Awake Asleep Dreaming Dead by John Siwicki Read Free Book Online

their picture.
    Nice to put a face to the name, Sam. I’m John Wax. His voice was low like Earl Nightingale, the famous motivational speaker.
    Thanks for coming. I’ve been thinking about nothing but this job, and what you said since getting your call.
    We’re excited to have you take the photos for the article.
    How about some coffee or something to drink?
    Coffee sounds good, thanks.
    I’ll bring it in. Have a seat, Sam said, and gestured to the circular oak table he’d made.
    Nice table. I like the wood. Is it oak?
    Yes, it is, and one of my many hobbies. I make background sets for the studio, and sometimes I build furniture. You do any woodworking?
    A little bit.
    I’ll get the coffee, and be right back.
    Wax was looking for something in his briefcase as Sam came in with the coffee. Here we go.
    Thanks, this smells good, and lifted the cup, taking a drink. After seeing your work in the display windows, and now after meeting you, I’d say you’re the perfect choice for this job. I really like your work.
    Thanks, that’s really nice to hear.
    When did you open this studio?
    About five years ago. It used to be a barber shop. The owner wanted to sell because the building’s old, and needed a lot of work. I was the only person interested in buying it, and we made a deal.
    Well, you’ve done a nice job with it as far as I can tell.
    Thanks a lot, still working on it. Seems there’s always something to do. I’m fixing up the small garden area I have out in the back. It’s coming along, slow but sure.
    As I was saying those shots I saw in the window really convinced me that you were the right person for this job. I’d like to see more of your work?
    Okay, Sam said, and went behind the counter to retrieve a portfolio. Have a look at some of these. The albums held the bulk of Sam’s work from his early days up to now.
    Wax turned the pages, scanning the photographs, making sounds of surprise and satisfaction. I was right, he said. You’re definitely the guy for this job.
    What kind of shots do you need? And when?
    I’m going to leave the picture taking up to you, and the article comes out in six months. Shoot a lot, and we’ll choose what we like.
    Six months, that should be plenty of time.
    What do you know about Alan Rogers, and his School of Architecture?
    I’ve been there, Sam said, and studied his designs. Like I said, before I opened this studio I studied architecture, and was planning to become an architect.
    That’s right, I do remember you saying that, and Wax added, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for. A resourceful all-around capable photographer that understands how to photograph architecture.
    I can’t tell you how I feel, Sam said, and raised his hand to shake and seal the deal.
    Okay, Wax said, then stood. I’ll be in touch. In the meantime figure out when you can do the job, and I’ll make all the arrangements. Let me know how long it’ll take you to shoot the school and surrounding area. How much you’ll need for the expenses and time.
    I’ll get working on it right away.
    Good, Wax said. Once you know what you need to shoot the job, send me a cost sheet, and we’ll go from there.
    That’s sounds great, Sam said. I’ll let you know when I put it all together.
    Sam followed Wax to the door, and gave one last wave as he got into his car and drove away. Did all of this just happen? Am I dreaming? Sam thought.
    Sam knew about the architectural academy. It wasn’t far from Four Corners. The surrounding property and structures were a popular tourist attraction. Students lived and studied architecture there. After visiting the place he thought he’d like to study there. He remembered how all of the structures on the property seemed to fit into the landscape. A signature practice of Alan Rogers. Man and nature co-existing together in the same space. That’s what Sam had read in one of Alan Rogers’ books. How he strived for this balance of nature using materials like stone, wood,