Stay Awake- First day of Advent

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365, advent, Christmas, life, photography

Every Christmas holiday season I make an attempt to share my love of this time of year via my blog. This year is no exception. Yesterday marked the final kickoff to Christmas, and was also the first day of Advent. Advent is the traditional build up to the birth of Jesus, which most Christian denominations celebrate as December 25th. I spent 1979-80 living in Southern (read CATHOLIC) Germany with my parents and brother. As a result, my formative Christmas memories blend in a lot of the German Advent/Christmas traditions into the secular Christmas I grew up with. 

At Mass yesterday, the Gospel reading talks about Jesus encouraging his disciples to stay awake. I had to laugh because that’s really what I did yesterday. I was up early and out later, which resulted in catching some truly spectacular photos. It’s a good reminder. It’s awfully easy to just ease into comfortable thinking this time of year, literally to fall asleep. You go on autopilot when you shop. You hit the lines for big sales, and don’t really enjoy it. You just move through the season, hoping it is all over soon. But what happens if you wake up? What happens if you go into your day, thinking not about your must do tasks, but thinking about how much fun you might have? What happens when you open yourself up for something good to happen, even if it requires you do a little extra work?

When I went out picture hunting last night, the first half dozen shots were okay. I was pretty sure that the sun was not going to give me anything spectacular. But I decided to hang out a few minutes longer, just in case. I was rewarded with glorious pinks, purples, and a pretty awesome shot. 

If I’d just shrugged my shoulders and moved on, no stunning shot. No big smile on my face. No sense of accomplishment. I had to push a little harder, but man it was so worth it. 

Every day can be special, you just have to stay awake and give it a chance. 

Sinus

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365, life

I woke up with the beginnings of a sinus infection Saturday. Two days of rest and started a Z pack today. My brain feels like soft set jello.

As part of that, nothing terribly witty today. Just more brain rest. Ow.

Magic

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365, life, nablopomo, photography, travel

Sometimes the camera catches things your eye misses. Can you find the unexpected baking assistant?

Second look, Veterans Day

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365, life, photography, veterans day

I’m really digging this process of digging through my archives to find old shots and play with them again. Things that didn’t work for me before call out to me now. I see subtle things I missed then, or stories I want to share again now. Things I couldn’t quite register are now so clear. In the moment you see something interesting and shoot. Years later you go back and ask why. Why did this moment speak to me?

This is a classic Vietnam Memorial reflection shot. Each name marking a loss. The reflection is a member of the Army, dressed in old cavalry style with the slouch hat and riding boots. You can just catch the yellow marking cavalry as the branch of service. What did I see then? Pretty colors, contrast, visual appeal.

Now? History. One generation honoring warriors of a war nobody wanted, but also reaching out to other lost and forgotten battles. The raging battles to clear Native Americans from land we wanted, a malaria filled jungle in Cuba, and muddy trenches in Germany. In every era, men and women answer a call to serve. They are not forgotten.

iPhone photo Friday- Christmas is coming, Basel

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365, life, nablopomo, photography, travel

I love Christmas. I love the bling. Multi colored, clashing tones, the more the better. I tend to seek out the Christmas stores when I travel. This window display in Basel caught my eye. Mom just shook her head when I made a beeline for it. I was sick and cranky with a sinus infection, but this window made me smile.

It’s early for Christmas crap to go up. I don’t start decorating until after Thanksgiving. But tonight while hunting for post ideas, this shot made me smile.

On a Friday I can’t ask for more.

Democracy is not a spectator sport

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365, election day, life, nablopomo

If the government shutdown this year shows us anything, it shows us that votes truly matter. It’s not just about voting in big elections. The smaller, less sexy elections matter just as much and sometimes more. These are the elections that build libraries, fix roads, and pay police and fire services. They determine the make up of school boards, and select judges. These elections set the groundwork for major national elections.

These elections matter. Democracy is not a spectator sport. To make meaningful change you can’t just vote in the big name elections. You need to educate yourself and vote in these smaller elections.

Get out today and vote.

Do somthing

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help others, life, make a difference, nablopomo

 

To often we wait for someone, losing sight of the fact that we are someone. Even a small effort can make a world of difference. It’s easy to get fixated on the grand gestures. I see this daily working in animal rescue. The assumption is you need to do something superhuman to make a difference. The reality is something as simple as sharing a status with your friends may be the difference between life and death for an animal. Asking for help can get a sick animal to someone who can help.

This is true in all areas of your life. Small gestures matter. Yes there need to be some big pushes. But a big push with no follow up is useless. Where a small push followed by another, and another can make all the difference. Getting out the door for a walk isn’t as sexy as going for a run. But if you run once a week, you may not see progress in your health. On the other hand, if you get out the door daily for a walk, you may see huge improvements in your health.

Each step matters. Do something and make a difference. Don’t just walk away because the task is daunting.

 

 

 

The value of a moment

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365, deep thinks, life, nablopomo

Photography is all about capturing a moment, then translating that moment into a representation of what was happening. The translation is part of the photographer’s vision. It may need post production work, multiple takes, elbow grease, and a ton of planning to show you that moment.

Even when the photographer doesn’t capture the perfect moment, it still has meaning. Blurry and out of focus images still have value. That blurred shot may be the final glance of a treasured memory.

Life isn’t perfect and images aren’t always perfect. The memory is still beautiful and valued.

By the light of Francis

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365, faith, life, nablopomo

Today is All Saints Day. Around the world, churches are bringing out their relics as a way to connect the faithful to these inspirational figures. The stories of the saints comfort and inspire those in need. Today I think of Saint Francis, patron of animals. I think of the kindness he inspires, and the idea that when you help God’s creatures it brings you closer to Him and it helps you make this world a better place. I type this with a small kitten purring on my shoulder. Without help, he wouldn’t be here. With my help, love, and compassion, this blind kitten will have a chance at a full and happy life. His presence and story inspires others. It brings comfort to a woman who lost a beloved companion. His story makes people smile. He makes me laugh.

My gift is helping injured animals heal. What I get back is so much more.

Blessed Saint Francis, pray for us.

Wahoooooooooooooooooooooooooo! It’s time to Mash!

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365, halloween, holiday, life, monster mash

This remains one of my favorite songs ever. It always brings a smile to my face. It may be a one hit wonder, but it’s a heck of a hit! Happy Halloween y’all!