Ent-ish

Ent-ish

Middle Earth is one of my imagination’s favorite destinations. Every now and then I see something that reminds me of a world filled with Hobbits, Balrogs, and, where Gandalf the Grey is setting off fireworks.

gotta love the midwest part 2

This was taken just a few moments after my previous post. There is a little story behind this image. The sky was stunning that day, so I began to think, "How could I be creative?" Then, it came to me! I' take a picture upside down. I know!! BRILLIANT! So-- I laid down on the road (yes... the brilliance is just oozing out!) and took this shot with the camera upside down. It was many hours later when I remembered that Lightroom, Photoshop, Pixelmator, etc., can easily flip and image. So much for artistic brilliance!
This was taken just a few moments after my previous post. There is a little story behind this image. The sky was stunning that day, so I began to think, “How could I be creative?” Then, it came to me! I’ll take a picture upside down. I know!! BRILLIANT! So– I laid down on the road (yes… the brilliance is just oozing out!) and took this shot with the camera upside down. It was many hours later when I remembered that Lightroom, Photoshop, Pixelmator, and just about every other image editing program known to mankind can easily flip an image. So much for artistic brilliance!

gotta love the Midwest

This is a short walk from my home. I am originally from New York, so, it took me along time to get over not living near an ocean (actually, I am still not over that!), not being able to bum around Manhattan, and, no mountains. It is VERY flat around here, however, over time, I have come top appreciate the 360 degree horizon, beautiful skies. This is the first of two shots taken moments apart that are examples of beautiful skies.
This is a short walk from my home. I am originally from New York, so, it took me a long time to get over not living near an ocean (actually, I am still not over that!), not being able to bum around Manhattan, and, no mountains. It is VERY flat around here. However, over time, I have come to appreciate the 360 degree horizon and the beautiful skies. This is the first of two shots taken moments apart that are examples of beautiful skies.

summer sunset

Summer Sunset

good morning

good morningA beautiful Friday morning for a ride… so I did!

untitled

Not quite sure what to call this image of the 5 Mile Bridge in Illinois. I am
Not quite sure what to call this image of the 5 Mile Bridge in Illinois… ideas?

Bad to the Bone

No parade is worth attending if it does not include a Harley. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!
No parade is worth attending if it does not include a Harley. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!

under the bridge

Just in case you were wondering what it looks like underneath 5 Mile Bridge, here ya go!
Just in case you were wondering what it looks like underneath 5 Mile Bridge, here ya go!

Illinois River Bridge

Illinois River Bridge

I posted an image of this bridge here. This is a favorite destination on a hike that features the I & M Canal, and a train tracks. The bridge spans the Illinois River and I think it would be cool to climb those stairs…. it would also probably break some local ordinance or law! So… why not??

5 Mile Bridge

1wet134t

Before I post a couple of portraits I wanted to share another shot of what has become a favorite spot of mine to photograph. I have posted other images of 5 Mile Bridge here, and  here. I have been riding my bicycle quite a bit this year, and this bridge is about 14 miles from my house. This bridge – and the barns nearby – is special to me. I love the sense of history and forgotten tales that I find here. The old barns particularly point back to days when the prairies were a little younger, and life a bit simpler. I use this bridge to remind me that I have committed to pray for a family, so, it has become a kind of sanctuary on my journey. Finally, it’s the whole process of riding that I just love: seeing the country go by, the wonder of how a familiar place can take on such varying characteristics and feel so different as the weather and seasons change, and yet remain familiar, and therefore somewhat comforting, each time I visit. And that’s enough of my musings for today…