Day 321 - New Cello

Today I leased a full size cello (4/4). Thanks e for getting me started. I've had this dream tucked away for more that 20 years.   So, in December, Collette and I visited Elizabeth. Somewhere in the discussions I mentioned something about wanting to learn to play the cello someday. So e says, "I have one. Why don't you take if for a couple of years."  Now that's a true friend. Turns out the cello is a 1/2 size and after a few weeks I realized I needed a full size one.  And so the adventure has just begun. I've seen comments from many who have started this path at my age.  I feel new life and energy. But you may not want to come around for awhile without earplugs....

OK, so Collette took this picture. And so I can post one of my favorite subject taken later that day...

Day 320 Braids

I really liked the lighting on this lamp pull cord. As I see this I'm reminded of my very first experience with needle and thread -- helping my sister do some embroidery. Butterflies as I remember and gold was among the colors. Good memories.

And for you guys, don't worry, there was plenty of football and baseball with the entire neighborhood. Did I mention that one of the neighbors used to pitch for the Astros -- way back when. Which reminds me. When I was eight our team went to an Astros game. One of my team members tried to catch a pop foul. He did -- right smack in the middle of his forehead. What a bump. The turkey got an autographed ball after the game. Got to see the 1968 All Star game in the Astrodome. 1-0 for the National League. The say-hey kid scored the only run in the first inning. Oh, that was Willie Mays. We see the home-run derby these days, but we saw one that day during batting practice. Harmon Killebrew couldn't keep it in the park. It was fun. Ever climbed to the top of the Astrodome? I have (inside that is). Story for another day.

Day 319 Ghostly Images

 
These two images tonight are not PhotoShop edits. I used only one exposure per shot. These are 15 second exposures at F8 ISO 400. This was in a fairly darkened room and I had a flashlight that I shone on Jenn as she moved about the room.

I like the blurred image in the center. Jenn was being dramatic at the end of the exposure and the movement blurred nicely.

I'm definitely going to have to try some more variations on long shutter exposures.

Day 318 Daddy/Daughter - Historical

Why historical? 

Because this may be the one and only serious picture that Andrew has ever posed for ...

One thing is certain, she's a Daddy's girl. She squeals with delight when Daddy comes to get her.

Day 317 Pointed

So, this interesting plant caught my eye. Not sure what it's called, but its stem is like a big finger pointing at you. And for some reason I think of my nephew Matt with a classic pose with his son... yes, you're number one... Well, if  you met Matt you would understand. Big heart and a good father.

Day 316 Reflections

I enjoyed the reflections seen in this ornamental metal plate. I wonder what my reflections give off. Do others see me for who I really am or just the protective facade we all tend to wear? I wonder. Many thanks to my dear friends who allow me to peel back the layers and just be real.

Day 315 Warhammer

Warhammer 20K

This is one of Sean's masterpieces. I thoroughly enjoy watching he, Andrew and Eric create these models. Much more sophisticated than the models I had as a youth. Attention to detail is fantastic. Those who have done similar hobbies understand.