Mar 8, 2008
posted by Shelley
Snow is still falling in the burg — so much that I can’t even see the tree line to the north that isn’t so very far away. As I snapped a couple photos out the door, (no way am I going out there yet!), I thought of how my ‘snow pics’ will drastically differ from those taken in a city. On CNN you always see people digging out. Ice scrapers and brooms wielded by folks working like ants to clear their cars parked by curbs. You’re not going to find that in this blog…
I am one of those people that Perry mentioned in his post that truly love the change of seasons. This winter has provided some icy days, but we escaped any accumulation of snow until now. This isn’t exactly what I had in mind. While it is pretty, I could do without the wind and especially the drifts.
I can remember being maybe 16 or 17 and my Mother not allowing me to drive if a mere inch of the white stuff stuck to the grassy areas at home. At that age, I didn’t get that ‘serene’ feeling — I was more into the ‘let’s do hooodads in the parking lots in town’ feeling.
I can remember Jerilyn and I simply walking as the snow fell around us — talking and laughing and sharing secrets — probably about Tader. 🙂 I can remember getting snowed in for way too long alone with my Mother one year, and wondering which one of us would end up in jail for murder. I remember trying desperately to get my car out of the driveway, putting it in reverse and jumping out to push …not worrying what would happen should it get traction (probably why Mom didn’t want me driving – ya think?)
I’m content with being stuck at home today. There’s food in the fridge, my Internet connection and furnace are working just as they should be, and I have plans for chili later this afternoon. Who knows …maybe I’ll venture out and take some awesome snowy photos later on …that is IF I can get through the 4′ drift that is currently blocking the front door.
Mar 7, 2008
posted by Shelley
I expected delivery of my new camera by Tuesday of next week since my old one developed problems promptly as my new lens arrived, but I was excited and surprised when the delivery truck pulled in the snow-covered driveway earlier today. Go me! I basically think anything that amplifies the feeling of whatever season is being photographed makes the shot more interesting, and love the contrast provided by snow. I thought I would miss taking photos of this (hopefully last before spring) snowfall.
I barely got the box open before Libby decided she needed out. Now this crazy dog is picky about getting her feet wet, so someone (in this case Perry, Director of Content Services for McKain Performance Group, Inc.) must physically go out with her anytime it rains or snows. Armed with my new camera and lens, I picked up about 30 great shots in less than 5 minutes.
Now I’m not sure if Libby’s on the starting block for some important race — or if Perry is merely examining a frozen statue of a brown hound, or possibly coaching her on how to best impersonate a dolphin gracefully springing from ocean waves — but this shot made the BLOG page only because it made me smile:
If you take a lot of photos and are serious about getting some decent studio-looking shots — I would suggest you spend the extra bucks for an 85mm 1:1.8 lens. While the subjects in the following photos weren’t the most cooperative — the end result is still impressive.
I’m sure I’ll share more as my excitement (and the snow) builds.
OH – one more thing! You simply have GOT to check out the new Pines Restaurant BLOG — What is Cookin! Mike Hall (owner of the blog and the establishment) is articulate and funny. It’s a great read and a must bookmark for your favorites. Check it out!
Mar 7, 2008
Posted by Perry
Today, I woke up to the sight of winter at its best – meaning blowing snow, temperatures that would make an Inuit refuse to leave the igloo, and bone chilling winds.
I have to ask a question… why on earth would ANYONE love this kind of weather?!? Now I ask you this as I sit here and listen to the wind howl against the house, seriously, what’s to love about it? Sure it makes for beautiful pictures, postcards and the like – but if the good Lord had intended us to frequent these extremes then why did he make me bald?? (no insulating hair here)
I’m sure there are some who truly admire the change of the seasons and all, I however, would much prefer a warm, sunny, rut.
If I want to see winter’s glory – I’ll stick my head in a freezer.
Mar 6, 2008
posted by Shelley
People can rationalize everything and anything they do. “I did it because I he told me to” or “I couldn’t do it because I didn’t have enough money.” We have all heard the rationalizations others have thrown at us, but probably don’t even realize when we rationalize the things we have chosen to do in our own lives (especially when those decisions have been way off the mark). Emotion is the force of life — the energy that drives us. It’s the reason we do the action that creates the need for rationalizations.
So what drives you today?
Mar 5, 2008
posted by Shelley
Every couple weeks I get my nails done. Styles on You is right in the middle of town, and the view out the window where I spend that hour is the carry out liquor store. Now to preface this post, I have nothing against having a drink so long as driving isn’t involved. I’ve been known to have a drink myself on occasion, but what I saw today is something I’ve never done.
Looking out the window, I see 2 little girls, warmly dressed in pastel colored coats with their hoods pulled tightly around their chins. I would guess the children to be maybe 3 or 4 years-old. They were walking playfully with their Mother and stop — guess where. All the patrons of the beauty shop watch as the Mother walks into the carry-out liquor store. The 2 little girls stand together outside, peering intently into the window — waiting and watching as their mother makes a purchase. Someone said this is a ritual that happens several times a week.
I’m far from perfect and have made more than my share of mistakes — but I always tried to make the best decisions when it had anything to do with my son. Heck – I wouldn’t allow beer in the refrigerator until he was in high school! I know for a fact that Ben remembers some of the things that happened to us during his formidable years that I am sorry he had to experience. Yet, I can promise you he never saw me drinking, nor was he left standing alone as I purchased alcohol.
I’m sure that so very many children experience things that are drastically worse than what I saw today, but I can’t get those 2 little girls out of my head. They most likely won’t remember that they were dressed warmly, but I would bet they will remember all the times they walked to the liquor store to watch their Mom purchase booze — their little faces peering in a window beside a sign that says, ‘COLD BEER TO GO.’
