THANKSGIVING FROST

On the way back from my daughter Becca's house in Buena Vista, Colorado, I stopped at a rest stop at the summit of Wilkerson Pass. Everything was covered with a heavy frost and I spent a few minutes taking pictures. I was walking along and spied a raven flying in front of these gorgeous frost-covered trees and snapped some pictures of it. At Thanksgiving, this area was so serene and quiet, I felt fortunate to be alive and thankful that God created a world full of beauty. This one is my favorite.

I'M BACK!

For anyone who checks this blog frequently, I apologize for my extended absence! My old computer crashed and unfortunately, the only solution was to purchase a new one. I'm back in business now so hope to start posting again. Thanks to those who visit and I hope you find some music, text or photos that you enjoy or motivate you. I appreciate your comments too! I recently received an anonymous comment to my Frank Beard (ZZ Top) post. Take a look.

LES PAUL

I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the passing of a legend. The guitarist/inventor Les Paul was an inspiration to scores of guitarists who coudn't wait to try his inventions, the solid body guitar and multi-track recording. I've stated several times in this blog how much I love the guitar and how I admire musicians who perfect their talent on it. Les Paul helped bring about the rise of rock and roll with his multi-track recording. I remember as a young child listening to the radio and to 78 rpm records of Les Paul and Mary Ford recordings like "How High the Moon", the "Tennessee Waltz" and many, many more. Seems back in those days Les Paul and Mary Ford held down the number one hits for a long time. It brings back great memories of my family attending cookouts or going camping and all of the adults would have sing-alongs. Les Paul and Mary Ford songs were the most popular. Here's some history and sample of LP and MF performing How High the Moon.

MORE MINERAL BASIN, CO

Nikon D200

Early morning, everything still wet from overnight rain. This shot reminds me of fireworks bursting against a night sky. With a little manipulation, I could darken everything except the flowers, add some stars, and there it would be. A natural fireworks show. Me and my imagination!

JIM BOITOS

I was listening to some great sax music and remembered a classmate in high school, Jim Boitos, who was a great saxophonist even back then. Besides being in the school band, he had his own band as well. I can't remember what it was called (Yikes! That was nearly 50 years ago) but I do remember the song I heard him play in one of the local clubs. It was called "Harlem Nocturne". Well, I'm on Facebook, and I thought I would see if I could find Jim there. I did! Seems for the past 30 years or so, he has been teaching music at Illinois State University. You can Google him and you'll see that he has come a long way since high school! He has performed with such musical talents as Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, and Louie Bellson to name a few. I tried to find him on YouTube but I'm sorry to say, his name didn't come up. I did find several videos of musicians performing Harlem Nocturne, however. There are many of them there, performing the song on guitar and sax, including Edgar Winter and Michael Lington. But the group I think comes the closest to the performance I remember hearing in that club long ago is called the Viscounts. By the way, Jim responded to my inquiry and was shocked that someone from his high school made contact with him. If you want to hear the song, here is a link to the Viscounts' version of Harlem Nocturne.

MY VACATION

Well, it's that time of year again and I can't wait to start my vacation on July 24th - my birthday. My camping companion of the past, Wayne, said he couldn't budget it in this time, so I'll be on my own. I'm not leaving Colorado, but there really is no need. I've lived here most of my life and still haven't explored all of the scenic wonders I want to photograph and there is one area in particular I can't seem to keep from revisiting. That would be Ouray and the nearby basins. As you might figure, I always schedule my vacations around my photography. Every year, I try to improve my portfolio with new additions from my trip. This year is even more important because I will be premiering my professional website gallery and I want to add some images that will be appealing to prospective buyers of my prints. Viewers of this blog will be the first to see my new photos in August.

This seems to cover it all:

Desiderata

by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly,

and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant;

they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love,

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

CAN'T MAKE YOU LOVE ME/CANDY DULFER BAND

Here's another great video from Candy Dulfer. I love her smooth-playing sax, but this video showcases her whole band. And I love the song that Bonnie Raitt made famous, but wait until you see what Candy's lead guitarist, Ulco Bed does with it. Fantastic solo! Right after he performs his intricate harmonic phrase, the listener understands that this song is HIS song. Click on the title above for the link.

MY LITTLE GIRL

I'm not a huge fan of country music, but every now and then, I hear a song that hits home. Here's a video of Tim McGraw singing "My Little Girl" that kind of pulls at the old heart strings. And with tomorrow being Mother's Day, I'd like to dedicate this posting to my daughter, Jennifer, who is a very special mother to her children. The video reminds me of when it was just Jenny and me and I miss that special relationship that a dad and his little girl have. I was thankful, however, to have spent the day today, with my grandaughter, Alyssa, who has filled in for her mother as my surrogate "little girl". Of course, now she is almost 13. ( Chase, I enjoyed you today too)



Happy Mother's Day, Jenny! I love you.

(click on title for Tim McGraw's My Little Girl video)

PELICANS ON THE LAKE

Thought I'd tell you a funny story. The other day, one of our country club pros and trainers sent out an email saying that twelve pelicans had escaped from the Detroit zoo and had taken up residence on the lake by the golf course. I thought, "How cool!" But then I wondered how she knew they were from the Detroit zoo, so I sent an email to our club general manager to find out and asked if they had a GPS device or something on them. He responded with this: "They have Chrysler emblems on their necks and left due to lack of work and food." I had been had! The joke went right over my head, and now I laugh everytime I think of his reponse!

But we really do have pelicans on the lake here at the Country Club of Colorado and there are actually about 15 I'm told. One person observed all of them apparently following a school of fish, zigging and zagging in perfect unison and then dipping their large, scooping beaks into the water at the same time as if they were performing syncronized swimming in the olympics. We have kind of a minor pelican hysteria going on and one email even went out that had a poem I'd like to share:

IN HONOR OF THE PELICAN

A wonderful bird is a pelican,
His bill will hold more than his belican.
He can take in his beak.
Food enough for a week,
But I'm damned if I can see how the helican.

Dixon Lanire Merrith

P.S. This poem is often attributed to Ogden Nash, whose style is very similar

PAINT MINES

Located about 30 minutes east of Colorado Springs is an area known as the Paint Mines. Once private land, El Paso County purchased the land a few years ago and made it into a park. The Paint Mines is so-called because many years ago, Indians used the colorful sandstone and clay for pottery. In the 1800's, a company manufactured bricks from the clay and transported them by wagon to the market places. The park is just southeast of Calhan, Colorado and has two parking lots and entrances where long trails will take you down into a depression and canyon area where large hoodoo rocks colored in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white loom in mushroom like formations.

This image was taken in an area still on private land today, and is call Twin Rocks. I received permission to photograph in the area from the then head of the county parks department. The camera used was a Bronica ETRS 645.

TONES OF CELINE

I've long been a fan of Celine Dion. Probably my favorite song that she does is "The Colour of My Love". It was written by David Foster, who has written other songs for Celine and for many other great performers, such as Josh Groban. This song is a favorite selection for weddings.

Celine performs the song here.

INSIDE LOOK

LOCATION: Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO
CAMERA: Nikon FE 2

COMMENT: It's hard to be a photographer and not have many photos of hot air balloons if you live in Colorado Springs. Every year, balloonists converge at Memorial park for the Labor Day weekend and we are blessed with about 60 to 80 balloons lifting into the sky early in the morning. Since hot air balloons are at the mercy of the air currents which are effected by the climate each day, it's a good day for all when they actually are able to fly. Too much wind can cancel the event . Needless to say, it's a delight to see these huge, heat driven globes lift one by one. Children and adults alike are seen walking around with frozen smiles on their faces with so much to see at one time and everywhere the sounds of propane burners inflating the balloons. I thought the above balloon was particularly beautiful and decided to get an inside view as it was being inflated. The image offers an almost cathedral-like look with checkered colors similar to that of a stained glass window. Notice also the shadowed image of a woman crew member providing tension on a guide rope.

VALIDATE THIS

A truly inspiring video everyone should watch. It shows how the simple action of human kindness and mutual respect can make people smile and really change the world. Click on the title for the link.

CARUSO BY LARA FABIAN

As I've said before, I'm fond of music in other languages. Lara Fabian, an Italian American, sings Caruso in Italian beautifully, and in such a powerful voice! She is so expressive, passionate and emotional in her rendition. The song was written by Lucia Dalla in 1986, an Italian singer-songwriter. He dedicated it to the famous Italian tenor Enrico Caruso. Many great tenors have included it in their repertoire but Lara's phrases are pure and finished and demonstrate her mastery of this great song as well.

Click on the title to watch her video with English translation.

CELEBRATE THE SEASONS CONTEST

Late last year, I entered Outdoor Photographer Magazine's Celebrate the Seasons photo contest. I managed to make the cut of 60 finalists out of over 4000 entries. The latest issue (April) has published the grand prize, first place and 5 honorable mention winners. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. But I never expected to become a finalist either, and that was exciting. I'm just going to continue what I do and maybe enter another contest one of these days. If you haven't visited and viewed this blog before, you can look at the photo I entered by clicking on the "2008" archives on this blog.

IF EVERYONE CARED (From Nickleback song)

From underneath the trees, we watch the sky
Confusing stars for satellites
I never dreamed that you'd be mine
But here we are, we're here tonight

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

[Chorus:]

If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died

And I'm singing

Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive
Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
Singing Amen, I, I'm alive
(I'm alive)

[Chorus x2]

And as we lie beneath the stars
We realize how small we are
If they could love like you and me
Imagine what the world could be


If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we'd see the day when nobody died
When nobody died...

[Chorus]

We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day, we'd see the day
When nobody died
We'd see the day when nobody died

CANDY DULFER PICS

OLD AND WISE - Alan Parsons Project/Candy Dulfer

This song, on my Playlist, has been around for a long time. But like lots of songs, unless you have the album or listen to the radio all day, it's another great song that doesn't get heard very often. The song is sung by Colin Blunstone of the Alan Parsons Project. A wonderful band that has many, many great songs in a style similar to the Moody Blues or Pink Floyd. (Remember Eye In The Sky?)What a lot of people don't know about this selection (Old and Wise) is that it was written about me............ok, just kidding! Seems like it anyway. The music builds up to a crescendo until at the very end, there is a sax solo that will blow you away. And just when you're getting into the saxophone, and it's just screaming now, the song ends, leaving you with wanting more. These guys knew what they were doing! I've often wondered who the saxophonist was, because whoever they were, on this song at least, it was the best I'd ever heard. So I did some research. Turns out, the performance on the alto sax was done by Candy Dulfer (please see comments below). For those familiar with her music, this is no surprise, (Lily Was Here, Pick Up The Pieces) but to me, I was caught totally off guard that there was even a female musician out there on the sax that was this good. Sorry, don't mean to be sexist (or should I say saxist), but how many do YOU know? I tried to upload one of her videos here, but for some reason, Blogger doesn't like the format. Now, before you click on her video link , listen to Old and Wise on my PLAYLIST and her solo at the end. Here's the link to her BIO, and to her VIDEO. Gentlemen, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find out how attractive she is, and she sings too!

My Song Selections and Classical Gas

 A lot of times, we listen to music provided by others and wonder why that particular song was liked so much it was selected to be shared. As with my photography, I 'm very particular when it comes to choosing my favorite songs. Because I like pretty much all kinds of music, you'll find a little bit of everything here, but I thought I'd let you know why I happen to like these songs so much. So here's a start to a running commentary I will be providing from time to time:

Classical Gas



I've always loved Mason Williams' Classical Gas performance. It's a masterpiece of song writing and guitar playing. Williams first released it in 1968.  You can read Mason Williams' bio HERE


I ran across Tommy Emmanuel's version of the song and fell in love with the song all over again. He, of course, has not only put his own spin on it but has modified the arrangement several times throughout his career. I recommend that you find Mason's original version and listen to it so you have proper perspective. . I also suggest you listen to Eric Clapton's version.


Now, watch Tommy Emmanuel perform his arrangement of Classical Gas  HERE 

PINK ROSE WATERCOLOR EFFECT

Demonstration Garden, Monument Valley Park, Colorado Springs, COCAMERA: Nikon D200COMMENT:

This image is an experiment using software I have which can make the photo look like it was painted in watercolor. I love taking pictures of flowers, especially roses! This image holds up well even without the special effects. Personally, I no longer hold any attitudes about being a so-called "purest". I have too much fun making all of my photos as appealing as I can. I do most of my work with a digital camera and I use the knowledge I've gained using my film cameras when I operate the digital manually. The world has changed. I'm trying to adapt! Someday, anyone will be able to take pictures in holographic format or movies in 3-D. It may be sooner than you think. Do you know that there are now cameras available that have the capability of 60 megapixels? I can't imagine how sharp the image would be! I also can't imagine paying $45,000 for the camera either.

COMMENTS

GOOD NEWS! For followers or anyone visiting, I have made it easier to post your comment. You no longer need to do the word verification. Please leave a comment at any of my posts. Just click on the word "comments" located below each post if you are inclined to do so. I must moderate all comments, but for all that are published, I promise to make a comment in reply.

SICKO

It's Sunday, and I scheduled today to start working on my income taxes. I needed to get the federal forms and instructions, so I went on the Internet and started printing them from the IRS website. Well, I had already hit print before I realized that the instructions for the 1040 form was 161 pages long! So I decided that I'd watch the documentary SICKO by Michael Moore. I figured the movie would be over by the time the instructions were printed. You think I'm kidding don't you. True, I joined the movie about 45 minutes late ( it was on Showtime) but the instructions are still printing and the movie is over.

Anyway, I highly recommend the movie. If you hate Michael Moore for some reason, you don't have to watch it. But let me tell you something. Moore found out that his worst enemy, who has an anti-Michael Moore website, was going to have to shut down his website because his wife had a serious illness. Moore decided to send the guy who runs this site $12,000 anonymously. The website is still up and running.

LIVING DARFUR - MATTAFIX

Seems strange to find an entertaining song such as this with such a strong message to convey. I think the video captures the innocence and beauty of the people of Dalfur who have experienced unimaginable suffering, while giving hope by saying, "you shall rise".
https://www.google.com/#q=mattafix+living+darfur+video

Tommy Emmannuel - Mountain of Truth

TOMMY EMMANUEL - MOUNTAIN OF TRUTH

Ok, I know by now, followers of this blog either hate this guy or love him. I hope it's the latter! Sorry, but I discovered yet another video that reveals something new to me about Mr. Emmannuel. For decades he has been performing on the accoustical guitar after starting out in bands that featured his solo artistry on the electrical guitar. In this video, he performs on a special guitar that allows him to make the guitar sound both accoustic and electric for different portions of the song! This method, which is very effective, is similar to that used by Eric Johnson as seen in his video earlier in this blog. I don't know the name of the group backing up Mr. Emmanuel since the last frame of the video says "Tommy Emmanuel and Friends", but I like this song a lot!

PONDERISMS

I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

Garden Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

Have you noticed since everyone has a camcorder these days no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to?

In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?"

Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there? I'm gonna eat the next thing that comes outta its butt "

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a song about him?

Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?

The author's name is unknown

JACKSON LAKE SUNSET

LOCATION: Grand Teton National Park, WY

CAMERA: Bronica ETRS

COMMENT: One of several taken after sunset at this location. As anyone knows, if you can find a good site, many good shots can be made, but all will be different depending on the length of time the image was taken after sundown. This one yielded the deepest color. Wayne and I were elated that we were able to acquire a campsite that provided views such as this!

FROSTY JUNIPER

LOCATION: Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO
CAMERA: Nikon D200

COMMENT: This is the kind of shot one would expect to get early in the morning before the sun has had a chance to melt the frost. Fortunately, the temperature stayed at about 25 degrees and it wasn't until about 1:30 pm in the afternoon when the sun peeked through. Then I had to hurry to take as many pictures as I could before the frost disappeared. It's exciting to know that these opportunities for good photographs don't happen often and it's great to be able to take advantage when these situations arrive.

Tommy Emmanuel's "QUESTIONS"

This site has full-length tracks of his songs and many videos. One of my favorite songs is "Questions". Click on the link above and go to the playlist of tracks in the upper right corner of the website. Click and listen to any of the songs there.

I try not to get into any one's face politically or spiritually. And I'm not going to now. However, some will perceive that this is what I am doing anyway. Fact is, I just feel it very important to pass this on so everyone can watch, and decide for themselves. A wise man once said, "A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: these shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again." Alexander Pope (1688-1744) in "An Essay on Criticism" 1709.

Below is a copy of an email I sent to all my friends and relatives today after viewing "An Inconvenient Truth", the documentary on global warming:

Ok, I've sent my share of amusing, interesting, or trivial emails to all I know and that's ok. But now I'm sending one I hope everyone I know will take to heart and share with others as well. If you haven't seen the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" yet, you owe it to yourself to do so. You will first need to put aside any of your preconceived political, religious, or idiosyncratic notions. Just watch it and learn. I can't be too overly dramatic about this. It puts "being green" into proper perspective. By now, our nation has already begun to conserve energy, largely to make it easier to afford to travel, to afford to pay our utility bills and to become less dependent on foreign oil suppliers. But we must not forget that there is a much bigger and important reason for becoming greener. Preserving planet Earth and providing an environment for our children and grand children to live in. Or to just live, period. We don't have the luxury of time to continue to procrastinate any longer. Please watch the movie whenever you get the chance, for your own benefit, if not as a favor to me, ok? Thanks

I hope that readers of this blog will also take the opportunity to see this movie.

TOMMY EMMANUEL/DETERMINATION

As promised earlier, here's Mr. Emmanuel performing when he was younger with a rock and roll/jazz group. After viewing many videos of him playing acoustical guitar, I was amazed to find this video of him on the electric guitar! As you will see. he is truly masterful. I've only seen a couple other videos of him during this era of his life. One of them is performing with his brother Phil at the 2000 Sydney Olympics closing ceremony. See if you can find it on the internet.

COLORADO BLUHMS

LOCATION: Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray, CO

CAMERA: Bronica ETRS

COMMENT: Finding these Columbine flowers in such abundance at this location was very gratifying since they are rarely found growing naturally at lower elevations.

GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK


LOCATION: Near Mosca, CO

CAMERA: Bronica ETRS

COMMENT: At the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, sand dunes are unique for this altitude and climate. The shot was taken near sundown, making the yellow grass look almost like spinned gold.

MIRROR LAKE

LOCATION: Yosemite, CA

CAMERA: Nikon FE2

COMMENT: This was my first trip to Yosemite and before you see such sites as El Capitan, Half Dome, etc. you pass by beautiful Mirror Lake. It was the beginning of several days of camping in this area made famous by the late Ansel Adams in his magnificent black and white photographs.

CATAMOUNT CREEK FALLS

LOCATION: Thomas Trail, Green Mountain Falls, Co

CAMERA: Bronica ETRS

COMMENT: The water source is Catamount Reservoir, which has an outlet creek that flows over the side of the mountain, creating many waterfalls. The Thomas Trail travels alongside the creek. This shot was taken just after sunrise, which lit up a large rock off to the right of the image. This golden light was reflected in the water in the lower half of the photo. The exposure was around two seconds.