My online journal sharing interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
“Rushing, rushing, rushing. We are always rushing.”
There is no better place to watch people rushing than on campus between classes. This is one of the quieter moments at the entrance to Lory Student Center. I had gone to meet with a friend.
“Photography is a medium of formidable contradictions. It is both ridiculously easy and almost impossibly difficult. It is easy because its technical rudiments can readily be mastered by anyone with a few simple instructions. It is difficult because, while the artist working in any other medium begins with a blank surface and gradually brings his conception into being, the photographer is the only imagemaker who begins with the picture completed. His emotions, his knowledge, and his native talent are brought into focus and fixed beyond recall the moment the shutter of his camera has closed.” Edward Steichen
Had lunch with my friend Andrew at a great Thai restaurant. He is a deep thinker so we can have some great conversations. Combine that with Thai food and a good time will be had. At one point he gazed towards the south facing windows and I just had to take this image. I shot it in color but envisioned it in black and white. Thanks, Andrew!
“Nature is an art which can’t be described or explained in words. This should be felt in your heart.”
Discovered this young man pencil sketching at a local coffee shop and had to ask if I could take a few images while he drew. After he said yes I had him put his earbuds back in and continue with his craft. There is a slight blur in his hand that adds to the image for me and I thought the photo worked well when converted to black and white.
As I walked away I thanked him and realized the courage it takes for me to ask strangers if I can take their photo. Somewhere within me is a false voice telling me they will say no. The truth is I seldom am told no. There are those who will say no and probably due to some history in their lives and that’s okay. But, nowadays many people are comfortable having a camera pointed in their direction. Just look at all the selfies.
Later, after I loaded this photo onto my computer I had an awareness of the courage it takes to be an artist. But as I reflected on that thought it became obvious that it takes courage to believe in and use our artistic abilities, gifts, practice, hone them and then offer them to the world. He and I both practice our craft with courage no matter what those around us thought of us. And, this young man is a good artist! So much for my morning rambling. Have a super Awesome day!
There are days I feel fat but today I feel real fat. I have put on some weight and that is not good for someone who just had heart surgery less than a year ago. I need to lose some of it. Along with my walking for exercise I’ve gotten back on the bicycle the past couple of weeks and actually like it. The first couple days my legs were rubbery when I got off it and that has gone away.
I had this crazy thought run through my head telling me how I’d ride more if I had a new bicycle. I looked in my records and the present hybrid bicycle I have was bought new back in July of 2002. So, I have been riding a few bikes, pursuing the perfect bike. Yet, well aware there really is no perfect bike. I’m also finding the imperfect bicycle is not cheap. Maybe I should get rid of my car and just go with the bicycle and the city bus for transportation. I’m rambling now so time to post this and go about my day.
..amateurs worry about equipment,
professionals worry about money,
masters worry about light,
I just take pictures…
– Vernon Trent
