PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR
Killing two birds with one stone. I’m also using this image for Cee’s FOTD

A place where I post unscripted, unedited, soulless rants of a insomniac madman
It was such a gorgeous sky today. So, I played around in PS Express. This is what I came up with this evening



One of things I enjoy about photography is the ability to make the mundane into something interesting. Well, it works out that way sometimes. I compare it writing. Sometimes you just can’t get a sentence the way you want. Or you write this complicated sentence when a simple will do just fine.
So, this is what I come with for today…

I was walking into an office and saw this toolbox. Nothing about it is unique. I’ve owned several of the years. However, that day I just stopped snapped a photo. I wondered what I would do with it. I’m sure I’m not finished with it either. Well, at least I don’t think so.
As I look at this picture, I’m drawn to the symmetry of the pattern and the surface’s texture. I also notice a slight reflection of the adjacent building I hadn’t noticed before. At any rate, to me, what I’m seeing just illustrates the point I’m trying to make.
It’s been awhile since I posted one of these. The weather is changing and flowers are poking their little heads out.

It’s been awhile since I posted one of these. The weather is changing and flowers are poking their little heads out.

Here is my response to Cee’s CFFC – Tools
When I hear the word tools, I immediately think of the various instruments I’ve used over the years for countless projects. So, for this post, I wanted to look at things a little different. Today, I will not only display tools, you know standard one’s people know. I’m display some pictures of things created by various tools.






As a tradesman we use so many tools and sometimes we have to make the tools we need in order to complete the job. We use a sander in body work. I use a different type of sander in woodworking. Those drivers you see in the picture of the wood project, in that shop I’ve used those drivers in various other projects, such as mechanical, hydraulics, electrical, and pneumatics.
As a writer, one of my most important tools is a laptop. I do most of writing, research, and general clowning on it. Also, I edit video and photos on it. I love my laptop and iPad, but the tool I use for writing the most are books. I can’t describe how valuable books have made a better craftsman, writer, and visual artist.







Cinematography
As a visual artist, I spend a ridiculous amount of time behind the camera. In cinematography, I’m involved in aspects of filmmaking, such as Pre-production, production, and postproduction.






Initially, I doubted my abilities as a still photographer. So, I would hire a photographer for location scouting and various shots I needed. I found myself arguing with them more than getting any work done. This disagreement occurred because I had vision in my mind, and they weren’t capturing what I wanted for the project. Each of them were good photographers, but I couldn’t get them to understand what I wanted.
One day, I worked on a project where I was just a camera operator. I got an opportunity to work with a couple of still photographers. One photographer handed me a camera and said ” show me”. I started taking pictures. Now my framing and composition was a little off, because I was used to video where we would just cut out the useable portions. They gave me some tips and told to go buy a camera and the rest is history.





The most important tool I have learned over the years is that every skill I learn is another tool in my toolbox. I just have to remember to be patient enough to use the right tool for the job.
Here is my response to Cee’s CFFC – Pairs




I know clouds can’t be on fire, but the reflection is epic. It reminded me of sitting in front of the fireplace watching the embers fight for life. Just a corner at first. Slowly, it stretches until the entire clouds in engulfed



Here is my response to Bushboy’s Last on the Card
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

I did a lot work with my cell phone camera last month. More than I usually do. I always have it on it with me, so there is a convenience factor. But, I wanted to capture ordinary things and see if I could make a decent shot with the photos.
Nikon D3200

Yeah, I’m struggling with understanding how macro photography works. I probably should have done more research before I brought something. However, I get these wild hairs from time to time and do things willy-nilly. I do it ain’t right. The Madre said it’s understandable from now and again, but get that it check.
That’s what came to mind when I looked at these. Weird, I know


Sometimes the sky leaves you speechless. You can’t really describe what you are looking at and how this sight makes you feel. All you can do is snap a picture to capture the moment for another time.
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Yesterday marked a month since my past caught with me. I’ve alluded to my illness in several posts, but I haven’t really discussed the illness. I was sitting in the break area looking at the sky when I saw what looked like sunrays coming from the sky. I viewed them as a symbol of hope I could cling to during this difficult period I’m facing.


Posting on this blog is the only thing I have been able to count. A source of stability if you will. I remember the beauty of nature. I remember I’m a part of it.
PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY – COLOR
I love the clouds; there is something about their untold story. As they shift it is almost like watching a movie, and you can’t wait to see it going to lead. However, I found myself staring up at this cloudless sky thankful for being able to enjoy its beauty. So, I pulled out my phone and took a quick picture. My grandson looked up at the sky, and then he looked at me puzzled. He signed what was I looking at. I simply said life.
PHOTOGRAPHY – FLORAL

One of the things I enjoyed with my late wife was gardening. Me being a technical junkie and her being freeflowing, there weren’t many things we shared as far as common interests. I admit when she suggested putting in a garden I figured my involvement would be strickly physical. You know, dig a hole or plant this there.
I didn’t expect I would begin to enjoy the process. I foound myself getting into the science aspect of the garden. You know much water and when. What types of plants can in this environment. I hate to admit this, but I enjoyed sitting on the bench just looking at them. I enjoyed how they made me feel.
Though, I did learn a great deal about flowers and such. I never could get the plant names to stick with me. At least, not the proper names. Yet, I remember planting several varieties of the plant pictured above. However, I might …I do mean might know the name of this plant. I have always referred to this type of plant as being an “Elephant Ear”
PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS
The clouds are thick this morning. It puts me in the mind of the old saying, “A blanket of clouds.” They look as if there are several blankets one on top of another. It’s one of those days where you just want to roll over and catch some more sleep. Not a lot, just another hour or three.
I was picking up breakfast at the local grocery and I saw a woman shopping gingerly. She ended up at the chekout before I did. She had a bottle of wine and crackers. I chuckled as I walked out the door. I sat in my pickup looking at my receipt, my items came to $19.87. It was the year I stepped into madness.
PHOTOGRAPHY – CHALLENGE


I used to grow these in my old garden. I never knew the name, but I have always enjoyed the way they look.
PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY – CBWC – BRICKS AND STONES



Yesterday, I shared a flower that survived a recent storm in my town. I’still moved by its beauty and will to survive. Now, I’m actually aware of its species, sweet! Thanks, Cee.
For some reason, I didn’t consider any other area being effected by the storm. I figured my community alone had suffered the wrath. I really don’t know why I don’t that. I had some business to conduct outside my region, I noticed the path of the storm. It affected much more than I realized. People didn’t have power just like us. People were shook emotionally as well, like we were.
I stopped at a rest area during my return home, that’s when I heard something peculiar.
“Really! You gonna just walk right by me without taking a look?
“Huh?”
“HUH! That’s right here for my health. I survive a storm and everything.” The voice said.
The voice was agitated, but delicate. I paused and looked around. My attention rested on this flower .

It’s color was captivating. I stood there in bewildered wondering how I could have missed the beauty. I decided to take a closer look.

Uncontrollably I uttered, “You so beautiful!” Her response, “Thank You”
Then I heard another voice say, “What about me, I survived too!” I turned a saw another beautiful survivor, but that’s a story for another day.
I snapped this photo a couple of weeks ago right after the storm. I was amazed that it still stood when everything around it bore the scars of Mother Nature’s wrath.

I’ve been looking at this photo everyday since the storm, marveling at its wonder. A reminder to stay the course in the face of anything. Knowing, you may not always win, but you fought.

The dedication, the sacrifice, and let’s not forget the glory. We were kings of the highest order. Nothing could touch us. At least that’s what we thought, felt, and believed. However, life can be cruel, wicked, and unrelenting. Everything comes due, it always has. Rest assured, there’s one thing that can’t be taken away.

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

For over a month, I have been admiring the posts concerning the Weekend Sky Challenge. I snapped a few with my phone. I’m unsure how the challenge works, but here is an attempt.

A friend of mine suggested that I explore all my creative outlets. So I decided to pull out my camera and started snapping a few pictures. Art therapy is an excellent way to relieve stress. Mental health awareness is critical in society at the moment, and I don’t see an end anytime soon. Perhaps, you can start a hobby or return to an old one.
I hope my previous articles concerning mental health provided a little insight into a subject that seems to be touching us all in one way or another.