• Avian,  Holiday Seasons,  Holidays

    Happy Thanksgiving

    November 25, 2010
    Happy Thanksgiving

    ‘Tis a time to be thankful for all that we have, even if it is not very much. For me I can say I’m thankful because I’m healthy, game-fully employed, have a wonderful family. I can even say I have some great friends or at least 2 that I know of. I’ve also got $20 in my pocket, half a tank of gas in the car and my internet bill is paid (for this month). Right now I’m in Phoenix with my parents and my two sisters and a darn cool brother-in-law. So, there is much to be thankful for.

    But not everyone is as thankful. There are those who have no food, no home, no family, no job, no money. Or maybe they’re in some outpost in Iraq or dealing with a death in the family. For me this is also a time to remember them. I can’t help all of them but will reach out to those I can. I hope we don’t quickly forget those in need and then move on to our next helping of turkey or take that first piece of pumpkin pie? What is it we can do for those in need?

    Now, as for these guys above in the above image, I don’t think they’re quite as thankful about this time of year. If you look closely you’ll notice how they seem to be edgy, checking things out, not trusting me or any one else. Each step is deliberate. Cautious. Wonder why?

    I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.

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  • Metro Parks

    What was it like?

    October 31, 2010

    Blendon Woods park

    A few years ago I needed new brakes installed on my truck. It was going to take a couple of hours so after dropping off the truck I walked down the street to a nearby coffee shop. As I walked along, I realized I was not in direct contact with the earth for that four-block walk. I was always on concrete or asphalt, never touching the earth. It also involved car exhaust, pedestrian lights and unnatural noises. Any and all plants around me were placed there by the designer. It caused me to wonder how much we have lost touch with nature?

    Most of us know about our National Parks but many of us take our natural areas for granted and in some cases don’t even realize they exit. We are lucky to have these places of wonder and beauty to explore and take in. Yet, many of us make plans to watch a movie on the new 54 inch HD screen, or meet up with friends to pound down a few micro-brews, or play a game on our computer or Game-boy or work on a project we brought home from the office. I’ve spent my time doing all of them. It just seems to me our society has moved away from nature, placing ourselves in heated and air-conditioned buildings, our own created worlds?

    I’m lucky to have the Metro Parks near my apartment here in the Columbus area. In 15 minutes I can be walking the trails of Blendon Woods Park or enjoying the flowers along the paths in Inniswood Gardens. They never seem to be crowded. I’m surprised how many people I meet walking or jogging the paths in our natural areas are plugged in and tuned in to their favorite music while missing the Meadowlark singing it’s distinct call, or the woodpecker hammering away on it’s favorite tree, or the chirping of the squirrels as they play their games of tag or the wind whispering through the trees.

    I like to spend time on a bench along one of the trails to listen and watch nature. I only have one channel to select from and the reception is excellent. The concerns of work, bills, wars, taxes, oil spills, all seem far away and in another world. I enjoy the natural areas near my apartment and, as some of you already know, I use them often to step away from the busy world. And another question that often comes to mind is: what would it have been like 200-300 years ago when there were no paths or concrete or asphalt?

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  • Metro Parks

    Morning Frost

    October 18, 2010

    A Starburst

    This past Saturday we had our first heavy frost. I had to pull the ice scrapper out for the car. The temperature was 37 degrees so that made it feel like Fall. With clear skies and a warm sun the temperatures began to rise so by noon the sweaters and jackets were coming off and people were heading outside for walks. I made my way to Blendon Woods for some much needed fresh air and less city noise. I grabbed one of the picnic tables, pulled out my journal and soaked up the suns warm rays. It was my time. In an effort to really be present I tried to take in everything that was around me. And, for me those images were everywhere and these are just two of the ones I wanted to share. There is a nice flare in the image but maybe some will not notice it. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and has a wonderful week.

    The Picnic Table

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  • leaves,  Metro Parks,  Plants

    Better than aspirin

    October 12, 2010

    Nature's Art

    I felt a little under the weather yesterday, mainly tension in my neck and shoulders, which probably brought on the dull headache, and headaches are very unusual for me. Since the temperatures were above 80 degrees today I decided to make one of those often needed visits to Blendon Woods park in the evening. I took the camera and tripod along, just in case I’d want to use them. I spent most of my time walking, then sitting for while on a bench, listening to the birds sing. I even had a squirrel above me dropping nuts on the ground, getting ready to harvest them for winter. By the time I headed back to my car the tension was gone along with the headache. As far as photos go, leaves seemed to by my focus and finding this unusual pattern of leaves was what I needed. For me, the quiet in nature is better than aspirin.

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  • Bench,  Metro Parks

    Inviting Bench

    October 10, 2010
    Afternoon in the Park

    A few years ago I made myself a project to shoot one bench a day for a month. Had fun with it.  But, danged if it didn’t turn into a habit. And by habit I mean my eye is pulled towards them. After we buy an new car that seems to be all we see on the road. Everyone has one. For me it seems that once we find something that interests us, our eyes will look for ways “we” want to photograph them. So while on a walk about a week ago in Blendon Woods Park I spotted this bench with sunshine all over it. I also find it’s nice to park myself on them and just take it all in. Have a great Sunday!

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  • flowers,  insects,  Plants

    Getting in the way

    August 31, 2010
    The Last of Summer

    I’m sitting in my hotel room in New Orleans. I was not myself yesterday and did not feel all that well, so I was really tired when we arrived at our hotel last night. After a much needed night of sleep, I awoke to overcast skies, some light rain and 87% humidity. This Colorado boy is not use to having his clothes stick to his body. I enjoyed a quick breakfast and decided to log on my laptop. I haven’t check any blogs for a couple days now and will try and do that next. It may be overwhelming and take a while. We get back home at midnight then I’m back out again tomorrow at 1:00 pm. Ever notice how work seems to keep getting in the way of things?

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