"Whatcha starin' at, Dude?"

Always a wealth of photo-ops, art shows like the long-running Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson TX, was certainly no exception. From young to old, with and without tattoos, gimme caps to floppy hats, outrageous dress to stylish, over-sized sun glasses like the ones shown here were all just part of the fun.

"GOOD LUCK"

If you're one to put reliance on the good luck brought by horseshoes, this make-shift latch signifies possible fortunes await just beyond this weathered gate. Photographed in the much-publicized environs around Luckenbach TX, it's no wonder composers like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings are inspired to write songs about the area.

"Behind the Red Doors"

The entrance to this antique/curio shop will likely lead to many surprises and treasures for the strolling shopper along the main street of Fredricksburg TX. And the little sign hanging in the window says it all in this south central town with a strong German heritage: "Wilkommen".

"Inviting"

What's more inviting than an old-fashioned swing? Normally one thinks of this type swing suspended from the porch of a graceful old southern home, but in Southeast Texas, you can swing just about anywhere, including under the spreading branches of an old oak tree.

"Daddy's Little Girl"

It was obviously a treat to spend a summer afternoon with Daddy at The Cottonwood Artshow held each year in Richardson TX. Always endless sources of photo-ops, these art shows, food festivals and neighborhood carnivals never fail to keep cameras humming as children, adults and unique pets abound.

"Determination"

In addition to concentrating on your golf game, there are times when you have to concentrate on just moving your clubs. Especially if your cart and bag are almost as big as you. Captured at a recent PGA-sanctioned golf outing for youngsters, this aspiring Phil Mickelson puts every ounce of muscle into just getting to his next shot.

"Lunchtime in the Rough"

Fortunately, everyone's drive stayed in the fairway and the only interruption of this deer's snacking was our golf cart slowly driving past. This was just one of the surprises encountered while golfing at The Bear Trace Golf Club in Winchester, Tennessee. And, No, we didn't see any bears. The club was named after designer and PGA golfing legend Jack Niklaus, "The Golden Bear" .

"Gone Fishin"

Whatever the circumstances, the fishin' here is definitely gone as is evidenced by a rusted chair abandoned at what must have been a choice location along this creek in Southeast Texas.

"Brass & Glass"

Even in silence on a weekday morning, the brass horns extending from the organ loft dramatically compliment the stained glass windows of the All Saints' Chapel on the campus of The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.

"Swingin' At The Campground"

Whoever said you can't swing at an old Sunday School Assembly, never made it to Monteagle TN. While strolling the winding roads, this woven hammock, strung between two giant oaks, proved most inviting.

"Cowboy Hot Tub"

Just outside Fredricksburg, there's a working ranch complete with genuine Texas Longhorns (see previous post). And for those who are just plumb tuckered out after a day on the range, stretch out, relax and enjoy a homemade redneck spa. It's guaranteed to relieve those aching joints, especially if accompanied by an ice cold Lone Star Beer.

"Footbridge"

On an early morning stroll through the Monteagle Assembly campground, this deserted footbridge, one of several throughout the complex, proved too interesting not to capture.

"Mystery of the Creek"

While walking a creek bed for photo ops, the mystery unfolded. Enmeshed in the roots of a tree, a Ford Mustang hubcap. The mystery? How'd it get here? Where'd it come from? But the most intriguing question: where's the car to which it was once attached?

"Double Trouble"

Up close, these Texas Longhorns look pretty intimidating, but actually these cows were docile, patient and curious. Once they figured the camera would do no harm, I was free to roam about snapping different members of the herd at my leisure. The Texas Hill Country outside Fredricksburg provided the scenic backdrop on this photo safari.

"Fountain Archway"

In one of the many green spaces located throughout the city of Savannah, Georgia, this park's central focus is the ornate fountain creating water patterns in all directions. Even on a blistering, hot day, this shady setting provides a welcome respite from the elements.

"Yum-Yum"

After a harrowing day of experimentation with a new external flash for my Nikon 300, I rewarded myself by charcoaling hamburgers. Once I had created my own culinary masterpiece, it proved too scrumptious looking not to photograph. Therefore, by applying new parameters of flash photography, my prized monster was captured before consumption. This shot still makes my mouth water!

"A Special Assignment"

In my photographic career, I've been privileged to capture settings ranging from breath-taking mountain vistas to heartwarming pets to corporate annual reports. However, on a recent assignment to illustrate various phases of the liturgy of the Anglo-Catholic church, I found a new dimension in photography. Taken under restrictive lighting parameters, I can only hope that you experience the beauty of The Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament as Father Matthew Olver reverences The High Altar at Church of the Incarnation, Dallas TX.

"Faded Glory"

In its heyday, this Grand Dame of homes dominated not only its neighborhood, but the entirety of the town of Honey Grove, Texas. But even with the distinction of being recognized by the State of Texas as an official Historical Landmark, this once magnificent example of architectural beauty fell victim to age. One can only hope that the Historical Preservation League of Texas will eventually bring this stately home back to its original status.

"Hangin' With Mom"

Although past the rubbery-legged stage, this new-born still enjoys the comfort, security and warmth of his mother. And one other factor: readily available nourishment for a hungry colt. This was just one of many photo ops encountered in a leisurely drive on the backroads between Houston and Dallas on an overcast day in early spring.

"Driftin"

There's hardly a more relaxing way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon than by dropping line and let the boat take you where it might. It's not the catch as much as the conversation, the scenery and just communicating with Mother Nature. These two week-end warriors ended up cruisin' the dam on Lake Davy Crockett in early spring. Did they catch anything? They probably really didn't care, nor should you. Just enjoy the moment as they did, while you reminisce on a long ago fishing trip with one of your best pals.

"Small Dogs Only, Please"

While exploring a small town in Northeast Texas, this water hydrant suddenly became the center of interest. Obviously, in years past, when the sidewalk was repaired, rather than adjust hydrant height, new concrete was merely poured around the existing water source creating a new look for this ageless fire deterrent. So the universal symbol for "doggie relief", suddenly limited it's prospective users to small canines only, at least in Honey Grove, Texas.

"Mind If I Join You?"

An open-air safari buggy proved just too enticing to one of the wild animals on display at the Glen Rose Animal Reserve. Luckily, I was armed with my trusty Nikon and squeezed off a shot of this majestic intruder. In this close proximity, you suddenly realize how misleading their size can be as you acknowledge one another nose-to-nose.

"Metro Barn"

In the spirit of some of my recent posts where I went "rural", here's a shot that would appear to be on the north forty of someone's ranch. Actually, this is a barn sequestered slap-dab in the middle of Metropolitan Dallas. A small pocket of land still untouched by urban development, the limited area still offers stables, grooming and riding for those adventurous enough (and well-heeled enough) to keep a horse for their week-end diversion.

"Tractor Graveyard"

While traveling a farm-to-market road out of Paris TX to Honey Grove, a large, manicured pasture played host to an assemblage of tractors all neatly spaced, row after row, not unlike the used car lot at an auto dealership. In varying stages of deterioration, these John Deere, International Harvester and Ford tractors were obviously fertile sources for obsolete or hard-to-find parts. One must assume an enterprising individual saw the opportunity to provide a service to his fellow-farmers, and a mini-industry was born. It would have been nice to get closer to squeeze off some additional shots of this unique phenomenon, but the sign prominently displayed on the barbwire fence read "Beware of Dog". And for some reason, I had a feeling that this landowner, whomever he might be, wasn't kidding.