12 - 12 - 12

Here's what I was up to at twelve minutes and twelve seconds past twelve today. I missed the first one this morning!

Thank you guys!!!

"On a Rant" Rant

Sometimes we just talk, letting one thing lead to another and another until we realize or maybe don't realize that our emotions concerning a particular subject have taken over and our mind somehow makes all these connections that reinforce the original idea or concept until we become more and more agitated or perhaps engrossed is a better word for becoming excited about a topic that fires our imaginations and causes us to just talk without worrying about sentence structure or even how we might come to a conclusion of our topic.

Here's a drawing I did last night that reminded me of or inspired me to the above!

A Good Day

I had a great afternoon with my son Matt today, and I felt that he had a very good day as well. I picked him up and we went to Bangor just to "play it by ear" and we had lunch at Denny's, cruised the Mall for a bit, and went over to Hermon and shot some pool for a few hours. He always beats me at pool and today was no exception. It didn't matter the game, 8 ball or 9 ball, he won every time.

This photo was taken with the "Hipstamatic" app on my iPhone.

Taunton River Sunrise

I know I've taken this shot before, and at least one from the old "singing" bridge, but the sun was just peeking up through the trees this morning so I had to stop (yes, right on the bridge, but with flashers going) and shoot a shot of the river. Here's one I didn't "miss" as I'm always telling my classes!

Holiday Gesture

I had a somewhat self-conscious Freshman come into my room this morning and offer me a plate full of cookies, saying that this was a gesture his family did for his teachers each year. It made my day on so many levels! Not that there was any kind of expectation, of course, and many students offer acts of kindness regularly, but this just seemed to touch and lift my spirit when it was sorely needed, and what a way to start the day.

I took a quick glance at the plate and appreciated immediately the variety of what seemed to "home-baked" goodies, but it wasn't until I got them home and unwrapped them at dinner with my family that I realized the care and beauty that was embedded in them. Each item was different, exquisitely designed and executed, and delicious! I had to photograph one and post it on the blog to make sure I remember this day! Thank you all very much!

A Couple More

Different light this afternoon, so another trip to the shore and another "splash" shot. The incidentals are also kind of neat, with the "seeded" dandelion making an appearance at the end of November.

Cold and Windy

The bay was so "busy" this morning with the wind from right out of the West that I felt obligated (and I love it when that happens) to go to the shore and make some photos. So I have and here are four of them from the great light that existed. I decided to take my telephoto (75-300 mm), and was thankful for the usual "intimacy" it provided with these shots. The driftwood still life was an afterthought on the way back to the house (I was under dressed and overexposed - no photo pun intended) but I liked that it shared the same light as the shots of the water. Maybe I'm getting old, but I never remember taking these shots before, they are always new to me.

I once read, and had a great discussion with a first year student about it, that the "true" photographer shows only his best work. The student asked me why I post so many of my pictures when some are obviously better than others, and why didn't I just use the "best". I explained to him that I am also a teacher/learner and that the more I share, the more I teach and learn. Mistakes are important to grow from, and as long as artists see themselves "in process", they will continue to grow and learn. I think he got it, he sends me photo links all the time, even though he is no longer in a class with me.

Thanksgiving Angel

I finished this yesterday afternoon, and was pleased with the result. We had a wonderful full week with Matthew (doing very well), Torrey & Katie here with Jackson, and a Thanksgiving Day with niece Morgan and her family. I had thought as I reflected upon this piece that it had ended up having to do with us being thankful for how well Matt was doing and the joy of having Jackson here to spread his innocent joy for life around the house, and while they might both be factors, I still must wonder at what spirits were visiting me after the sad news received this morning.

Thanksgiving Drawings

Two new I will post that I really haven't decided are finished yet, but have titles in mind as far as they have gone... my emotions around these sorts of holidays, when taken with the history of our lives and the experiences that are reminded by these "significant" days emerge in spite of my best efforts. SO, let it be, if the emotion of a piece of art is difficult to see, that's OK, because every drawing I do that comes straight out of my head is a revelation and makes me more human. Here are two brand new ones, about 12 by 18 inches, done with India ink and Prismacolor® pencil. Offer me some titles in the comments section, I'd give thanks (and a full sized photo file) for that.

November Paddle

A beautiful afternoon and I couldn't wait to get home and get out in the kayak and paddle around in the bay. I went up to the mouth of Flanders Stream and saw a flock of geese, but I was trying out one of the Fuji cameras I have for school and the light was kind of low. I wish I'd brought my Sony! Anyway, I think I got some good photos and there are always visions that are different so as to make it worthwhile. The mouth of the stream looking out into the bay, the lobster boat with Cadillac in the background, the "leafless" shore, the gull on the big rock and, of course, the sunset all were interesting... I left the "two spruce" reflection shot for later post. Again, equipment does make a difference!