Yesterday, one of the nicest, friendliest, supportive, generous and talented people in the blogosphere, photosphere, Twitter, Facebook and G Plus announced he is taking a hiatus, possibly for good, but certainly for a long time. Toad, aka Scott Johnson, aka husband to the lovely Mrs. Toad, is going to have to stop taking photos and publishing his blog, at least with anything approaching regularity, in order to pursue a new work opportunity that came his way and that could mean a lot to his family. He will be dearly missed, and possibly the least of it will be the absence of his wonderful photos (new ones, at least). Toad wrote essays and complete stories to accompany his images, and in doing so he created a fully realized fairy tale world that was also grounded in reality.
But most of all we will miss his company. An odd thing to say for someone I never met, but nobody was more supportive, nobody was more consistently upbeat, nobody left more comments on this blog and dozens of others. Nobody spent more time on Twitter, Google Plus and Facebook combined, not just promoting himself but almost everyone he came into contact with. I really know only one person who even comes close. It is a darn shame to lose his online presence, but things change and time moves on.
So Toad, this is for you. May the sun rise, and then shine brightly, on the next phase of your life, and my God bless you and your family. I will miss your presence online, and hope someday to meet you in person. Best wishes buddy.
The East River, Roosevelt Island Bridge and Big Allis Power Station in Long Island City, Queens, taken from Roosevelt Island.
Dave DiCello
18 Oct 2011A fine tribute here Mark and true words. Toad was a blessing to have a friend and he will be missed! This is one stunning image as well!
Dave DiCello recently posted..Gridiron action
Rick Louie
18 Oct 2011Wonderful sunrise and a nice tribute to Toad. He will be missed.
Rick Louie recently posted..My Town Tuesday – Denver, Colorado
Edith Levy
18 Oct 2011Mark what a great post and tribute to Scott. You are so right. I will (and I know all of will) miss “The Toad”s” presence. Beautiful image as well.
Toad Hollow Photography
18 Oct 2011Mark, you have been a huge source of inspiration and friendship since we met here and I have sincerely enjoyed getting a chance to know you and your photography. This has been a very difficult decision for us to make, but sometimes in life things are bigger than us. I will think of you often, and only hope the best for you. I really love your work and have learned a lot from you, not just about photography, but about myself too. And for that, I thank you.
Toad Hollow Photography recently posted..BC Forest Discovery Centre
Chris Frailey
18 Oct 2011Very fitting. We are losing a Top Drawer friend. Wish you well Mr. & Mrs. Toad.
Chris Frailey recently posted..Up A Creek
Jim Denham
18 Oct 2011Here, here. Well said Mark!
Jim Denham recently posted..A Monument to Texas Heroes
John Deas
18 Oct 2011I cannot say anything that has not already been said. I wish you fair winds and following seas. I will miss your art, blogs, and insightful comments.
Michael Glover
18 Oct 2011What a fitting tribute to someone who has always been a source of inspiration to me as well as others. I don’t know anyone who puts so much time and effort into helping promote other photographers as well as himself. I couldn’t agree more with what everyone has said here before me. Toad is a true friend in every sense of the word. Good luck Toad!
Michael Glover recently posted..Silence Is Golden
Scott Wood
19 Oct 2011Lovely image and very nice words for the Toad. We have become friends over the recent months online and he always has a kind word. I am looking forward to the opportunity to actually meet face to face in the somewhat near future.
Rob Hanson
19 Oct 2011Very nice tribute, Mark. And, as for missing the Toadster… {sniff}
Jimi Jones
19 Oct 2011Excellent tribute, Mark.
I certainly wish the Toad (and Mrs Toad) all the best!
Your image here today is beautiful and very fitting.
ally
19 Oct 2011beautiful, touching, clearly from the heart. thank you for posting.
Jim Nix
19 Oct 2011let’s all raise a glass to Toad! great tribute Mark! great image too for sure!!
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Jay Taylor (aka Sirfishalot)
21 Oct 2011Beautiful and fitting tribute image to a great person Mark.
I hope Toad will have a chance to stop in from time to time to check on and continue to encourage us. I’m going to miss his presence also, but wishing him nothing but the best.
Jay Taylor (aka Sirfishalot) recently posted..Bird Images