The Color of Sacrifice

As we once again approach Memorial Day, for me after a long year, I wanted to get something up to honor those that have given up everything for the rest of us.

I might be biased, but I think the American flag is awesome. The thoughtful combination of the deep blue, bright white stars and 13 alternating red and white stripes just stirs something with in me, call it pride or just being sentimental, but I still get choked up every time I say the pledge of allegiance and even more so when joining a chorus of our national anthem.

Last year when I had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. with my son and his boy scout troop for the day, we squeezed in allot of activities in our few visiting hours, including a Capital tour (fascinating), a trip through the Air and Space Museum (a must) and a quick jaunt through a small part of the Natural History Museum, but the biggest thrill for me was to see the recently opened display of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag within the National Museum for American History. It was displayed in a room of it's own, at an angle leaning towards us, behind a large glass wall and dimly lit to protect it's fragile condition, but it was just majestic none the less. Photographs were not allowed so I have none to share (you will just go have to go and see it yourself!), but I could have spent the rest of the afternoon just standing and looking at it, imagining the things it could say if it were to describe it's own history. It was personally a very moving experience for me and I look forward to going back at some point.

In thinking on this upcoming day of national memory for our fallen solders and in looking at the red stripes of our national flag, I always think of the sacrifice of those that have given the ultimate to protect our freedoms. This image, taken at Liberty Park in New Jersey, I hope does the same for you.

Nuclear Cow

This one goes way, way back, to when I first starting working as a Professional Photographer. While driving to a friend's house one evening, the sky was getting darker and more ominous with each mile, then suddenly the sun broke through the clouds and created this beautiful light. I was in the countryside of New Jersey and came upon this single lone cow standing way out in the field. The position of it against the awesome sky drew me to stop and make an exposure of it as she was kind enough to look my way and pose for me. I had long forgotten this image until the other day as I was going through some slides and came to it and thought to post it.....and yes, the sky really did look like that. There have been few sunsets since, that would rival this one from that evening.

On Top of it all

This image, taken quite a few years ago while on a trip to Brazil, has always been a favorite on mine. I have seen many shots of this very famous statue, but few like this.

Before ever getting up to Corcovado to see this work up close, I photographed it from this high vantage point on the opposing Sugarloaf mountain. It's impressive stance on top of a 2,206 ft peak overshadowing the city of Rio de Janeiro is a wonder to see from anywhere in the city, but up close, is even more so. While occupying a tiny part of the landscape in the first, this second image taken from it's base after a super fun winding drive up the mountain will perhaps give you a more personal perspective of it's 130' height.

Another image I have of this ride up will perhaps find it's way into some future post (I am thinking about that now), but in thinking of this piece of concrete and soapstone, it's presence as a symbol of my creator and the open arms that He offers to all today, it makes me glad that He is truly 'on top of it all'




Here is a link to more information on the statue itself if you care to read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_the_Redeemer_%28statue%29

Feast for the eyes

Once again fall has come and is slowly fading into the drab colors of winter, but there are still spots of extraordinary beauty around and this particular one I pass on a daily basis heading to and from work, with little notice.

One recent afternoon, I stopped because of the colors present on the opposite side of the street and en when getting back into the car, saw this scene confront me. The awesome mixture of greens, oranges, pinks and brown among many other colors was a visual tapestry laid out before me was inspiring and calming all a once.

I wonder how many people totally just miss this little gem of a spot on the side of the road, instead immersed in radio chatter, chats of their own or thinking of plans ahead. I was glad I pulled to the side that day and hope you also enjoyed my little roadside diversion as much as I did.

An Inside View

This image after a several month hiatus is an unusual one for me as it is not in focus for you. When thinking of this past difficult summer after my mom's passing and perhaps an unfocussed period in my life, this image makes total sense to me.

As I was having lunch the other day at a local park, I was looking up and trying to get an image through the sunroof of this large London Plane Tree that would capture the light that was streaming through it. After a while without visual success, I just about gave up with it all and took off my glasses to rest. Looking back up into the tree, the image I wanted was just before my eyes, not obscured by the lenses that are normally present between my eyes and the world.

Wearing glasses since I was young, they are a normal part of my everyday life, mostly annoying (especially as I am now getting to the bifocal stage) in that I don't have the freedom to wear sunglasses and such a regular folks, but once in a while, when I remove them, a scene is presented to me that makes me feel really blessed with poor eyesite. Sometimes the light just dances and sparkles and the unsharp spots of light and color are nothing short of dazzling and warm. In seeing this beautiful mix of greens, yellows, browns and blues above me, I knew I had to try and make a image that would be match for what I am seeing without the 'corrective lens' of the sharpened world. This is not some photoshop creative filter, but just me shooting and testing the image on the spot against what I could see with my naked eye. Sometimes when I see things in this 'blurry' state, I think of Claude Monet and his Impressionistic work and wonder whether he needed glasses and just didn't know it and actually painted what he saw in his world, I doubt it and am in no sense comparing myself with Monet, a true visionary and master of light and form, but I would like to think that perhaps he was also blessed with less than perfect eyesite as I am. It is a world and an image that perhaps you with perfect vision will not understand, but for those of us less perfect, we do. Perhaps my 'unfocussed' period is over, maybe not, but today I found perfect clarity in an unsharp world.

Soaking it up

Just a quick post today. I had another image in mind, but when I went to post it, it wasn't right and then as we are in the midst of a hot summer here, I thought this more appropriate. This image was taken down the shore at my folks place for a newsletter purpose, but I have always liked it. The cool things that I love about sunflowers is not only that they 'look' like the sun with the rays of petals flowing out from them, but that over the course of each day follow the sun to receive maximum energy and benefit from it's rays. Kind of how we are to also follow the Son.

Safe from above

.....and on the ground and below the deep. Our country's servicemen, on who's blood our freedom is built are once a year memorialized on this national holiday. As a former member of our armed forces, I wanted to make today's post a tribute to their courage, obedience and sacrifice for our freedom.

This photo was taken of the Navy Blue Angles team aerial performance during a Sea Fair celebration a number of years ago over Lake Union in Seattle, Washington.

All too often, we take this sacrifice and commitment for granted in our sheltered, comfortable lives and never think about the lives lost from times past or those who are currently serve, protecting us from those who want to take our freedoms away. I am glad for today and the prompt to our memory, lest we forget.

Turn back the clock

Today, it has been one week and a handful of hours since my mom, Joan Knott suddenly passed away. After a vibrant active life, she is just gone, along with her warm smile, encouraging words (she always left comments for me here...anonymously....but I could tell it was her) and loving care for my growing family and I.

I knew after it happened that honoring her life somehow would be my next post, but I really struggled with an image and what to say. I didn't want to use a photo I already had, (although she had her favorites of mine) and knew I had to create something new, but had no clue as to what. Then I thought about just posting a photo of her, but realized that after more than a quarter century of making photographs, I had never taken a personal 'portrait' of her. I guess it never occurred to me to do so as I never thought she wouldn't be here. Now it is too late..... lesson learned.

The image today is one I made yesterday from her funeral flowers. She liked yellow and the unique, bending form of the Calla Lily was attractive to me, so I set up a small arrangement out by our pond and you see the results.

I wanted this post to reflect on her life, but now realize that anything I could possibly say here is woefully in-sufficient to begin to adequately describe the person she was to many and what she meant to me. In spite of the evidence before me, I cannot in my mind really believe that the edges of her life have now been set. The heavy hole that at times takes over my chest now is all the description I need and for some moments it is as if a deep well of tears has sprung from within me, robbing me of my thoughts for a time.

This second small photo that I have included is one that a friend of hers took while they were in a bush plane flying over Mt.McKinley in Alaska. If an image can contain a thousand words as it is said, then this loudly witnesses to her adventurous spirit and the sense of joy she had in living every day complete.



In short, she was a wonderful, cherished and inspirational human being who was greatly admired. Many have testified over this past week to our family what a huge impact she had on their lives. In spite of this tremendous loss I am thankfully left with a lifetime of memories and a wonderful family to comfort me and I know the sadness will someday turn to joy in seeing her again, but as of today, I really, really miss her and just want to turn back the clock.

Hidden Treasure

Once again, it has been quite a while between posts and in the interim, I have my 'pre-post' images as a slide show on my computer desktop staring at me daily. Today, this one stood out at me and inspired a post. It was taken in the french Quarter of New Orleans. While walking down a street in search of a restaurant, we walked past this tiny alley that leads to one of the hidden courtyards that are tucked away in this charming part of town. This one however, made me stop, turn around and peek in a bit more. These large, awesome earthen jars and the light from the arched window presented an interesting composition that made me want to explore more in depth. In the interest of the owners privacy, I stopped at this spot and made this exposure, but was left with longing to know what was around the corner.

In thinking about it today, with the window illuminating this otherwise narrow and dark hallway containing these vessels, I was brought back to a Biblical passage, 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 where it says: For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

As a Christian, I am also in essence a jar of clay, made from dust, simple and hollow of heart only to be filled with Him and His light. I hope you enjoy this image as I did.

Weeds like Flies

Much like the individual patterns of branches on trees, the natural architecture of grasses also has an appeal to me. This particular shot, even though I like it's random, gentle wispy-ness and the subtle colors of the background, the more I look at it, it unsettles me. The busyness of it reminds me of a swarm of flies and the more I think about it, I feel the connection between the fly and the weed....both too numerous and both largely unwanted. Maybe you will find a different interpretation than I did today.

Living in the 60's

This photo was taking last spring while on a trip to New Orleans with my wife. Early in the morning, hoping to get to the historic gardens district to see the stately mansions and gardens we set out aboard one of those charming old wooden trolleys that provide transportation service to various areas of the city and were on our way. Well into the trip, it became clear we seemed to headed in a different direction than intended and after a while we got off to re-board another one to correct ourselves. While sitting on the bench, a woman of color and her granddaughter heading to work and school sat down beside us and expressed the obvious that we must not be from from that particular area. We confirmed, had a nice conversation in the morning sun and in a little while we were back on track to our original destination. On the increasingly crowded ride back toward town, more and more we became the sole minorities in the car as it filled with folks heading to work and such. For some reason, when this young fellow sat down in front of me, I was mentally taken back to a time in my childhood when my daily racial experience was much more integrated than it is now, living in semi rural Pa. As a child, even though I was young and didn't fully understand the completeness of the civil rights issues as I do now, I remember hearing the speeches and the feeling of that movement during that uncertain time in our country. Suddenly in that moment, I sought to make a B&W image that would express that feeling for me. Leaning forward with a really wide angled lens, I was just inches from his back as I worked to frame the window, his shirt and the background as I waited for the right scene to pass by and for him to turn his eyes outside. In an instant as this classic building came into view, it all came together and as I pushed the shutter, I was for that moment back in the 1960's of my youth.

Bend your neck

Once again, it has been forever since I have been able to post something, so my apologies to those who like a more regular kind of thing, but that has just been my life recently.

This is a photo that has been parked on my 'desktop' for a while and I just thought I would steal a quick moment from life and get it onto the blog. To be honest, this is a rare photo for me, in that I although I remember taking it, I really do not remember where or when as it was during a time of lots of travel and not too many records. But I can narrow it to perhaps three locations. The most likely being maybe the Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, Fla, the Principe Di Saola in Milano, Italy or maybe a hotel on the Costa del Sol, Spain. Anybody care to help my memory out?

If not, I hope at least you enjoy the vibrant colors and patterns that was between me and the sky that day.

Frozen Gold

These two little leaves stuck out at me this past week from a beautiful beech while walking in the woods near our home. I like that Beeches unlike most other deciduous trees, keep their dead leaves through the winter only to push them out in the spring with the new growth. In doing so, their now golden colored foliage adds so much to a normally much more drab wintertime woods. I am glad i found this one and these two little leaves to brighten my day.

eyes without color

On this winter day....I am once again reminded that in the shorter days, allot of our vision is reduced to monochromatic landscapes. This image (shot literally out of my car window while on the way in to work) is a good example. A cool scene, but warm in a sense in the quietness and serenity of a woodland stream.

As light as air itself

O.K. Back to winter! After a mini snowfall and a larger on the way, I am continuing with the winter pics. This one , shot a few weeks ago in the very last light of the day, I took at the edge of our pond as some ornamental grasses were letting go of their seedlings. The wind was blowing oh so slightly but enough to throw them in and out of my razor thin depth of field focus. It took several tries in trying to catch the right balance of sharp and blurry and I really liked the color contrasts of the cool winter sky and the last rays lighting these delicate branches and wispy, airy parachutes.

The fast colors of life

As a break for the sporadic mini winter series, here is something warm to think about.
These two images from the Bahamas taken while out on my brother-in-law Steven's boat bring back memories of a great day out on the water with he and my son. We were set up to troll for Dolphin fish (or Mahi Mahi as some might know them), which provides for a very tasty meal. As they are largely surface dwellers and swim in schools, when you get into them it is a fascinating event. Although not a shapely, sleek looking fish like a barracuda, the coloration that they exhibit is nothing short of stunning. The almost neon like glow of their bodies while they swim by the boat is incredible and because of this, we were able to see them underwater at a good distance and depth. Once they are caught, they almost seem to flash in changing color right before your eyes. The most curious part of it though is that within seconds of their death, the vibrant colors leaves their body immediately, revealing behind mostly mute yellows and browns.It is a very dramatic change.Although as you can see here, the skin is still fascinating in that there are hints of it's former boldness, it is nothing in comparison to what it was just moments before.The particular one here was heartily enjoyed over several meals with family during a special time away prepared simply as pan seared with wonderful Irish sweet butter.

Hint of Warmth

Another in my much delayed mini series (sometimes life just gets in the way of the creative process you know?) from this winter. An early morning shot, the sun was just rising, getting ready to once again warm our part of the earth and ultimately melt this wonderful beauty. I was glad I could see it while it was here.

Long in the Tooth

This winter photo (the next in my current mini series of them) was hanging and growing in front of our kitchen window for a while. The title comes from the idea of age and that in some animals the teeth grow longer with age, which was certainly the case here. It ultimately got much bigger than this, but have to say it is gone now, due to youthful enthusiasm of taking down such things and young ones desires to eat them. It's a shame it is bad for the roof, as it is cool to look at. A testimony to our recent cold snap for sure.

I have got to Stop!

When traveling from a few hours away down the Pa Turnpike (this is a limited access toll highway for our international friends..,think Autobahn, but slower) a few weeks ago at day break on a Sunday morning, there was a fresh overnight snow and the closer I got to home, the more beautiful the roadside was blanketed in white. The opportunities to stop were very limited by the mostly narrow shoulder and high speed traffic and as I passed view after view I was growing anxious about missing these wonderful shots. Shortly, after crossing a long bridge, there was a small offshoot service road and I quickly pulled in. Not wanting to get ticketed at an unauthorized stop, I quickly jumped out of the car with my loafers on (my destination was church) into the deep snow on the edge of the pavement to make a few quick shots. In spite of the traffic whizzing close by, looking down into the quiet woods for this fresh image was soothing and invigorating at the same time. The downside was that for the rest of the way, I had to keep the heater on full tilt to dry my shoes and socks, but it was worth it!

MInd Trekker

After another mini hiatus (inspiration is unpredictable type of thing), my wife said "why don't you get some of those winter photos you just took onto the blog", so here is a start. This is the first of a few I had taken a couple of weeks ago after a nice semi-deep east coast snow. It has been quite cold here in our part of Pa for a few weeks now and no let up is in view, so I perceive there will be more opportunities awaiting me. When I first ventured out into the 'deep' that day, this mini 'dune' really caught my eye and as I squatted into the snow to find a perspective, the lower I was the more it looked like one of those landscapes of the great dunes of the Sahara. Even though only a few inches high, I imagined in my mind trekking on this mini 'knifes edge' as the wind was re sculpting it like it would sand.

Stretch for your meal

Another photo of a tree, or in this case, the woods.

This one was taken this past spring after a family outing to Lake Galena just outside of Doylestown, Pa. Although the main subject here is this cool felled tree and the branch that is reaching out to grab me, what first caught my attention and caused us to stop to make a photograph was the browse line on the trees. They all had been nibbled by deer and the spring foliage height was an amazingly abrupt horizontal line right at the upper reach of a standing deer's head. It was only after I got out of the car and entered the woods that I saw this tree and worked with it for an interesting photograph. I really liked the bright green color contrasting with the brown fallen leaves.

Ant's view

The simple photo today was taken while resting on the ground during a boy scout event this past fall. As I was laying there, striking clouds were moving quickly across the sky on this blustery day and the outline of this tree captured my attention as they often do. For this exposure, I waited until I felt they were in place and took it.

Another parent standing nearby asked what I was taking a picture of as the action in her mind was the kids playing nearby. As I explained what I saw, she went 'hump' and said "you must see something that I don't down there on the ground". As I continued to recline and look through the camera, I replied "sometimes you just need the view of an ant to see the world in a different way". She walked away without further comment. I surmised that sometimes people just aren't willing to move to see things in a different way.

Like a bird

Years ago, as a youth while visiting a small local airport with a friend and his father, I had the opportunity to go flying with a leather helmeted old timer like this fellow in a fabric covered plane. He had landed there unannounced and asked if anyone wanted to go for a ride. I jumped at the chance and afterwards my friend did as well.

I remember the excitement of being in the open cockpit and as we got it fired up and going, the engine and wind noise was significant, but it was all but blotted out within the experience of actually getting into the air in one of these old birds. I have not ridden in one of these historic aircraft since, but have always wanted to. Aircraft and aviation in general have always held a special interest to me, as my grandfather was a pilot/aircraft mechanic and had shared his enthusiasm and stories with me as I have with my son. Even in this modern world of easy intercontinental travel and with all the time I have logged in a airliner seat, there is something still very cool about leaving the sod behind in a plane to me.

Last year, my dad, father in law, son and I took a day trip up to the Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York State http://www.oldrhinebeck.org/. It is an amazing museum and summertime airshow that is unparalleled with it's static and flying display of WWI and vintage aircraft. I believe they have the oldest still-flying aircraft in the world there.

Viewing this acrobatic performance is like stepping back in time to the old barnstorming displays of yesteryear with the sput-sput of the oily engines and the vintage clothing on display. After watching their airborne spectacle, we were able to tour the grounds and ran into this fellow, one of the 'aviators' who had just finished his flight. He was a very interesting and informative 80+ year old chap, who graciously took my then 8 year old son 'over the fence' for a personal first hand experience including putting him into the cockpit. Thanks to his kindness and generosity, there were smiles all around that day and special memories to be cherished just like my own all those years ago. I never got to know this guys name, but this photo, tinted to evoke that old time feeling, is a tribute to him and for his willingness to make our little guy smile from the heart.

"You'll lose you're hand"

Today I was thinking about how we as humans treat each other and in many respects, we are kind of like alligators..... often (but not always) out for ourselves and biting the hand that feeds us.

The photo today was taken on a 'Bayou' tour outside of New Orleans this past spring. During the tour, the boat operator did his best to get us up close and personal to these most wild of beasts and in many cases we were right along side of them as they moved slowly, swaying their muscled tails from side to side as they moved silently through the muddy water. Although fascinated by being so close, I was at the same time intimidated by them as I have a long standing respect for and fear of them. While in India a few years ago, we had waded through crocodile waters and I remember thinking how horrible a death would be in their grasp.

In looking to get the shot that was 'in my mind' this time, I wanted to be right on top of the animal to give a really intimate view. After a few attempts and leaning out over the boat side to do so, the guide strongly extorted me with his southern draw to please keep my body in the boat. He then took some time to demonstrate their hidden ability to explode out of the water and grasp with a loud snap a potential food source in an instant, even several feet above the water line. As my head and torso were previously within a couple of feet of theirs as I was angling for the shot and given his immediate display of that bone crushing bite, his point was well taken. I still got the shot though.

Many times in society, we also provoke, intimidate and just treat others in ways that would be familiar to this most ancient of reptiles and reminds me of what a sad state of affairs we are often in. It also reminds me though of how thankful I am for the immense grace that is offered to me and hope even in a small respect to be graceful to others in turn, shedding my bony 'scales' in the process.

Long left turn

It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. I guess I haven't had much to say or share, but today I thought I must get something on. Sorry for the absence.
The title today sounds like it might elude to something about a Nascar race, but in fact is something completely different. As today is the 1st of many to come bitter cold, single digit days here, this one photo stood out as one I felt appropriate.

It was taken on another freeze-your-nostrils type of cold day in Davos, Switzerland while on a skiing holiday several years ago. This beautiful view was from the hotel balcony early in the morning and I distinctly remember how cold it was as everything was covered with a frozen mist and snow.

Davos, I think is one of the great European skiing experiences to be had and comes complete with a small charming Swiss town, awesome mountains, usually excellent snow and one of, if not the longest run in Europe is available there. We had taken this well known trail and in skiing it I remember we had taken a series of lifts towards the top of the highest mountain and then skied all day until sunset without taking another. Along the long, long, left turning winding route, we stopped mid day for an extended warm lunch of excellent Goulash soup, crispy rolls and several glasses of Pilsner. Continuing on in our warm glow, we skied across the mountains a few more hours until the day ended with exhausted, but restful a train ride back into Davos.

Sounds of the woods

After our upcoming family celebration of God's sustenance in our lives during the Thanksgiving holiday, I am planning once again to head north to enter the woods.

This annual time when I spend a day hunting whitetail deer is an important refuge for me. A day most quiet, where I am all alone and all the sounds that reach my ears are brought in an environment functioning as if I wasn't even there. The wind, the creaking of swaying trees, a babbling brook or maybe snow softly falling on crunchy leaves all add a great depth to this experience. The beauty and peace that I enjoy in God's kingdom, even if it is for just this one day a year, is refreshing to me. Being a silent observer of nature in this little spot in the world brings joy to my soul.

Whether I leave the woods with a wild bounty for our table or not, I know that the time spent in respite, reflection and refuge from worldly pressures will be fruitful for me.

This photo of a quiet mountain stream, taken a year ago along the route to these woods, is a timely reminder of what awaits me there.

Tasks not finished

Today, I have a double photo post, following a few days without any as we were traveling in our Nation's Capital, Washington D.C. Our trip was two fold, the primary purpose being to assist in ministering to a needy population there and second to spend a family day visiting the National mall. This first photo, taken inside the Lincoln Memorial, is one in which I wanted to convey the majesty and solemness of this structure overlooking the great expanse that stretches to the Capital Building at the other end. Within this exposure, I purposefully set the shot low as I wanted to create a visual 'path', so to speak, using the columns to lead to and frame the statue.

As you climb the steps of this historic Doric Temple and first see this larger than life figure seated in marble upon his throne, what strikes me most is the casual, unpretentious pose Lincoln exhibits, as if reflective and weary, still wearing his heavy coat. The steps on which he resides, lift him up as unapproachable with the massive columns flanking him on either side, separating him from his most famous of speeches. This president, long viewed as one of our most honored is widely credited with abolishing slavery while within the effort of saving the union of our country and it is an emotional experience to stand before this place memorializing him. His efforts along with others has helped to bring our county to a place where we all can enjoy the freedom and equality offered us in our great nation.

The second photo, taken the next day not very far from the walls and columns of stone decorating with pride our nations history, very sadly shows that some of us are still more equal than others. These people, who suffer daily along sidewalks and under bridges, hidden right in plain view from the blindness of our busy, involved lives are still in their own form of bondage and slavery. Whether it be physical, mental, economic or of a substance dependency, many are trapped into a cycle they cannot substantially break on their own. This photo represents the second and most important part of our journey as we as a family were privileged to reach out to care for, love and respect these forgotten and neglected members of our great society. In following our Lord's commands and doing something so small, even to the least of us, the kindness and true appreciation we received back from them was worth far more of lasting value to us than any of our steps though the cold marble monuments to great men. In retrospect, these actions are ones that Lincoln would probably approve of.

A small smile under the Bear

Whenever I have had to travel for a business shoot, say to cover a meeting or do a special portrait about someone, I would try and take time to get about if possible a make some local photographs and in that 'tourist' mode, would naturally try and get to well establish sights.

On this particular day, I was at Buckingham Palace in London, England. Since 1813 the palace and the Royal Family inside have been protected 24/7 by the 'Queen's Guards' and in this case, a Foot Guard. These fellows are legendary to stand absolutely still, staring straight ahead, stoically without a word and their scarlet tunics and Black bear fur hats are known the world over.

I am sure there are literally millions of photos of these silent sentries and usually when confronted with such a public icon, I always have tried to find an angle or way to capture it in a way that I have not seen before. Being as a I am in this situation, a tourist, I hold no special access to anywhere that anyone else does not, but I have found that my camera equipment, a friendly and courteous professional attitude along with a smile goes a great way toward getting into spots others might be denied.

In this case I started shooting from some distance and worked my way up closer with small breaks to stop and assess what to do next. After a bit of this, I respectfully approached him and then asked him if he would mind that I got behind him for a shot or two, a normally very out-of-bounds position (He is after all, carrying a fully automatic weapon and is a guard). His eyes darted over at me (up until now, there was no acknowledgment of my presence) and he gave an ever so slight but solid nod. Accepting his affirmation, I slowly and carefully moved to a spot where I might get a more unique image. I was pleased with myself being just a couple of feet away and after making quite a few exposures, I saw that there was no one else nearby anymore. I began to ask him questions like "How long have you been doing this?" or "Have you ever met the Queen?" and other ice breaking chit chat stuff and even though he never moved his head or eyes, we did engage in a quiet conversation together.

After a while, in the distance I saw something that I made an observational joke about and as I shared it with him, he burst from his stiffness with a stifled laugh/snort and then just as quickly returned to the seriousness that was required of him. Sensing it was time to go, I then apologized for prompting him to break formation, thanked him for his time and as I was leaving, he once again turned his eyes my way, looked me in the eye and smiled.

Life in Stone

Pere Lachaise, established By Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804 is the largest cemetery in Paris, France. 'Home' to over 300,000 remains, it's confines hold the earthy remnants of many noted people of history including Oscar Wilde, Molliere and Frederic Chopin among others. One I have seen however stands out from the rows and rows of ordinary tombstones and crypts.

While there on a holiday trip in the early 1980s, I took a walk through the more than 118 acres in search of this one spot. It was quite easy to find as throughout the city there were indicators pointing in it's direction in the form of spray painted arrows on the side of a building or on a park bench, or tree simply marked with the word JIM. They were all guideposts serving as a casual compass towards JIm Morrison's grave. Heading there that day not being a Morrison or even Doors fan, the draw for me wasn't some sort of celebrity pilgrimage but more of curiosity, being in this city and seeing these impromptu 'signs'.

Once I arrived I was quite surprised not to see a large, secure crypt with iron bars such as I saw on many other plots on the way in or even a large headstone honoring his short, but culturally celebrated rock and roll life. Instead what I found was a morbid party scene of people drinking and hanging out by a handmade 'headstone' covered with graffiti that was spilling onto other nearby graves. Cigarette butts, empty bottles, and trash littered the area. Clearly, entering this scene many years after his passing, I could see that his turbulent life and sad death had made an impact upon the world, but I wondered what kind? The irreverence and rebellion that was a public part of his life, also now marked his final resting place. Maybe that's the way he would have wanted it, I don't know.

I wondered then what people would say about me someday after I have left this place? What would my 'grave' be like and as I think more about it now, I ask more what will my 'memorial' or 'remembrance' be like? Would my life's story be marked with words like indifferent, self centered and rebellious or by words such as loyal, loving husband, great dad, friend......servant?

At that point certainly in time I will have little influence in what people might say or think about 'Ken', but I can have an impact on it now and I hope that at my own end....... my life and those I leave behind would have been filled with things that are uplifting and good and that at that end I would hear "well done good and faithful servant"!

The least of These

Seeing this photo of this fellow standing casually here in the doorway, brings me back to an important moment within me. He was a waiter I encountered while on a trip to Brazil many years ago. He was a very pleasant man, quiet in demeanor and attentive as a good waiter should be. I was dining with a friend and had enjoyed an delicious, but inexpensive, filling meal with a open pit roasted suckling pig as the main course. I remember it was a typical beautiful day in Rio De Janeiro and this leisurely and fine meal topped it off. After seeing and confirming that I was indeed finished, our waiter cleared our plates from our table and I thought was heading back to the kitchen. Instead he walked with my mostly eaten meal in hand over to a low wall that was bordering this outside establishment and to my surprise handed it directly to a hungry family that had been apparently waiting for us to finish so they could consume what was left behind.

I have over the years been to many parts of the world where poverty and hunger was pretty evident, but had never encountered anything like this direct connection and contrast to my own comparative wealth and ease. This waiter was the vessel that day that opened my eyes to another world, where daily sustenance is not taken for granted and even a picked through plate of food was a much welcomed gift. I would like to have ended this story with how I then approached this very needy family and then went on to significantly change their lives, but that would not be true. In spite of the evidence, the shock and conviction before me, I didn't want to 'embarrass" them in their poverty and we moved on with our lives and travel. My decision weighed heavily upon my heart though as I came to realize that it was perhaps me that was really embarrassed.

After wards, coming back into and living in a rich man's world by global standards, I like many do after traveling, mostly forgot about the other, less fortunate people that number more than we can imagine on this small planet. In the years since, sometimes I have taken the time and money to help others and have occasionally even sought out opportunities to help the 'Least of these' as commanded in Matthew 25:31-46, but sometimes I still forget myself in my selfishness also.

This weekend, I am once again blessed that my family has an opportunity to practice our faith onto others as we travel to Washington D.C. to assist in efforts there lead by a sister church. Perhaps this time, I can keep an eye out for a small but truly significant need that might normally escape my line of vision, like this one along time ago.

In thinking about it all, I feel sometimes we all need to take a step back, look around ourselves and then choose to see those who might be less visible, perhaps behind that wall, waiting for a blessing. I promise, you will be the one who is rewarded.

Stars and Stuff

Tonight is reported to be a good night to view this year's Leonid Meteor showers, a very cool, occasional event for us to see as the earth passes through the trail of dust and rock left behind the Temple-Tuttle comet. A few years ago, my wife and I took the time in the cold of mid winter to view this night adventure, laid out some sleeping bags and blankets, then rose in the middle of the night (it always is best at around 1-2 in the morning) and enjoyed the spectacle in the sky. There were hundreds of 'shooting stars' and we were impressed once again with God's creation around us. Tonight, we will plan to do the same and although the weather will be milder, we are looking forward to seeing it again.

These photos are from a few months ago when I stepped outside and saw these really cool 'sheep clouds'(my mother in law's description) and then went back inside to get my camera for a few photos. I made several shots of the moon and clouds, enjoying the way the clouds and tree's silhouettes framed the moon and the planet Jupiter, which was also present. After wards, I turned my camera around towards our pond, keeping the shutter open long enough so that the moonlight illuminating the landscape almost resembled daylight, but not quite. The results were exposures with an almost luminescent glow that I really enjoyed.

As we live in a rural area that offers excellent clear night viewing, we have always happened to catch some cool thing or another going on by chance, but since then I have kept a keener eye on night sky events and am more attentive to the stars for things we normally would miss in our daytime oriented lives.

Balance

Nothing particularly special about today's post nor any pontificating on anything, but just a reminder to me of warmer days and sunnier places. As it has been a fairly wet summer here and the weather has continued this trend into the fall, I just wanted to post something to remind me of sunshine on my face and gently breezes. This was just a quick photo taken in the parking lot of a good friend's place in West Palm Beach, Florida on the way out the door to somewhere. I have always liked palm trees and how the long trunks and relatively shallow roots manage to hold up the bush of fronds at the top in a balancing act. We all need balance and today I am wishing I had some warm sun to balance the cold damp we have instead.

New Beginnings

Last week I noticed that the two white pine trees that shoulder our drive were in the process of renewing their coats. Unlike deciduous trees that grow new leaves in the spring, the pines shed and sprout new needles in the fall. Like any individual, one was further along, or perhaps healthier than the other and had more growth but both were going the process in their own way.

Like these trees, I also need renewing on a regular basis. Sometimes a little pruning is needed to spur new growth, at other times, a major cut and patch is necessary to do the trick. Either way it is clearing out the old, removing the disease to strengthen and add to ones self, perhaps making room for the new. Whether it be physical, mental or spiritual, renewal is good for us, just like it is for the health of this tree. Today I am glad that I have a God that takes the time to know me intimately and makes the needed, even if sometimes unwanted renewal in my life.

Long Held Sorrow

Today, Veterans day, is one for which I have been waiting to post this photo.

For me personally, it is a day of pride and honor to be counted among those who have served in the U.S. Military, but it is also a day of deep sorrow for all of us in honoring those who have lost theirs lives in service to others.

This photo, taken at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along the Mall in Washington D.C. is a stark representation of that sacrifice for me. As I was there photographing this austere monument filled with the names of those whom died in that war long ago, a fellow came up and spent some time quietly and solemnly looking at, then making a paper and pencil rubbing of one particular name etched into the cold, black granite. Perhaps it was his child's name or maybe a comrade in battle who life was cut short, but after a long, long while and some held back tears, he placed these long kept, well worn boots and hat at the base of the slab and walked slowly away.

Nobody else in the large crowd that day seemed to even notice his small gift in memorial to the life represented by that etching and this simple attire, but to me it was a very real marker of love, respect and connection to just one of the 58,261 PEOPLE who's names are there. Real people, real lives, lost. Families, spouses, friends changed forever.

How I wish for a day that wars would cease and we could just love and care for each other like this man did that day.

Red Fun

As the last of the leaves have now fallen here, I wanted to post a shot from a few week ago of the Japanese Red Maple on our side yard in full fall color. This is the same tree who's new seeds were featured in one of my very first posts.

This tree, transplanted from my dad's yard years ago as a small seedling, has provided much enjoyment to us in our little spot in the world. From it's new life each spring to the beauty it provides our yard into the summer and through the fall and even now..... as the kids have gathered up it's leaves for a jump pile, it is a blessing to us. The kids raked and saved these leaves off to the side to later crown the lesser trees leaves with these special ones.

Thanks Dad.

Hidden Rebel

On a walk through the Redwood National Forest, it is easy to get 'lost' in looking upwards with the massive trees that are found in this misty Californian coastal treasure. Their impressive height and massive girth, the density and thickness of the bark and their millennial long lives are all marvels that confront your senses when walking among this beautiful forest. Just as cool though is the undergrowth of ferns and huckleberry bushes, rooted and nurtured in the bed of soft needles that more immediately surrounds you. Here is one that I stopped to photograph and was surprised that within itself it was also harboring another small community of clover, including a little rebel.

Wooden Beauty

I love branches. They serve in purpose as the arms and veins of the trees as they carry the nutrients and water up and down the plant. I am always drawn to their twisting and reaching and the interweave of the leaves that conceal them and am often trying to get a 'new' shot of them.

The variety found in nature is just incredible......some are smooth, some straight, some craggy and some rough, some wide and hanging low, others short and tall on the trunk, but all beautiful to me. Once a friend had told me that they really liked Cedars as they reminded them of muscular arms, all sinewy and flexed. Now I see them that way too..... as muscles holding up the dense canopy.

Here is a grouping photographed in Arizona a while ago. I have always liked this image and it's soft hues of color and focus. I hope you do as well.

Savanna Eyes

As it is now hunting season here in Pa, we are a little more aware of and looking out for the deer that regularly move and live around our property and just this morning we were treated with a view of some does with a nice buck which appeared in our back field.

These deer were photographed in a valley in Virginia, late on a summer afternoon. With the brown grasses, twisted trees and misty mountainside, it has always reminded me of scene from the African Plains.

Upside Down Egret

I photographed this Egret down in the Everglades of South Florida several times without resulting in any thing I was happy with until it finally came to rest on this dead branch above some Mangroves.

What I like best about this shot is that as it is a silhouette, the bird and tree become one and that the dead branch hanging below the bird seems to become a mirror image of the life above.

Fighting Windmills

This grouping of old windmills, literally popped up on the horizon in front of me while on a drive alone through Spain several years ago. I immediately stopped and made quite a few photographs, exploring them with no one in sight to be found. They were in excellent condition, slowly turning away, silently harvesting the wind. It was such a surprise to me to see them and I surmised I had to be in La Mancha, a place made famous in Don Quixote, a novel written by Miguel de Cevantes in 1605. I vaguely remembered this book that I think was required reading in High School and was suddenly intrigued to actually be there. As there weren't allot of route options on my journey, I pretty much wandered wherever the roads took me as I traveled from Marbella on the Costa Del Sol to Segovia, North of Madrid.

Bright spots

Here in the S.E. of Pennsylvania after what seems like weeks of gray skys as we are heading into winter and the browns and blacks it will bring, I wanted to post today something a little brighter.

These bluebonnets were photographed in a field nearby where we lived in Texas back in the mid 1990's. The spectacle when they were in bloom was nothing short of wonderful and was a feast to the eyes in the mostly monochromatic landscape. Although they are a native plant, we can thank Ladybird Johnson for making this annual show even more widespread as she as First Lady, convinced the State of Texas to seed this pretty flower along highways, fields and public areas throughout the state.

Eating Companions

This past Monday morning after an early morning errand, I found time for a breakfast stop before heading to work and paused at this small eatery in the downtown district of Pottstown, Pa for a bite. I love these types of places. In business since 1921, it has that essence that takes you back to it's beginnings. The aged pine paneling, old photos hanging on the walls from yesteryear's past glory of the wide Main Street outside the door and the bar stools worn by generations of hungry locals all point to eras when there were Model T's or Hudson Hornets parked out front and people made time for conversation. The kind of place where names like Harry and Estelle are still heard as the regulars come and go with a wave and phrases with "young lady" refer to women well into old age.

In a world crowded with generic drive in Cheeseburgers and internet shopping, I will always prefer this kind of history when given a choice. It carries the continuity of life.

The second image, was taken the later that day while having my lunch at a local park. I have enjoyed the company of these trees all summer and as the fall colors are starting to make their way to the ground to be turned into earth, I was able to catch the last of these Maples before they made the trip.

Unbridled Run

This image was shot about a week ago. I had gotten home from work and with a little light left outside, I took a quick walk out to our back field to see if any deer were out and about. There were none but on the way back to the house, I spotted the last of the setting sun illuminating these ornamental grass tops. I quickly went inside, grabbed my camera and made this last minute exposure.

While shooting and trying to capture what first caught my attention, the way they moved in the wind reminded me of the beautiful horses we used to have next door to our field and their tails as the herd would rumble thunderously by our house full gallop. It also for me invoked the energy that I see in the Bev Doolittle print Sacred Ground which is on display on my in-law's wall.

The horses sadly are no longer there to add to our rural experience, but I am glad these grasses that day brought back those memories for me.