11/12/2025
It's 4 a.m., and I'm awake.
Last night’s launch for the Faces of Roller Derby book was amazing.
The people, the vibe, the food (which looked incredible), the music. Everything.
So many thoughts, and so many people to thank for last night.
We had 30 minutes to take a skate rink and turn it into a gallery space. Huge thanks to Miranda, Courtney, David, Riley, and others I may have forgotten in my sleep-deprived haze for stepping in and “hanging” 40 prints and their associated print cards. The rink looked amazing.
Thanks to Abbi, who helped hand out books until I was told to “Go and look at what you have created.”
That was the moment it finally sank in.
Everyone was looking through their books, often in groups. The smiles, the laughter, the high-fives, and most importantly, the approval of the book I had created. My greatest fear (all self-imposed) was that the book would not live up to the hype. From the comments and the joy of watching people sign each other’s books, my fear was finally let go.
I'm very proud of this book and of my work within it.
I'm very grateful to the community for your support and vocal acceptance.
The vibe of the event was palpable. So many people, including many from interstate, came together for the launch of Faces of Roller Derby. The smiles, the joy on the faces of those featured on the walls, and those who were simply happy to be a part of it all.
The only thing I would change about the event would be having the time to talk to everyone. You were all so understanding, but I still wish I could have spent more time with you.
I'm thankful for those not in the community who came along to support me. It was great seeing you there, chatting away with the derby crowd.
To the Sk8House team: thank you for the use of your venue. You and your staff were, as always, amazing.
To my brother Chris: your music selection and performance were, as always, perfect. So many people commented on your playing and how well it suited the event. It was so much fun getting to join you for the final song.
To Sparkles for your heartfelt speech that had a few people wiping their eyes.
Thanks to those who helped pack up the event. Your help was very much appreciated.
I'm going to finish up with a global thank you to everyone else who contributed in some way to the success of the evening. At this time of the morning, if I try to mention everyone, I will accidentally omit someone for sure, and I do not wish to do that. You know who you are, and you are appreciated.
But I will finish with one person: Miranda. You are the love of my life, so much so that I changed my surname to yours because I wanted to find a way to be even closer to you and Riley. It is with 100% conviction that I say the Faces of Roller Derby book would not exist without you.
Your support for the project (even when you were less than impressed with the amount of time it took) never wavered, and whenever I had my doubts, you were there to reassure me and show me why this book would be a success. Thank you for all your work in making the launch a success. Thank you for taking photos for me. I hope you enjoyed your night and that I managed to make you proud.
As the book's dedication says:
"This book is dedicated to my wife, Miranda. You are impossible to impress ... But I will never stop trying."
Thank you for everything.
More photos to come.
