden or trying to hide. You’ll find many of his favorite photos in the Gallery.
Michael Over There lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. for now.