MLK Assassinated 50 Years Ago Today

In Remembrance of Our Veterans

During this 100th Anniversary of WWI (1914-1918), 

I do not think we have reflected enough on the Root Cause of War.

The 11th Hour: Veteran's Day

At the 11th Hour on the 11th Day of the 11th Month, the Horror of  World War I came to an end.  In the U.S., after WWII we renamed Armistice Day as Veteran's Day.

I am growing a field of Flanders Poppies to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day and the end of WWI.  A forgotten war in a forgotten time.  But if we learned more about it, we might be able to avoid the next round.

Honoring Those Who Served........At the 11th Hour

All Images from the Veteran's Memorial Park, Colorado Springs.

Proposing a Week of Reflection

As we approach another Veteran's Day, I'd like to propose a week of Reflection on the Roots of Conflict.  In spite of the 100 Anniversary of the Start of World War I, the media continues to spew forth with endless retelling and fabrication of WWII stories.  But the Root of that conflict was WWI.  Really just the same War with the same participants fought all over again, because the Settlement of the WWI settled nothing.

So I'd like us to THINK about the ROOTS of Conflict, Just Settlements and PEACE.

Veteran's Memorial at Colorado Springs

Honoring Ambassador Chris Stevens

We didn't mention Sept 11th yesterday.  Sometimes I just like to spend a quiet day..............But in Light of the Ambassador's death on September 11th, defending the rights of those who killed him:

Honoring Ambassador Stevens and the staff who died with him, and all diplomats everywhere,

Belated Veteran's Day Remembrance

We seldom consider the non-human veterans that have served with our service personnel.  Recently we have begun to recognize of the contribution of our Canine serve members.

So Take a look at some of our Military Dogs, And the new book honoring their service.

And remember to hug your doggie everyday

Remembering 9/11

Wolrd Trade Center, 1989.

Looking north from Battery Park

The Towers were so close together you felt like you could reach out and touch the North Tower from the South Tower observation Deck.  Do any of you Remember Philippe Petit?

I still have some "lost images" from that 1989 visit.  Hopefully I'll find them for next year.

Red Rocks Night

Last week we attended out first Red Rocks Concert.  This was the best photo from the experience:

For more (not so great) images from our Red Rocks Experience, check in here.

The Worst Day of My Life, One Year Later............

The worst day of my life, one year later..........on 7/22/2010 I was diagnosed with stage 3b breast cancer.  I remember the oncologist asking me how far I was willing to go; how much I could endure?  I told him that I would do anything to survive! 8 months of chemotherapy; bilateral mastectomy with 8 weeks surgical recovery; 12 weeks of intensive physical therapy;  33 daily radiation treatments; soon finishing 1 year of imunotherapy on September 8th.

One year later, I only now realize everything that I've been through; but I also rejoice in the heroic efforts to give me my life back!  And whether or not you knew, blogging gave me a much needed distraction;  something to do that didn't have anything to do with being ill; a reason to go out and photograph on the weekends that I did feel better.

Me, Andy and my new hair (that came back curly for some reason).

Now I feel such an urgency to live; tremendous forward momentum; promises of a new beginning.  I can still hug my little dog and smile ;=)

Thanks to all of you!

Photo Beginnings: Kumler Chapel

Also on the Western Campus. 

The Kumler's were probably a wealthy family whose female members attended Western College.

Photo Beginnngs: The Fungus Among Us

A Tree on the Western College Campus of Miami University. Western College had been a private women's college.   In the 70's that type of education was passe, and only the most prominent women's colleges survived.  The college was across the road from Miami and was absorbed into the state school.

Photo Beginnings: My First Sign

The Assignment was 'social commentary'.  

I found something ironic about a parking sign in a stairwell.

Photo Beginnings: My Best Attempt At Sports

For my Blog Anniversary I will post a series of photos from my first black and white photography class. I'll let you guess the Era from their clothing, because basketball fashion has changed significantly.

The "Ohio" is Ohio University, my team in white from Miami University, Miami being a name that originates in Ohio.  The name of a Tribe belonging to Tecumseh's People; and two rivers in the area where they lived.  I mention that because my alma mater is about a hundred years older than the City of Miami.  The name was taken to Florida as part of a real estate scam to rip-off Midwesterners.  Just one of those things!

All of these photos were taken without filters (hadn't discovered them yet); little or no contrast added during printing; using my beloved Minolta SRT-SCII, and Tri-X Pan film.

Happy Anniversary!

Celebrating one year sharing with ou all!

And For You, My very favorite landscape

From Fern Canyon, California:

I have to say I think it is one of my best landscapes..........

Happy Anniversary!

Celebrating our 11th Wedding Anniversary!

Hand Painted Emulsion on Watercolor Paper.






Photo Influence: D.R. Anderson
My Alternative Processes Instructor

A Field of Poppies for Our Blogger Friend..........

A Field of California Poppies for our Blogger Friend and his Bride @ Light and Life in Malaysia who are getting married today!