Day 13

Day 13 -- lucky 13. And I mean that. I know about the superstition surrounding this number, but I've always had good luck with it.

Those who really know me will understand when I say that today's image is very personal. This is a very dear friend that I've known since I was 12. My parents bought this when we moved to SLC. All my siblings have enjoyed this wonderful instrument playing sweet and sometimes loud  and crazy tunes.  The grand kids (my nieces and nephews) have pounded on this with everything from tonka trucks to batons. That explains some of the chipped keys. It has been through three floods. The worst was water as high as the keys.  The action swelled. I disassembled it -- I'll post a picture one day so you'll understand -- and let it dry for 2 weeks and then painstakingly re-glued, adjusted a zillion components from felt to the wood action to the hammer heads that strike the keys.  I could see the original pencil marks that the craftsmen who built the action left. I have re-glued many of the plastic "ivory" keys. That flood was more than two decades ago and still to this day I have to re-glue a few pieces. My parents purchased a new model and allowed me to be the care giver of this precious item. No, it doesn't play the same as it did when it was young, but then neither do I. Why should I judge? We make a great team and at times wonderful music. I sometimes just play abstractly reflecting the mood I'm in. This is my therapist.

My friend has been there during my darkest times and patiently waits for me to strike up a conversation. Joins me in load raucous bedlam to help alleviate my frustrations. And yet is there to share in those glorious fulfilling moments in life when I am so happy I could bust. Yes, this friend always mirrors my mood and in the end allows me to find my way back. I can ignore it for months yet there it is patiently asking how I am today. Never complains, never demands, always willing to share with me. Never directs me nor stops me. Just allows me to be me. I know this is an inanimate object, but I've always liked the concept of unconditional love. It's simple yet extremely difficult. I keep trying it out, been burned badly a couple times, but my sweet wife encourages me to keep trying reminding me that there are many out there who need someone to believe in them. Can I just allow you to be you and not ask for anything in return? I think so, it's just scary sometimes.

Day 12

I took this image as I left for work this morning. These two porcelain eggs sit on a lamp table near the door. I am reminded that we are not alone. It's good to have a partner in you life, someone who may or may not look like you, but hopefully someone you can call your better half. Life is fragile and relationships even more so. I think we all can relate or know someone who has struggled with either marriage or other close relationship. Never take your partner for granted. Hopefully you have found or will find that someone special. I have been blessed in that I found my soul mate at a very young age of 18. OK, that seems young to me now as I've hit the big 50.

Day 11

I took this image with my Blackberry. The blossoms are starting on the trees and I really enjoy this time of year. Wish I knew what kind of tree. I started on this campus in 1989 just after I finished four years with the U.S. Air Force. I always enjoy walking outside and do so as much as I can.  Not the same as the Rocky Mountains, but not too bad for Houston.

The local grounds crew replaced the trees at least one time since 1989 and they seem to grow fast. I like these ponds and they are stocked with catfish and some kind of a small sun fish. It's amazing how turtles seem to find water -- yes there are plenty of turtles that hang out here. There are about four or five of these ponds and there are even some Koi.

Day 10

I took today's image while dining with my wife tonight.  These hanging lights caught my eye and well, here it is.  I run my pictures through Photoshop to set the light levels, exposure, contrast etc. I did very little with this image. I didn't lighten it as I like the darker background.  I'm in a mellow mood tonight and the warm colors suit me just fine. The restaurant was not quite this dark, but the exposure gives it the ambiance I was feeling tonight. Just let me relax, veg out and don't make me think about anything.

Day 9

I've always been drawn to pictures of clouds. Ever lay on the ground and gaze upwards and try to see images in clouds? Not sure I want to try that at work mind you.  I went to Bear Creek Park during lunch today and had about 15 minutes. It's amazing what you can see in that time frame. I took 41 pictures.  There is something hopeful in this image. Something about drawing my gaze to the Heavens. I'm exhausted today so that's all I have to say.

Oh, by the way if you click on all the images I post you'll get a higher resolution version.

Enjoy!

Day 8

 

Tough choice today. Ain't that the way of it?  Angel invited Norman and I to experience some pulled pork and it was oustanding! He needs to put a cookbook together. Feel free to encourage him.  Anyway, today's light rain left dewdrops on the flowers in his front garden and I have an excellent picture of some purple pansies.  However this image I chose for today really strikes me. I like the bold colors on the green background.  I took this from the 4th floor of the parking garage. What's the story here? Is this a lone person or is he surrounded by 15 other people? How many times have I felt lonely in the middle of a big crowd. How many times have I stood out -- maybe I wanted to or maybe I would have been happy to blend in.  I think I like a good mix. Some days I don't care who sees me, what they think or don't think 'cause I'm in a zone. You know what I mean. That day when you're on top of the world. Perhaps the down times are just there to give us a more avid enjoyment of the really great moments.

Day 7

It's Sunday and I've been home all day.  So today I looked around the house for my daily image. This image is of a gift my good friend Lihua brought back from China. This clear acrylic ball is actually hollow and access is from what looks like a white tube at the bottom. The artist paints the inner surface through that opening.  I've always liked these bright colors.

I'm a firm believer that all of us have a beautiful inner spirit. Have you ever been with someone who is bright, warm, energetic -- someone you wish you could always be with or even become as they are?  Sure there are a few gifted ones, but I have a strong belief that we all can allow our inner beauty to show. You would be amazed at how many would enjoy your true self. It requires that we take a risk and let others see. And the challenge is to throw off the muck that the world throws at us and distorts who we are.  Let your light so shine...