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…

my back story

Plaza Colon

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…

my parents

Rainbow

Yup... it's a double...
Yup… it’s a double… On another note, I will be out of town this next week to help my parents take care of a very ill relative in Puerto Rico, so this will be my last post for a while. I will have limited internet access where I am staying. Have a wonderful week!

POP

Not quite sure this is true, but I think New York is the diner capital of the world. This one is in Queens.
Not quite sure this is true, but I think New York is the diner capital of the world. This one is in Queens.

the other sunrise

This image was taken moments after the image in my previous post.
This image was taken moments after the image in my previous post. Let me know which one your prefer.

Blue Sunrise

Taken on one of my rides in the country. I was working on this image and just was not happy with any results. Finally changes the white balance and this is the result. Blue is my favorite color!
Taken during one of my early morning rides in the country. Blue is my favorite color! I have one more image to share from this ride taken moments after this one. Stay tuned.

My ride

By now me and old TREK here are good buddies. We have covered lots of miles and he has never let me down.
By now me and old TREK here are good buddies. We have covered lots of miles and he has never let me down.

That’s where we parked!

Last summer our family was part of a team that traveled to a camp in Montana that reunites siblings that have been separated in the foster care system. It was such a joy to serve and see the delight in the faces of kids who rarely have delightful moments. This was taken in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana.
Last summer our family was part of a team that traveled to a camp in Montana that reunites siblings that have been separated in the foster care system. It was such a joy to serve and see the delight in the faces of kids who rarely have delightful moments. This was taken in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana.

From the Ancient City of Dan

This was taken from the Ancient City of Dan in northern Israel.
This was taken from the Ancient City of Dan in northern Israel.

sky art

It has taken some some time for me to come to appreciate living in the plains of the Illinois. I prefer the shore, and miss the wooded beauty of western Michigan. On the other hand, the beautiful unobstructed view of the heavens are sure beautiful here.
It has taken some time for me to come to appreciate living on the plains of Illinois. I prefer the shore, and miss the wooded beauty of western Michigan. On the other hand, the unobstructed view of the heavens is its own beauty here. Taken just behind where we live.