"The Doors to Nowhere"

You almost had to do a double-take on this one.  Everything was in tact from the framework to the double doors with not one, but two sturdy deadbolt locks.....even an identifying number. One thing, however was missing. Someone either forgot to attach a building, or else a modest New Mexico bungalow had been stolen, leaving only a formal entrance. Whatever the case, a foreboding skull set an ominous tone for anyone wanting to pass through this portal to nowhere.  This would have been a great prop to one of Rod Serling's episodes on his classic "The Twilight Zone".

"In The Pink at The Komen"

This year the Komen Race for the Cure came around on a bright, nippy Saturday morning.  And for a photographer who loves to capture people, The Komen is a photo-op at every turn.  But it's also a testament of hope, perserverance, courage and strength as evidenced by the more than 3,000 participants who showed up for the 5 Kilometer event.  One way or another, they'd all been touched by cancer.  And they were there to do their part to fight this horrible disease until a cure is finally found.  Participants came in pairs; they showed up alone; they came in honor of a mother, sister or aunt; they came in numbers resembling a church choir to support a co-worker; and they came as survivors.  They marched, they posed, they laughed, they danced and one spunky young woman even took time to flash me as she saw me setting up to take her picture.  It was an electric experience with positive vibes all around.  But it's the final picture of this photo essay that really captures the essence of The Komen Foundation:  a woman still on her journey to victory over cancer supported by her husband and successfully crossing the Finish Line.  God Bless Her!!!  May God Bless them All.

This blog entry is proudly dedicated to my sister-in-law, Joan W. Haynes, an avid Komen supporter and herself a cancer survivor who proves with every passing day that The Race for The Cure works!

"Break Time"

While on assignment to capture The First Tee's Golf Marathon 2013, I happened upon a situation adjacent to the tee box of Hole 7 that truly supports the old adage, "A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words".   But in this case, it won't take that many words to come to the conclusion;  it was lunch time at The Las Colinas Country Club.

Work commenced shortly thereafter to fully repair a sprinkler system malfunction.

"Boo-Boo Relief"

What better way to relieve the discomfort of a summer mishap than to break out an ice-cold tube of frozen slush?  It certainly seemed to work for this little camper at The Monteagle Assembly who was willing to discuss his "boo-boo", but the explanation was not about to interfere with the enjoyment found at the end of a frozen cylinder of lemon-lime.  For you older readers, this tube has obviously replaced the much-revered Popsicle, that summer staple so many of us grew up with many years ago.  Surely you remember the antiquated treat that came with two protruding wooden handles that afforded you the opportunity to break your icy treat in half and share it with a friend.  

Rush Hour -- Big Bend-Style

Two enterprising merchants cross The Rio Grande at nearby St. Elena Canyon to check several souvenir "drop offs".  Placed strategically on rocks along well-traveled paths or near a scenic lookout, these retailers garner a few bucks from tourists hiking and exploring the wilds of The Big Bend National Park.  

  Even with aspiring artists within earshot, these international merchants are undaunted as they check their take for the day,  before they slowly wind their way back towards the canyon and across the river to their home base south of the border.

"The Cutie.....and Her Beasts"

Funny what you'll run across cruising the backroads in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.  On an overcast Sunday afternoon, the goats seemed to be as curious in me as I was in them as they perched atop stacked logs in their grassy pen.  But the real treat was when I was approached by their owner thinking that maybe I'd be in the market to buy one of her newborns still confined to the barn.  It wasn't a kid I wanted, but a photograph of this absolutely delightful young lady.  And did she ever oblige with a smile that lit up a cloudy day.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again...."You're  missin' all the fun if you're driving the interstate.  Take a farm road and discover what Americana is all about!!!........"

"Dancing With The Pars"

OK,  I admit it.  It's a really lame pun.  However, if you've ever covered tournaments extensively as I have, you're always looking for that one bright moment somewhere....anywhere:  that emotionally charged nano-second that captures the passion, intensity or hilarity of this goofy game of golf.  Therefore, I submit this study in contortions.  A dedicated duffer valiantly coaxes a long one into the hole for a hard-earned win on his final putt of the day.

"The Hemingway Museum"

One of the most interesting aspects at the Hemingway Museum becomes apparent before you even enter the grounds of this Key West institution.  It's the wall.  How could any self-respecting, world-famous icon sign off on the workmanship of this grotesque, sloppily finished project?  Well, that's the point.  Hemingway didn't worry about the  small stuff,  because it was he and a group of his rum-swilling buddies who made up the construction crew for this project.  And as the rum consumption increased in the sweltering Florida sun, any degree of craftsmanship diminished, accounting for the wobbly, weaving, pattern of  bricks held in place with drunkenly slathered mortar.  But in their defense, the wall still stands as a tribute to this  inebriated focus  on a fortress (circa. 1930).

"Rush Hour Nassau-Style"

Your guess is as good as mine as to where this trio is headed.  Are they crew?  Or merely workman hitching a ride to a dredging operation, a drilling stand or to make repairs on a bridge, pier or dock?  Regardless of their task at hand, the commute is something most land-locked employees have got to envy.  No bumper-to-bumper gridlock as you inhale your fellow commuter's exhaust fumes, but open air, bright skies and an endless highway of crystal blue that eventually floats you to your workplace.  This truly supports the theory that it's not the destination, but the journey that's relevant.  If ever given the opportunity, maybe the trade-off from a 6-cylinder gas guzzler on the interstate to a slow, lumbering rust bucket, ain't that bad a deal????

"Tranquility & Intensity"

Since my last post was back in March, it only seemed appropriate to feature one of the photos responsible for filling my days with activities other than updating my blog. Taken during The First Tee Spring Tournament at Gleneagles Country Club, the tranquility of the lake seems an oxymoron to those golfing warriors sweating bullets over a four-foot putt.  From photo assignments on the course or in a canyon,  to conducting a photo seminar in the Smokies, it seems hours have been at a premium and certain things have suffered, including this blog.  So, it is with renewed vigor that I've set a goal of posting at least one photo a week drawing from the inventory of photos I've taken from the wilds of West Texas to the mountain greenery along the North Carolina border.  Thanks also to you folks who've inquired as to my well being as a result of my blogging absence.  I'm back and hope to share my photos with you who are willing to stick with my erratic schedule.  So...it's upward and onward!!!!!

"Has The Bug Gone to Pot?"

Absolutely not.  The Bug IS the pot!!!!

And it's also an eye-catching display on Highway 1469 as you take the country roads from Dallas to Houston.  So next time you want to avoid the interstate, don't miss shopping this rural market with its fresh produce, jams, jellies, and a variety of sales items that just aren't available anywhere else.  I doubt if "the bug" is for sale, but it wouldn't hurt to ask if you're interested.

"Arrows & Quiver"

Prominently displayed at Tulsa's Philbrook Museum in the Native American section is an integral part of Indian heritage:  hand-crafted arrows in a leather quiver.  The surprising thing for me was the workmanship that had gone into the carrier, as well as the equally intricate arrows.  Layered in varying colors and wrapped with decorative leather strips, it would appear this hunting paraphernalia was not only functional, but a frontier fashion statement of sorts.  If one is afforded the opportunity to visit the thriving town of Tulsa OK, The Philbrook Museum affords a fascinating tour of artwork and artifacts, as well as a step back in history as you tour the fabulous Philips Estate where this priceless collection is on display.

"High Rockies Tranquilizer"

If you've ever had the opportunity to hike up to the top of the falls (any falls will do), chances are you'll run across a gathering pool en route.  The mesmerizing sounds of the babbling brooks winding their way down the mountain seem to erase the tensions and relax the soul.  If you've not stopped to absorb this tranquility, take note:  you're missing out on one of many benefits the Rocky Mountains have to offer.  

"A Survivor"

In today's world of digital photography, including everything from economical point-and-shoot cameras, to elaborate Nikon systems with interchangeable lens running into the thousands of dollars, it's no surprise to find an Ansco blackbox camera in an antique shop in Eastern Tennessee. Buried by the digital revolution, this reliable companion probably captured its share of 4th of July picnics, church socials and family vacations in its heyday.   But thankfully, sitting next to this relic is a proven survivor:  a jar of homemade Apple Butter.   And if you've ever slathered a healthy dose of this breakfast staple on a golden-brown slice of toast, you'll know why I've used the word "thankfully".  Just think about it for a moment. If you're old enough to remember this homemade delight, doesn't it make your mouth water, especially if you were to add a few strips of country-cured bacon and two eggs over-easy?  

"Rejoice!!! Rosie's Arrived."

It was just about 5 years ago when I was asked by good friend David Acree to photograph him and Biscuit, the family's much loved canine member.  Biscuit's health was failing and David wanted to present a little momento to wife Bobbie for Christmas in the form of an informal pet portrait. Sadly, before the Christmas present could be opened, they lost their beloved Biscuit.

It was only recently that a less demanding schedule and revised lifestyle prompted David and Bobbie to go "take a look" at a new litter.  And a quick look was all it took, especially when it was discovered that there was a direct linkage between a particular little female Golden Retriever and Biscuit.  So welcome Rosie to my blog, but more importantly, to a new loving household.

Congratulations David and Bobbie on your new addition to the fold!!!