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Daniel Hoy, a single man and movie buff from Pennsylvania, breaks down 25 lessons he has learned from movies. Can you decipher the flick names? Answers are revealed beneath the list.

1. If there is a big wedding, baptism or first communion at the home of the tight-knit family down the street and you aren’t invited, quietly slip out of town.
2. Kevin Costner can only play Kevin Costner. As part of this theory, baseball movies are okay. Movies which involve any accent or Elvis are simply bad script choices. Of course, the exception to this rule is if he makes the movie himself, in which case the four hours he takes to reveal the plot line will distract you from his actual performance.
3. I have learned that Tom Cruise in a film invariably is Tom Cruise portraying the character who is the absolute best at his occupation: fighter pilot, bartender, NASCAR driver, vampire, futuristic cop. Bottom line: He is always the best and will smile for 90 minutes to make you believe it.
4. If you are going to take a crap, don’t leave your Uzi by the toaster.
5. Crazy trumps love. No matter how much you love the bitch, if she is crazy you will end up saying, “Frankly, I don’t give a damn.”
6. It is no shame to want to bang your sister when you never really knew your father was the most feared evil-doer in the universe.
7. If your movie was made in the 70′s, it was honest, raw and “no holds barred.” Only in this original movie can kids make racial slurs and drink beer without anyone blinking an eye.
8. I learned to not look at anyone who drives a taxi.
9. I learned that robots not under the strictest control can screw up, sending children into space on a shuttle not equipped with enough O₂. You would think he would have checked the printout.
10. To be intimidating as Shogun of Harlem you need Converse, shoulder pads and henchmen dressed in leopard print material.
11. Even when starring opposite a primate in films, Clint is a bad ass mother.
12. If you have nice breasts and doink Leonardo DiCaprio you can be forgiven that you are a slut who cheated on your fiancé (who just bought you a gazillion dollar necklace). Oh yeah, and then you throw the necklace away in the ocean… “Whoopsie!”
13. Only boxers from Philly can be nearly brain damaged and lose vision, then win the heavyweight title, and accumulate ten title defenses…then become relatively lucid without any explanation.
14. The aforementioned Philly boxers can then go to Russia, almost get pounded to a bloody stump, and return to a punch drunk state where they say things like, “Santa is on the roof, because I hear rantlers.”
15. There exists a faction of moviemakers in Hollywood who laugh their asses off at how easily homophobic men fall prey to homoerotic films just because lines like, “Are you not entertained,” or “This is Sparta!” are shouted.
16. One super-villain is always enough. Once a movie presents more than one, the plotline becomes diluted (and no, this is never okay…no matter how much the box office makes).
17. I learned what the “Matrix” is and then did not care if Jesus, I mean Neo, saved me or not.
18. Chicks beating the crap out of each other with samurai swords is hot (and P.S.: Yes, Tom Cruise was simultaneously the best civil war soldier/ samurai, too).
19. If you tell Rocky he cannot win, he kills you off in the next movie – or two.
20. Resistance is futile.
21. It could sooo really happen that there is a “Worlds Greatest Bouncer” who can clean up a dive bar in a crappy town ruled over by a rich prick (who is so rich he can kill people without consequences).
22. Sledgehammer can absolutely pull off the crooked cop who sends Tom Selleck to jail.
23. Dennis Quaid can not only jump into your dreams, but also can exist in a shrunken pod inside your body, making you a cool hero.
24. Joe Pesci gets a horribly disproportionate amount of hot ass…but I ain’t tellin’ him that.
25. I learned that 60% of the time it works every time.

Contributed By Daniel Hoy

1) Any Godfather film 2) Any Kevin Costner film 3) Any Tom Cruise flick 4) Pulp Fiction 5) Gone With the Wind 6) Star Wars Episode IV 7) Bad News Bears 8.) Taxi Driver 9) Space Camp 10) Barry Gordy’s The Last Dragon 11) Any Which Way But Loose or Any Which Way You Can 12) Titanic 13) Rocky III 14) Rocky V 15) Gladiator and 300 16) Spiderman III 17) The Matrix 18) Kill Bill Vol. I and Last Samurai 19) Rocky III, Rocky IV, and Rocky Balboa 20) Star Trek 21) Roadhouse 22) An Innocent Man 23) Dreamscape and Innerspace 24) All Joe Pesci films 25) Anchorman

Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint in “North By Northwest”

Who knew being wanted for murder could be such an aphrodisiac? Cary Grant, an advertising executive mistaken for an American secret agent, is already suspected of a murder at the United Nations. Now Eva Marie Saint has him in her sights, plying him with her forthright speculation that some women don’t mind when they know men want to make love to them. This scene stands out for both Grant and Saint’s nearly Arctic cool when the topic is something so wonderfully steamy. Though set on board a passenger locomotive, the scene doesn’t feature any trains driving into tunnels, but when Grant asks, “So what do you do besides lure men to their doom on the 20^th Century Limited,” we know the image is imminent.

George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez the trunk of a getaway car in “Out of Sight”

Bank robber Clooney has just escaped from a Florida jail only to be nearly blown away by Jennifer Lopez’s shotgun-wielding federal marshal. But the real fireworks start when the two cram themselves into the trunk of J-Lo’s car to split the scene. It’s one of the most awkward and oddly placed first dates on film – Clooney spooned up against Lopez in the dim glow of brake lights as the discussion alternates between why he should give himself up and the merits of films featuring Faye Dunaway.

Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart in “To Have and Have Not”

How to choose a scene from this great based on the sub-par Earnest Hemmingway novel of the same name. Bacall’s Marie, aka Slim, smokes (both literally and figuratively) through the entire movie and dangles herself in front of a significantly older Steve (Bogart) at every turn. Though the movie is filled with examples of the smoldering heat between the two, this scene, in which Slim lets Steve know exactly where he stands with regard to his chances with her, is perhaps the most famous. “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and … blow.”

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in “You’ve Got Mail”

Modern romantic comedies frequently toe the line between sweet tales of a couple that “meets cute” and then spends the rest of the film engaged in behavior that would, in the real world, be the grounds for a restraining order. Not so in “You’ve Got Mail,” where the two main characters anonymously share their deepest thoughts, desires and aspirations via e-mail, while deeply disliking each other as both people and business competitors in the offline world. Despite dated elements (people actually using AOL, the now-extinct sound of a dial-up modem connecting), the sweetness and humor of their correspondence is a great reminder of what fine flirtation can be – utterly non-sexual, but with enough glimpses into the soul of the other person to make each start thinking that taking this thing to the physical level might not be such a bad idea.

James Stewart and Donna Reed in “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Those who know “It’s a Wonderful Life” only as a Christmas movie often forget that one of the central elements of the story is the great love between George Bailey (Stewart) and his wife, Mary (Reed). But before the marriage, the “drafty old house” and the passel of kids, there was the moment where George and Mary stroll home from a school dance harmonizing “Buffalo Gals.” Old-fashioned? Sure. But who among the men out there hasn’t, in one form or another, promised to lasso the moon for the object of his affection or needed a little outside push (from a neighbor on his porch or otherwise) to finally make his move?

Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon in “Bull Durham”

A wise man remarked after a viewing of this classic, “That movie ain’t about baseball, it’s about screwin’.” Perhaps, but the first two-thirds of this 1988 classic could be considered one long, drawn-out flirtation between Costner’s Crash Davis and Sarandon’s Annie Savoy. The fact that Annie is sleeping with rookie pitcher “Nuke” LaLoosh most of the time doesn’t change the fact that the heat between Crash and Annie ripples hot enough to melt celluloid. Crash, for his part, plays it icy cool, feeling Annie’s attraction but refusing to acknowledge it until she gives up her young buck for what she really wants (and, as it turns out, needs). As proof that one of the most attractive things a man can be is self-assured, witness Annie’s response to Crash’s declaration of things he believes.

The above golfer (Anton), pretty lady (Klaras) and hunter (Torstens) are all designed by Asa Lindstrom and available (along with other styles) at JustScandinavian.com for $59.

Cheers!

Name: Patrick Lynch

Age: 37

City: Oakland, CA

Work: High School Administrator

“You’re having a baby,” the doctor says. Generally, a hush falls over the room, exuberant parents-to-be searching for words to exclaim with pleasure. Very often, the physician’s report is a complete surprise. Sometimes, particularly when the news hits the ears of single people not in love, those without a partner, or some ill prepared for the pending birth, “shock,” “fear,” and even “despair” may describe the first emotions. Those feelings may initially be somewhat selfish. Then, as the belly of looming parenthood grows, so does the fear of wondering how a child born without a traditional family unit could possibly grow into happy, well-rounded adulthood. Beyond those initial moments (however they occur), the rest of the story is one of mice, or men.

One man in Oakland, California is forging a path that might become an example for single fathers-to-be everywhere, as well as one heralded by their female counterparts, the pregnant ladies. He is Patrick Lynch, a 30-something, high school Administrator. He is also father to fraternal twin daughters Cailla and Gemma, both five years old.

Patrick and the twins’ mother dated through early 2003. After the couple determined they were not a permanent match and ended their romantic relationship, then 37 year-old Tina discovered she was pregnant. The expecting pair discussed marriage, but knew that they were ultimately not meant to follow that path.

Patrick Lynch, reading to his daughters several years ago. (Photo Courtesy Patrick Lynch)

For the girls’ first five years, Patrick and Tina have amicably shared custody and expenses. The mother maintains 70 percent custody and Dad has the girls the remaining 30 percent of the time. Although their residences were only about 25 miles apart, California traffic congestion and the back-and-forth lifestyle wore on both parents’ energy, time, and nerves. Perhaps more frustrating was the indication that Cailla and Gemma did not relate well to leaving one parent behind, as part of the custody interchanges (as is typical with young children in these circumstances).

Patrick devised a solution. It is one that makes life easier for all concerned, allows the twins to experience a more consistent schedule, continuity in one neighborhood, and perhaps even proves that surprise babies out of wedlock can be welcomed into a stable, nurturing home with both parents present, active, and fully involved. All of that, and – when mixed with a healthy dose of unselfish maturity – spaces that are separate enough to allow for each single parent in the children’s lives to maintain autonomy to pursue other healthy, loving, adult relationships.

What was that solution? He bought a duplex.

Often considered suitable by those seeking more space than an apartment, but without the ownership requirements of a stand-alone home (or a transitional residence as one “moves up” in the professional world), duplexes are less thought of as an ultimate objective for home buyers in their 30′s and beyond. But, this dad had a plan.

Patrick explains, “I looked [for a split-home] in the safest neighborhood I could afford in Oakland, one where the value of the property should continue to appreciate. I liked this house, because it was once a single-family home that was converted into a duplex. So, I saw that it could eventually become a single residence, again.”

That flexibility in the floor plan was optimum, as the original house was divided into a bottom floor dwelling, and a top floor dwelling, both entirely independent of one another. His objective is for Tina and the girls to live on the lower level, maintaining their lives as a single-parent household. When the girls are with him, Patrick will retain his single-Dad status. Minus the commute, and with the immediate proximity, both parents are able to share in all of the joys and tribulations associated with full-time parenting, thus affording each other greater moral and financial support. If one parent is to marry, or when the children are grown and leave the nest, Patrick can reconvert the household to a larger, single unit.

Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of the father’s plan is that he seems to truly want the best, not only for his daughters, but for their mother, too. He is man enough to take full responsibility for the children, and to consider their Mom in a modern, yet chivalrous, manner at the same time.

Cailla and Gemma, fraternal twins, giggle with Dad. (Photo Courtesy Patrick Lynch)

Patrick is also quick to admit there could be some tricky moments ahead, if both parents are to truly have adult lives separately, yet in the same house.

“There are some walls that must be insulated,” he says. “Right now, you can hear what is being said, from one unit to the other.”

Obviously, if Mom has the girls for a weekend, and Dad wants to cook for a friend of the opposite sex (or vice versa), neither wants to be able to hear everything going on in the other’s portion of the duplex. Some soundproofing is in order. Personal space and rights to privacy will need to be respected between the adults of the two households.

Although the house is a work in progress and requires upgrades and some repair, Patrick is optimistic that things will work out for the best. From listening to him as he describes his hopes and plans for the betterment of his children’s lives, we know that he will not only succeed in raising healthy, happy, secure daughters, but in trailblazing a path toward redefinition of “nuclear family” as an institution that even single parents and their children can enjoy.

By HGTV’s Krista Watterworth

Your living space says a lot about you to a date or partner. Krista Watterworth, Designer and Host of HGTV’s Save My Bath gives expert tips for preparing your home for a new romance.

Dreamy Romance Begins in Your Home
Seeking a “dreamy” romance? The first step toward a healthy, happy relationship is to ensure you are healthy and happy, yourself. Your home’s condition directly influences your stress level and emotional well-being. It should also reflect the best of who you are, inspire you, encourage relaxation and comfort both yourself and your dreamy date.

1. Start by creating an inspiration room - a place where you escape to feel good about yourself, your life and your surroundings. When you are relaxed, you are naturally a more attractive, giving mate.Inspiration rooms should have elements that positively affect the five senses. This space should provide a relaxing end to a stressful day or a rejuvenating jaunt into another state-of-mind.For the sense of smell, try lavender incense. It is often used as a homeopathic remedy for anxiety.A tabletop water fountain or relaxing music provides a soothing sound for your ears.Tactile fabrics such as silk, cotton, or cashmere for blankets, pillows and upholstery provide a welcoming texture.Cool blues and greens are settling and peaceful for your eyes, while ornaments such as Buddhas evoke feelings of hope and safety. A framed photo of your favorite place to travel encourages relaxation.A pitcher filled with filtered water, organic mints or even peppermint tea will please your sense of taste.
2. Get rid of clutter and get organized. It not only looks better but you will find things more easily and quickly. Clutter equals stress and decreased productivity for you. It also feels chaotic and unwelcoming to your guests.One of my favorite projects was to create homemade storage boxes. I began saving boxes from holidays and deliveries. I collected decorative papers, stationary, wrapping paper, and interesting looking art magazines. I put together all the papers with a similar color scheme and complimentary patterns, and voila! – instant designer storage boxes! I labeled each one and I can now store items in open shelves, on tabletops, and counters by using my gorgeous new boxes. Everything is in its place and there’s a place for everything!
3. Transform your bedroom into your sanctuary. After all, it is the most intimate room in your home (next to the bathroom).Remove, cover or store all your electrical equipment – or better yet, don’t have any. This room has the greatest effect on your health and well-being because sleep and romance are essential to a balanced life. Electrical items create a conflict of energy, and your bedroom should nurture your soul and feel inviting to both you and your partner.

Your home should provide inspiration, energy and relaxation. It should reflect positive notions of your sense of self, soften your edges as well as resonate with your sense of style. It’s easier than you think to create your very own dreamy, romance-ready home!

Television personality Krista Watterworth of HGTV’s hit show “Save My Bath” has helped transform over 52 of America’s ugliest bathrooms into contemporary, functional and beautiful spaces. She is also founder and lead designer of Urboeclectic Design (www.urboeclectic.com) and co-founder of Inspired Urban Spaces (www.inspiredurbanspaces.com).  She was recently featured on HGTV’s “You Should Live Here,” “Kitchens and Baths 2007,” “Ultimate Bathrooms,” as well as “25 Biggest Decorating Mistakes,” and has had guest starring roles on “As the World Turns” (CBS) and “All My Children” (ABC).

By HGTV’s Krista Watterworth

You’ve had a few great dates and now that special someone is coming over for a visit. Don’t let your romance fizzle before it even gets started!  Your date will most likely snoop when he or she heads to the bathroom (wouldn’t you?) and scary personal products or a scummy shower curtain may well lead Mr. or Ms. Right right out the front door!

According to Krista Watterworth, design guru and host of HGTV’s hit show Save My Bath and Biggest Decorating Mistakes, the state of your bathroom is a tell tale sign of your personal hygiene and could be seen as an indicator of the care you’ll put into your relationship. She offers the following quick tips for making the best impression:

1. Clean and tidy is the only way to go!

Don’t leave dirty, wet towels hanging in the bathroom and make sure all surfaces are clean and mildew-free.

Make sure there is hand soap and toilet tissue.

Empty the wastebasket.

Gentlemen: Clean the toilet seat…thoroughly, including under the seat and around the bowl!

Ladies: Get rid of any knotty, linty hairbrushes and sweep up those strands of hair.

2. Rid the medicine cabinet of your “dirty little secrets.”

If you aren’t ready to let your date know what medication you take, don’t leave it in the medicine cabinet.

3. Edit your personal care products!

Nothing screams “I’m high maintenance” like a bathroom overrun with products. Keep the illusion that you’re a “natural summer beauty” by storing away all but a few essentials. You may use six different moisturizers, four different hair gels and two different acne creams, but your date doesn’t need to know this!

And a tip for the organizationally challenged – if you haven’t used it for a few months, it’s probably time to say goodbye to it.

4. Decor counts!

Even your bathroom can express your sense of style. Have a fresh and clean set of neutral colored towels available and display a scenic image in a photo frame. It’s a great sign to a potential partner, when a date cares about the details.

5. Turn the romance up a notch.

One nice scented candle or even a simple tea light can make a big difference.

Everyone loves a little romance so always keep some floss and mouthwash on hand, in case your date wants to freshen up for smooches.

Oh, and that spare toothbrush may come in handy!

Television personality Krista Watterworth of HGTV’s hit show “Save My Bath” has helped transform over 52 of America’s ugliest bathrooms into contemporary, functional and beautiful spaces. She is also founder and lead designer of Urboeclectic Design (www.urboeclectic.com) and co-founder of Inspired Urban Spaces (www.inspiredurbanspaces.com).  She was recently featured on HGTV’s “You Should Live Here,” “Kitchens and Baths 2007,” “Ultimate Bathrooms,” as well as “25 Biggest Decorating Mistakes,” and has had guest starring roles on “As the World Turns” (CBS) and “All My Children” (ABC).

By HGTV’s Krista Watterworth

Krista Watterworth, design guru and host of HGTV’s hit show Save My Bath and Biggest Decorating Mistakes points out nine design mistakes that could inhibit romantically happy endings in your home:

1. Fake Flowers. A huge mistake! Get rid of them immediately. Fresh flowers or real plants ONLY!

2. Too Many Pillows. A few decorative pillows are great, but an overload is uncomfortable and makes it seem like a child’s romper room.

3. Knick Knack Overload. There’s no need to display a snow globe from every place you have ever been. Just keep to a few select things that truly have meaning or are beautiful to you.

4. High Art. Place artwork at eye level only. Just because you have a large photo or painting, you shouldn’t hang it way above the eye line of the average person.

5. Tacky Couch Covers. Don’t follow in your great aunt’s footsteps with plastic covers, an ill- fitting, sloppy slipcover or throw. Try to keep your sofa tailored.

6. Pushed Back Furniture. Make the pieces work for your space, not the other way around. Arrange furniture to create a cozy environment. Don’t use your furnishings to cover wall space.

7. Everything Matches. This can kill a space. There is no reason that the rug, sofa and curtains have to be the same print. This is a dated look that overwhelms the eye and causes anything slightly out of place to stand out.

8. Ignoring Window Dressing. The most sleek homes often have the worst white blinds as “window treatments.” Coordinate window treatments with the rest of the décor, or they will be an eyesore and your place will appear unfinished.

9. Furniture That Doesn’t Fit. Don’t try to squeeze the huge sectional couch from the ‘burbs into a compact city apartment. Instead, opt for a loveseat. Oversized or undersized furniture can have a huge impact on a room.

Television personality Krista Watterworth of HGTV’s hit show “Save My Bath” has helped transform over 52 of America’s ugliest bathrooms into contemporary, functional and beautiful spaces. She is also founder and lead designer of Urboeclectic Design (www.urboeclectic.com) and co-founder of Inspired Urban Spaces (www.inspiredurbanspaces.com).  She was recently featured on HGTV’s “You Should Live Here,” “Kitchens and Baths 2007,” “Ultimate Bathrooms,” as well as “25 Biggest Decorating Mistakes,” and has had guest starring roles on “As the World Turns” (CBS) and “All My Children” (ABC).

Photographs by Mark Margraff

Name: Robert Sullivan

Age: 34

City: New York City, NY

Work: Attorney

The definition of legacy includes “anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor,” such as the legacy of ancient Rome; it also includes “an applicant to or student at a school that was attended by his or her parent” (both according to Random House’s Dictionary.com Unabridged v1.1).

A more concise definition of legacy is Robert G. Sullivan.

He is jokingly referred to as “The Dream,” by friends and family, due in large part to his dashing personal style, optimistic attitude, winning charm and professional ambition. This legacy, commonly known as “Bobby,” is not simply a shoe-in following in forefathers’ footsteps or a man riding the coattails of others. He is worthy of all he has accomplished, and a source of pride for those Sullivans before him.

Bobby’s grandfather graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in 1953. His father was second to graduate from that school in 1973, later becoming the senior partner at Sullivan, Papain, Block, McGrath & Cannavo, PC, a renowned legal firm occupying prime real estate in Manhattan, overlooking the work site that was once the Twin Towers. Bobby was the third Sullivan to graduate with a legal degree from St. John’s in 1999, with his younger brother Brian following close on his heels as the fourth, in 2000.

Now, Bobby and Brian together are Sullivan & Sullivan, LLP of Garden City, on Long Island. Their specialization is that of personal injury, but not of the daytime television variety that airs flashy commercials between Jerry Springer or Maury Povich Show episode segments, asking if you or a friend slipped on a banana peel in your local market. Theirs is a continuation of personal injury representation that is derived of generations of trial attorney experience in the most cutthroat of legal environments that is New York City. It is perpetuation of representation in some of the most well-known and highly broadcast injurious accidents in the country.

Bobby’s veins are filled with lifeblood from the American legal system and his heart beats with the energy to continue the traditions of his Irish American family. Often described as “experienced and aggressive,” just like his father and grandfather, this young Sullivan of 34 years is also compassionate and clearly cares about the welfare of his clients.

Beyond the winning resume and occupational history of those Sullivans before him, Bobby is the eldest son to proud parents. He describes his mother lovingly, saying, “She is beautiful, vibrant, caring and nurturing. She is a great inspiration.”

When asking a young attorney about their proudest moment to date, one would expect an answer laced with bragging of courtroom antics or accomplishments. Instead, Bobby wears his heart on his dapper sleeve, surprising those present by warmly gushing, “It would have to be in assisting in the adoptions of my youngest siblings, aged 9, 8, and 7 years.”

In all things professional and private, this tight-knit clan of New Yorkers that surround “The Dream” appear to live by the mantra, “go big or go home.”

As Bobby dresses for photographs and switches jackets, his Irish, devil-may-care outlook briefly shines through the ambitious, professional exterior, when asked if he is going to wear a particular blazer. “Oh no,” he steadfastly replies, “that is one of my throwaways. I buy a lot of those, so when out having drinks with friends, I don’t have to worry if I ruin it or leave it in a booth somewhere.”

Yes, this man enjoys the social life of a Manhattan cliché. Just about every photograph of him seems to contain six, eight, or ten ladies, with him sandwiched amongst the smiling, well-coiffed and statuesque women of New York, quaint Irish pub environments as backdrops. “I’m not a nightclub kind of guy. Pubs are much more my style,” he says, as if one would question that in a man so genetically Irish and clearly loyal to the ways of generations past.

From those photographs, one might assume that monogamy is not a chosen path. But, perhaps one of the most endearing aspects of Bobby’s personality is that of respect of women, particularly his sisters, mother and girlfriend.

“I’ve recently realized that I am good at relationships. I’ve relearned romance. I used to be ‘Type-A,’ but I think my youngest siblings and my girlfriend have softened me.”

As if revealing some centuries-old secret, his voice quiets slightly as he says, “I even took dance lessons. The first lesson required a little ‘social lubrication’ to get me there, but then I enjoyed it immensely. I can dance all of the classics.”

Not bad secrets, a romantic side and classical dance talent.

He appears to be a dream child to his family, the Golden Son to proud parents who look to their children to accomplish as much or more than generations before them. “The Dream” doesn’t stop short of his own hopes and dreams, however.

“I just acquired a new 2008 BMW coupe,” he grins like the Cheshire Cat. “I love it. But, I think a small jet is my ultimate dream.”

Materialism aside, he maintains, “Life could not be better. My professional life is great. My family life is killer. I get to see my Mom and Dad every day if I want. My law firm is in my home town and I live in Manhattan. My business partner is my brother.”

Yes, he is living the American Dream.

Aside from being a legacy, how did he get there? Does he deserve the gilded life? Those are questions quickly answered, when the man whose taste runs from AC DC to Celtic folk music, travel in Iceland and relaxation in his beach house, playing golf to snow skiing, eating Power Bars to gourmet chicken, weighs in with one winning statement: “I love everything my work provides for me. But, I believe that happiness in life is brought about by the quality of friends you share your drinks with. I think I’m doing quite well…but there is always room at the table.”

By Curt Riedy | All Photos By Murray Peters | Illuminature.com |  SLIDESHOW

Everywhere we go, throughout each day of our lives, Nature surrounds us. Despite its ever-presence, we tend to bypass the beauty and remark little on the awesome and spectacular intricacies of every scene, creature and beam of light. Dawn blurs into day, day into dusk and evening into dark. The routine of our lives brings about a cycle that allows for little notation of what lies beyond the sidewalks and streetlamps of our ever-encroaching and sprawling cities.

Occasionally we might step into our walking shoes or muddy boots and head down a dirt path for a day of fresh air and sunshine. But, do we, as the general public and sometime aficionados of the outdoor experience, really see the complexity and wonder of the Earth upon which we exist?

One man does make note of every ray of light, palette of color and depth of scenery that he possibly can, both for himself and, thankfully, for those of us more inclined to stay within the bounds of our own front lawn or parkway. That man, Murray Peters of Utah, captures Nature in his own time, way and vision that is aptly named Illuminature.

Imagine yourself high on a knife-edged ridgeline. Before you, a breathtaking display of light emits from a setting sun, illuminating the clouds that hover at your feet. You sit perched, completely mesmerized by beauty as the sun drops beyond the horizon. As dusk looms, the realization occurs that you haven’t any tangible form of light with you, neither a headlamp nor a flashlight. While scrambling desperately to traverse rocky edges and racing toward the trail, darkness envelops you.

This may sound a little risky and perhaps borders on suicidal. But, for landscape photographer Murray Peters, just as long as he brings his camera, the experience will be worth it…for all of us.

Despite being his great passion, photography is not Murray’s profession. He’s been an independent financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial for over ten years. Regardless of having to maintain the day job, Peters’ primary reason for creating his art comes from an unrequited love for photography and the breathtaking surroundings that make up his current home of Salt Lake City.

A native of Texas, the 42 year-old single father has a deep affection for capturing the beauty found in the American West. In particular, the bulk of his work involves the Colorado Plateau that extends into the Beehive State of Utah, where he now lives with his 14 year-old daughter, Madison.

Peters’ love for photography awakened in junior high and his current artistic passion grew out of hiking, with both hobbies forging together toward initiation into nature imaging in 1996. “I loved to hike, to be out there with nature,” recalls Murray. “One day, it finally just dawned on me, ‘God, I really need to bring a camera.’”

As a single parent, Murray takes advantage of any opportunity to share his hobby with Madison. In fact, his daughter has naturally developed a love of photography and recently acquired her own digital camera. Although Madison occasionally accompanies her father on his shoots, the result is generally that of her becoming tired during the associated trek, as well as that classic anecdote one would expect to hear while hiking with their teenage daughter, “I’m bored.”

Peters has developed a portfolio of incredible material. For instance, his depiction Across the Waters captures a breathtakingly vivid reflection of a sunrise in the waters of a mountainside lake. The shimmering reds, yellows and golds in both the lake and night sky provide an equal balance that perfectly illustrates Peters’ talent.

Another fan favorite is the piece entitled Sanctuary, which explores the exquisite beauty of cavern rocks. The imagery of the piece takes a firm hold on the viewer’s eye, and makes perfect use of the cavern’s natural color palette.

Like the giving nature of Peter’s photography itself, his website, Illuminature.com, also plays a much-appreciated role in benefiting the landscapes from which it lovingly borrows. He supports the beautiful lands he photographs by contributing a portion of the website’s profits to charitable organizations that dedicate themselves to the preservation of our environment as a whole. As he claims, one of the main goals of Illuminature is to provide more than an aesthetically pleasing collection of images, as a “reminder of the condition of our world” in both its beauty and suffering.

While it’s easy to see how Peters plays a vital role in the planet’s betterment as a photographer alone, the uncommonly honest artist will openly admit to mistakes made along his way. “One day I loaded up my gear and cruised down to Southern Utah, which was a good couple of hours away from home,” recalls Peters. “Once I arrived, I began to unload everything and realized I forgot my mount for the tripod, which is one of the most important tools for capturing exposures that often take several hours. Needless to say, I had to pack everything up right there and head back.”

Even some of Peters’ most admired photos were accidental. This is most notable in the piece entitled Teton Thirst, which features a moose settling down to an afternoon drink. “I was in Grand Teton National Park, setting up this really beautiful angle and at the last moment he just walked right into frame,” Peters noted, laughing to himself. “That moose really ended up making the shot.”

A testament to the painstaking art of landscape photography, the moose from Teton Thirst demonstrates the awe-inspiring results derived from the perseverance required for every single picture. Another fantastic example of Peters’ patience is Aurora, a photograph taken in the Upper Antelope Canyon in Arizona. “To capture [the canyon’s] natural beauty, you need to wait for the different beams of natural light to appear,” states Peters, explaining the shot process. “You just sit for hours, watching them move. It’s all incredibly beautiful.”

While the photographs themselves require an endless amount of skill, the task of naming his creations is, for Peters, a much simpler process. “Sometimes the subject is a formation with a specific name, and I just go with that. Often, it’s a name of my own creation, a stream of consciousness thing. Just clear your head and it’ll pop in there. No method, just whatever evokes.”

Next up for Murray is a road trip to Yosemite National Park, a very iconic location for the artist. The park brought endless inspiration to a major hero of his, the great photographer Ansel Adams.

Although he might one day venture to locations elsewhere (camera in tow, of course), Peters’ main inspiration will always be the American West. “I could spend years knocking out national parks around here. It’s just endless beauty.” As for any international aspirations, Peters sees himself heading to the Himalayas in Nepal, but maybe not right this minute. “Obviously, I think I’d like to wait for the political situation to calm down a bit.”

His other photography plans for the future? “Continue to sell through private collectors and decorators. One day I’d like to have a physical retail store, but I don’t know how much of a reality that will ever be.”

What’s most important to Peters is the desire to continue his craft in the most sincere of forms, to keep the romance alive and bustling. “It’s an outlet, not a vocation. Most of all, I want to continue to love it. I’d like to swap my professional positions [from Financial Advisor to Professional Photographer], but it’s really something I do just because I love to do it.”

Although his initial methods were a bit askew, Murray sees real potential in just how far he can take his photography. “I put it out there backwards,” he admits. “I was learning how to do it as I went. My friends and family would encourage it, and I’d just keep pushing. Basically, what motivated all this was a desire to share, to expose the public to just how wonderful and beautiful this part of our country can be.”

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