Category: FUJIFILM XF 16-80mm f/4

summer memories 4

Back to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens for this Summer of 2022 post. The Unisphere is as spectacular as I remember it when I was at the New York World’s Fair in 1965. However, I don’t remember it being so large: 140 feet high and 120 feet in diameter. When I was there this past summer, the pool that the sphere rests in seemed to be under some kind of renovation, so you could walk right up to the base of the sphere. It was wonderful to see families and so many enjoying this gem of a park and iconic structure in Queens.

summer memories 3

The last time I was at this location was in 1965. I was 4 years old. The location is Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which served as the site for the 1939-40 and 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. These images are the remains of the New York State Pavilion. The structures have been ignored and deteriorating for years, but recently the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has embarked on a restoration project. The next summer memories post will be of another famous structure from the 1964-65 World’s Fair. Thanks for stopping by.

summer memories 2

What’s your caption or story for this image?

guatemala: until we meet again

My last, but not the last post from my trip to Guatemala this past summer. Not the last because I will return, but the last in this particular series. Thanks for stopping by.

guatemala part 5b

In this post you can read about this stunning location. I have a deep love and appreciation for the wonderful people we partnered with in Guatemala, and and equal love for this beautiful country. Thanks for stopping by.

just be

you are not the lies
that tattle and rattle inside
a beauty will rise
when you tell those lies
to slip away and die
in the Light
of your Maker
oh the song of your life
is greater
than those failures
want you to believe

because we’re all
a crazy remix
and mash up
of brilliant stars
and tattered rags
of bumps and dents
that’s who we are
so don’t do anything
just stand
in the Light
of your Maker
oh the song of your life
is greater
than shame
and blame
want you to believe

breathe
just be
and breathe
and see
the Light
inside you

breathe
just be
and breathe
and see
the Light
inside you

you are more
than all
you do
just breathe
your identity
is more than all
you do

you are here
a masterpiece
just breathe
and be at peace
and receive
His love
His light
receive

guatemala part 5a

In part 4 of this series I talked about our missions team arriving at a children’s home situated near the Bay of Santiago Atitlan. Some of the team members stayed at the home with the children and some of us hiked to the top of a ridge above the home. It was a wonderful hike along a narrow, steep path, with thick trees and plants. By the time we reached the top, clouds were carried over the ridge by the wind and we stepped into a mysterious world of beauty shrouded in mist. I thought a Hobbit might step into this Middle Earth-ish world. Part 5b will have more images from this location. Thanks for stopping by!

the sad sad shadows

so i think that we should sing
about the sad sad shadows
why do i keep remembering
their darkened glance
it seems that they want to dance
into the story
and at any moment
the sad sad shadows
fall on me

so about those sad sad shadows
inside those weathered picture frames
a broken promise here
something undone there
framed fractures and failures
each one calls my name
and the struggle starts again
with one word
oh the shadow
of shame
falls on me

so listen sad sad shadows
i remembered today
that you don’t have to stay
you’re not the whole story
Light and Glory
can rewrite your songs
mend all the wrongs
and scatter the darkness
not just for a moment
but for eternity
all these parts of me
will be
restored
once more

oh sad sad shadow
the final say
will not be yours
the Light will end the night
and all the sad sad shadows
will go away
and there will be
only
Light

guatemala part 3b – volcano hike

Back to our hike at Pacaya for this post. Pacaya erupted in early 2021. The black, cooled lava fields were spectacular to see, as were the hiking paths through the those fields. In the center of the large image in this gallery you can see a small eruption from Fuego, an active volcano in Guatemala. Thanks for stopping by.

guatemala part 3a – volcano hike

Guatemala is a beautiful country that has at least 37 volcanoes! On one of rest days we had the opportunity to hike Pacaya. The path itself was easy to follow, but it was a challenging, steep climb. The locals followed us for quite some time hoping to get a passenger for their horses. More Pacaya pics in the next post. Thanks for stopping by.