My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
Okay, I could be wrong but I think this is called a Russula Mushroom. I came across four of them grouped along the path in Blendon Woods Park and was immediately drawn to the red color. So, with tripod in hand and a macro lens mounted on my camera I got down on my knees for several macro images. My pants were dirty and wet and I did a bit of grunting as I stood back up. (This aging body does not function the way it did 20-30 years ago, it creaks and cracks at times. 🙂) Rain earlier in the morning left everything with a bright shine and wonderful contrast to work with. It almost looks like a bite has been taken out of this one. Thinking I may have to buy a longer focal length macro.
I mentioned a few days ago about a new coffee shop (hangout) I found in Old Gahanna. I think it is going to be a nice hit for the people in the area. It’s also next to a Cold Stones Creamery (which can be trouble), a couple of decent restaurants and a couple of bars. Anyway, I witnessed an interesting scene on that first visit. While sitting inside enjoying the air-conditioning, I noticed this young child perched one of the tables outside the coffee shop. She had a couple of siblings with her and all were dressed in white. A photographer was shooting some outdoor family portraits and was using the tables as props. Since the photographer, and the mother, were working hard to get her to pose, I figured I needed to shoot at least one image from my angle. Not sure what his images looked like but her pose worked just fine for me.
I found these two gentlemen enjoying the afternoon in the harbor at Portland, Maine. The image tells a story. Well, actually it tells several stories as each of us will see and envision our own. Are they fishermen or sailors? Retired fishermen or sailors? Wealthy? Married to money? Or maybe all of them. What does it tell you or does it even speak to you?
Anyway, I did play a bit with Topaz Adjust on this image, one of those fun things I must do once in a while.
I think most of my missed opportunities, and this includes all areas of my life, are because I fail to be there, to take the necessary steps to be there. If I had not picked up my camera and tripod then headed to Blendon Woods Metro Park, I would not have had the opportunity to meet this milkweed bug face-to-face. Nor, would he/she have had the opportunity to meet me. 🙂 If you look close enough I thin there is a smile on their face. I did not plan our encounter but was actually searching for raindrops on leaves or flowers after a hard rain we’d just had. And, once I’d experienced this moment I needed to know something about them, so I googled milkweed bugs. I discovered an interesting little character. Yep, I need to place myself in more places so I do not miss any more opportunities.
And, in case you need to know a milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, is a very large–sized hemipteran of the family Lygaeidae. And, believe it or not, they feed on milkweed plant juices, seeds and occasionally on other plant juices.
My dad is a man of traditions. One of those is his morning breakfast of two fried eggs, without a crispy edge. He and I are both early risers which gives us an opportunity to share some father/son time. On many of my visits with my parents he and I would take an early morning walk to loosen up the muscles, get the heart rate going and enjoy the sunrise. Afterwords he would cook up simple and enjoyable breakfast for the two of us. Menu included two eggs over easy, one sausage patty and this morning a biscuit.
I have a wandering mind, a traveling mind, one that goes many places. I spent time at Blendon Woods Metro Park the other evening listening to the birds and being away from the bustle of the world of city. I found a bench looking out over a meadow and parked it. I wrote in my journal a few thoughts and feelings but my mind was constantly being distracted. It is a recurring theme for me. Sometimes those thoughts need to be written down as they will tell me more about myself or be the voice of the muse.
Yep, that’s the name of it, Crazy Goat Coffee. It’s a new coffee shop in Old Gahanna. I saw it a couple of weeks ago and finally made it down there to check it out. Here are my first impressions after one visit.
I loved the ambiance as soon as I walked in. It offers pleasant colors, a fireplace for the winter season, a couple of lounge chairs, and six tables comfortably seating from two to six people. There were six business people in dress suits standing at the register and the pastry case, half of them trying to make a decision on their drinks and “lowfat” pastry. I wondered if this decision would be the biggest decision they would make that day.
There was one young lady at the register doing her best to answer questions, take orders and money while trying make their drinks. I realized it was going to take awhile. Since I patronize several franchise stores where speed is so prominent, it made me aware of how impatient I can be. I needed to tell myself to be patient and wait in line. It wasn’t too long before another barista came in to help carry the load. The young girl acknowledged me with a warm smile and let me know she would be with me in a minute. Her smile brought me a smile and an awareness I actually had more than a minute to spare. I’d wait. See what a smile does.
I ordered a decaf mocha latte which I use as a measurement stick when going to a new place. The temperature was below my preference but I did like the flavor. I was also pleased to see my drink served in a paper cup rather than styrofoam. After a visit to their website I noticed part of their mission statement is to strive to be eco-friendly. They offer free Wi-Fi and are open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm during the week with shorter hours on the weekends. Overall it was a pleasant experience so I need to make a couple more visits. I’ll keep you informed.
I took this image back in 2008 while out in Colorado. I was, again, at one of my coffee shops visiting with their parents and caught them playing around.
“The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box.”
