Falling off bridges

Funny Thing Is...

2012-02-06T18:49:00.002-05:00

What are the odds that on the same day I sit back down with blogger would be the same day my wife decides to take a stab at her blog again? Things are always a bit busy, but never so much that things haven't got done, or new things discovered, or time wasted on stupid sites. So let me break each category down.

Things Done:

Painted More.
Fixed a Toilet.
Fully Read "1984" by George Orwell.
Fully Read the original "Peter Pan".
Watch the Superbowl for the game and not just the commercials.
Attended WinterJam and sang horribly off-key to every band.

Here is my most recent piece completed, looking forward to throwing it up @Point of View Gallery.

New Discoveries:

I can enjoy reading.
The "int" and "ext" settings on wireless antennae do not mean "interior" and "exterior".
This is Colossal.
Image boards are more interesting than Facebook on Pinterest and Gentlemint

And as for the stupid websites...well, those will have to be a post all on their own.

Foxfire for the 4th

2011-07-05T16:15:00.003-04:00

Have I mentioned before how much the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina rejuvenate me? I don't know if it's the thin air making my brain function a little differently, or it could be the time set for the sole purpose of doing nothing. I may even venture a guess as to the magical properties within the chill of a mountain stream, but those are all just a portion of the many re-energizers I find in the mountains.This past 4th of July weekend was spent with family, enjoying good food and the great outdoors. Feeling the heat of the day fade under the canopy of leaves and finding a noticeable temperature change near bodies of water. The growing aches of a body moving along the mountainside are eased while enjoying a snack with friends at water's edge. The simple joy of skipping rocks along a creek is only intensified by the joy of novices watching their rapid improvement. After an afternoon out we return to the house and prep the grill for a wonderful dinner of processed meats and fresh vegetables and a succulent pineapple. Laughs around the table are only paused for moments of reflection and to shed a tear or two for commercials thanking the sacrifice of those who serve. They get me every time, and my wife gets it even worse.

On the 4th my sister and her kids returned home with mom while my wife and I enjoyed a hike up Grandfather Mountain's Profile Trail. It was a nice hike just over three miles but we decided to push an extra half-mile to reach Calloway Peak. Even my wife who has a little thing with heights couldn't resist a look over the edge. Mind you this was no little peek, she laid down and soaked it in. I wish my camera had been capable of video to capture the clouds rolling over the ridge and between peaks while the distant rumble of thunder cued our departure. With the impending rain Jess and I settled in after finding a few good books. I talked her into Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" while I picked up Volume II of "Foxfire". I was never familiar with the publication but my wife seemed knowledgable on it's existence. "Foxfire" is a group of collected works from a student published magazine, also called "Foxfire" from North Georgia. It is a wonderful read on the tricks and techniques of country folk, as well as the stories from their lives and the communities surrounding them. If you ever need to find a moment to reconnect with the ways of yesteryear (without having to travel, break a sweat, or learn one of the many southern dialects) I highly recommend "Foxfire" and supporting the continuation of their program.

In all, I found time to reflect on the great things about our country, the list is long but I will only name a few. I love our ability to come together as a body and protect the things we love, including sections of land that we have found God's beauty in and will do all we can to preserve it. It's fascinating that despite our differences, disagreements and even disappointments on every topic from religion, politics and personal choices that we still come together under the freedom to have such disagreements. I'm thankful for the convenience of such things as food and clean water and systems in place that distribute such necessities. I hold tight to the time I get with my family, the freedom to love my wife and to delight in the life we share. This is all thanks to many in the past who felt freedom was a right to fight for and those today who carry that flag still.

Not all who fight carry a gun or work in political office. There are those that give of their time and finances to help the less fortunate. There are the families who hold together and raise their children to know right from wrong. There are the young adults striking out in the world to work hard and earn a living. There are those who pray for wisdom, those who teach that history will repeat itself if forgotten and those who reflect on the freedoms provided by all those fighting.

Happy 4th of July.

Eggs and Raccoons

2011-06-20T19:16:00.006-04:00

I recently received a wonderful compliment on my wife. We were taking turns expressing what the other does really well while admitting to what we find as our own short-comings. I complimented Jess' ability to be able to throw a meal together in a flash and it still have a delicious and homemade taste. Though I spend time in the kitchen and enjoy cooking I wasn't expecting this as my compliment, "You're a really good meal planner. You can just open a cookbook and find things that will work. You're also not afraid to try a new recipe." WHOA!

Now, I've never been much of a planner. I also tend to cook the same things over and over again (I'm talking to you baked chicken), so the trying new recipes seems like a rare occurrance. However, it was fitting on this night. I was browsing the recipes in last month's "Real Simple", here I'll admit it is my subscription and not Jess', and came upon a 25-30min. recipe for tomatoes with cheese and pasta. Super delicious, super easy and makes a serving of four that comes out to a price around $3.50 per person. It is possible to come out cheaper as I was using fancy speghetti, fresh mozarella and a la-de-da blend of parmesan and romano cheese. I think it was quite tasty.
*Edit 6/24/11 - I misquoted my wife. I am not a good "meal planner", I do however pick out good recipes.*
Over last weekend we also enjoyed a nice night of ribs to celebrate father's day. Before dinner a storm had passed through, and as it ended we heard piddle-puppy (their dog with a weak bladder) letting out an alarmed bark. Jess' family goes to the door to see what is going on and immediately go outside, my curiosity is too much to resist and I follow suit. Piddle-puppy is running circles around a small black dot barely moving on the ground, as we get closer it becomes clear, this knot of fur crawling around is a baby raccoon! The dog hadn't harmed it, but we believe the storm winds had blown it out of a tree. I took the task, nay, the honor, of putting the little one back in the tree. Such a cute creature, I wish that I could have kept it and had a pet raccoon. I mean, most animals bath themselves in someway. What about a pet that could wash it's hands before every meal?! That's just awesome. As I held the tiny creature, my heart melted when those dexterous fingers wrapped around mine and I felt it's weak grip. God doesn't lie when he says he will use the weak to humble the strong. I hope it survived. Jess' family hasn't heard or seen from it again. However, if they do, I may have to start up my own wildlife shelter. I think my wife will be okay with that so long as I don't bring in any opossums. (She doesn't like rat-like, hairless, tails.)

Back Streets, and Good Eats

2011-06-19T15:34:00.003-04:00

Here in the South, Bar-B-Que is kinda a big deal. Even with the recent showdown in Garden and Gun magazine between shrimp-n-grits and pulled pork b-b-q, with congrats to shrimp-n-grits, you just can't beat a good plate (or sandwich) of Bar-B-Que. I don't have anything against big chains, I really can appreciate a Smithfields chop sandwich from time to time. Really, I don't have much against anyone so long as they don't skimp with the amount of meat per serving. I am the reason America is obese.

Recently, while in the rural areas of Jacksonville (NC), I was directed down a side-street and told to keep my eyes keen for The Lickin' Pot. I had already driven by 2 other Bar-B-Que joints, both on a fairly busy highway and looking in very good condition. Pulling up to The Lickin' Pot completely shattered that image. No bright red tin roofs, no log cabin exterior, no professional signage and no discernible parking as I could tell. This wasn't a business, this couldn't be, I'm in a residential neighborhood. The words painted on the side of the building and the rag tag street sign were proving me wrong.

A small white house sits about 30 yards off the side of the road. "The Lickin' Pot' is painted across the front. As you pull in there is an alcove with a sliding window on the side; painted there are the words "Drive-In Window". Just as it says, you pull up next to the building and butt the front of your car against the building, and then you back out. Though, this sure isn't Sonic. Curious about where to park I pull around back on this half gravel/half crab-grass driveway and parked next to a beat up bicycle with my front tires resting inches from a rusted out shovel. I see a car and the sign on the building said open, so I approach the screened porch to find a latched backdoor and walk around to the front. I look through the screens and notice all the patio furniture looks like it was grabbed during a weekend of yard sale hunting. I feel a grin coming on, cause I finally get a whif of the food, and just the look of this place starts to remind me of home.

I cut into the front door and take in the smokey smells and sizzling sounds coming from the kitchen. The foyer/lobby/waiting area is about 6 foot by 10 with four seats for waiting customers. Just as the lack of cars proved, I'm the only one here. A stout black man swings around the corner with a smile on his face and starts with introductions that disarm me and sets me right at home. He doesn't recognize me and asks if this is my first time, I assume this was due to my lost look as I searched for a menu. I confess my first-timer status and his smile grows as he opens a menu as he breaks down the categories. I can't give much detail here as my brain turned off when he said "pork ribs" and "Mama's homemade sauce". THAT. I WANT THAT. I ordered up some mac-n-cheese and collard greens for sides. He swings around the corner to put in my order with "Mama", the cook, and comes out just as quick with my sweet tea.

While waiting on my order I let my eyes wander over the walls in the waiting area. Newspaper clippings of the business, sporting events, fliers for local churches, a poster for a girl that looks about 13 trying to start her singing career; they all cover the walls. I grab up a menu and browse through and start to read "The Story of a Dream" and how the business came to be:

The dream started back in 1975 in a small town in Pennsylvania. Rose was selling dinners on the side of the road. The dream was delayed but no forgotten, it was reborn when Rose and Robert dug the first hole in 2002. Robert put the dream on hold yet again in order to help the Hurricane Katrina victims in New Orleans.

With help from friends and family, Rose and Robert believed God's promise that He would give them the desires of their hearts. So it was through much prayer, faith, and perseverance that the dream has become a reality.

Through much prayer and faith, and from the sound of it, a lot of patience too. It's not till after I left that I felt the desire to ask more questions, a delay that I now regret, between those lines seems to lie a much greater story. I will however put this absent-mindedness to the arrival of my plate. A fold over to-go tray that, when opened, revealed a pile of meat and sides. I was expecting a little less from this little family run shop, boy, that was a reminder not to underestimate others. The pork ribs sat piled upon each other covered in sauce. I picked up my first bone and (oh sweet heaven) the meat slid off! With a bit of excitement, I ignored the fork on my plate and just picked up the meat with my fingers and dove in. Tenderness of meat was no factor here, chewing this would have been easy for a toothless baby. The meat had enough browning to still taste the smoke, taming that smoke was "Mama's" sauce. It was clear enough by the smell this had vinegar as it's base and the taste was just as true. Flakes of cayanne floated through the sauce, but there was just enough red of the tomato to mask those flakes and even thicken the sauce. The consistency was wonderful. A sauce that clung to the ribs with just enough fluidity to drip like paint from a brush. Thick paint that stretches so slowly you have that sliver of hope you'll catch it before it hits the floor, but slick enough to go ahead and drop.

Whilst suckin' on a bone, I turned to my sides, set down the bone and picked up my fork. The mac-n-cheese was all it should be, creamy yet clumpy with stretches of cheese trailing the fork. The collards were a thing of heaven. I've had a few, and many have had some sort of bacon or bacon fat cooked into them, I've even seen them with peppers mixed in from time to time. Vinegar is a given. These however, were chunked with peppers that provided enough of that vinegar bite that I didn't have to add a bit. To my surprise, no bacon was visible. Instead, there were chunks of pulled Bar-B-Que mixed in. Each bite was the right amount of flavorful, an I still had two ribs to go (5 in total).

This was a meal that ruined me for the day. How could someone eat this good and go about his or her day without a nap? Sadly, that was my fate. To anyone in the Jacksonville area with time to kill and an longing for good food in a non-traditional environment, find The Lickin' Pot. They are located at 573 Rhodestown Rd. Jacksonville, NC. Their hours are seasonal, but during the spring and summer they are open Tue.-Thur. 6A-8P; Fri.-Sat. 6A-11P; closed Sunday and Monday. If they weren't so far away, I'd definitely take up their catering service.

Support your local stores, but definitely find The Lickin' Pot while in Jacksonville. Enjoy Ya'll.

Smile, It's Over Now.

2011-06-14T07:35:00.005-04:00

Day 100/100
A picture of you smiling.

How can I not be excited that this thing is done with? The 100 daily photos was a little less monotonous than I expected, but still dragged at points. It was definitely interesting and at some spots a bit tricky to come up with a picture. There were times that a picture was worth a thousand words and I was left speechless. Other times, the picture would inspire an extra thousand or so out of me. I definitely think that this is a fun challenge and if I had it to do over again, well, I wouldn't let it take over my original blog. However, I found that this challenge did help give me some direction. As much as this blog is randomized and victim to my whim (and lack of dedication to regular posting), I think the direction of a post a day helped a good bit.

It seems that posts on God and faith are largely passed over, but those will not be given up on. Posts on my general emotions and attitude are better left for my journal (which is as sporadically used as Blogger). Family events, travels and general happenings get some notice but definitely won't keep many readers' attentions. I'm not much of a critic, as I tend to sugar coat things. My grammar is atrocious, and if it weren't for spell-check I wouldn't have noticed that "weren't" and "wouldn't" scream how Southern I am. I guess I'll leave the professional blogging to the pros, carry on with my writing, and hope that the few readers I have enjoy.

Enjoy :)

Facebook or It Didn't Happen

2011-06-13T07:34:00.002-04:00

Day 99/100
A picture that was first on your facebook.

Yep, that's me up in the tree. Here I am helping decorate for my wedding that is only a few hours away. We have the hanging lanterns hung on fishing line and we got married in front of a dying tree. Some people had a comment or two on that, but I was focused more on the symettry of the arrangement and the direction of light. We may have been married in September, but that didn't make it any less hot on that particular afternoon, so shade was a needed consideration. I don't think I could properly thank my families for pitching in and helping pull the wedding together. HUGE props to my wife for planning and practically paying for it all. She stepped out on a ledge by marrying me when I barely had steady work and had only a month before got into an apartment (which she signed for since I had no established credit). She's a great woman and deserves all the goodness I can possibly give, and that still isn't enough.

We're Going Out Tonight

2011-06-12T07:33:00.003-04:00

Day 98/100
A picture of you and your friends out somewhere.

Halloween night, all the ghosts and ghoulies are running around causing mischief and harassing innocents for candy. I however have taken to a college ritual of sitting around with a bunch of folks that attempt to speak intellectually while their blood/alcohol content is rising. The house was tucked far away and not a quick drive for me, and since I was driving alone, my alcoholic intake was non-existent. It really is a pleasure to spend time with people who can enjoy their drink responsibly. A greater pleasure is when those people do not resort to ghoulish harassment themselves when you choose not to. In typical college fashion, pizza, beer and soda was the evening meal. Drinking games insued and within a couple of hours someone was wearing a beer case as their mask. People can be quite colorful. The Bible warns of drunkeness and shows great detest for fools that ignore wisdom. I guess in that sense, I should pity them, but greater than pity is love. I have compassion for these friends of mine, and hope that in time they too will learn that love covers a multitude of sins. Maybe then fun can be had with less involvement of innebriation, that may even save a few bucks on the beer.

P.S. - "I know that I'm not in the picture. However, I did take the picture, thus proving that I'm there with everyone."

Gone, but not forgotten.

2011-06-11T07:31:00.002-04:00

Day 97/100
A picture of something you no longer have.

The Money Hat. Technically it was never mine, it belonged to my good friend David Ledbetter. This was a wonderful innovation in the world of online gaming. In our moving from apartment to apartment in college the headset for David's Xbox360 broke, never to be worn again. At the time David was working at the local Big Lots and happened upon this wonderfully awful hat. It was originally named the "Ghetto" hat, this was not due only to appearance. We had cut a hole in the hat to slide the remaining part of the headset into the hat and duct-taped the plastic to the inside of the hat to hold it in place. It wasn't untill we started playing Modern Warfare online while wearing this that it recieved a new moniker. We suddenly found our online matches to be more fruitful, our kill to death ratio skyrocketed, and somehow our comebacks to the multitude of 12 year olds became more witty and less crass. With this newfound success the hat was deemed "The Money Hat".

Oh how it is missed.

At the Movies

2011-06-10T07:30:00.002-04:00

Day 96/100
A picture of your favorite movie.

Cool Hand Luke (1967)
I don't know what keeps drawing me back to this movie. Paul Newman's charm probably is the culprit. Then again there is the beautiful cinematography. How bout a story of a man full of potential but hung up by smaller things? Maybe it's the mystery of the man in the glasses. Then there is an indomitable spirit of a jailed man with a mind for freedom. Granted, Luke isn't a stellar role-model, but he definitely falls into the category of "a good guy". Who wouldn't want to hear a story about "a good guy"? In our anti-hero society, Luke stands out as a man who wants to keep living even when most have given up. For those that liked "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" then this is a wonderful mix of the themes of prison story, redemption, failure and success with a nice look at the South.

Oh, and who wouldn't want a body like Paul Newman's in this movie...well, except for the eat 50 eggs scene. Enjoy ya'll.

-Insert James Taylor Here-

2011-06-09T07:28:00.002-04:00

Day 95/100
A picture of you on a plane.

I think this counts, I mean, I'm not in the picture but I'm obviously on the plane. I could have been a huge smarty pants and took a picture of my self on 1. A surface containing all the straight lines that connect any two points on it; 2. A flat or level surface; 3. A level of development, existence, or achievement. Not quite sure how I could have accomplished a picture of number three there, hmmm, oh well.

Regardless of my attempt at repartee, this picture was taken at take off on our wonderful trip to the Dominican Republic last summer. Many pictures can be viewed in previous posts, and well, I may just have to do another post of pictures just to reminisce.

Good Folks, Good Food

2011-06-08T07:27:00.002-04:00

Day 94/100
A picture of you and your friends eating.

That my friends is a North Carolina State Fair treat, a wonderful creation to give you double your daily caloric intake in one item. What is this miracle of man-made proportions? It is the Krispy-Kream burger. Here are the ingredients:

One glazed doughnut
1/2in thick beef patty
A slice of American cheese
2 slices of BACON!
Onions
Tomato
Lettuce
Top off with a second glazed doughnut

Oh sweet savory heaven in a heart attack. Everyone in the group got a bite (or two), but Jess seemed to especially enjoy the bacon. As much as this is a State Fair creation, the only thing that kept it from becoming an instant classic is that it was not deep-fried and skewered on a stick. Oh how I wait for Fall to settle in again and the return of such horrifyingly delicious monstrosities.

I'm board.

2011-06-07T07:23:00.004-04:00

Day 93/100
A picture of your favorite board game.

Get a taste of victory pie. Delicious flavors of scattered knowledge and tricky trivia. I'm not talking about one of those specialty blends either, this is straight up Trivial Pursuit. Let's throw down and dig in.

Alma Mater in the Hills

2011-06-06T07:01:00.003-04:00

Day 92/100
A picture of your school/alma mater.

Nestled among the valley town of Boone, NC, lies Appalachian State University. Who are we kidding, the campus takes up a 3rd of town acreage and accounts for half of it's population when classes are in. This picture taken from a mountain top only shows half of the campus, and the place is still growing. The school is also a great place if you love the outdoors. No matter your course of study, if you like to relax by being outside, this is the school for you. Then again, I'm partial and this was the only school I ever really had interest in.

Game Time

2011-06-05T21:20:00.002-04:00

Day 91/100
A picture of you and your friends playing a game.

Day 91/100
A picture of you and your friends playing a game.

Christmas morning with my wife's family. Busting out Star Wars: Trivial Pursuit. The following 30 min. led me relinquish my nerd card, retire to the sitting room, and cry myself into a good nap. Seriously, I shouldn't have come in so close to last. In high school and college I prided myself on knowing movies, lore, comics, cartoons and pretty much anything pop-culture related. I got a rude awakening. I realize I know a little about a lot, but I should never let my pride get the best of me when confronting those who know a lot about one thing.

DIY: 100 Day Challenge

2011-06-04T07:01:00.002-04:00

OH OH OH OH OH! Did you notice? There are only 10 days left in this challenge! Sweet sigh of relief it's almost over! Hopefully it's been enjoyable, and more than anything I hope you take it on as well. Please link me if you want to take on this simple, yet lengthy, challenge. Take it on. Share your blessings, your struggles, your memories, experiences and "wow" moments. Here is the full list of daily challenges:

Day 1 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day2 - A picture of you and the person you’ve been the closest with the longest
Day 3- A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 4- A picture of your night
Day 5 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of somewhere you've been.
Day 07 - A picture that shows your true self.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of someone you see yourself being with in the future.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of you and your friends.
Day 17 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Say 18 - A picture of your favorite place.
Day 19 - A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you never leave the house without
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of someone you miss
Day 25 – A picture of you from last year
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of your favorite night
Day 28 - A picture of your favorite place in the world
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of your favorite quote
Day 31 - A picture of food you made
Day 32 - A picture of what you did today
Day 33 - A picture of somewhere you went today
Day 34 - A picture of your favorite morning
Day 35 - A picture of your hometown
Day 36 - A picture of your pet
Day 37 - A picture taken at school
Day 38 - A picture of your favorite drink
Day 39 - A picture of your favorite food
Day 40 - A picture of your friends
Day 41 - A picture of your favorite weather
Day 42 - A picture of you listening to music
Day 43 - A picture of you celebrating
Day 44 - A picture that describes your life
Day 45 - A picture of your favorite cartoon character
Day 46 - A picture that you edited
Day 47 - A picture of your favorite animal
Day 48 - A picture of you more than 10 years ago
Day 49 – A picture of a drawing you did.
Day 50 - A picture of yourself
Day 51 - A picture of you wearing sunglasses
Day 52 - A picture of you dressed up
Day 53 - A picture of you in a car
Day 54 - A picture of you on your last vacation
Day 55 - A picture of you with a date
Day 56 - A picture of you all bundled up
Day 57 - A picture of you in your backyard
Day 58 - A picture of your hair all done
Day 59 - A picture of you at prom
Day 60 - A picture of you at a sports game
Day 61 - A picture of you in the fall
Day 62 - A picture of you on a ride
Day 63 - A picture of luggage
Day 64 - A picture of you at work
Day 65 - A picture of you at a park
Day 66 - A picture of you in the air
Day 66 - A picture of you doing something childish
Day 67 - A picture of you falling
Day 68 - A picture of you outside
Day 69 - A picture of a crazy night out
Day 70 - A picture of someone you don't go a day without talking to
Day 71 - A picture of you with people you work with
Day 72 - A picture of you with unbelievable scenery
Day 73 - A picture of you somewhere warm
Day 74 - A picture taken professionally
Day 75 - A picture of you receiving a reward
Day 76 - A picture of you drinking something
Day 77 - A picture of you and friends making silly faces
Day 78 - A picture of you in the dark
Day 79 - A picture of you in the water
Day 80 - A picture of you and someone you love being silly
Day 81 - A picture of you with a character
Day 82 - A picture of someone you love asleep
Day 83 - A picture of you and a teammate
Day 84 - A picture of a school project
Day 85 - A picture of your favorite holiday
Day 86 - A picture of someone who helps you with school
Day 87 - A picture of someone you grew up with
Day 88 - A picture of your dream car
Day 89 - A picture of you at a hotel
Day 90 - A picture of you wearing your favorite color

*SPOILER*

Day 91 - A picture of you and your friends playing a game
Day 92 - A picture of your school/alma mater
Day 93 - A picture of your favorite board game
Day 94 - A picture of you and your friends eating
Day 95 - A picture of you on a plane
Day 96 - A picture of your favorite movie
Day 97 - A picture of something you no longer have
Day 98 - A picture of you and your friends out somewhere
Day 99 - A picture that was first on your facebook.
Day 100 - A picture of you smiling

Take it on, I believe in you. I've found that this has gotten me to write on an almost daily basis, a few exceptions are when pictures are self-explanatory or simply words won't do. Also, if you do blog on the regular and cover more serious in depth topics this would be a nice break. If you blog as a form to journal, then this is a great way to help you reflect. I found myself getting annoyed with some of the ones about hanging out with friends or school. Then it hit me, I miss my friends and school (well, some of school). Where I was looking at some of the challenges as juvenile and targeted at tweens and teens, the process still made me think back on my short life. Nothing is more satisfying than when you feel life has become idle to get a reminder of how much you've already done. Then that feeling becomes a motivator to accomplish even more.

Cool Colors

2011-06-04T06:38:00.005-04:00

Day 90/100
A picture of you wearing your favorite color.

How about the color of AWESOME! I really can't wear my favorite color because it's more of an atmosphere than a color. You know the color of the night sky on a clear and moonless night? That deep deep blue that tricks your eyes into thinking it's black, that is till your eyes adjust. Once your eyes adjust, and if you're far enough from man-made light, you can start to make out the speckle of the milky way. Since I can't wear that, I wanted to share a humorous picture of one of my Halloween costumes. Whether you know him as Remy or Gambit, you have to admit that he exudes cool.

Keys

2011-06-03T06:16:00.004-04:00

Day 89/100
A picture of you at a hotel.

On our honeymoon, my wife and I stayed at a wonderful B&B a block away from historic Williamsburg, VA. A nice bit of character in historic areas would be the keys. It would be an easy update to get rid of old doors and update the locks, easy, however it is unnecessary and not recommended. With the growing technology of access control and key-less entry, these antiques can tell a story.

What can a key tell us? A small key would indicate a small lock, possibly little resistance. A large key in turn says, "I'm kind of a big deal." The teeth on a key show us how complicated the locking mechanism is. Most antiques will also show wear and tear giving us clues as to it's use. What kind of metal is it made of? Common iron for a commoner or the soft metal of gold for a more delicate lock? The stories are there, we just have to pay attention.

Kinda makes me wonder, what kind of clues would the keys to Heaven and Hell give away?

Practically Awesome

2011-06-02T07:27:00.000-04:00

Day 88/100
A picture of your dream car.

I'd like Minivans and vehicles that make you seem boring for a thousand Alex. This isn't a joke. The Ford Flex is incredibly boxy, and it's also incredibly spacious. Now if only it could get an extra 12 miles to the gallon. My mom had one for a short while. I was instantly a fan. Great interior space, a great seat height and smooth ride sold me off the bat. If I was in a position to transport more of my paintings, this vehicle would be my best friend. I used it once for moving a 5ft x 5ft painting, it didn't have to lean and I didn't have to worry about it falling because there was enough space for it to lay flat. I dunno...I'd take this vehicle with the only exception being greater gas mileage. Then again, this is my dream car for practicality. My dream car for dreaming sake:Quiet. Low to the road. Great handling. Oh, and guns

I'm The Baby

2011-06-01T06:54:00.004-04:00

Day 87/100
A picture of someone you grew up with.

Growing up in the country, I might have gone a little mad if I didn't have my siblings. Other than them, my closest playmate lived just over a mile away and that isn't the most fun (or safest) walk to make. I grew up with both parents working and fell into the category of "latch/key kid". I pestered these two as soon as they would get home from school. I thought I was the perfect excuse not to do homework. Most often I was carried to their sporting events. After enough scares of me running off to play in the woods, my mom set me down with paper, pencils and crayons. Seems that I have my siblings to thank for getting me into art.

When they left for college, I picked up a Nintendo controller and carried a Game Gear on vacations. This time I was going through middle school as well as the age of "too-cool-to-care". As much as I tried to seem aloof at their coming home, I was trying to get their attention as much as possible to show them a new piece of art, a school project, or how skilled I was with a video game controller.

My brother is my closest sibling at 9 years my senior, my sister is 11 years my senior. They have put me in dresses, locked me into small spaces, challenged me to work harder, given me haircuts, given me money and helped develop a confidence that is steady in any situation. These two saw me through my whole life, and are still seeing me through it. I value their opinions, knowledge, experiences and the stories that come from all of the above.

Thanks for making life fun.

Great Educators

2011-05-31T09:23:00.003-04:00

Day 86/100
A picture of someone who helps/helped you with school.

This, is Bobby Flanagan. An odd man. Experienced radio announcer for news and sports and educator in all things media related. Many things have a face value, and in the face of the more obscure, Bobby can illuminate the dark world of advertising in a flash. He cuts through questionable content and innocent advertising alike with his rapier of wit and sledgehammer of sarcasm.

He has a flare for honesty and a heart for controversy. He will push your buttons only as a way to pick your brain. If you find yourself getting emotional in a conversation with Bobby, realize it is only to force you deeper into your mind and find reason. He does not do this for some sadistic pleasure, nor is it out of a hatred for emotion. Bobby wants people to be passionate about their beliefs, and more importantly to know why they believe what they do.

I found great joy in studying under him. I learned to express my opinions with more understanding and eloquence. Before my responses to other educators was simple regurgitation. Even in situations where asked to extract subtext from a subject, my responses were more along the lines of what was expected and accepted, not what was really in my mind. Every school needs a teacher that pushes people. Students may not like it, but nothing will prepare them for college better.

Thanks Flanagan.

Everyday is a Holiday.

2011-05-30T07:39:00.002-04:00

Day 85/100
A picture of your favorite holiday.

Holidays are great and all. Spending time with family and getting a break from work are definitely a blessing. The best for me is when no holiday is required, only the urge to be with those closest to me for good conversation, laughs and amazing food. Also, I copped out because I have trouble picking one favorite holiday, so let me just run down the list:

New Year's Eve/Day: Hmmm, another year. I mainly like this "holiday" just so I can be a party pooper.
Good Friday through Easter: Traditional hymns and recalling the Glory of the Lord and giving thanks.
Valentines Day: An excuse to show why I'm an awesome husband :)
Free Comic Book Day: 'Cause I'm a huge nerd.
4th of July, Veteran's Day, Memorial Day: Solid patriotism w/o politics and stories of those who serve/served make me tear up and straight up cry.
St. Patrick's Day: Eh, I'm part Irish, not catholic and know very little about this saint. But I'll take a drink or four.
My Wedding Anniversary: Awesome presents, date night, Marvin Gaye.
Thanksgiving: Really? The food and all four family dinners I get to go to. Oh, and the food.
Halloween: I like spooky things and fun, well done, costumes. And left over Reese's cups.
Christmas: Giving gifts, seeing family, and everyone's good mood at the mall (at least the one's that realize this holiday isn't at all about the gifts we give.
National Talk-Like-A-Pirate Day: Gives me a reason to dress and act like Steve the Pirate from "Dodgeball".

I hope everyone has a happy year full of events, and don't forget all the little random holidays. If you ever need a reason to celebrate, and waking up isn't reason enough, just google the day's date with holidays attached. I personally am looking forward to January 23rd, National Pie Day, which is sponsored by the American Pie Council and the American Diabetes Association.

Smile

2011-05-29T19:15:00.002-04:00

Day 84/100
A picture of a school project.

A study of the human skull. The assignment was to take a single subject and represent it with line drawing only, shading only, and then a combination of both all within a single composition. My skull was a rubber one from a Halloween shop with the jaw falling apart and the back of the cranium caving in. I admit I was, and still am, very happy with the product. Most of the class took no attempt to overlay the different styles and opted only to represent the subject three styles next to each other. Composition wasn't the main objective of this project, so my classmates grades were not harmed, nor was mine helped. I can still pick out the three different styles and this piece just makes me grin.

Fun and Games

2011-05-28T06:15:00.003-04:00

Day 83/100
A picture of you and a teammate.

Cornhole is intense and serious business. Many a man, and woman, have been injured in this game of epic proportions. However, I'm sure those injuries were sprained ankles and bruised shins, and at some point inebriation was a factor. Judging by the looks on our faces...I dunno, maybe you could caption this for me.

Catchin' Some Z's

2011-05-27T07:19:00.003-04:00

Day 82/100
A picture of someone you love asleep.

This photo challenge almost turned creepy. Me rolling out of bed and grabbing my camera in the middle of the night, standing next to Jess. She opens her eyes, screams and chucks a pillow at me while kicking sheets into a fury.

Almost.

That didn't happen at all, but thinking of this scenario got a decent laugh out of me while looking for pictures I had of people asleep. Easily enough I had a few pictures from out 12 hours of airports and airplanes, on our way to the Dominican Republic. My niece was by far the cutest, and I almost got a two-for-one with the pic below. Almost. Mom woke up right before I snapped the shot. She must have one of those 6th senses for when a camera is pointed at her. That sense can be the most devastating thing to a photographer hunting down candid shots.
Enjoy your travels this summer, and everyone lucky enough to be a passenger, be wary of when you sleep.

I Don't Take Enough Pictures

2011-05-26T07:00:00.003-04:00

Day 81/100
A picture of you with a character.

There wasn't any sarcasm in that title at all. I think I take plenty of pictures. The problem for this 100 day challenge is that very few of those pictures are focused on myself or my life. Issues aside, that still doesn't explain my lack of pictures with "characters". Instead of being clever and just putting up a picture with a friend, I took "character" to mean a mascot of some sort.

There is the rub.

I don't like mascots. Not for some dislike of what they represent, I just get uneasy around them. Whether it is Wooly the Bull, Blue (from Blue's Clues) or The Wake Forest Deacon, I just don't like them. Fluffy suits, a hidden face, knowing there is a person in there and they still won't talk to you are just a couple of reasons why I try not to get too close to them. When at a sporting event, I begin to shift in my seat at the site of a "costumer" coming towards me. I don't know why this is. I delight in well done costumes for theatre and comic conventions. Halloween is a wonderful day for me as I watch even adults get into the fun. This isn't quite a phobia, I can still hold it together around them. Whereas this could be considered an "irrational fear" I will label it an "irrational unease".