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.

T-95

In addition to riding my bicycle, I also REALLY enjoy riding a motorcycle. This can be challenging, since I don’t own a motorcycle, but, I have a very generous friend who allows me to ride his. On this particular ride I decided to just “get lost”. I rode south on a route that I have never been on before. It was a beautiful day… clouds dotted the sky… the Midwest sky just seemed especially expansive, giving me that sense of smallness that I think each of us needs every once in a while. My journey then took me through a wind farm. I have seen these from a distance, but never up close. They are massive and possess their own beauty as much as they are also out of place on corn and soybean fields. T-95 was standing proud, making a definite “whoosh” sound as its enormous blades lazily turned… giant pinwheels making energy…. pretty cool.

summer sunset

5 Mile Bridge

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…

my back story

Above, the Plaza Colon, the main plaza in the city of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Below, Freddy and Carmen, my parents. I recently returned from a trip to be with my dear parents in Puerto Rico. My mom’s sister is dying, and they are taking care of her. It was a bittersweet time. My parents possess a rare kind of love that is sacrificial, wholly other centered, and without measure. I included the picture above because both the beautiful character and kindness of mom and dad, and the city of Mayaguez, are a part of my back story. It was such a pleasure to take walks with my dad and hear him tell stories… it was so good to hold my mom and be reminded of her unending care… it was so amazing to sit next to my mom’s sister while she made me laugh! I am so grateful for the facets of my back story… I hope to follow my folks in giving, loving, and laughter… I hope to share the joy they have given me with my wife and family for many years to come… thank you mom and dad…