Penning Photography Daily

Another one from the archives.

Again, I did not take my camera out today. Not going to make this a habit.

From our vacation on Hilton Head Island, Georgia in 2004.

Even though the weather threatened to rain, the sight of the sun breaking through the clouds gives inspiration, warmth and beauty. The single, small figure of a beach-walker adds interest.

It’s heading to single digit temperatures (Fahrenheit scale) tonight. Brrrrrrr.

This photo reminds me that beauty can be found in every type of weather.

I’ll see what beauty I can find tomorrow.

Blizzard today.

8-10 inches of snow and gusty winds up to 40 mph.

Just a small taste of the New York stuff, where you would add a zero to get to their total accumulation.

Work shut down at 3:10, which is unheard of in State Government.

My car is stuck in my driveway. I thought I might make it through a drift, but didn’t

Heat is on at home, so home is where we are. Snug as a bug in a rug as my mom used to say.

One from our vacation in November, 2006 at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

I took three exposures and ran them through Photomatix Pro software, which helps create a high dynamic range picture.

I like the pastel colors of the wood and the sunset light on it.

Very soothing.

Since the forcast tonight is for 6-12 inches of snow here, I’m happy to be reminded that warmer days are ahead.

Before leaving for church this morning, we were treated by a flock of cardinals, a single bluejay and one unknown little bird.

They were busy gathering their food for the day, flitting about with a squirrel in their midst doing likewise.

I was capturing these through our kitchen window, and the quality suffers because of that. It was difficult to focus due to the many branches in between us.

Karen and I had so much fun seeing these birds doing their mundane tasks.

Appreciating the small things in life takes time to notice them.

My sister Trish came over this morning. I was helping her put together the soundtrack for the annual Kindergarten Spring show at her school.

She’s been doing what she loves for more than 30 years. Teaching 5 year olds (or thereabouts in age) things they need to know with lots of love.

Nice to be able to do what thrills you every day.

Can you tell she’s full of fun?

Oh, she’s my older sister, by two years. She’s been protecting her little brother for a long time. I’ve been paying for ruining her new red dress by trying it on and ripping it when I as a young lad. We tease each other a bunch.

I love her lots.

Do you know Barack Obama?

He’s going to make his official announcement that he’s running for President tomorrow in my town of Springfield, Illinois USA.

He’ll be on the grounds of the Old State Capitol, where Abraham Lincoln served in the House of Representatives. A few blocks from Abe’s home, and a couple of miles from where Abe’s remains are entombed.

I think Mr. Obama is making use of the symbolism of announcing his candidacy in the small town where Lincoln lived and served.

I’m not sure what made me think of Mr. Obama when I looked at this photo I took last night. Perhaps it’s the symbolism of the church bell tower calling the faithful to prayer which reminded me of the symbolic use of this city of Lincoln by the Presidential hopeful.

I hope for many things in life. I hope tomorrow’s political rally is peaceful and shines a spotlight on the good in our town.

Kind of like wishing on a star, hope is.

Dan – at choir.

We were goofing around so much, really as usual, tonight. I’m amazed that I don’t get thrown out, I cause so much laughing in between songs.

Dan brought his camera in as did I. We did a flower face-off with a beautiful bouquet of flowers which our group had given our choirmaster, Sr. Francis Mary, as a Christmas present (one bouquet each month!).

Before I gave Dan my camera to drool over, I took this. Nice expression, Dan! =)