• architecture,  Black and White,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  window

    Routes Served

    March 28, 2019

    “Other voices easily drown out our own before we can really hear it. And this applies whether you hear positive or negative reactions; both are dangerous to us. Positive feedback too soon will stop us moving forward or going deeper. It’ll stop us at the low-hanging fruit and the first, most obvious iterations, and our work won’t have a chance at getting honed.  And negative reactions or feedback can stop us just as quickly when that feedback often only means “this work isn’t for me” and has nothing to do with how authentic or good it might actually be.” David DuChemin

    Took the early bus this morning to campus and now at the Lory Student Center. I came early to have some time to write and a bit of quiet before the students begin dragging themselves in to classes. I will meet a good friend for coffee who teaches philosophy at 9:00. It seems to be a beautiful day, almost reaching 70 degrees before we have rain later this evening.

    I relate to David’s quote as I have for most of my life been one who wants the approval of others. Hopefully, I’ve moved beyond the need for approval of others to validate who I am, at anything. At one time acquiring the comments and likes determined the quality of my images. I’m aware there are times when I post an image too early, before it’s time, looking for approval of a poor image, or I just want to post an image. What I get from his quote is the need to listen more to the voice within in all areas of life. I’m a work in process, taking my own routes, as are my images.

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  • architecture,  lifestyles,  shadows,  window

    Windows on Campus

    November 20, 2018

    Windows at Lory Student Center
    Windows at Lory Student Center

    The heart catheterization procedure went well. The measurements of my right heart chamber was through my neck and the left chamber through my right wrist. Both places are sore and I have restricted movement of the arm, no more than 5 lbs for the next 5 days.  There is no blockage, the heart is pumping as it should so I’m okay for the valve replacement surgery. I leave tomorrow for Thanksgiving in Phoenix with my family. Hope everyone enjoys the holiday and food.

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  • architecture,  Black and White,  shadows,  window

    A Valve Job

    October 3, 2018

    Shadows in Old Town
    Shadows in Old Town

    “There is in all visible things… a hidden wholeness.”

    In 2013 we discovered I have a leaky aortic valve in my heart, known as Aortic Regurgitation. An EKG and treadmill test were done at that time and a status of moderate leakage was the diagnosis. I was told this is not uncommon but we need to watch it closely. This past May during my physical my family physician and I agreed it was time to have a cardiologist run some tests and get their evaluation. After several tests it has been determined the leakage has continued to deteriorate and the left chamber of my heart has begun to enlarge. I now have a better understanding for my lack of energy and motivation over the past 4-5 years. So, the cardiologists, surgeons and my family doctor consider me to be a good candidate for Aortic Valve Replacement surgery.

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  • architecture,  Cityscapes/Urban,  Documentary/Street,  doors,  Humor,  window

    Hippies Use Backdoor

    September 29, 2018

    Hippies
    Hippies

    I walk by this home on a regular basis, see the sign, smile and but have always hesitated to take a photo. This morning was different. In fact I took two images. The home is across the street from campus and from the looks and location I assume it’s residents are college students. There was a time when I would have followed the sign. 🙂

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  • architecture,  window

    Bedroom Window

    August 22, 2018

    Bedroom Light
    Bedroom Light

    This is a second morning of overcast skies and cooler temperatures. Now at the Bean Cycle for a latte and to use their internet. Talk is about the weather as people get excited about the approaching fall weather. The other night I had to get up to stretch my legs and walk around. When I saw this bedroom window light I had to go back in and grab my camera. There this something about the feel I liked. Have a super Awesome day!

    “The animal merely makes a bed, which he warms with his body in a sheltered place; but man, having discovered fire, boxes up some air in a spacious apartment, and warms that, instead of robbing himself, makes that his bed, in which he can move about divested of more cumbrous clothing, maintain a kind of summer in the midst of winter, and by means of windows even admit the light and with a lamp lengthen out the day.”  Henry David Thoreau

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  • Anthony de Mello,  Black and White,  quotes,  shadows,  window

    Waking Up

    June 22, 2018
    Morning Shadows and my Desk Lamp
    Morning Shadows and my Desk Lamp

    “Spirituality means waking up.”

    Anthony de Mello

    Good morning! Hoping you’re awake. And, if not, then I’ll let you know this is my desk lamp with shadows coming in from my bedroom window. Another one of those surprise scenes that was given just as I was about to leave the house. Had to be awake though.

    Seems I have lived most of my life with a thinking cap that believed the best time to start a project and put the work in to move towards finishing the project, was tomorrow. At this stage of life I approach each day with new attitudes and a trust in myself that was missing in the past. I attribute this change to some healthy maturity, some inner work, authors who have helped me, photography, journaling, unclouded thinking, accepting failures as a part of life, finding a spiritual path, putting in the work and chocolate. Having a network of fellow photographers has been essential also. Those of you who follow along on this blog, sharing your insights with me can pat yourselves on the back. I now have on a new thinking cap. Hope you have a great Friday and weekend! 

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