Day 27

Today I went to the Mercer Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to take some family portraits for the wonderful Hardy family.  During the shoot the kids noticed that we had an interloper and I now have its image for you. We never know who we'll meet during our daily trek. Take time to enjoy new friends. Take time to enjoy old friends. And if you don't have any, then find someone and enjoy their friends. Life is too short to put your head in the sand.  Believe me I know. That's why I've tried over the past two years to reach out again and take a chance on being friends -- trying on that unconditional love thing. For the most part folks are receptive -- only been burned once. I think the bad experiences help us to appreciate the good times. With any luck you too can pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Day 26

 

Today we visited the Transco Tower. This is in the Galleria in Houston in an area referred to as Uptown.  This is the tallest building in Houston.   My daughter, Sherylin, works in a building just blocks away from here.

Update: This is now called the Williams Tower  and is the tallest building in Houston outside of Downtown. (Thanks to Donnie B for pointing this out to me.)

I moved next to the building and looked up. Tends to play havoc with your balance looking almost straight up.  This is the SE corner of the building.






 

Just to the south of the tower and across the lawn is a waterfall display.

This image gives you an idea of the size.

Inside of the waterfall display.

Towering high in shades of blue

Does someone pass judgement on me?

Or am I just an inconsequential speck on a green lawn.

Just an ant blending with a few brave souls hoping to soak in

Some warmth recovering from a cold winter.

Ah, blue skies, rushing water,

A good friend.

Spring.

Day 25

Bummer. Fortunately this father and his two sons were fine. As I was walking to my car I heard the squeal of brakes and the sound of an impact. I went to the edge of the parking garage and was met with this view. They rear-ended another pickup. There didn't seem to be much if any visible damage to the other vehicle.  How often do we find our selves out of control and end up in a big wreck? At times like these count your blessings. Remember, things can be replaced. Your loved ones can't.  Give your loved ones an extra squeeze tonight.

Day 24

It's amazing what you can see in nature. The pattens that you can just make out. Words or images can appear and make you wonder...  For instance, while walking in Cullen Park during lunch this image jumped out at me. Can you see what I see?  Do you see a heart with T+C in the middle?  Click the image to view a larger version. That's what I see: Tom + Collette. How many movies have you seen the young infatuated couple engrave their initials within a heart on the tree. Could this be the remnants of such an act many years ago or perhaps just something that nature provided awaiting me to finally see. Either way I smiled today. That makes it a good day.

Day 23

I stopped by Norman's desk on the way out tonight. These CD's caught my eye as the light played across them. I captured this image with my BlackBerry. How often do we notice the glimmer of light within the cluttered mess of our lives? To some is given an iridescent inner beauty. Others reflect that of another. Enjoy beauty where and when you find it. It is precious. For no particular reason this was a difficult day for me. This small item called to me and brightened by soul. Remember the small things.

Day 22

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." This monument commemorating the US Constitution resides at Bear Creek Park along War Memorial Drive and Eldridge.

First written in 1892 by the Socialist Minister Francis Bellamy. The words, "to the flag of the United States of America" were added in 1923. In 1954 President Eisenhower urged Congress to add "under God", giving us today this 31 word pledge.  I find it interesting that by adding a few key components a socialist idea can become a proper ideal of God fearing America. There is hope for us yet in our current predicament.

(reference http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm)

(Update: Another reference seems to indicate some question as to who really authored the original pledge. Reference http://www.homeofheroes.com/hallofheroes/1st_floor/flag/1bfc_pledge.html )

Day 21

Self portrait. How do I view you? And how do you see me?

I love taking portraits. The intimacy of looking through the lens in this fashion strikes deeply within me. At times I'm embarrassed. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I'm looking at the real you, reaching out, seeing through the facade, perceiving the unique individual that you are. In return, the image I capture reveals something about me that's just as personal. A mutual trust between the photographer and subject. Or joy, sadness, grief, fear, love, and the multitude of emotions and sentiments that make each of us the simple yet complex beings that we are. Are you an intellect or caregiver? Perhaps a warrior! We need and have all kinds among us. And yet I believe we each have some of all within us to arise at appropriate times. For some it is easy for others a great struggle. We are the same in the challenges in life yet unique in the application and results. You are my sister, my brother and as such I share the Creator's love for all mankind. Yet I know I have enemies. I desire peace above all, yet when called upon the warrior within will arise and join in the great cause to preserve and defend. But I would prefer to be remembered as one who loved peace, strove for understanding, yet willing to stand firm against injustice and suffering. We would all do well to somewhere strike a balance between reason and passion. Be willing to challenge your own beliefs. In that journey you may well find a strengthening of that belief and perhaps it will become a truth to you.

As a photographer I don't mean to pry, I wish to share a moment in time and perhaps reveal a bit about you ... and me.