Day 31: Cameras, cameras, cameras....

Final day of the month. What's next on the horizon? More photos of course!! But I'm embracing a theme this time around.

Despite an excellent suggestion to try macro shots out, I'm going to focus my attention to distanced/depth shots; roads, trails, paths, and the like. I've always been fond of them, and I'll try and center them around Jackson, but my occasionally branch out.

I'll keep my eye open for shots beyond these, in order to keep things random, but that will be main focus. I'm also going to start including more pics with myself in them. Not many, but I want to see myself a bit more. Vain? Perhaps...

Also, as I start reading more and more, I'm getting the urge to splurge on a new camera intended for more serious photography. Nothing expensive at all. Something entry level so I can get exposed to the world of photography and see if my interest, coupled with better equipment, can embrace it and foster an artistic talent of sorts.

The pic above is of my first digital camera, which happens to my 3rd camera ever owned. My first camera was a Spy Camera from Bill Cosby's campy spy classic "Leonard Part 6". The second camera was bought just prior to my Italy trip, and the camera above was bought prior to my excursion to Iraq. So yeah, that camera's a veteran....respect that shit!

Day 30: The Path We Walk...

Taking a Sunday stroll around Cascades yesterday, I had at one point thought of life and it's complexities - the path that I have ahead in life, and the path that I traveled up to this point. Somewhere in that thought process I noticed that my eyes were following the path ahead, quite literally. So I grabbed my Canon and snapped a few shots. Several shots taken, but this photo won out, mostly due to the similar thoughts in my head at the time.

As this is my second to the last photo of the month, I begin turning my eyes to the remaining eleven months ahead. Should I continue just taking random photos? Should I set a theme for the photos, or would that be limiting myself? Maybe a specific object or taking photos of things that begin with a specific letter? I'm wondering....

After nearly a month in, I want to begin turning it into a project of artistic learning and expression. Looking up basic ideas/lessons in photography would be a good start. Take a class maybe, or become someone's padawan learner.

Any suggestions? Where will this path lead me and can you offer any advice?

Day 29: Coffee, Boredom & Homework Trees

Ever get to the point where you lose a sense of direction in a given task and create something ridiculous? That's just what these ladies have done the other day at the Jackson Coffee Co. Finding no motivation in their study time, they decided to create a "homework tree".

Just a few months back, I had to really dig deep and remember how to fold a "cootie catcher". Remember those? Brings to mind a number of childish things I have done over the years, with particular fondness of the sixth grade.

Using a large bag of industrial rubber bands, I cut and tied them together with the intent of creating an extremely large rubbed band with the capability of stretching for quite a large distance. Then you could put a paper football in one end, and use it as a slingshot. Yes, I made more than a couple because my sixth grade teacher, Miss Schweda kept taking them away from me.

A friend and I, Herr Karatz, used to forge makeshift ninja weapons out of random materials. Divider strips for carpets/floors being used to make katanas. Hunks of wood and dog chains being used for nunchuks. Bo staffs were simple enough. And this all happened because were young boys crazy about some mutated turtles trained in ninjitsu.

Wasting time...can potentially lead to the best of times!

Day 28: Happy 21st Burrfday Megan!!

Yes, I have a goofy smile. Yes, the burrfday hat is way to the side. Yes...I'm also sandwiched between two very, very super saucy wenches; and by "wenches" I mean "the awesomest, most delicious looking, quite clever, irresistible women on Earf"!

Had a hell of a blast at Megan's (she's the blonde) birthday Friday night. Was proud to see her not get as crazy as I was, or many were, on the night of their 21st birthdays. She definitely drank well, and even took an Irish Car Bomb like a champ, but was quite a responsible young lady.

Now....which direction to go with this... Shall I go on about age differences, and how I live somewhat vicariously through my slightly younger friends; how the occasional moment can make me aware how immature I was at that tender, young age? Shall I bring up instead, the wisdom in moderation of alcohol, which honestly I have not displayed on several occasions?

Hmmm.....neither topic interests me now, and the night grows cold. My bed calls to me.....

Day 27: What'cha lookin' at Vernie?

Laverne has this habit of focusing on something, and often we have no idea what it is. I'd say it's staring off into open air, but she seems so intensely set on something specific. Body's tense, and for a few minutes she can't be distracted. In this pic, I even was able to move my arms around and take a pic before she finally lost interest in whatever it was that held her attention.

Ever wonder about dogs? We're told they can't see colors the same way we can, but are they really that blind? Can they see other spectrums of light? Maybe spirits? Ghosts?!

We can learn a lot from our dogs. They require very little, but what they most desire is so simple and so profound: Love....that's all they really want or need. Give it to them, and you've developed a connection that is stronger than most anything else on Earth. Love....

On the thought of "love", there will be a heckuva blog/photo in the weeks to come.

Peace out for now, time to go wish a friend a happy 21st!

Day 26: Tano Uses Macs

So what if I took Star Wars related pics two days in a row?!?! WHAT'CHU GONNA DO 'BOUT IT?!?!

My fellow Fanboys & Fangirls should know who this is, and if you don't we can no longer talk....ever.

Day 25: A long time ago, in a bakery far, far away....

Was having a bit of an irritating day. Part as a result of my own inability to process certain stresses, but also as a result of lack of sleep.

However, I walked in the house today, to find a small box awaiting me. In said box, a set of four cookie cutters pictured to the right. If there is any doubt in your mind as to what they are of, you need to slap yourself....with a shovel....crusted over with tetanus....and the plague.

And I say to you....Mr Eric Kline, should your begonias ever need massaging, I'm your man.

Cookies will be made very soon.... :)