Who inspires me? Well, here goes:

As a child I was inspired by my mother, but what son isn't. She is a social worker who works with physically- and sexually-abused women and children. That's a tough job.

As a music lover, John Lennon inspires me to try and write songs.

As a guitar player, Jerry Gracia inspres me to pick up my guitar and play.

As a journalist, Jan Wenner of Rolling Stone, used to be my inspiration. I also went through a Hunter S. Thompson phase. Today, I am a David Sedaris fan, but don't know who truly inspires me.

As a young photographer, Ansel Adams was an inspiration. A few weeks ago, I saw photos by Aaron Williams, a young photographer from Atlanta, GA. As someone who dreams of being a music photojournalist someday he inspires me. Check out his photos at www.flickr.com/photos/adub/.

There are a lot of other insprations in my life, but that's a start.