An echo across the canyon alerted me to some event going on at the UT Olympic Sports Park. Deep in snow I wouldn't be able to hit the venue that night. I made mental plans to check Olyparks.com and head there the following day.
Prepared for the cold, I was surprised with how warm it was. That was until the sun moved behind the clouds & later on out of view. I checked my pack's thermometer - damn cold (-5C). I welcomed the extra layers I came with.
I shot & kept shooting. Cursing Pentax's slow focusing mechanisms I did not do. I pre-focused every shot. Knowing I'd have two points of interest in focus if I panned every shot. Hundreds of images later I have a few that came out clear.
The events on Feb 12, were Men's Skeleton (which was to early for me), Women's Skeleton, and 2 Man Bobsled.
Three things I learned that day.
1) Photography is about problem resolution.
2) Know thy track, course, or event layout. It wasn't until after the event I saw a few areas of the course I wanted to be at.
3) Stay hydrated. I had a wrecking head ache later on. The winter dry will suck water out of one's body faster then a hot summer day.
Stick around. I may post one or two more images at flicker dot com slash preyingjaws
Later.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
FIBT World Cup Bobsled & Skeleton
Monday, January 19, 2009
What is the role of women in the church?
Yes, I have many questions of late. I know my take but I do not want to pollute the answers or the question.
This question is open for all, christian & non christian. anesthetist are welcomed as well & you may substitute church for any organization you belong to.
what is the role of women in the church?
please answer in the comments. you may talk of the early & modern church.
this is originally written on a mobile and re-posted here.
This question is open for all, christian & non christian. anesthetist are welcomed as well & you may substitute church for any organization you belong to.
what is the role of women in the church?
please answer in the comments. you may talk of the early & modern church.
this is originally written on a mobile and re-posted here.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What if...
Curious question that hit me.
What if you took the electric personalities out of the Rock Church leadership, how long would the church last?
Please answer in the comments.
These responses are from FaceBook, the last names are removed for their personal security however when and where appropriate
I have included a tile for the ethos of their message.
===
Robin (a pastor) at 8:20am January 14
for many churches, they would croak! Consumeristic culture has dictated the dna of local churches in that they build themselves around consumable commodities (eg personalities and Christian celebrity)...consumers are fickle! If one leaves, they will go to another "church" to find another celebrity.
===
Nersha (a Rock Church Member) at 9:02am January 14
I think if the Rock has a strong enough foundation, it will still stand...... it maybe the people in the church that make the church a church however....God is Good, and he's the reason there's a church :) hehee From my personal experience : How many times have I left in the years to pass, along with so many others ...... But for some reason ( God.....) I keep getting pulled back; though the core of the church have come and gone. Good question B I think about that a lot!!
===
Denise (a former student under Robin) at 11:26am January 14
I don't know how long the church, itself, would last, but I know I'd be happier if I could find a church that didn't have all that stuff! I go to worship, not be entertained...and I would rather not have the whole projector thing. It's part of the reason I really miss the congregation we were part of in PA: just a small, regular ELCA church like we all grew up in. No glitz, no frills, just humble origins that remain.
(In other words: Robin said it well)
===
Travis (a pastor & former student under Robin) at 12:11pm January 14
Food for thought...None of the congregations that we read about in the Bible are still around, but the Church itself has never ceased. I think both good and bad congregations die, and if they don't die they certainly change drastically. As for the Rock, who knows what it's founded on, but I find that it's too easy to throw stones. Denise if you ever move to North Carolina, my church is pretty simple ELCA, and you'd be welcome here! :)
===
Dale (a fromer student under Robin) at 1:31pm January 14
Our church is going through a self-examination that falls along these lines in some regards. I think we're at a turning point and it is so exciting to be in on the ground floor with changes like this. For example, our 8am service is made up of people who have been attending it for decades. As you can imagine, the numbers are slowly decreasing; however, families attending seem to be increasing! Lots and lots to think about! -We're currently reading "Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry" by Doug Fields and it is transformative reading!
===
Vivian (a missionary) at 2:01pm January 14
Just started reading "life after church" by Brian Sanders. Friends who are passionate about Jesus but can't find their nich [sic]in "church" as we know it now...I'm not far enough to form an opinion yet, but it resonates with my ponderings [sic] at Christmastime of if there is anything authentic about Christmas services. I've attended probably more than 150 Christmas services, heard at least that many christmas [sic] sermons and am left wondering if there is anything I've not already heard before. Same as the churches who continue to only teach basics and nothing more leaving those passioinate [sic] disciples of JEsus [sic]hard put to find a place to be nurtured. As I said I'm not far in the book, but it seems one solution is a home church style.
The antithesis of the mega church that seems to be the trend at present. Interesting ponderings [sic]!
===
Tony (a deacon at the Rock) at 10:39pm January 14
First off, your question isn’t by means looking for an end, but a question of the foundation, what kind of Christians have been built by these electric personalities. Are they true Christians or Cultural Christians? If we take leadership out, like we have seen in the past, nothing really changes. That is because we are not the authority to appoint leaders, only God is.
So to answer your question, the result would come down to who true followers of Christ really are, are they going to die to their flesh, pick up their cross and follow Jesus? Are they going to believe the best about their leaders? Or are they going to find fault and any excuse to leave the church? The question is not about the leadership, but the people who call themselves Christians in the church and how they respond to trials
Tony (continues) at 10:55pm January 14
Vivian I am intrigued by your response...
Same as the churches who continue to only teach basics and nothing more leaving those passioinate [sic] disciples of JEsus [sic] hard put to find a place to be nurtured. As I said I'm not far in the book, but it seems one solution is a home church style. The antithesis of the mega church that seems to be the trend at present.
Do you think that it is a Christians responsibility to want to be feed by someone else like an infant or learn to feed themselves like a grown adult? I have heard the Gospel preached from stage over 1000 times, I have seen many salivations. I don't see spiritual growth by going to church, I see it when people decide that living for Christ is not just words but a life style change. Home churches are great and I am a part of one, I also attend a church that has about 300 people. The growth I have seen are the people who take it upon themselves to learn.
Tony (concludes) at 10:56pm January 14
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:11-14
===
What if you took the electric personalities out of the Rock Church leadership, how long would the church last?
Please answer in the comments.
These responses are from FaceBook, the last names are removed for their personal security however when and where appropriate
I have included a tile for the ethos of their message.
===
Robin (a pastor) at 8:20am January 14
for many churches, they would croak! Consumeristic culture has dictated the dna of local churches in that they build themselves around consumable commodities (eg personalities and Christian celebrity)...consumers are fickle! If one leaves, they will go to another "church" to find another celebrity.
===
Nersha (a Rock Church Member) at 9:02am January 14
I think if the Rock has a strong enough foundation, it will still stand...... it maybe the people in the church that make the church a church however....God is Good, and he's the reason there's a church :) hehee From my personal experience : How many times have I left in the years to pass, along with so many others ...... But for some reason ( God.....) I keep getting pulled back; though the core of the church have come and gone. Good question B I think about that a lot!!
===
Denise (a former student under Robin) at 11:26am January 14
I don't know how long the church, itself, would last, but I know I'd be happier if I could find a church that didn't have all that stuff! I go to worship, not be entertained...and I would rather not have the whole projector thing. It's part of the reason I really miss the congregation we were part of in PA: just a small, regular ELCA church like we all grew up in. No glitz, no frills, just humble origins that remain.
(In other words: Robin said it well)
===
Travis (a pastor & former student under Robin) at 12:11pm January 14
Food for thought...None of the congregations that we read about in the Bible are still around, but the Church itself has never ceased. I think both good and bad congregations die, and if they don't die they certainly change drastically. As for the Rock, who knows what it's founded on, but I find that it's too easy to throw stones. Denise if you ever move to North Carolina, my church is pretty simple ELCA, and you'd be welcome here! :)
===
Dale (a fromer student under Robin) at 1:31pm January 14
Our church is going through a self-examination that falls along these lines in some regards. I think we're at a turning point and it is so exciting to be in on the ground floor with changes like this. For example, our 8am service is made up of people who have been attending it for decades. As you can imagine, the numbers are slowly decreasing; however, families attending seem to be increasing! Lots and lots to think about! -We're currently reading "Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry" by Doug Fields and it is transformative reading!
===
Vivian (a missionary) at 2:01pm January 14
Just started reading "life after church" by Brian Sanders. Friends who are passionate about Jesus but can't find their nich [sic]in "church" as we know it now...I'm not far enough to form an opinion yet, but it resonates with my ponderings [sic] at Christmastime of if there is anything authentic about Christmas services. I've attended probably more than 150 Christmas services, heard at least that many christmas [sic] sermons and am left wondering if there is anything I've not already heard before. Same as the churches who continue to only teach basics and nothing more leaving those passioinate [sic] disciples of JEsus [sic]hard put to find a place to be nurtured. As I said I'm not far in the book, but it seems one solution is a home church style.
The antithesis of the mega church that seems to be the trend at present. Interesting ponderings [sic]!
===
Tony (a deacon at the Rock) at 10:39pm January 14
First off, your question isn’t by means looking for an end, but a question of the foundation, what kind of Christians have been built by these electric personalities. Are they true Christians or Cultural Christians? If we take leadership out, like we have seen in the past, nothing really changes. That is because we are not the authority to appoint leaders, only God is.
So to answer your question, the result would come down to who true followers of Christ really are, are they going to die to their flesh, pick up their cross and follow Jesus? Are they going to believe the best about their leaders? Or are they going to find fault and any excuse to leave the church? The question is not about the leadership, but the people who call themselves Christians in the church and how they respond to trials
Tony (continues) at 10:55pm January 14
Vivian I am intrigued by your response...
Same as the churches who continue to only teach basics and nothing more leaving those passioinate [sic] disciples of JEsus [sic] hard put to find a place to be nurtured. As I said I'm not far in the book, but it seems one solution is a home church style. The antithesis of the mega church that seems to be the trend at present.
Do you think that it is a Christians responsibility to want to be feed by someone else like an infant or learn to feed themselves like a grown adult? I have heard the Gospel preached from stage over 1000 times, I have seen many salivations. I don't see spiritual growth by going to church, I see it when people decide that living for Christ is not just words but a life style change. Home churches are great and I am a part of one, I also attend a church that has about 300 people. The growth I have seen are the people who take it upon themselves to learn.
Tony (concludes) at 10:56pm January 14
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:11-14
===
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Bowman Fork Avalanche
The thunderous roar of a jet sounded in the distance, a pause and continued then eerily silent . An unknown direction played even more so upon the falling snow. It caught my undivided attention. The sound reverberated across the trees I stood under.
I readjusted my bindings again. Kicked down once or twice to ensure the tails were secure. Behind me my prints being covered. The tracks in front of me were quickly disappearing under the maze of falling snow. My attention crept into excitement. AVALANCHE!!!
I looked up into the sky. I couldn't. Snow fell into my eyes. I looked around again. I know this path. I know this track. Summer, winter, night. Now, storm. Visibility, less then a foot ball field wide. May be these tracks aren't yesterdays.
I punched my jacket, shaking the snow off my beanie. My camel pack line began to freeze. I pushed out into the storm again from the safety of the fir.
Marching into the bend. I could see the other side of the side canyon I was in. I could see my turn around point ahead. Just beyond the grove of aspens I saw the slide. Fresh, fresh like the snow I kicked down the slope I traversed. Except this zone is of no mans land of scoured hillside and up churned brush floating frozen in peril. A riptide caught locked in time.
I hollered out. I cried out another greeting. Three times I yelled. Three times I waited. I encroached slowly. Always cautious of the slope I was on. Wooded no long meant holding.
In the ravine a head 5 yards wide by hundreds of yards long, the slide I heard. I honestly dared not approach fearing I'd set a slide off where I stood. This slope isn't the most stable either. I grabbed a few clicks with film. The visibility improved slightly. Where I stood 3 feet above the ground - the trees told me so.
The tracks I noticed went up. Up. I know that up. It goes to a knoll may be a quarter mile away. Tracks? Now covered with snow. I ponder and still ponder were these from last night or were they fresh. Did this person go around on the trail on up to the summit or kick left & go to the knoll.
I would not venture further. I'll let my conscious play on. The safety of one. The safety of ME. The zone into the slide, steep, barren, near empty. The zone of thunder a few hundred yards away. The zone between me an there a gap in eternity. It can stay that way 'til summer or until I venture out this way again.
I sucked on my camel pack - nothing. I felt the crunch of ice in the bite valve. I remembered the pack temp minus eight Celsius aka minus butt crack cold. No wonder I didn't have any clear juice. I kicked steeped around. I retraced my approach for the pictures.
I felt the snow upon my face. My tracks covered already. Will my conscious play? The tracks of skis go up not across. They go up, I repeated. No one goes across during winter alone. Alone that is me.
I continued on. Around the bend, the down hill began. I paused to shake of the tails. The clouds began to break. The snow now just coming off the trees. I was alone. I alone witness this avalanche. Wow.
What can I say? This I can say, had I not paused under a big tree to ponder the storm, to ponder the trek a head, to put on the tails. I can say - this journal would not be written.
No, it would be.
My turn around in winter for Bowman Fork is just before the slide zone. I see the evidence there all the time of a path of scour and rage, of mountain & vegetation fighting gravity & snow. I know better. Better to call short then to not call in.
What I heard didn't sound like a freight train like many say an avalanche sound like. It's more like a big turbine. This local slides & slides often though not often reported. If you hike Bowman Fork be careful as you approach the upper sections. You know the area. You've seen the debris in the summer. Cut high to the knoll or traverse one at a time.
-n-
PS
If you are reading & wondering what I mean by tails on the snowshoes. MSR brand of snowshoes are designed to accommodate extensions known as tails. These tails come in 4,6, & 8 inches. They attach to the back of the snowshoe to provided additional float in deep snow. Float is the ability to stay on top of the snow.
Photos to be added later
I readjusted my bindings again. Kicked down once or twice to ensure the tails were secure. Behind me my prints being covered. The tracks in front of me were quickly disappearing under the maze of falling snow. My attention crept into excitement. AVALANCHE!!!
I looked up into the sky. I couldn't. Snow fell into my eyes. I looked around again. I know this path. I know this track. Summer, winter, night. Now, storm. Visibility, less then a foot ball field wide. May be these tracks aren't yesterdays.
I punched my jacket, shaking the snow off my beanie. My camel pack line began to freeze. I pushed out into the storm again from the safety of the fir.
Marching into the bend. I could see the other side of the side canyon I was in. I could see my turn around point ahead. Just beyond the grove of aspens I saw the slide. Fresh, fresh like the snow I kicked down the slope I traversed. Except this zone is of no mans land of scoured hillside and up churned brush floating frozen in peril. A riptide caught locked in time.
I hollered out. I cried out another greeting. Three times I yelled. Three times I waited. I encroached slowly. Always cautious of the slope I was on. Wooded no long meant holding.
In the ravine a head 5 yards wide by hundreds of yards long, the slide I heard. I honestly dared not approach fearing I'd set a slide off where I stood. This slope isn't the most stable either. I grabbed a few clicks with film. The visibility improved slightly. Where I stood 3 feet above the ground - the trees told me so.
The tracks I noticed went up. Up. I know that up. It goes to a knoll may be a quarter mile away. Tracks? Now covered with snow. I ponder and still ponder were these from last night or were they fresh. Did this person go around on the trail on up to the summit or kick left & go to the knoll.
I would not venture further. I'll let my conscious play on. The safety of one. The safety of ME. The zone into the slide, steep, barren, near empty. The zone of thunder a few hundred yards away. The zone between me an there a gap in eternity. It can stay that way 'til summer or until I venture out this way again.
I sucked on my camel pack - nothing. I felt the crunch of ice in the bite valve. I remembered the pack temp minus eight Celsius aka minus butt crack cold. No wonder I didn't have any clear juice. I kicked steeped around. I retraced my approach for the pictures.
I felt the snow upon my face. My tracks covered already. Will my conscious play? The tracks of skis go up not across. They go up, I repeated. No one goes across during winter alone. Alone that is me.
I continued on. Around the bend, the down hill began. I paused to shake of the tails. The clouds began to break. The snow now just coming off the trees. I was alone. I alone witness this avalanche. Wow.
What can I say? This I can say, had I not paused under a big tree to ponder the storm, to ponder the trek a head, to put on the tails. I can say - this journal would not be written.
No, it would be.
My turn around in winter for Bowman Fork is just before the slide zone. I see the evidence there all the time of a path of scour and rage, of mountain & vegetation fighting gravity & snow. I know better. Better to call short then to not call in.
What I heard didn't sound like a freight train like many say an avalanche sound like. It's more like a big turbine. This local slides & slides often though not often reported. If you hike Bowman Fork be careful as you approach the upper sections. You know the area. You've seen the debris in the summer. Cut high to the knoll or traverse one at a time.
-n-
PS
If you are reading & wondering what I mean by tails on the snowshoes. MSR brand of snowshoes are designed to accommodate extensions known as tails. These tails come in 4,6, & 8 inches. They attach to the back of the snowshoe to provided additional float in deep snow. Float is the ability to stay on top of the snow.
Photos to be added later
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Christmas Time in the City
It's Christmas time in the city. The lights are all strung out. Neighborhoods share their cheer. Neighbors don't know who their neighbors are. Everyone seems to be going some place & yet no one is going any where.
After shooting this scene from a great vantage point that's easy to get to, I drove through this neighborhood. I like this shot better. It captures the feeling of disjunction in which see in the American way of life these days.
Once upon a time 'I love lucy' & 'Leave it to beaver' were the norms where it was 'a wonderful life.' Today, 'I m home alone.'
Saturday, December 06, 2008
RednGreen with a Pipin Santa
A few Holiday Tips
(I'm also posting this here in case he doesn't email me for the image)
1) Charge your batteries & clean your lens.
Long exposures show dirt.
Batteries fade in the cold.
Carry the extra set inside your front trouser pocket to keep them warm.
2) Get a pocket full of $1's & $5'rs - tip the street's well.
No less then a buck if you stand around for a few.
No less then a 5'r if you take a few pixs.
I'm guilty. I didn't know I was heading downtown until the last minute. I didn't have green backs with me.
3) Use your tripod.
There is no excuse for a blurry picture if you leave your's in the car or at home...
4) Know thy camera settings with out looking for them.
Use the short timer setting to clear camera shake of the shutter before the exposure begins.
Use rear curtain flash. That's why you see sparkles in this guy's pocket. He step'd into the frame during the exposure just before my flash fired. The picture works.
Use aperture priority settings for the dSLR or nite if you have a P&S
5) Limit your gear.
No one likes a gear head when everyone's out enjoying the evening. This is true if you're solo or with a group, esp'ly if you're with a group.
I had all my gear in my pockets. What didn't fit was in the sack which I used to haul to & from location.
6) Practice hospitality
aka Be Nice.
Don't be a space hog, step out of the way and don't extend you're tripod legs out to their max triangular distances.
Finally, offer to take someone else's picture for them. A family man was out trying to get a picture of his family in front of the temple. I shot Pentax. His camera is Pentax. I lent him my flash for his family pix. In the chimp, the temple was perfectly exposed & so is his family.
More images coming.
More images being posted at
Flickr.com/PreyingJaws
PreyingJaws.deviantArt.com/store
Later
Jaws
Friday, December 05, 2008
Lone Peak UT
Please surf over to flickr to read the description on this image.
Years ago a Scouting buddy & I headed towards Lone Peak. We never made it. Heck, we didn't even find the right trail. After an hour or so of punching brush we turned around & came back.
It's been 20 years. The trail head changed. It's now marked. The trail is marked too!
A new friend called me up & said I want to do this hike. I replied let's. So we did. We made it to the base of the summit trail, well almost before we turned back. The last hour or so for us on the trail were in the dark.
It's the most brutal hike I've done in the Wasatch. It's the hike with the greatest rewards. If you want to venture into mountaineering & want to test yourself first. Hit Lone Peak UT.
Now that I've tasted the trail & I've seen it. I'm goin' back in the spring when the trial is open & the wild flowers are in bloom. I've got summit lust for this peak & it's mine, all mine. But I'll wait until spring to get there.
The Moon & Moroni
I was out & about yesterday afternoon with nothing to do so I grabbed my kit and went downtown for the evening to scout. I want to get down there when there's lots of people so I can get some ghost images. This one I saw. It took a few moments to figure out just the right angles.
I am not LDS. Please don't send a missionary my way. I like the downtown area & the way the organization sets up the lights during the holiday.
Friday, October 31, 2008
dreaming of winter
I decided to do a little hiking in an area I've not trekked to this summer. I headed out to Desolation Lake and beyond. Desolation Lake is a few miles in from Big Cottonwood Canyon and is also accessed by going out of bounds at the Canyon's Ski Resort in Park City. I went beyond by hiking up to the ridge and along the Wasatch Crest Trail. The image posted here is of Upper Bear Trap Fork, the back side of Desolation Lake.
Many open slopes draw skiers to the back country. However without proper training or a good head on the shoulders the back country can become the last country - aka resulting in death by burial in snow or demise if recovered in time. The slope surrounding Upper Bear Trap and Desolation Lake slide often in January and February.
I chose to re-familiarize myself with these slopes so that when snow does begin to fall, I will remember what is or isn't holding the snow to the slope.
For more information on Avalanche Dangers or forecasting see:
Avalanche.org
Saturday, October 25, 2008
about a but
It's a fact of life the older you get life transitions from weddings to christenings to funerals. Today is one of the later days. I went to a funeral. I'd rather go to weddings & christenings then funerals. Thankfully, today is not like the last few funerals I went to - that of a young person. I can't say today's was any better either because this was for an elderly (I hate that word). Today's was for one gentleman who impacted my life when I was a young man. I can't say elderly because to me he wasn't and how can you be when you're one that lore is written of? When one sits down to read the journals of the mountain men & trappers all one can do is picture you?
I've titled this about a but. A mentor, a Scout Leader, a buckskin wearing mountain man, all that was spoken of him did not include the but. There were no 'he was but...' or 'his but...' If there was a but on the other side of but was not a negative. There was a positive. There were many an example of how this gentleman treated others - always better then himself. There were examples of how he sacrificed so he could be with his beloved. There were examples of how he went without so others could be comfortable. There were pages of Scouting Lore that would be different had he not been there. The story of his family of his giving, giving, and giving. He lived the example all should follow.
There could have been a but. That but also most came to be... This but almost happened. BUT he died not knowing Christ - that is the but one does not want to hear. Of all the buts that could have been & are in life this is the but that changes everything. I am so glad his family loved him so much that thou they had the living example of Christ in their lives they stilled shared Christ with him. I am so glad that he accepted Christ. Thou not living a religious life, he exemplified the life to live - that of selflessness. No mater how 'good' one is there is no life perfect enough to gain access to heaven without having the life of Christ living inside. I am so glad the but ends 'but after all this good he did he accepted Christ and is alive though not with us.'
I know for this family, this time is hard, many traveled great distances just to be at his side. I know that the stories told are treasured. I know that the best condolences one can offer is a story or a listening ear. A book of pictures may not say much (troop history). A post card from a far - may not say anything. Faces unknown and yet touched, give not a clue. When all is strung together the thread of love revealed the but of not knowing Christ would shatter it all. The thread of life that ran is his life is the exemplary life, a finger print of Christ in everything he did, yet not recognized by him until the end. With all the threads in life end and the last needle of the tapestry pulled through, the finally picture seen without Christ it all unravels. I am so glad this family man, this Scout Leader, this selfless one finished his days with us knowing Christ.
I must pose this to those who read this entry: Is there a 'but' in your life? Is there stuff that would change the story told about you? I know not how to phrase the next. Do I dare say is a life lived for good and accepting Christ better then a life accepting Christ and then lived? Do I dare when does one accept Christ, after the party is over or before it begins? Do I dare ask, what's holding you back from accepting Christ? Will others one day say of you - he accepted Christ but (the blank) or will they say of you - he knew Christ and lived out his walk.
For the one who showed me how to live at peace in the outdoors (even a night without a sleeping bag or fire), for the one who taught me how to respect the outdoors, for the one who showed me what selflessness is. I thank his family for sharing Christ so that we may say and he knew Christ in the end and now lives.
*family & names purposely with held
I've titled this about a but. A mentor, a Scout Leader, a buckskin wearing mountain man, all that was spoken of him did not include the but. There were no 'he was but...' or 'his but...' If there was a but on the other side of but was not a negative. There was a positive. There were many an example of how this gentleman treated others - always better then himself. There were examples of how he sacrificed so he could be with his beloved. There were examples of how he went without so others could be comfortable. There were pages of Scouting Lore that would be different had he not been there. The story of his family of his giving, giving, and giving. He lived the example all should follow.
There could have been a but. That but also most came to be... This but almost happened. BUT he died not knowing Christ - that is the but one does not want to hear. Of all the buts that could have been & are in life this is the but that changes everything. I am so glad his family loved him so much that thou they had the living example of Christ in their lives they stilled shared Christ with him. I am so glad that he accepted Christ. Thou not living a religious life, he exemplified the life to live - that of selflessness. No mater how 'good' one is there is no life perfect enough to gain access to heaven without having the life of Christ living inside. I am so glad the but ends 'but after all this good he did he accepted Christ and is alive though not with us.'
I know for this family, this time is hard, many traveled great distances just to be at his side. I know that the stories told are treasured. I know that the best condolences one can offer is a story or a listening ear. A book of pictures may not say much (troop history). A post card from a far - may not say anything. Faces unknown and yet touched, give not a clue. When all is strung together the thread of love revealed the but of not knowing Christ would shatter it all. The thread of life that ran is his life is the exemplary life, a finger print of Christ in everything he did, yet not recognized by him until the end. With all the threads in life end and the last needle of the tapestry pulled through, the finally picture seen without Christ it all unravels. I am so glad this family man, this Scout Leader, this selfless one finished his days with us knowing Christ.
I must pose this to those who read this entry: Is there a 'but' in your life? Is there stuff that would change the story told about you? I know not how to phrase the next. Do I dare say is a life lived for good and accepting Christ better then a life accepting Christ and then lived? Do I dare when does one accept Christ, after the party is over or before it begins? Do I dare ask, what's holding you back from accepting Christ? Will others one day say of you - he accepted Christ but (the blank) or will they say of you - he knew Christ and lived out his walk.
For the one who showed me how to live at peace in the outdoors (even a night without a sleeping bag or fire), for the one who taught me how to respect the outdoors, for the one who showed me what selflessness is. I thank his family for sharing Christ so that we may say and he knew Christ in the end and now lives.
*family & names purposely with held
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Morning Mist Elk
This is the kind of image everyone needs to get of elk or other wild life in Yellowstone. For me it was the cold that got me up and being up I decided to go for a walk down by the Madison River. This is as close to these animals as I wanted to be while we were on the same side of the river.
hoofs and antlers
This is one of those pictures that you don't want to take on your trip to Yellowstone NP. The Park Rangers warn many a person daily to keep away from the wild life. The Park's literature too tells one to keep a safe distance of no less then 25 yards for most large animals and 100 at least for bears. It also says to give plenty of space to Elk during the Rut (mating season).
I did.
My story goes... one crisp morning before I started my coffee while camping at the Madison Junction Campground I chose to go for a walk along the river's side. I saw a few fly fishermen and pondered if they'd seen the elk herd in the area. As I came around the crest of a river bend I saw them in the field across the way, on the other side of the river. I took a few frames and walked over to a couple of photographers near by. We chatted a moment and moved up the river to get a better shot.
One of the cows (female elk) went rogue and crossed the river about a hundred yards from the bridge. I moved up river to get a picture of the elk fording the water. Still plenty of room for safety, 300 yards or so. The bull (male elk) forded the river to chase her back into his harem. Again, I had plenty of space though the photographers maybe one or three near where they crossed backed up 25 yard or plenty more.
She turned down river. My way. While she trotted, I ran (ran!) along with several others up hill to the trees. Three of us hid behind a big tree as she passed. He came after her. He paused long enough to look at us and shake his head. That big old tree became like a twig & I sucked up to it.
He charged on bent on getting his girl back. This is the image I caught shooting from the hip as he came around but a few yards (I don't recall exactly how far, the EXIF reveals I shot at 80mm zoom). Those two to three hundred yards of safety were eaten up mighty fast in those few seconds of chase.
The next images, after I button hooked it around that twig of a big tree is of the photographer 25 yards behind me with a nervous look on his face. He abandoned his camera on a tripod a moment later. It'd be half an hour before he could retrieve his gear.
The moral of this image.
1) Any distant distance is not safe during the rut.
2) I don't exactly have a point and shoot as many tourist do. If you do and you want a picture of what you see - ask some one with one of those big lens'd cameras on a tripod if they'd send you an image or two. The will if you're cool about it.
3) keep shooting regardless the focus.
If you were there that morning please send me an image or two of the treed three.
Mom, if you read this. This is my only encounter with wild life of this kind - ever! I stay out of and keep out of any harms way. Trust me. Just 'cus an image shows up like this doesn't mean I seek 'em. I'm a story teller & this one is illustrated.
Old Faithful at night under the stars
Many a year ago when I was but a youthful young man, I worked in the far fetched land of Yellowstone National Park. I longed to hike and to relax in the beauty of this rare and wonder filled landscape of exotic and toxic beauty though scared by the wild fires of 88 a scant 2 years before. I spent many a night laying on my back after a day of work or play on the board walk surrounding the geyser known as Old Faithful.
This image though it needs digital noise washing shows the geyser as I'd seen it many a time. I chose this one for you can see the Big Dipper Consolation ready to catch the water cast upwards into the sky. This is towards the end of this geyser's cycle and is lighted by a long exposure and a few flashes of those who do not realize night pixs don't work to well with flashes...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
17
This sounds and looks corny but hey 17 is a strange number that's come around a few times in my life, once I was 17 years old, even. The last time 17 came up last when I was in England. At that time I made contact with an old teacher. I hate calling her old because she isn't. She's actually a few years younger then my folks. I say old because she had been a teacher of mine when I was in kindergarten/first grade. I'd traveled to London with Mercy Ships and had a long weekend off. I took the train out to her place and eventually went to her Mom's house which was a block away from where I lived as a youngster. I spent the day wandering the village; from my old house on Francis Road up to the school house, along a path that brought new meaning to sensory overload with the scent of memories; along another road up to an old stone cottage where we last lived before returning to the States. I knocked on the door of that old (100 years) place & asked if I could take a few pictures, explaining why I wanted to.
This time 17 is coming up as I head to Yellowstone NP. It's been 17 years since I last visited The Park. For me, I was on my own for the first time. It was a time of trial and error. It was a time that I learned and established my own rules. It was a time of vision that eventually took me across the USA and eventually over and on the Seas with Mercy Ships. I worked with the concession company at the Old Faithful Inn for two summers. I shared many a day with some awesome people, one or two I've caught up with in recent days. If you stumble upon this and were in Yellowstone 90 or 91 drop a line my way.
This time I heading back just for a few days. The trip will be fast & furious. I'll have the camera(s). I'll revisit a few of the old hikes & try to capture a few of the images that were forever captured on film (now buried in a trunk of memories). Ironically looking at the calendar it will be near 17 years to the day I left. I do hope it won't be another 17 years before I return the next time.
This time 17 is coming up as I head to Yellowstone NP. It's been 17 years since I last visited The Park. For me, I was on my own for the first time. It was a time of trial and error. It was a time that I learned and established my own rules. It was a time of vision that eventually took me across the USA and eventually over and on the Seas with Mercy Ships. I worked with the concession company at the Old Faithful Inn for two summers. I shared many a day with some awesome people, one or two I've caught up with in recent days. If you stumble upon this and were in Yellowstone 90 or 91 drop a line my way.
This time I heading back just for a few days. The trip will be fast & furious. I'll have the camera(s). I'll revisit a few of the old hikes & try to capture a few of the images that were forever captured on film (now buried in a trunk of memories). Ironically looking at the calendar it will be near 17 years to the day I left. I do hope it won't be another 17 years before I return the next time.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Willow Lake Moose
Out cruising the woods in Big Cottonwood Canyon looking at fall foliage, my hiking partner pointed out this bull.
The leaves of the fall are brightening up all around Salt Lake City. If you haven't gotten out yet there is still plenty of time. This year is one of the best years to be out checking out the leaves in Utah. Last year we had a cold snap that took the leave right off. The year before it was dry & everything browned out before time. This year is amazing. The oaks and maples are soon to peak. The aspens as each grove changes is perking up. I've seen different groves change this year before other groves have. The mountains are a patch work of colors.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
JDRF
For the most part, this is the crew I hang with, a rowdy bunch, with a batch of interesting personalities & interests.
As for the event that we attended, it is an annual event the company helps sponsor. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation holds many fund/awareness events around the country. JDRF is set out to find a cure for Diabetes.
Friday, July 25, 2008
quick n dirty thoughts
Now that I'm home & have a moment or two I hope I can recover some of what I was thinking about at work today. I made a list kinda jotting the note as I went. I am calling these QDPN's (Quick & Dirty [unrefined] Personal Notes).
Nothin': What it means...
My place, if you come over by invitation then take it seriously. I seldom let others into my door. If you are invited, come in & know I consider you as one of my own.
Beer, it's my choice of social cold drinks
Coffee: I drink it when it's a hundred and ten degrees & I'll drink it when boiling water freezes.
WTF (yes. that is...) Why is he wearing a sweat shirt in 100 weather? The sweatshirt is actually thread bare & hides my skin from the sun keeping me cooler...
I have no game & I know it.
Is it possible to be twisted (confused) about a friend. What if she finds out about it? Typically being twisted lasts only a few days or so then I'm back to cool friend thoughts & just hangin'. What if she reads this?
Best morning activity: Watching the little brown birds at the bird feeder while drinking coffee & reading the BOOK
Prayer & what it hasn't done for me, a satirical look at my current prayer life & unanswered prayers
Salted in shell peanuts versus pretzels.
The ever changing world of friendships. These things aught to be called friend shifts. I've noticed the gang I hang with now it's the gang I hung with...
Perfection in relationships is finding the qualities that will make one a better person...
Why is it the best ideas I want to write about happens at work? So back to work I go...
Nothin': What it means...
My place, if you come over by invitation then take it seriously. I seldom let others into my door. If you are invited, come in & know I consider you as one of my own.
Beer, it's my choice of social cold drinks
Coffee: I drink it when it's a hundred and ten degrees & I'll drink it when boiling water freezes.
WTF (yes. that is...) Why is he wearing a sweat shirt in 100 weather? The sweatshirt is actually thread bare & hides my skin from the sun keeping me cooler...
I have no game & I know it.
Is it possible to be twisted (confused) about a friend. What if she finds out about it? Typically being twisted lasts only a few days or so then I'm back to cool friend thoughts & just hangin'. What if she reads this?
Best morning activity: Watching the little brown birds at the bird feeder while drinking coffee & reading the BOOK
Prayer & what it hasn't done for me, a satirical look at my current prayer life & unanswered prayers
Salted in shell peanuts versus pretzels.
The ever changing world of friendships. These things aught to be called friend shifts. I've noticed the gang I hang with now it's the gang I hung with...
Perfection in relationships is finding the qualities that will make one a better person...
Why is it the best ideas I want to write about happens at work? So back to work I go...
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Relay for Life Pictures
Laziness saved the pictures, rather I should say my desire not to do anything rash saved 'em. Yes, I am upset with the mis-representation towards the memory of my sister by the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I, however, know that I was also at the event for other reasons. The reasons would include to hang out with co-workers & to take pictures for the company I work for. Here therefore are a few of the images from that day.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Relay for Life
12:33 AM 6/14/2008
It sucked!
That's the easiest way to put it, a huge let down.
I've planned on going to this event for months. I had my department manager even swing the schedule for me (thanks). However it is a big let down.
It was cool, great day beautiful weather (140 in your car) 80 else where. Clear sky just the kind you want to picnic under all day & night. It was held in a big city park, where at the same time was 2 baseball games & 2 practices going on. So where do I park??? Next when I found where to park, where were the vendor booths & where were the meeting areas. These weren't exactly well defined, thankfully the vendors were able to get themselves organized. The bathrooms - ah the pavilion, by the time I last relived myself I thought going redneck would be more sanitary in the parking lot. The route - if you missed the announcement early on in the event you had to guess where it was at - aka unmarked along the park's sidewalks. The announcement also included that they (the organizer's) did not want anyone walking a lone. Ah - safety but is that not why the event was at the park next to the city/county buildings and local police dept??? The stage events seemed to be a hodge podge of music & what not. I never did figure it out, sometimes there was a dance group cavorting on stage other times some music. For the opening ceremony they hired the CIA to do their goods to a cat, I mean they had some awful singer belt out the national anthem. Irony strikes, I'm drinking a beer. The tune to the US national anthem is a drinking song - a lousy one at that of the day. The words are a poem about a battle we lost to the British. My British friends never let me live that one down... My question for this part of the even is where is the flag? I didn't see one flying near by - the city had taken their's down for the weekend. There weren't any on stage, nor any Boy Scouts to present 'the colors.' This was all minor to what was to come.
What came as the night grew on. The luminaries were set out.
The bags prepared by loved ones who lost their's to cancer & of survivors, decorated; were filled with a handful of sand & a flickering light set inside. These were set up along the walking path. I watched & took pictures. People came up to me & asked what organization I shoot for. This is always cool & refreshing. I tell them it is a hobby & I take a few images for the company I work for. I followed along & took pictures of the one's I recognized, my DM's family, a co-worker's, others of interest.
I saw one with my sister's name on it. I thought cool - someone else is here who knows & remembers my sister, I hope to run into them. That though however would not be the case -that was (not) my luminary. I continued on. I didn't see the luminary I brought & gave to one of the volunteers who where to set these things out. I walked the route 3 more times, may be I missed it. I went back to the luminary I saw. I took out the light & placed it in another bag, shook out the sand & folded it up. I am disappointed. The cap stone just cracked. I could put up
with all the other stuff of this evening. This I cannot. I cursed under my breath walking away in the dark. The path dimly lit by the lights in the bag.
Some ladies where talking about the event & how well it was going as I left. They had volunteer shirts on. I asked if I could give a few words. Choking back the tears I told them I've walked this time & time again I have not found the luminary I made. I found a hand scrawled one with my sister's name on it. I also said I saw others with the same hand writing, just names with 'In memory of ...' I cursed the event as I walked away from them. This event had dishonored my memory of my sister...
Then it occurred to me why the volunteer I gave my luminary to asked if I had paid my money... This isn't an event to remember lost ones or to honor surviors. It' about the money. Not about the show & tell of how this organization is promoting finding a cure to cancer. It's about the money. What a cold hearted thing. (This is my opinion as I reflect on tonight). The word's this volunteer & those I passed leaving, just cold hearted. Cold.
She was beautiful. She was unique. She played an instrument few dare play & to my understanding she played it beautifully. She was my best friend growing up. She was the one person I knew from preschool. There isn't a day when I don't thing about her or look at a picture of her.
This event, the one I've looked forward to for so long in which I can set a memento next to other memento's of others who died of cancer crushes me. I utterly hate this evening. I I I can't say it enough. It sucked.
I got a 12 pack on my way home. At least I can cry into my beer.
If you are reading this & wondering where the pictures are of this event that I took. They are in a vice. The flash cards are so close to being destroyed. The one thing that will let you see them is a letter of apology from this event organizer on organization letterhead on why 'our' luminaries where not displayed. We paid our money. Please let us honor our dead.
All I am asking is let me honor my dead.
It sucked!
That's the easiest way to put it, a huge let down.
I've planned on going to this event for months. I had my department manager even swing the schedule for me (thanks). However it is a big let down.
It was cool, great day beautiful weather (140 in your car) 80 else where. Clear sky just the kind you want to picnic under all day & night. It was held in a big city park, where at the same time was 2 baseball games & 2 practices going on. So where do I park??? Next when I found where to park, where were the vendor booths & where were the meeting areas. These weren't exactly well defined, thankfully the vendors were able to get themselves organized. The bathrooms - ah the pavilion, by the time I last relived myself I thought going redneck would be more sanitary in the parking lot. The route - if you missed the announcement early on in the event you had to guess where it was at - aka unmarked along the park's sidewalks. The announcement also included that they (the organizer's) did not want anyone walking a lone. Ah - safety but is that not why the event was at the park next to the city/county buildings and local police dept??? The stage events seemed to be a hodge podge of music & what not. I never did figure it out, sometimes there was a dance group cavorting on stage other times some music. For the opening ceremony they hired the CIA to do their goods to a cat, I mean they had some awful singer belt out the national anthem. Irony strikes, I'm drinking a beer. The tune to the US national anthem is a drinking song - a lousy one at that of the day. The words are a poem about a battle we lost to the British. My British friends never let me live that one down... My question for this part of the even is where is the flag? I didn't see one flying near by - the city had taken their's down for the weekend. There weren't any on stage, nor any Boy Scouts to present 'the colors.' This was all minor to what was to come.
What came as the night grew on. The luminaries were set out.
The bags prepared by loved ones who lost their's to cancer & of survivors, decorated; were filled with a handful of sand & a flickering light set inside. These were set up along the walking path. I watched & took pictures. People came up to me & asked what organization I shoot for. This is always cool & refreshing. I tell them it is a hobby & I take a few images for the company I work for. I followed along & took pictures of the one's I recognized, my DM's family, a co-worker's, others of interest.
I saw one with my sister's name on it. I thought cool - someone else is here who knows & remembers my sister, I hope to run into them. That though however would not be the case -that was (not) my luminary. I continued on. I didn't see the luminary I brought & gave to one of the volunteers who where to set these things out. I walked the route 3 more times, may be I missed it. I went back to the luminary I saw. I took out the light & placed it in another bag, shook out the sand & folded it up. I am disappointed. The cap stone just cracked. I could put up
with all the other stuff of this evening. This I cannot. I cursed under my breath walking away in the dark. The path dimly lit by the lights in the bag.
Some ladies where talking about the event & how well it was going as I left. They had volunteer shirts on. I asked if I could give a few words. Choking back the tears I told them I've walked this time & time again I have not found the luminary I made. I found a hand scrawled one with my sister's name on it. I also said I saw others with the same hand writing, just names with 'In memory of ...' I cursed the event as I walked away from them. This event had dishonored my memory of my sister...
Then it occurred to me why the volunteer I gave my luminary to asked if I had paid my money... This isn't an event to remember lost ones or to honor surviors. It' about the money. Not about the show & tell of how this organization is promoting finding a cure to cancer. It's about the money. What a cold hearted thing. (This is my opinion as I reflect on tonight). The word's this volunteer & those I passed leaving, just cold hearted. Cold.
She was beautiful. She was unique. She played an instrument few dare play & to my understanding she played it beautifully. She was my best friend growing up. She was the one person I knew from preschool. There isn't a day when I don't thing about her or look at a picture of her.
This event, the one I've looked forward to for so long in which I can set a memento next to other memento's of others who died of cancer crushes me. I utterly hate this evening. I I I can't say it enough. It sucked.
I got a 12 pack on my way home. At least I can cry into my beer.
If you are reading this & wondering where the pictures are of this event that I took. They are in a vice. The flash cards are so close to being destroyed. The one thing that will let you see them is a letter of apology from this event organizer on organization letterhead on why 'our' luminaries where not displayed. We paid our money. Please let us honor our dead.
All I am asking is let me honor my dead.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sample Weekend Pixs
This really isn't to say what I've been doing but to show just a few images that I've taken this weekend...
First I went to Wheeler Farm to participate with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Walk
Next I headed out to Rocky Mountain Race Way to watch what I thought was drag racing but turned out to be super oval. Either way I had fun & I've never been to any kind of motor racing, so it was a great experience.
On Sunday I headed out to Miller Sports Park to watch the Utah Grand Prix. This event rocked my ear plugs out with image opportunities...
First I went to Wheeler Farm to participate with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Walk
Next I headed out to Rocky Mountain Race Way to watch what I thought was drag racing but turned out to be super oval. Either way I had fun & I've never been to any kind of motor racing, so it was a great experience.
On Sunday I headed out to Miller Sports Park to watch the Utah Grand Prix. This event rocked my ear plugs out with image opportunities...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Vandelism
Nine Mile Canyon is a historic site in Eastern Utah. The petroglyphs attract thousands to make this day drive each year. Some of the main reasons people come out is to see the carvings into the soft sandstone walls made by Indians near a thousand years ago. Some of the other carvings were made by early visitors. The newer carvings are actually wanabe's vandalizing the canyon. If you know of anyone taking part in any kind of vandalism, report them to the local authorities. It irks me to see vandalism any where I go. Often in the winter I know I am on the right track because I see trees carved up with initials & dates. Vandalism takes away the pleasure of others who are coming by later. If you know of anyone taking part in is activity report them.
Escape the Photographer
I headed out to Nine Mile Canyon in Eastern Utah over the weekend. Nine Mile Canyon is known for the petroglyph's carved into the soft sandstone walls by Indians about a thousand years ago.
Besides seeing the carvings, there are other opportunities to see while taking the drive. One needs to keep the eyes moving else opportunities will leap away...
Besides seeing the carvings, there are other opportunities to see while taking the drive. One needs to keep the eyes moving else opportunities will leap away...
Monday, March 17, 2008
Who Me?
This is an image I grabbed a few days ago when I went for a drive. With the price of gas soaring these days I figure I better get out while I can still afford to explore my state.
One of my questions I need to pose is while technology has been doubling & quadrupling in many fields; why is the mpg of today's engines pretty much the same as it was 10 and 20 years ago? The car I drive gets 30 to the highway. When I bought it I was looking for 60mpg or better.
Does anyone know how to juice up an engine to get better gas millage? I'm not wanting to draft behind a semi- that's just to ****ing stupid & dangerous. I want to explore more & take more images like this one without having to re-fi my condo just for a weekend away from the city.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Young Hands
It's a simple image. It's a simple day for most of us. To this young couple it is. Simply it is the day they will remember for the rest of their lives. I pray these young hands will be together in eons to come. Like the old couple I commented to friends in '01. The old couple who's hands were like a well worn lock & key. I said 'There goes a couple I want to be like some day.' He heard me and turned towards me. I nodded back. I pray these young hands will imitate that couple I saw.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
primary gruff
I personally think that the two party system is failing the republic.
When I went down the rules of the 'open system' say I can vote for
anyone I want, however if I want to vote Republican I needed to
registered as a Republican. I'm non affiliated so I don't have to vote
along party lines - even in the primaries. I told the clerk, "I'm un
affiliated." She told me I had to choose one and went on to say if I
choose Republican I cold not vote because I am not declare Republican
therefore I'd loose my vote. Someone stepping out said choose
Democrat, they will let you vote Independent. So I said thanks to
him & told the clerk, Democrat. When I got to the ballot my indi's
were not on the ticket, so I could not choose my choice. If I am in an
'open system' how can it be called open if I can not choose whom I want
when I want at the ballot. That is my gruff. That is where I see the
failure in the system that is set up for the general populous. I
therefore cast my vote for the one whom is the biggest threat to the
one I do not want to move on in this election cycle.
When I went down the rules of the 'open system' say I can vote for
anyone I want, however if I want to vote Republican I needed to
registered as a Republican. I'm non affiliated so I don't have to vote
along party lines - even in the primaries. I told the clerk, "I'm un
affiliated." She told me I had to choose one and went on to say if I
choose Republican I cold not vote because I am not declare Republican
therefore I'd loose my vote. Someone stepping out said choose
Democrat, they will let you vote Independent. So I said thanks to
him & told the clerk, Democrat. When I got to the ballot my indi's
were not on the ticket, so I could not choose my choice. If I am in an
'open system' how can it be called open if I can not choose whom I want
when I want at the ballot. That is my gruff. That is where I see the
failure in the system that is set up for the general populous. I
therefore cast my vote for the one whom is the biggest threat to the
one I do not want to move on in this election cycle.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Dis'in the Flag
Check it out. Why do you want a presidential candidate who does not respect our flag? Veterians why do you want a guy in office with NO US Military experience?
copy & paste this http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp
www.snopes.com
http://www.snopes.com/politics...
Barack Obama does not place his hand over his heart when the U.S. national anthem is played?
No reverence to the country or the Flag that represents it.
The USA strength is based on the integration of the parts like alloys in the metals/plastics we used daily. When one part does not integrate it is known as a bad batch or an impurity. It is either thrown out or the impurity is skimmed off and destroyed.
Non-US Citizens should also be concerned about this Presidential Election. Write you US-Citizen friends and tell them to vote against Obama.
Vote
Yes, Politics again.
I just received my flyer from the County Clerk telling me Tuesday is coming.
Super Tuesday that is. It is the biggest date in which the majority of the primary elections for the Presidential Office take place.
For those of you who are not Politically active I know you are for you do pay your TAXES. Paying or Not Paying your taxes is a political decision. I urge you therefor to get registered to vote & then join me and thousands of others (I'd like to say Millions) in voting on Feb 5.
For Utahan's see County Clerk
later
B
I just received my flyer from the County Clerk telling me Tuesday is coming.
Super Tuesday that is. It is the biggest date in which the majority of the primary elections for the Presidential Office take place.
For those of you who are not Politically active I know you are for you do pay your TAXES. Paying or Not Paying your taxes is a political decision. I urge you therefor to get registered to vote & then join me and thousands of others (I'd like to say Millions) in voting on Feb 5.
For Utahan's see County Clerk
later
B
Monday, January 07, 2008
Lazy
Lazy Lazy Lazy
Lazy days are something I've grown a custom to over the years. At first lazy days were my way of retreating for a day of rest where I'd just hide from work. This was especially true when I worked on the M/V Caribbean Mercy as a cook. I knew then if I didn't hide I'd get roped into working either a little or a lot. These days I use the excuse of 'well it is my day off.' Truly I've noticed I keep one day reserved for doing nothing, nothing at all.
Well I recognized last night, as I turned off the TV, I'd watched 24 hours of TV in 29 hours. Huh why? I don't know. I was lazy. I was undisciplined. I resolved as I turned in for bed that I'd get up and go for a walk along the Jordan River Parkway.
During my walk, Hebrews 12:11 kept coming to mind "Now no chastening for the present semeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercise hereby." KJV (Sorry I don't have my NIV at reach). I like the wording of the old school version too. Many Proverbs both from the Bible and other cultures raked my mind.
I drew the conclusion I need to rethink my day off. I drew the conclusion that my day off cannot be a lazy day where I do nothing. I don't call watching endless hours of TV doing something.
I developed my own definition of discipline. Disciple is: uniform corrective action. Self-disciple therefore is: personal regular uniformed corrective action. How then do I go about achieving this? One write it down (check - this is my record). Two tell someone about what I want to do (check - this is my record). Three set out to do it (check - at least for one day, today).
So what are my goals to over come lazy days and laziness in general. Some people already know I want to hike 300 miles this year. I've broken 300 miles down into 8 mile hikes for 32 weeks. Essentially this is just to get out and do it. Is 300 miles possible? Yes, very much so. In '91 I worked in Yellowstone NP I casually hiked over that number because I got out and did it. I will say I walked many of the same paths over and over again. I enjoyed them every time for I saw the changing of the light, the changing of the season, & changing of the people.
For today I'll take a new transition from an old lesson. At college my Mentor took what I did on a regular basis and asked me to do them with accountability. On Monday's he'd ask me what the sermon on Sunday was about and what I got from it. On Thursday's he'd ask me what I thought about from my walk after Bible Study on Wednesday. And so he then once I grew accustom to the accountability he asked me to modify the behavior slightly. This behavior modification then would include walking with a purpose to think about my meditation time and other simple things. My mentor wasn't out to change my life he wanted to emphasize what I did right. As in my definition uniform corrective action, I can also add positive reinforcement of desired behavior.
So what can I do these days. One I like to work out before work on days I work a late schedule. Two I can put a timer into the power outlet that will turn the TV off after a certain amount of time. Three work into my daily schedule time to read & time to chat with friends. And finally four to achieve the fitness goal of hiking the three hundred miles to get up on my day off and just do it even if it is walking a trail like the Salt Lake Over Look (2 miles one way from Mill Creek) on the Desolation Trail. Then my day off will begin to transition from lazy to at least a little active with an activity I enjoy doing.
These simple things will help me transition from lazy days to restful days.
Lazy days are something I've grown a custom to over the years. At first lazy days were my way of retreating for a day of rest where I'd just hide from work. This was especially true when I worked on the M/V Caribbean Mercy as a cook. I knew then if I didn't hide I'd get roped into working either a little or a lot. These days I use the excuse of 'well it is my day off.' Truly I've noticed I keep one day reserved for doing nothing, nothing at all.
Well I recognized last night, as I turned off the TV, I'd watched 24 hours of TV in 29 hours. Huh why? I don't know. I was lazy. I was undisciplined. I resolved as I turned in for bed that I'd get up and go for a walk along the Jordan River Parkway.
During my walk, Hebrews 12:11 kept coming to mind "Now no chastening for the present semeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercise hereby." KJV (Sorry I don't have my NIV at reach). I like the wording of the old school version too. Many Proverbs both from the Bible and other cultures raked my mind.
I drew the conclusion I need to rethink my day off. I drew the conclusion that my day off cannot be a lazy day where I do nothing. I don't call watching endless hours of TV doing something.
I developed my own definition of discipline. Disciple is: uniform corrective action. Self-disciple therefore is: personal regular uniformed corrective action. How then do I go about achieving this? One write it down (check - this is my record). Two tell someone about what I want to do (check - this is my record). Three set out to do it (check - at least for one day, today).
So what are my goals to over come lazy days and laziness in general. Some people already know I want to hike 300 miles this year. I've broken 300 miles down into 8 mile hikes for 32 weeks. Essentially this is just to get out and do it. Is 300 miles possible? Yes, very much so. In '91 I worked in Yellowstone NP I casually hiked over that number because I got out and did it. I will say I walked many of the same paths over and over again. I enjoyed them every time for I saw the changing of the light, the changing of the season, & changing of the people.
For today I'll take a new transition from an old lesson. At college my Mentor took what I did on a regular basis and asked me to do them with accountability. On Monday's he'd ask me what the sermon on Sunday was about and what I got from it. On Thursday's he'd ask me what I thought about from my walk after Bible Study on Wednesday. And so he then once I grew accustom to the accountability he asked me to modify the behavior slightly. This behavior modification then would include walking with a purpose to think about my meditation time and other simple things. My mentor wasn't out to change my life he wanted to emphasize what I did right. As in my definition uniform corrective action, I can also add positive reinforcement of desired behavior.
So what can I do these days. One I like to work out before work on days I work a late schedule. Two I can put a timer into the power outlet that will turn the TV off after a certain amount of time. Three work into my daily schedule time to read & time to chat with friends. And finally four to achieve the fitness goal of hiking the three hundred miles to get up on my day off and just do it even if it is walking a trail like the Salt Lake Over Look (2 miles one way from Mill Creek) on the Desolation Trail. Then my day off will begin to transition from lazy to at least a little active with an activity I enjoy doing.
These simple things will help me transition from lazy days to restful days.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
boots of my historic past & prestent
There is a pebble I could not avoid floating in my boots; it seemed like with each shuffle in the dust of that morning walk I could not escape irritation. Upon return to the house I let the dog in and I took a close look at my foot wear. A stress mark of long ago finally wore through leaving not just a hole in the boot but a river of jagged edge near 2 inches long.
I'd bought these solid old leather hiking boots before I turned 19. I'm 36 now. They've graced my feet on more then an epic journey through the Wasatch Mountains. They've kicked up dust in Senegal and Ghana. They've courted a trail in Poland. I think I've even polished 'em up before to wear to a job interview. They held my feet on the deck of a pitching ship when coming into port.
My boots define me. I do have other trinkets from lands of distant eras of my life. I may seek to have 'em repaired. I may just wax 'em up one more time. I will though put them near my fire place to hang, a picture of who I am.
I'd bought these solid old leather hiking boots before I turned 19. I'm 36 now. They've graced my feet on more then an epic journey through the Wasatch Mountains. They've kicked up dust in Senegal and Ghana. They've courted a trail in Poland. I think I've even polished 'em up before to wear to a job interview. They held my feet on the deck of a pitching ship when coming into port.
My boots define me. I do have other trinkets from lands of distant eras of my life. I may seek to have 'em repaired. I may just wax 'em up one more time. I will though put them near my fire place to hang, a picture of who I am.
Monday, October 01, 2007
forgiveness and friendship
I am hoping that a message of peace would be conveyed with my last post. Please shut me out for a while but don't shut out others. I want peace and forgiveness.
I simply want to stand next to you as a friend. I will fight for friendship more then any other aspect of my life. Friendship for me cuts across ageless boundaries of culture and religion. If I invite you to stay at my place or say call me anytime - that means you mean something to me. There are very few people I've repealed this from.(only one couple in the thousands of people I know).
Forgiveness and grace go hand in hand with correction and discipline in the lines of friendship.
A few years back (now over 10) I began to hang out with a group that met in the dining room of the Anastasis at 10pm. We'd write letters, write in our journals, read books & the Bible. We did everything and anything together. However there was one individual I didn't get a long with nor liked, so when ever he showed up I left. As the seasons change and the group began to disperse because commitments were up or new people came in, little did I realize I shut out several close friends because I left when this individual came around. I recognize it as a mistake. I have not made this mistake since.
Though I don't like someone or someone doesn't like me these days I will not leave a group, but I will also not put up with that crap. It bugs me to no end that either the other individual will not come to me or will let me come to them to resolve the difference or resolve to let there be an issue between us. I can live with people hating me. What I can't live with is not knowing from them why they hate me.
Forgiveness and grace go hand in hand with correction and discipline in the lines of friendship.
I simply want to stand next to you as a friend. I will fight for friendship more then any other aspect of my life. Friendship for me cuts across ageless boundaries of culture and religion. If I invite you to stay at my place or say call me anytime - that means you mean something to me. There are very few people I've repealed this from.(only one couple in the thousands of people I know).
Forgiveness and grace go hand in hand with correction and discipline in the lines of friendship.
A few years back (now over 10) I began to hang out with a group that met in the dining room of the Anastasis at 10pm. We'd write letters, write in our journals, read books & the Bible. We did everything and anything together. However there was one individual I didn't get a long with nor liked, so when ever he showed up I left. As the seasons change and the group began to disperse because commitments were up or new people came in, little did I realize I shut out several close friends because I left when this individual came around. I recognize it as a mistake. I have not made this mistake since.
Though I don't like someone or someone doesn't like me these days I will not leave a group, but I will also not put up with that crap. It bugs me to no end that either the other individual will not come to me or will let me come to them to resolve the difference or resolve to let there be an issue between us. I can live with people hating me. What I can't live with is not knowing from them why they hate me.
Forgiveness and grace go hand in hand with correction and discipline in the lines of friendship.
Friday, September 28, 2007
foot in mouth flare up...
Words and stories can mix and be mixed up by close friends and those far off. They can be taken as stories or as shots to the heart. I recently told a story of a friend (fellow shipmate) in a group in which I tied it back into the group. What I thought was over and behind an 'us' who aren't close enough to call an 'us' of friends I retro-think my words is not. Instead of a funny antecedent about an untimely word and the repercussion there of; I fear I shot my friend in the heart with an arrow that bore down heavier then a ton of bricks crushing me out while damaging any vein of relationship beyond association. I've suffered from a cold shoulder before because I spoke out of turn. This time I simply ask, of my friend, give me a chance to dig myself deeper & grant me the grace to mess up again.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Lea & Rob
Just shot a wedding out at the University of Utah's Red Butte Gardens. It was simply fantastic. I'd recommend having Lea plan your wedding to. Not only is she a simply gorgeous bride, she kept everything simple. I'm working the images now. I'm going to post a few here then over to another site I use occasionally for sets. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
JDRF
If you don't recognize this pirate and you work for ORANGE, are you sure you are there?
The company that I do work with presently supports a wide range of non-profit organizations, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is one of the biggest organizations. Recently JDRF held a big awareness event at Salt Lake City's Wheeler Farm. I've posted a few images here to share but most of my images are found at PreyingJaws on Flickr. I choose flickr because you do not need to be a member to view the images.
Enjoy surfing my images.
Later
B
*the first image is VP Steve
** Pre-Walk warm ups
Monday, August 20, 2007
An afternoon Hike
A lame afternoon turned around as I decided to find a trail without cars parked at the base. Driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon every trail head I passed had 3 to a dozen vehicles. I pondered where could I go. Then passing the lower Solitude Ski Resort entry I saw not 3 but one and this guy was leaving. I pulled over. I've heard the Silver Fork hike begins at the western edge of this parking lot. I jumped the gate and headed for the forest service road. I got lost on private property of the Silver Fork summer residence road. Not wanting to chance anything I doubled back and hit the cat track that wraps around to the Honeycomb lift. Later when I read my guide book I could have stayed on the private road without trouble. Anyways I wanted something short and without people. That is what I got besides one group of mountain bikers coming down, two bull moose in velvet, and a dozen bald eagles flying out of camera range (I only had the 28-80). I passed by groves of quaky aspen still with summer green. I rounded the area by stopping at an abandon mining camp. On the way down caught a brilliant sunset of colors in the clouds and still made it down before dark.
Ah a lovely hike for my only day off this week.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Ready Set Run
Two Mentos Reps at the Park City Kimbal Art's Festival demonstrate their product's ability to create a soda fountain. Unlike the rest of us who haven't done this, these gals avoided the ensuing soda eruption.
Obama Speaks
Prez Canidate Obama make a honk-n-wave appearance at Park City's Kimbal Junction on Sunday Aug 5, 2007. He spoke briefly about what his campaign is about before dashing off to a fund raiser.
Monday, June 18, 2007
keys n cleaning
With the key given to me, I slowly insert it into the door.
Opening the door for the first time as my place,
I paused to savor the moment & take a pix.
The scent of the shampoo'd carpet greeted me,
the cool of the AC washed over me.
I flipped off my teva's
I felt the dried carpet.
Tromping up the stairs
I looked right, left, and straight
Three bedrooms.
I ducked back down the stairs,
I spun into the kitchen,
glanced into the 1/2 bath & laundry room.
Reaching into the garage
I felt for the opener
The door moaned upwards
Light flooded the townhouse,
I paused again.
God I want this place to be...
I grabbed somethings out of my car
The first things I set out were cleaning supplies
The most important things though
I grabbed
were three books
My Bible, EM Bounds Complete Works on Prayer and My Utmost for His Highest
Holiness, Prayerfulness, Devotion.
I set out to clean,
Carpets to vacuum, shelves to wipe down, drawers to wash out
Scrub scrub scrub
How could a seller, leave a place that they wouldn't want to move straight into?
All is well.
As a rule there are only two times a place is truly clean:
the day you move in
the day you move out
all other times are 'just tidy'
My place
My home to be...
Lord so much...
So far...
What possibilities...
Does this invalidate my goals, dreams, or plans?
Not a chance.
I do want to return to missions.
I do want to say I Do
I do want to finish what I've set out to do.
In my place.
The key it turns,
opening a new beginning for me.
My Ring...
My ring is fading in detail, over the years I've banged it against the steel hull of the ship I sailed with while watching dolphins in the Pacific, kneaded it through loaves of bread dough (yes, I washed my hands with a scrub brush before I did so), scrubbed my hands raw after working with paint. It's fading and broken.
This detail though remains, I bought it on the 4th of July from a biker booth at the Freedom Festival in Duluth MN while I was with my roomie & shipmate of the Caribbean Mercy. The original significance is still there too. John 15:5 (NIV) "I am the vine you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." I've since given up on wearing chains around my neck. I don't like how chains cut into me while I pack a camera. I am too frugal to get a tat. I do though want to share the bit of my life few people ask beyond "Nice ring, can I see it?" This is how I visually show what I believe. I wear this broken, fading ring with a grape vine.
Details of the pix. Taken with a cell phone. I played with positioning and a small flash light on my dinning room table.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Cancer Remains...
My evening seemed to be built around this one item. I kept looking for opportunities to see people pause by and look at it. I kept looking for pixs of people taking time to calibrate life and to remember life. I encourage everyone to slow down and build a relationship or two and keep them strong. I was close to her. I will by faith in Christ see her again, until then I have memories of our differences of which we were very similar...
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Gas Price War
This is my response to the "Gas Price War" e-mail/movement that is going around at the current time...
Hey Dude,
Think about it...
Have you ever tried a 'spending fast' where you did not spend any money for a day or a week? What happened? Did you not spend more then what you expected to the day before or the day after because you needed an extra (what ever)?
The same thing goes with the Gas Price War thing you are promoting. People are going to spend more either the day before or the day after.
The only way to 'hurt' gas companies is to ditch the gas powered mechanics. Can you do that?
If I could find away not to ride my bike through a bad neighborhood to and from work, I'd do it. One season a few years ago I saved $100 in gas over a 2 (two) month period just because i did not drive to the short places, I only drove to those places that were over 10 miles away and only then did I go there once a week and that was actually 24 miles one way or 30 the other way (route depending).
IF you could convince people to ride their bikes everywhere or to take alternate transportation, then yes the Gas Price War would work. Take a look at history with the Civil Rights movement in the 50's & 60's where the 'Blacks" (I'm not trying to be racist here) chose to boycott the mass transit system in the USA. That hurt the companies, some folded & were bailed out by the local government. A boycott like that would hurt the Gas companies today & it would make the government look seriously at promoting alternate fuels & alternate sources of energy.
Later
B
-----Original Message-----
Subject: Gas Price War
GAS WAR - an idea that WILL work
Join the resistance!!!! I hear we are going to hit close to $4.00 a
gallon by next summer and it might go higher!! Want gasoline prices to
comedown? We need to take some intelligent, united action. Phillip
Hollsworth offered this good idea.
This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the "don't buy gas on a certain
day" campaign that was going around last April or May! The oil
companies just laughed at that because they knew we wouldn't continue to "hurt"
ourselves by refusing to buy gas. It was more of an inconvenience to us
than it was a problem for them.
BUT, whoever thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that
can really work. Please read on and join with us! By now you're probably
thinking gasoline priced at about $1.50 is super cheap. Me too! It
is currently $2.79 for regular unleaded in my town. Now that the oil
companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the cost
of a gallon of gas is CHEAP at $1.50 - $1.75, we need to take aggressive
action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace..... not sellers.
With the price of gasoline going up more each day, we consumers need to take action.
The only way we are going to see the price of gas come down is if we hit someone in
the pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that
WITHOUT hurting ourselves. How? Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop
buying gas. But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act
together to force a price war.
Here's the idea:
For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY
gasoline from the two biggest companies (which now are one), EXXON and MOBIL.
If they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices.
If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow
suit. But to have an impact, we need to reach literally
millions of Exxon and Mobil gas buyers. It's really simple to do! Now, don't wimp
out at this point..... keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is
to reach millions of people.
I am sending this note to 30 people. if each person sends this to 10 people,
the that's 300 people ... and those 300 send it to
at least ten more (300 x 10 =3,000)..and so on, by the time the message
reaches the sixth group of people, we will have reached over THREE
MILLION consumers. If those three million get excited and pass this on to
ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted! If
it goes one level further, you guessed it..... THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!
How long would all that take? If each of us sends
this e-mail out to ten more people within one day of receipt, all 300 MILLION
people could conceivably be contacted within the next 8 days!!!
Acting together we can make a difference. If this makes
sense to you, please pass this message on. I suggest that we not buy
from EXXON/MOBIL UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE $1.30 RANGE AND
KEEP THEM DOWN.
THIS CAN REALLY WORK.
Hey Dude,
Think about it...
Have you ever tried a 'spending fast' where you did not spend any money for a day or a week? What happened? Did you not spend more then what you expected to the day before or the day after because you needed an extra (what ever)?
The same thing goes with the Gas Price War thing you are promoting. People are going to spend more either the day before or the day after.
The only way to 'hurt' gas companies is to ditch the gas powered mechanics. Can you do that?
If I could find away not to ride my bike through a bad neighborhood to and from work, I'd do it. One season a few years ago I saved $100 in gas over a 2 (two) month period just because i did not drive to the short places, I only drove to those places that were over 10 miles away and only then did I go there once a week and that was actually 24 miles one way or 30 the other way (route depending).
IF you could convince people to ride their bikes everywhere or to take alternate transportation, then yes the Gas Price War would work. Take a look at history with the Civil Rights movement in the 50's & 60's where the 'Blacks" (I'm not trying to be racist here) chose to boycott the mass transit system in the USA. That hurt the companies, some folded & were bailed out by the local government. A boycott like that would hurt the Gas companies today & it would make the government look seriously at promoting alternate fuels & alternate sources of energy.
Later
B
-----Original Message-----
Subject: Gas Price War
GAS WAR - an idea that WILL work
Join the resistance!!!! I hear we are going to hit close to $4.00 a
gallon by next summer and it might go higher!! Want gasoline prices to
comedown? We need to take some intelligent, united action. Phillip
Hollsworth offered this good idea.
This makes MUCH MORE SENSE than the "don't buy gas on a certain
day" campaign that was going around last April or May! The oil
companies just laughed at that because they knew we wouldn't continue to "hurt"
ourselves by refusing to buy gas. It was more of an inconvenience to us
than it was a problem for them.
BUT, whoever thought of this idea, has come up with a plan that
can really work. Please read on and join with us! By now you're probably
thinking gasoline priced at about $1.50 is super cheap. Me too! It
is currently $2.79 for regular unleaded in my town. Now that the oil
companies and the OPEC nations have conditioned us to think that the cost
of a gallon of gas is CHEAP at $1.50 - $1.75, we need to take aggressive
action to teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace..... not sellers.
With the price of gasoline going up more each day, we consumers need to take action.
The only way we are going to see the price of gas come down is if we hit someone in
the pocketbook by not purchasing their gas! And, we can do that
WITHOUT hurting ourselves. How? Since we all rely on our cars, we can't just stop
buying gas. But we CAN have an impact on gas prices if we all act
together to force a price war.
Here's the idea:
For the rest of this year, DON'T purchase ANY
gasoline from the two biggest companies (which now are one), EXXON and MOBIL.
If they are not selling any gas, they will be inclined to reduce their prices.
If they reduce their prices, the other companies will have to follow
suit. But to have an impact, we need to reach literally
millions of Exxon and Mobil gas buyers. It's really simple to do! Now, don't wimp
out at this point..... keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is
to reach millions of people.
I am sending this note to 30 people. if each person sends this to 10 people,
the that's 300 people ... and those 300 send it to
at least ten more (300 x 10 =3,000)..and so on, by the time the message
reaches the sixth group of people, we will have reached over THREE
MILLION consumers. If those three million get excited and pass this on to
ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted! If
it goes one level further, you guessed it..... THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!
How long would all that take? If each of us sends
this e-mail out to ten more people within one day of receipt, all 300 MILLION
people could conceivably be contacted within the next 8 days!!!
Acting together we can make a difference. If this makes
sense to you, please pass this message on. I suggest that we not buy
from EXXON/MOBIL UNTIL THEY LOWER THEIR PRICES TO THE $1.30 RANGE AND
KEEP THEM DOWN.
THIS CAN REALLY WORK.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Tour de Cure
American Diabetes Foundation will host it's annual Tour de Cure in various regions around the country this summer. Last summer my dad and I volunteered for the event with the Miata Club of Utah; half of the Miata Club rode the other half provided on the road support. Road Support is fun because I got to see the riders in various stages of excitement and exhaustion. In various places the Club would stand/park near various road hazards like Rail Road Crossings (one in experience rider lost it on a crossing & needed medical attention); sometimes provided directions at odd turns; provide a quick tire repair (I did a MacGyver on a sidewall repair near Golden Spike, which lasted the next 60 miles for the rider); and unfortunately provide road side medical support until EMTs can arrive in the case of one rider who took an unusually hard spill.
I also took pictures. Often over my shoulder as we drove past. Other Club members shot as well. The official images are here.
This event is for the support of finding a cure for Diabetes. Diabetes has inflicted its pain into my family both my Grandfather died from complications resulting from the disease and Aunt is dealing with it now. I also have friends who have it. I encourage you to look into your local ride or into supporting the American Diabetes Association.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Toxic
The toxic blare of sirens pierced the silent night above the lazy evening traffic. Gently I sat of all places here at my computer enjoying the night of surfing & pondering going to bed. The sirens continued. Damn there close, to close. I went to the window only to see a column of gray gas rising above the tree line thick, unwavering against the shadow of the night scape. Bubble gum wrapper lights danced between the trees and buildings I could see. The neighbor above stepped out onto her tiny deck talking on her cell saying I see flames looks like a house on the other side of the 'Street.' Do I grab my jacket & dodge traffic with my camera or do I just set here, I pondered. At last watching from my window the gray turned to white the sirens died down I stooped praying the family that just lost everything.
This morning an annoying fly drove me from my coffee. What the hell is this buzz going on. I did grab my shoes and headed out the door. A news 'choper flew circles around last nights fire scene. Damn buzzards, doesn't this family have enough hardship now without you pointing it out to everyone who watches your show, I cursed under my breath.
This morning an annoying fly drove me from my coffee. What the hell is this buzz going on. I did grab my shoes and headed out the door. A news 'choper flew circles around last nights fire scene. Damn buzzards, doesn't this family have enough hardship now without you pointing it out to everyone who watches your show, I cursed under my breath.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Fakers
I typically don't like to use this site as a repeater site but when I came across this article I wanted to share it. The reason being is I don't want my public stuff to be criticized as a fake by me or others. Now that a little bit of math can do some looking at the images well let it be known the geeks are at it again...
forgeries
Later
B
forgeries
Later
B
Monday, March 05, 2007
loss
I always feel like a coffee shop philosopher every time I pull out my pda to write in a coffee shop. My trusty mug of black and my danish along side - gulp - visor prism. This morning I am lazy. Just to not give a damn worthy to make my own coffee, heck, I even drove to the starbarfs around the corner.
What draws me into this state? What drew me into the state of passing out crying last night? Or the state of walking out of work yesterday? Death. Death. The loss of a close friend on Friday. The loss of innocence of others. The loss of dealing with emotions past. I've not looked at literally thousands of pictures both on my pc and in my head of the friend I lost yesterday, of the friend I lost in August, of those I lost six years ago.
I don't want your sympathy, I just don't want to hear it. I want you to sit by me. I want you to be quiet near by. Listen to my breathing. Listen to the quiver in my voice. Listen to the tears in my story. Cry, cry, cry, cry not for me, not for the family, not for them, cry for yourself, cry for your family, cry for your friends. Christ said 'weep not for me' as he was burdened with his execution minutes away from his own death.
Religion and philosophy don't help. Faith and hope don't put a stop to the void. Friends move away and others return. That is easy. The death though is complete separation. The end of the relationship is final. There are no more pictures. There are no more stories. No more smiles, hard times, big heart felt thanks, no more slap on the backs, jokes, nothing nothing else to look forward to. It's a complete END.
There are others who were closer to my friend. There are others who have known him longer, etc.
How many though know the intimacy of death? How many know love unearthly riped away? How many know how to 'keep it together' when it is all falling a part? How many know what falling a part is like when others say it's time to be together? It's a personal struggle. It's a family struggle. It's a community struggle. It's all messed up and yet every piece is exactly where it needs to be.
The wound need not heal. The perspective needs to change. If the answer sought not meets the question asked; change the question until the question gets the answer sought. If the treatment doesn't work, try another treatment. Re-examine the problem. Keep moving yet stop. Stop and yet keep moving.
What then do I want to take away? Definitely not coffee shop philosophy. Definitely not an empty cup of coffee. Honestly, what I want to take away is what I do to the next level. I want to step it up. Live life more by drawing closer into my friends. Live life more by giving closer to others. There is that next level I can go for with the things I already do.
Loss sucks no mater what. What I can do is glean from my friend's life those qualities I see as important to him and make them my own. What I can do is to challenge myself to take up those qualities I saw in him that I admire. What I can do is to step up to the next level those things we enjoyed together. That is that is the quiver in my voice I want to share. That is...
What draws me into this state? What drew me into the state of passing out crying last night? Or the state of walking out of work yesterday? Death. Death. The loss of a close friend on Friday. The loss of innocence of others. The loss of dealing with emotions past. I've not looked at literally thousands of pictures both on my pc and in my head of the friend I lost yesterday, of the friend I lost in August, of those I lost six years ago.
I don't want your sympathy, I just don't want to hear it. I want you to sit by me. I want you to be quiet near by. Listen to my breathing. Listen to the quiver in my voice. Listen to the tears in my story. Cry, cry, cry, cry not for me, not for the family, not for them, cry for yourself, cry for your family, cry for your friends. Christ said 'weep not for me' as he was burdened with his execution minutes away from his own death.
Religion and philosophy don't help. Faith and hope don't put a stop to the void. Friends move away and others return. That is easy. The death though is complete separation. The end of the relationship is final. There are no more pictures. There are no more stories. No more smiles, hard times, big heart felt thanks, no more slap on the backs, jokes, nothing nothing else to look forward to. It's a complete END.
There are others who were closer to my friend. There are others who have known him longer, etc.
How many though know the intimacy of death? How many know love unearthly riped away? How many know how to 'keep it together' when it is all falling a part? How many know what falling a part is like when others say it's time to be together? It's a personal struggle. It's a family struggle. It's a community struggle. It's all messed up and yet every piece is exactly where it needs to be.
The wound need not heal. The perspective needs to change. If the answer sought not meets the question asked; change the question until the question gets the answer sought. If the treatment doesn't work, try another treatment. Re-examine the problem. Keep moving yet stop. Stop and yet keep moving.
What then do I want to take away? Definitely not coffee shop philosophy. Definitely not an empty cup of coffee. Honestly, what I want to take away is what I do to the next level. I want to step it up. Live life more by drawing closer into my friends. Live life more by giving closer to others. There is that next level I can go for with the things I already do.
Loss sucks no mater what. What I can do is glean from my friend's life those qualities I see as important to him and make them my own. What I can do is to challenge myself to take up those qualities I saw in him that I admire. What I can do is to step up to the next level those things we enjoyed together. That is that is the quiver in my voice I want to share. That is...
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Micah
I know that getting things moving again isn't easy. I'm irritated. I'm pissed. I'm devistated. A vast range of emotions are running through my heart right now. I got a call this morning about Micah Coleman. He died yesterday in surgery. He was in the process of getting a new liver. I am going through my images now to find pictures of him. I've pulled a few images. I don't have many. It's like an unwritten rule for photogs; you don't take pixs of other photogs unless the situation warrent it.
What I am irritated most of is with the death. I want to raise my fist at GOD. I want to know why must the young die. I can understand the death of old people. Old people's bodies are worn out. They have lived life. It's time for them to move on. What I don't get is for young people to die. I've known one to many young people who've gotten sick and died. Up and Died. WHY?
Cheif Dave told me the story of his late wife Gigi - the lady who was a thorn in my side while on the Caribbean Mercy ages ago - I also gave her great respect and helped her out when ever I could. It was said of Gigi if you needed a wedding dress tell her and a few hours later she'd bring it to you. Cheif, he told me that every day he had with her was grace. His daughter feared that she'd loose her mom before she was 10. Gigi died when her daughter was 12. Cheif Dave also spoke of the fallen world that we live it. God created it to be perfect. He formed it for a place for us to dwell. He gave us a choice. We made the wrong choice. Now the world is corrupt. God did prepare an eternal place for us who believe and trust in the Blood of the Christ for Salavation. Those of us who trust and believe will be with HIM in eternity. Yeah, I took that message Cheif gave me to my sister's bed side 6 years ago... I took that message to another friend's grave over the summer. I take that message today with Micah's passing. It doesn't comfort me right now.
I am going through the images he made availble on line. Of the events that we were at together there are a lot of similar pictures. Micah's pixs Kinda cool. I wish I could spend more time shooting a long side of him...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
New Shoes
I got new shoes today!
Okay? Snowshoes that is...
My old ones I've beat near to death. I've logged a hundred or close miles on them since getting them about this time last year. I broke down today to get a pair that would work well on both hard pack and powder. I find that going the extra mile gets me to the powder. The rest is hard pack.
Before heading out this morning, I did check the avalanche report, everthing should be sliding. Augh! Presently in the valley it is snowing and I've got to work the next few days. I hope I can find a little un-treaded trails on Sunday.
I found myself near the top of Granduer Peak on the north side of Mill Creek Canyon. Ah, wonderful, a clear day lots of scrub oak and animal tracks. I saw a small herd of deer on my way back down.
Okay? Snowshoes that is...
My old ones I've beat near to death. I've logged a hundred or close miles on them since getting them about this time last year. I broke down today to get a pair that would work well on both hard pack and powder. I find that going the extra mile gets me to the powder. The rest is hard pack.
Before heading out this morning, I did check the avalanche report, everthing should be sliding. Augh! Presently in the valley it is snowing and I've got to work the next few days. I hope I can find a little un-treaded trails on Sunday.
I found myself near the top of Granduer Peak on the north side of Mill Creek Canyon. Ah, wonderful, a clear day lots of scrub oak and animal tracks. I saw a small herd of deer on my way back down.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Nervous
I know that my God is a God of love and peace.
But when I read today's headlines I see people blowing themselves up. I can't figure it out...
Daily on Yahoo news there is more suicide bombers blowing up Mosques? Yes, terroists blowing up others of like belief. Hum?
Something is up here. I'm nervous...
I caught a special speaker last night at my church. The man is a former terrorist who became radically saved after a car accident a number of years ago. Today even while recieving numerous death threats each year he keeps speaking up...
I watched a video he promoted last night. I watched it today with my family and we talked about it. Yes, after seeing this video I am nervous. What I see is a radical way of life that is promoting killing yourself for peace. Huh? What gives? The speaker last night explained it is a way of life, a way of hatred that beings young.
Several of you know I've protested the first Gulf War and I've been to rallies since then. Some of you may not know that I've looked into Socialism and other philosophies of governance. I keep seeing in each of these something is missing.
What is missing is the human need of security. The ideologies I've looked into are not human, they miss a major point, the point of LOVE. When I'm not on my soap box of God as Holy, I do not pause to point out that because He is Holy, He shows it as LOVE.
I challange you to read up on this link. Browse it. Watch the trailers.
Obession the Movie
Yeah, I'm nervous. I really like my way of life. I like being able to worship my God of Heaven, and His only Son Jesus Christ, who died for ME, as I want. I like my life of freedom and the pursuit of debt and leasure. I like getting up into the mountians He created and I like gathering with others of like mind.
When this radicalism comes, I will not be able to participate in the activities I freely enjoy, nor will you...
But when I read today's headlines I see people blowing themselves up. I can't figure it out...
Daily on Yahoo news there is more suicide bombers blowing up Mosques? Yes, terroists blowing up others of like belief. Hum?
Something is up here. I'm nervous...
I caught a special speaker last night at my church. The man is a former terrorist who became radically saved after a car accident a number of years ago. Today even while recieving numerous death threats each year he keeps speaking up...
I watched a video he promoted last night. I watched it today with my family and we talked about it. Yes, after seeing this video I am nervous. What I see is a radical way of life that is promoting killing yourself for peace. Huh? What gives? The speaker last night explained it is a way of life, a way of hatred that beings young.
Several of you know I've protested the first Gulf War and I've been to rallies since then. Some of you may not know that I've looked into Socialism and other philosophies of governance. I keep seeing in each of these something is missing.
What is missing is the human need of security. The ideologies I've looked into are not human, they miss a major point, the point of LOVE. When I'm not on my soap box of God as Holy, I do not pause to point out that because He is Holy, He shows it as LOVE.
I challange you to read up on this link. Browse it. Watch the trailers.
Obession the Movie
Yeah, I'm nervous. I really like my way of life. I like being able to worship my God of Heaven, and His only Son Jesus Christ, who died for ME, as I want. I like my life of freedom and the pursuit of debt and leasure. I like getting up into the mountians He created and I like gathering with others of like mind.
When this radicalism comes, I will not be able to participate in the activities I freely enjoy, nor will you...
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Red FRIDAY
I don't know where my old man got this. As I read it though I got kicked back to '91, I was a little more hypie then in my thoughts towards 'Gulf War 1' and the crap that went on then. I also didn't know who to turn to to show that I supported our troops and yet did not agree with what our country was doing then. I still don't agree 100%. What pisses me off are those people who say they support the troops, who are of age, and don't go! I bite myself here because reflecting on this puts me in the hot seat. I didn't sign up either, now I'm too old.
If you support our troops, some of you have friends and family in the military do read on... do write them... do attend even the "Anti- (FitB)" protests (Ive attended a few & honestly they are hilarious these people don't know what's going on...) and get in the faces of those who don't give a FitB about freedom for everyone. Show your support every boisterous* way you can and even in ways you don't have to use words.
*write your government reps from the lowest levels to the highest levels of government, attend rallies, stick a flag in your window with your love one's pix, attend open houses, follow and follow up on the news, call/write to the editor, enlist.
To All....................
I normally do not forward unsolicited e-mail, but being ex-military and knowing what our troops are being asked to do, I felt compelled to forward the message. I am just sending the message. I have been moved to tears and hope this is not a joke. Too, many of our troops are coming home this way and they need to be honored. Please see below:
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EMAIL AND YOU SEE WHAT IS MEANT BY RED FRIDAY.
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq .
I'm taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many co nversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and
Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing
Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support
our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We
are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for
God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We
are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends,
simply want to recognize that the vast majority of
America supports our troops. Our idea of showing
solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and
every
Friday until the troops all come home, sending a
deafening message that .. every red-blooded American
who supports our men and women afar, will wear
something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can
we do to make things better for you?" is .."We need
your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out
and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear
something red every Friday.
IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.
IF YOU COULDN'T CARE LESS -- THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!
-PN-
This does sound like an urban legend but it does have the necessary items in it to sound true. I would not be surprised if it is. If not it is an event that is taking place all to often these days.
If you support our troops, some of you have friends and family in the military do read on... do write them... do attend even the "Anti- (FitB)" protests (Ive attended a few & honestly they are hilarious these people don't know what's going on...) and get in the faces of those who don't give a FitB about freedom for everyone. Show your support every boisterous* way you can and even in ways you don't have to use words.
*write your government reps from the lowest levels to the highest levels of government, attend rallies, stick a flag in your window with your love one's pix, attend open houses, follow and follow up on the news, call/write to the editor, enlist.
To All....................
I normally do not forward unsolicited e-mail, but being ex-military and knowing what our troops are being asked to do, I felt compelled to forward the message. I am just sending the message. I have been moved to tears and hope this is not a joke. Too, many of our troops are coming home this way and they need to be honored. Please see below:
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE EMAIL AND YOU SEE WHAT IS MEANT BY RED FRIDAY.
Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded.
Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq .
I'm taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many co nversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.
So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and
Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing
Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support
our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We
are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for
God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We
are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends,
simply want to recognize that the vast majority of
America supports our troops. Our idea of showing
solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and
every
Friday until the troops all come home, sending a
deafening message that .. every red-blooded American
who supports our men and women afar, will wear
something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can
we do to make things better for you?" is .."We need
your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out
and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear
something red every Friday.
IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.
IF YOU COULDN'T CARE LESS -- THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!
-PN-
This does sound like an urban legend but it does have the necessary items in it to sound true. I would not be surprised if it is. If not it is an event that is taking place all to often these days.
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