08/01/2015
Over four years ago, I produced this personal project about Mark Battelle, a gentleman and street musician I met on the boardwalk in New Orleans. We lost him too soon but his spirit lives on in the videos and I was so touched to receive this email today:
Dear Beth,
I just came across your video on vimeo of a mutual friend Mr. Battelle and I know it's about a year or more late but I just wanted to say Thank You for taking time to make that video , I need to hear his singing sometimes and it's a blessing to be able to in such high quality and see the very essence of Mark's journey in that video . Mark Saved my life 2 years ago and I will never forget him. I was only 25 then and he took me in and made me his brother instantly. THANK YOU for making that video even though it has indirectly been a benefit to me. I don't mean to stir anything more than love. You have gave me a piece of love and I would like for you to know that.
Yours Truly
Johnny Rich Smith
After a little window shopping and the desire to rest my feet with my first and brand new DSLR, I sat on the wooden planks of the Mississippi River boardwalk near…