It's good to get out…

It’s good to get out, plain and simple. If we don’t get and take steps to see the world around us then we have missed out sights and experiences we need in life. Sitting in my hotel on this particular afternoon was not going to work. It was cold and cloudy, but no snow. So, I spent  some time walking my camera around Church Street in Burlington, VT. And what did I find?

Well, my first stop was at a place called Outdoor Gear Exchange. The “shopper” in me likes to look around, touch all the toys, gadgets, clothes, backpacks; all the things I really don’t need. Thankfully, I walked out without buying anything so it was a good experience.

I then warmed up with a mocha at a place called Speeders and Earls Coffee. It had a good location and was one of those long narrow stores with this lime green color giving it a warm and inviting feeling. They had local artwork on the walls. There were small tables along a wall while on the opposite wall was solid mirrors. The service was wonderful as the young lady made my latte and initiated a nice conversation. I sat down at one of the tables to enjoy the flavor, rest my feet and of course to warm up. The above image is yours truly in a self portrait.

Later on, I grabbed a sandwich at a small restaurant called new moon. They describe themselves as  a place to enjoy authentic espresso and creative eating. I had their grilled chicken and brie sandwich with an excellent apricot mustard. Check out the menu to see what other temptations they have. I skipped on their coffee as I had just finished one so I have no idea what theirs are like. The young man making my sandwich as a Nikon guy so of course you know where our conversation went: cameras, digital and film and what we want to do with our photography.

My final stop before going back to the hotel for some much needed rest was a store called Homeport that specializes in furniture housewares and gifts. When I first walked in the door the bright colors caused my trigger finger to start itching. Oh, and the different patterns were causing my eyes to twitch. I found myself standing there looking at the patterns and colors of this row of stacked plates, my mind trying to figure out the composition and exposure. A woman named, Betty, snapped me out of my trance and asked if she could help me. I told her I want to take a photo and was granted permission. I gave her my blog address and picked up a store business card.

I got some interesting images and met some interesting people. I’m glad I got out!