Story Time, Boys and Girls

Recently, Janet said to me, “you know, you should write a book about your life experiences that you could share with our grandkids. You have plenty of cool things to talk about. Crazy radio stories, the scoop on celebrities you’ve met, hints about that ‘Top Secret’ job you did in the Air Force, high school and college tall tales, and some crazy family stories that I will have to give you permission to use before you include them in your book.” 

So, I may just do that. I should be able to find time to write and still get in my hikes and naps. How hard could it be? Heck, it only took me three days to come up with the title of the book. That’s the hard part, right? At this pace my grandkids will be getting their first edition copies just in time to share with their kids. And if I get stuck on my stories, I’ll just throw in a few of my photos to fill up some of the pages. Wish me luck. Oh look, time for a nap.

Decisions, Decisions

52Frames2022 Week 17 "Leading Lines" 

Oh, to be a child again, where your toughest decision of the day is whether or not to run through towers of water. The fountains in The Battery at Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves) first caught my eye. Then I noticed the young lady contemplating a mad, watery dash. I readied myself for an action shot of her running through the pulsating geysers. But still she contemplated. And only then did I notice the many shadows leading my eyes right to the young lady. Hey, wait a minute, isn't that this week's challenge? Leading lines? Sure is. So, I quickly captured this image. I'll leave it up to your imagination on whether or not our young hero left soaking wet or dry as a bone.

A simple display for a simpler time

52Frames2022 Week 16 "Lamp" 

This week's photo challenge required a lamp to be in the shot. So, a lamp is indeed in this photo. But, the focus is on an old picture of my wife's grandmother, Marie Brandt Mackenzie. Marie tragically passed away in 1923 during childbirth. She was in her mid twenties at the time. Such a beautiful young woman in this photo, and snapshots of Janet when she was in her twenties look amazingly like her. Marie's framed photo can be found in our spare bedroom. A simple display for a simpler time.

Eye Love You

52Frames2022 Week 15 "Extreme Close Up" 

“An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.”― Martin Buber 

The eyes of my fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Forrest, capture me taking his photo. You can see the blue sky, green trees, me and even our patio ceiling fan. Unconditional love in those eyes. I used my 70-200 f/2.8 lens with 2X teleconverter to get to 400mm for this photo.

Sssssssss-Spring

52Frames2022 Week 14 "Nature" 

Springtime in Georgia means you’ll be seeing more and more of these. No, not politicians … snakes. This is a banded water snake that I spotted sunning itself next to a creek in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Facing Fear

52Frames2022 Week 13 "Emotion" 

Sometimes you get the hawk … sometimes the hawk gets you. I was descending from the top of Kennesaw Mountain when I noticed a hawk pounce to the ground just off the path and very close to a mom and her daughter who were sitting on a bench. Obviously, the hawk saw something that could be lunch. As the hawk rummaged around, I crept closer while taking a series of photos. I was within around 10 to 15 feet of him/her when suddenly the hawk made a beeline straight towards me. (At this point, I remembered the punchline of an old joke that seemed appropriate … “bring me my brown pants.") Anyway, I continued to fire off shots from my trusty Nikon while also breaking out my best limbo move. The hawk blew past me only a couple of feet over my ducking head. I was able to get this photo and it is not cropped as the hawk filled the frame. It is also not as sharp as I would like but under the circumstances, I’ll take it. Final score … Hawk-1, Spiff-0. I’m hoping for the best out of three with this hawk.

Hi-yo Silver! Away!

52Frames2022 Week 12 "Long Shutter" 

Spotted in front of an antique store in Acworth, Georgia ... a blast from my past ... the amazing "Coin Operated Horse Ride!" I remember, as a child, begging my dad to let me ride. After a not-so-short "wasted money" lecture, my dad walked away. That's when my mom quickly pulled a coin from her purse and in a flash I was transported to the days of yesteryear ... chasing bad guys on my trusty steed ... guns blazing! But, just as quickly as it started, the ride came to a grinding halt. That was it? A lousy 30 seconds of jerking up and down for 25 cents? And, from down the street I could hear my dad echo ... "wasted money."

Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today

52Frames2022 Week 11 "An Activity"

 

When you are two-and-a-half years old and attending your very first soccer practice, it can be a bit intimidating. That's why a few encouraging words from your dad can go a long way in calming your nerves. Or not. Apparently, there is crying in soccer. We're all hoping for a tear free second practice next week.

Planet Baseball

52Frames2022 Week 10 "Low Key" 

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry during the MLB lockout and labor dispute. I chose laughter by remembering one of my favorite and funniest baseball players … Bob Uecker. Bob is known for great quotes like: “Sporting goods companies pay me NOT to endorse their products” … and, “The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up." Also, as Harry Doyle in the movie “Major League:” “This guy threw at his own son in a father son game.” And, from his Miller Lite commercials: “I must be in the front row.” So, I grabbed my Bob Uecker autographed baseball and small flashlight to produce this photo. I did not center the baseball in the photo because I wanted it … “JUST a bit outside.”

On Golden Retention Pond

52Frames2022 Week 09 "Reflections" 

As luck would have it this week, I noticed that Mr. & Mrs. Mallard had set up residency in our neighborhood retention pond. Obviously, they were preapproved for a loan because they moved in immediately. I imagine they outbid other duck couples as the real estate market is still red hot in our area. I suspect we will also have some ducklings in the near future. I can’t wait. I was fortunate that I picked a near perfect time to wander by the pond to take this photo. The reflections of the golden grass, the blue sky and green trees made a beautiful canvas for our lovely couple. I just hope they stay a while and aren’t scared off by our rather high monthly HOA fees.

Simple Pleasures

52Frames2022 Week 08 "Rule of Thirds" 

When the world seems to going to heck in a handbasket ... take a deep breath, and remember the simple joy of popping bubbles. 

Gigi and I were lucky enough to have our 2-year-old grandson while his parents took his older sister to Disneyworld. I can now report that Hurricane Austin is back home and FEMA is at our house assessing the damages. If Gigi and Papa took a shot of booze each time Austin said, “Where’s Mama?” … we would both be attending an AA meeting today. (If we were conscious.) Thanks, Austin for a most excellent, fun week. 

I used the "rule of thirds" focal point on the popping bubble in Austin's hands. Lucky shot you say? You would be correct! Many times I would rather be lucky than good.

Note: Many bubbles were harmed during this photo shoot.