A place where I post unscripted, unedited, soulless rants of a insomniac madman
One of the things I love about photography is you never know why you take a picture. There’s something about the lighting, the feel, or something else that captures you and makes you snap the shutter. I’ve had these photos for years. When I first took these photos, I had no idea what I would do with them. Yet, I hung onto them, wondering If I would see something different the next time I looked at them.
This is my response to the tangled web prompt. I took this photo this fall. I forgot about it until I was deleting some of the horrible photos, I took last year.
Over the years, I watched my late wife restore and sell these milk jugs. So, I snapped a picture of this one as I drove through a small town.
My response to RDP’s Wednesday prompt.
This morning, I was reviewing this prompt and trying to figure out how to approach it. I knew I didn’t have any photos that featured hatching of some kind. I ran across an image of an old hatchback and remembered our adventures in high school.
A buddy of mine brought a Datsun B210 hatchback and drove everywhere in that thing. Most of the time, there were three of us. We would travel to a nearby town so he could profess his undying love to his girlfriend. It was the stuff they write stories about for about six months. We would buy a case of beer Saturday night and head to the highway. I don’t remember her name or what she looked like.
We all professed our love at one time or another in that car. We traveled hundreds of miles doing so. I suppose we were allergic to the idea of having a local girlfriend. None of us ended up with any of the women that we loved so dearly. I haven’t seen those guys in over 30 years. However, I remember the times we spent together in that hatchback.
The Datsun we rode in looked like the one in the photo. The memories just flood back. In fact, our car didn’t have a reverse. So, whenever we parked, we’d stick our foot out of the car and push backward. I wonder what happened to those guys? I hope life was gentler than mine.
Participating in this challenge last year, I actually learned the names of a few flowers. I’ve been organizing my photos and found a few archived photos of the bearded iris that grows in my front yard. I find this flower interesting because it just showed up one year. I didn’t plant it and I haven’t done anything to get it going.
I’d completely forgotten taking this shot and I’m pleased how well it came out. According to my records, I took this picture in the spring of 2020. I hope you guys enjoy it.
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
If you started a sports team, what would the colors and mascot be?
As a child, I remember watching baseball on television with my mother. I didn’t understand what I was watching, but I enjoyed my mother’s excitement as she watched her beloved “Cubbies.” However, the idea of playing the sport never really stuck. I played softball for a while but lost interest. I still enjoy watching the games when I have time to catch them. So, when I read this prompt, I knew I had to write a baseball story of sorts.
Once upon a time, a man named Rico Strong lived in a small town called Willowville. Rico was known far and wide for his extraordinary talent in training animals. He had a special connection with ferrets and platypuses and a dream – to create a baseball team like no other. But not just any baseball team; Rico wanted to form a team with pink ferrets and an angry platypus.
Rico had always been fascinated by the agility and quickness of ferrets. He believed their instincts and nimbleness would make them perfect for the outfield. As for the platypus, Rico had observed their fierce determination and strong-willed nature, which he thought would be ideal for a powerful pitcher. It was a crazy idea, but Rico was determined to make it a reality.
He traveled far and wide, scouring the world for pink ferrets and an angry platypus. He visited rainforests, deserts, and even remote islands in search of these unique creatures. He encountered countless challenges along his journey, but Rico’s determination never wavered. He faced treacherous terrains, wild animals, and even unexpected weather but pressed on, fueled by his unwavering passion.
Finally, after months of searching, Rico found what he was looking for. In a hidden valley deep within the mountains, he discovered a group of pink ferrets with shimmering fur. They were playful, agile, and had an undeniable charm. Rico knew he had struck gold with these ferrets.
But his journey wasn’t over yet. Rico had heard rumors of an angry platypus living in a far-off swamp. Determined not to give up, he ventured into the swamp despite the warnings of its dangers. And there, in a murky pond, Rico found the angry platypus. It was bigger and fiercer than he had imagined, with venomous spurs and a fiery gaze. Rico knew he had found the missing piece of his team.
With his team of pink ferrets and the angry platypus, Rico set out to fulfill his dream. He built a baseball field in Willowville with state-of-the-art facilities and a cheering crowd. Word quickly spread about his unique team, and people from all over came to watch the Traveling Pink Ferrets & Angry Platypus play. The team’s agility, speed, and determination were unmatched, making them a force to be reckoned with.
As the team played their games, they faced many challenges. They encountered teams with stronger hitters, faster runners, and more experienced pitchers. But Rico’s team had something special – their unbreakable bond and unwavering spirit. They supported each other, cheered on, and never gave up.
The Traveling Pink Ferrets & Angry Platypus became the talk of the town with their incredible plays and electrifying performances. They won game after game, leaving their opponents in awe. Rico’s unique team captured the hearts of the locals and, media and baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
Ultimately, the Traveling Pink Ferrets & Angry Platypus became more than just a baseball team. They symbolized courage, unity, and the power of following one’s dreams. Rico Strong’s extraordinary vision had turned a seemingly crazy idea into a remarkable reality.
And so, the legacy of the Traveling Pink Ferrets & Angry Platypus baseball team lived on, inspiring generations to come. Their story was passed down from one baseball fan to another, reminding everyone that anything is possible with passion, determination, and a little imagination. The team’s success paved the way for more unconventional and innovative approaches in sports, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary things can come from the most unexpected places.
The Traveling Pink Ferrets & Angry Platypus left a lasting impact on the baseball world, forever etching their names in the annals of sports history. Their remarkable journey was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and belief in the impossible. Rico Strong’s dream had not only come true but had exceeded all expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who witnessed their extraordinary feats.
My body is healing, so I’ve been sleeping a lot. It’s strange how remarkable the body can be if you allow it to do its thing. I haven’t been able to get much done in these past weeks, but I’ve had the strength to create. This is a blessing in itself. I may never return to being the man I was before all this happened, but honestly, they may not be such a bad thing. In part, it’s because of him; I’m in this situation, and it’s also because of him; I know I can survive it. Who or what will I be after it is all said and done? Who knows? But it’s gonna be fun figuring things out.
I took this photo a week before my health took a nose dive. I remember feeling horrible that day. However, I pushed through because I’m a tough guy and all that.
How are you creative?
Although I have been writing and drawing since I was a kid, I never really considered myself to be creative. This isn’t because I wasn’t encouraged or anything like that. It’s partly because I was surrounded by very talented people. I just didn’t consider my work good enough to make the cut.
I suppose another issue is I never found a particular style I excelled in. I enjoy writing every genre. It’s nothing better than getting an idea down on paper and seeing where it goes. Sometimes, that’s no further than a notation in a notebook or scribbled on a scrap of paper.
Lately, my friends have been expressing in my photography. I have to admit I enjoy capturing the images and seeing what stories they tell me. Yet, recently, I have been discovering the stories within themselves.
I must say I’m lucky. I get to tell stories by writing, photos, or film. Every now and then, I get combine all three. It’s special when things work out that way. When writing a screenplay, I must rely on imagery to get it done. This can be a challenge for a narrative fiction writer.
This is where the photography comes into play. I can capture images and use them as templates of the world I’m trying to create. This can be done with a video camera, but sometimes, the stills just work better for me.
Often, I sketch ideas and then try to find them in the real world. Well, I guess I’ve babbled enough for you to get the idea.
As always,
What are your favorite physical activities or exercises?
There is nothing like taking a walk. I would add cigarettes and coffee to the mi, but that would only dimish the benefits. I was poor as a child, we had two ways to get anywhere; walking or riding your bike. In some cases, you ended up doing both. So I learned early to enjoy the journey. To freely allow the thoughts in my head to run wild. No one there sticking their opinion mudding up the process.
Even now, I walk with headphones on. The music provides a blanket shielding me from the outside. I hear my thoughts exhale, clear their throats, and call the rest of my body to order. My arms and legs are moving in unison to a subconscious rhythm. Yet, I realize my breathing is setting the tempo. My thoughts and ideas line up to me counted.
Next, I exclaim, not looking up at the next idea waiting to have their say.
“Good day, Mr. Khan”
“Good day.” I reply, waiting for them to get on with it. They take a moment to gather themselves to ensure not to waste my time. I’m thankful for the gesture actually. I can’t count the numerous times progress has been striflield by a ridiculous idea.
‘“Well get on with it,” I nudge.
“You see Sir, I been thinking the story needs a bit of restructuring.” Idea stated.
“How so?” I questioned. The idea went on to explain its opinion in great deal. I have to admit I like the idea. But I couldn’t let this go unchallenged. It was the principle of the thing. I can’t be having ideas rushing up to me at hours of the night thinking they’re to get their say. The other day I saw a wanna-be Picasso paint his cat pink.
Painting a cat pink, really?
Uncle Willie told me a story about a fella who had an idea to impress a woman. We all know the lengths men go to impress women. It’s ridiculous the things we come up with. Well this fella, got the idea that the women of his dreams was worth it. He met her at the local bowling alley. The story goes, she liked him well enough, but she always wanted to see what a kangaroo looked like up close. For months, they’d meet at the bowling alley and talk, but she kept bringing up the kangaroo thing. Finally, the fella invited her to fly with him to Australia to see a kangaroo. Her reply was that she didn’t know him well enough to go on a trip like that. What kind of woman did he think she was?
Cedric, the fella, was determined to have Gretchen, the woman, by any means necessary. So, he contacted a navy buddy who owed him a favor and got a damn kangaroo. Christmas Day 1966, when the bowling alley was closed, arranged for the place to open and convinced Gretchen to meet him there. So, Gretchen’s Christmas present was a kangaroo, named Rocky. Of course, Gretchen didn’t have any place to keep Rocky, so he lived with Cedric. Christmas 1967, they were married. The marriage lasted five years. Gretchen got the house and Rocky in the settlement. I know this may be hard to believe, but here is a photo from the day Gretchen and Rocky met.
Aunt Willie, on my father’s side, a bit touched if you listen to Nana. Despite this, Aunt Willie, was the most successful pig farmer in the state. A winter’s back, Aunt Willie got a notion that Charlene and Jessup, her pet pigs didn’t want to spend the winter in the cold. So, she pack them up and took them to the beach. The local took exception to the pigs at the beach and made a big ruckus. However, Aunt Willie was to snap a picture of Charlene and Jessup before things got out of hand.
I have to admit I’m a bit jealous, they look rather peaceful.
There’s nothing like a good stroll to clear your mind and you get a little exercise to boot.
Yesterday, I felt better than I had in weeks. I’m not sure if I actually felt better or was it more of not letting my illness mess with me during the holidays. In any case, I looked up at the sky and saw a beautiful cloudy sky. Such a wonderful cloud pattern. I’m a junkie for a cloudy day. There’s no snow, but the day is good all around. I feel pretty good today as well, so I will take the opportunity and get some writing done. Who knows? I might get crazy and take a few photos while the getting is good.
So, wherever you are in the world, happy holidays to you. Enjoy the break, do your thing, and be blessed.
Here is my entry for Cee’s – CFFC – Fun colors – Blue.
When I discovered this challenge, I got excited because it was an opportunity to use some of the photos I took at a car show earlier this year. It was the first photo shoot I did this year that wasn’t for my personal use. I was nervous, to say the least. My photos from earlier this year have a little lack of luster, in my opinion. Mainly because I have been out of practice. However, like most things in life, the more you practice, the better you become.
Let’s take a look, shall we?
I hope you enjoyed these!
Here is my entry for Cee’s CWWC – Clouds
Throughout the year, I developed an obsession with the patterns in the sky. So, I took an obscene amount of photos of clouds this year. Here are a few of my favorites. I hope enjoy them.
Here are my responses to the Lens Artist Challenges in November
Lens Artist Challenges #274 – Asymmetry
Lens Artists Challenges #275 – Filling the Frame
Lens Artists Challenges #277: Empty Spaces
I have been playing catch-up all month. So, I figured I’d do one post featuring the challenges for November.
Here is my response to CMMC – Macro or Close-Up
Here is my response to CMMC – Pick a Topic from her photo
Here is my response to CMMC – Red Color
Here is my response to CMMC – Alphabet ending in R
For the last few weeks of the month, I’ve been ill. So, I haven’t been on top of my posts. I haven’t done any real shooting with my camera and haven’t been writing. I’m not 100 percent, but I do feel much better than I have in weeks. I was going through my files this morning and found some photos I snapped during the month. Some have been posted, but I found that were shot at the end of the month.
What’s your favorite cartoon?
I watched so many cartoons as a child I can’t remember them all. Of course, the classics like Scrooby-Do and Bugs Bunny. However, there was one cartoon that appeared later. GI-Joe ended up being my jam. It might have sparked from having the action figure GI Joe with the kung-fu grip. Whatever the reason, I enjoyed every episode I was able to catch. What’s cool is that YouTube has all the episodes.
Here’s my response to pensitivity101‘s Share Your World
Here are this week’s questions:
Gratitude:
Knowing you’re loved is priceless.
Over the last several weeks, I’ve had a rough go of it, to put it mildly. What I have learned and been reminded of is that I’m loved. There is no doubt about that.
What is your idea of a good holiday? Seeing the sights, lazing on a beach, hitting the night spots, getting away from it all……………….
My favorite holiday in the U.S. is Thanksgiving. It’s all about the food. Dishes you haven’t had all year are waiting for you to gorge yourself into oblivion. There are no diets or anything like that. In short, it is the ultimate cheat day. Another thing about this holiday, perhaps the most important, is being with family. It doesn’t get any better than that.
You are offered tickets to a show. Which would you prefer, Opera, Play, Cinema, Entertainment, Ice Gala, or something else?
During my 50th birthday celebration, a friend took me to see Cirque du Soleil. I remember complaining the entire trip to the show. Grumbling nonsense about any and everything. My friend stood her ground and let me rant. She had gotten us incredible seats, and the show was amazing. The gracefulness of the performers was breathtaking. It was an ice show, so I kept waiting for someone to face plant. Didn’t happen. I would watch something like that again.
Have you ever won a sports trophy (or something similar for a particular achievement):
I was a jock during my youth, so I picked up a few trophies here and there. My mother kept them in a bag. I received awards while serving in the military. I used to call the wall my wife hung them on “The Wall of Shame.” Don’t get me wrong. I’m proud of the time I spent in the military. There is no question that it helped shape me into the man I am today. I never did buy into the whole medal thing. It was more about what we were doing and its importance. However, there was an occasion when I was recognized for an achievement. I got no medal or ceremony, just a simple handwritten thank you note. That gesture means more to me than any awards.
What is your dream car (fact or fictional):
As a child, I remember being enthralled by several cars before settling in on my favorite. I still can’t pick a definite favorite, but two stand out. In 1979, the cult classic Phantasm was released. It was a tripped out movie that didn’t make any sense to me at the time. However, my friends and I still talk about that movie. Not as much as we did as kids, but now and again, someone will mention a line at the perfect moment, and we just laugh.
There were several notable characters in that film, but it wasn’t a character that caused the movie to be bookmarked in my mind; it was the car. A Plymouth Barracuda raced away, rescuing the characters and taking them to safety. From that moment, that was my car. I did my best to learn about that model car, but I discovered something different that I loved even more. A 1968 Plymouth Hemi Cuda became my jam. Take a look
As I got older and started my journey into becoming a mechanic with my father, I learned more about cars and their capabilities. My father was aware of my infatuation with the Hemi but schooled me about the other muscle cars of that era. My appreciation grew for American Muscle. I had the privilege of building and repairing several different ones with my dad. I’m more of a circuit head than a gearhead. Yet, I love mechanics; it’s in me bones. After Pop went to the otherside of the veil, I found myself watching old movies with car chases: Smokey and the Bandit, Dukes of Hazzard, The French Connection, and finally, Bullitt. I found my second love, a 1968 Ford Mustang – GT-500. Let’s take a look at the scene that grabbed me.
However, a different year model of Mustang, the movie Gone in 60 Seconds, the remake with Nicolas Cage, featured a 1967 GT-500. The original featured a 1971 Mustang, a beast in her own right but not as sexy. Here are two clips that express my love for this car.
Due to my illness, I got behind on a few challenges and other posts for the blog. So, I decided to combine several a few challenges. I used the challenges listed below.
CWWC – Which Way with People
CWWC – Which Way with Bridge
Lens Artist Challenge #276 – Looking Up, Looking Down
It would seem my idiocracy has no bounds. It’s like I’ve become the type of person I never wanted to be. The kind of person I typically avoid at all costs. There are those among us who refuse to look at things thoroughly. They have a slanted view of the world and the events that occur within it. They refuse to accept certain truths and live in an alternate reality. It’s not even a cool one where there are flying cars and no sick people. It is a place where we live in harmonic lives, and “Rex,” the family golden retriever, always brings the ball back.
Now, life isn’t that way. There aren’t any flying cars yet, people get sick and sometimes die, and Rex, even though he still has the heart, doesn’t bring the ball back because he doesn’t have the legs for it anymore. In this reality, we face what comes: we laugh, we love, we cry, and most importantly, we fight. We do this for no other reason than to prove our time here mattered. Even if it only matters to ourselves. Trust me, it’s enough.
For the past several weeks, I’ve been ignoring the obvious. I’ve been ignoring; there’s a price to pay for my arrogance. When my health went into the toilet, I made several lifestyle changes and figured I would be good from there as long as I continued on the right track. Well, it didn’t quite work out that way. Yes, I must stay the course with the changes I made, but the negligence that caused the changes in the first place has done more than I had anticipated.
In short, pay attention to your body. Please don’t dismiss certain things as testaments of getting older. Yes, some things are due to age, but others aren’t. This isn’t something I read somewhere but something I learned the hard way.
Stay strong…Be Blessed…
Image Credit: by Mangus Khan. Last year when my body was talking to me, but I wasn’t listening.
Here is my entry for Cee’s Cee’s Foto Fun Challenge – Any type of light fixture
I enjoy the most about these challenges because they push me away from my comfort zone and allow me to explore different aspects of photography.
I decided to play around with the challenge and take a few night shots.
Typically, I don’t stage my photos, but this time I got tired of tripping over these dang things.
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
This post is in response to the Travel With Intent blog One Word Sunday Challenge.
I’ve said on this blog that we have two families in life. The one we are born with and the one we choose. This concept has always been more than words for me. It’s been the way I was raised, and I live still. Today, Veteran’s Day, I going to take a moment and showcase my brothers.
The above picture is one of the few times we were together. Our lives are hectic, but we made it happen that day. The gentleman flashing the peace sign is the oldest. He was in the Marine Corps and whipped my skinny butt into shape before Army basic training. On the opposite side, he was in the Army Signal Corps and taught me what it meant to be a member of the Signal Corps. Their guidance and toughness laid the cornerstone of who I am.
Each of these men also served in the military; the top three were in the Navy, and my cousin was in the Army. These men helped me put the pieces back together again after my wife died. They reminded me who I was and what I stood for. I’m indebted to them for life.
As veterans, service and duty aren’t things we are born to; it’s what we learn. In many ways, we are the better for it. In others, that is a cost. Some more than others, but a cost, just the same. During the time we wore the uniform, we did our thang. Nothing or no one can take that away from us. It’s an honor to be among you all.
I was trying to focus my camera to get another shot and accidentally took this picture.
Here’s my response to XingfuMama’s One-To-Three Photo Processing Challenge – November 2023
I’ve been working on a daily prompt response for nearly a week, and I can’t quite figure out what I want to say. All I know is that I wanted a tree in the post. So, I have been taking photos of trees. However, none of them entirely do the trick for the original I took them for. Yet, I ran across this challenge and they may work for this challenge.
Let’s take a look.
For this photo, I used Photoshop Express on my iPad
I’m not sure how the challenge works, but I posted three different processes from the original. I hope I got it right. Either way, it was fun playing around with the various presets.
Theme: Motion
I’ve always had difficulty capturing motion in stills. Perhaps, this may be an underline reason I chose to work into with video. However, I can’t conceal my work love for still photography. Often, I look for ways to incorporate the two mediums.
However, every now and then I get lucky and capture an image that can be viewed by the public.
Here are a few:
Usually, I use a technique called Photo Roman.
Photo Roman is a mesmerizing photography technique that combines the art of visual storytelling with stunning imagery. Its ability to captivate and engage viewers has made it popular among photographers in the digital age. With its origins in France and its growing popularity worldwide, Photo Roman continues to push the boundaries of traditional photography, offering a unique and immersive experience for both creators and viewers alike. As we look to the future, the possibilities for this captivating technique are endless, and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead in the world of Photo Roman.
Here is an example:
Thank you for being patient and letting getting all this out. It’s not often I get to talk about a topic in photography I actually know about.
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.
Here is my response to Sunday Stills Challenge
My Irish twin—I have no idea what an Irish Twin is, but she says it all the time, so I don’t argue—does a spooktacular job each year with Halloween Costumes.
This is someone’s interpretation of the “Munster” dragged and the “Munster” Chopper. You can never tell what you are going to see at a car show.
Describe a family member.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this, not even a little bit. Somewhere along the way, the little bastard got to me. Maybe it was his eyes full of innocence that looked up at me as he gripped my finger when I met him. He stole his grandmother’s heart at the first coo. I wasn’t falling for that cute shit. He’s a male. He must be raised hard, tough, and ready. No pansies are allowed in my clan. No sir. No way.
However, from the start, I saw he going to be different. I saw something in him I wasn’t used to seeing. There was a kindness to him, not the kind that makes you soft. But the kind that makes people want to be around. The kind that’s the foundation of becoming a good man. My grandson is also a very thoughtful young man. I’m pretty sure he got these traits from his grandmother.
I have also noticed he has a bit of a mean streak, something he definitely got from my side of the family. However, I seldom see this side. All in all, he is a cool kid. You can’t tell him; he might think I’m getting soft.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I had several different responses to this prompt. I actually made very detailed notes on something else. However, I was at my brother’s motorcycle shop. I took several photos of his projects. I can’t disclose any of the works in progress. However, there is one I’m sure he won’t mind.
Over the last decade, I’ve gone on about my desire of wanting to ride a motorcycle. We have talked extensively during that time about owning one. Once, I went so far as to discuss the design of a bike. My brother graciously entertained my thoughts. However, I know nothing about designing or building a bike. He could have taken the opportunity to berate me. He didn’t, but he did something else instead.
One day, he tells me he will build me a bike. Now, I did my best not to be all giddy and lose my shit. I don’t think I pulled it off. I thought he joking around, but I went around the shop and took pictures of my future bike.
Now, some may feel my baby is in rough shape. I assure you it’s in better shape than I am. Thanks to my brother’s I now have an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. Riding on the open road with the wind in my face and all that. Yes, I know it sounds cheesy, but don’t judge me!
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.
Of course, during a long weekend, I get a sinus cold. Between the sneezing, napping, and blowing my nose, I’ve been able to do a little editing. For the record, Puffs Plus are amazing. Pre Covid, I went to the local reserves and tried out my camera. It had been a while since I had shot any stills, but I had a good time.
This tree looked weird, so I snapped a few shots. I’ve no idea what is growing on it. It must be some sort of fungus.
I hope you enjoy these. I’ll try to do some color shots after a nap.
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
Today’s been a good day. There were a few moments where I felt like crap, but they were temporary. Perhaps things are returning to normal. I’m a little fearful to say it aloud; I might jinx it. I was walking into the store to pick up a few items, and when I got to the register, I realized I wasn’t tired. Smiling, as I returned to my truck, I looked up and saw this strange sky.
I couldn’t help but wonder if this sky represented my current state. I spent the weekend listening to a lot of hippie-dippie stuff. I think this hippie-dippie stuff might be affecting my brain; someone give me a cigarette. That’s right I’m supposed to be quitting.
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 – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
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.
I’ve been exploring photography these last few months. I almost reached the point where I could justify purchasing a camera or some more lenses. It isn’t that I need to justify my purchases with anyone; it has more to do with me redefining the type of artist I am. As I chuckle to myself at my ridiculousness take a grander at these photos of classic pickup trucks, I saw at a car show.
We used to play songs like this one in my pop’s garage. It was there I learned my way around an engine. I miss those days.
PROSE – RDP CHALLENGE/ PHOTOGRAPHY
I have always heard there’s a reason for everything. I always viewed as one of those things people say when don’t anything better to say. For a lot of folks that atitude is perfectly fine. The necessity to drive deeper into an issue or situation isn’t a requirement and there’s nothing wrong with that.
For many years, professionally, I needed to answer to those kinds of questions. I had to get to bottom of situations or problems in order to provide possible resolutions to them. If I’m being honest, some of the reasons for certain situations didn’t make sense then; they don’t make sense still.
I live a different life now,. There’s a reason has taken a different meaning for me. Wait, a different spin, yes I like that phrase better. Since, babbled on about who I was before, lets talk about who I am now. Hopefully, its itzy bit more entertaining .
Photographer:
I can’t remeber the reason I took them this way. Honestly, I can’t remember if I even cared. Typically, when I take pictures, I allow the moment to speak to me. I’m surprised of the shots I get when I download them onto my computer.
Writer:
I never know what word is coming until it comes. Sometimes, I’m as surprised of what omes out of me as the reader. There are times when I read a written piece it feels as if I was readng it for the first time.
It’s almost if the characters I create have their own lives. It feels at times , my job is just to record my characters truth. I know these things sound a little odd. But I suppose that’s okay. After, living a life like I have, a little whimsy is tolerated.
PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY -COLOR
PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY – COLOR
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
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
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.
I caught this shot yesterday
My submission for CMMC – Midweek Madness challenge
PHOTOGRAPHY – CBWC CHALLENGE – CANDID PHOTOS
My grandson seems to be in another world when he has a camera in his hands. I wonder what he sees or what captures his attention. Whatever it is, I’m fine with it. One of the few times I see him without that damn iPhone in his hands.
During a video shoot, I was able to capture some of my actors.
I hope you guys enjoyed these. I used a different platform for the editing. I think I might use it again.
I went out this weekend to capture a lovely sky. It took me all weekend to get a shot I liked. Here goes. I hope you guys enjoy them.
I’m continuing on my journey into Black & White Photography. I found this challenge last night at Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge..
I found this tree on a walkabout. I found myself wanting to stick my hand in the hole. The only thing preventing this was the tree was too tall.
After this shot, I got tired and needed to sit down. I almost sat on here but looked down and saw its condition and snapped a shot instead.
I can’t remember where I was with this shot, but I think it’s a cool shot.
My entry for Hugh’s Views and News Wordless Wednesday
Today we honor the fallen; I observed them by teaching and passing on some of their lessons. Here are some photos of today’s shoot in black and white.
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.
Memoirs of Madness 