Category: Jim’s Daily
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Feb 22, 2015 – Winter WOW – My my son and daughter send photos from their homes in NY area – Where is the color? – Maybe we need to become artists to add color – I went looking for quotes by artists that matched my love of color – then I posted photos of flowers “past” – just to add color to our lives! Color possesses me (and me). Paul Klee — Instead of trying to reproduce exactly what I see before me, I make an arbitrary use of color to express myself more forcefully (me too). Vincent Van Gogh — Color is energy made visible. John Russell — Seek for the boldest color possible, content is irrelevant. Henri Matisse.
Nice composition, great art work – but the feeling is not a feeling of color it is a feeling of winter – We have had enough of that – RIGHT? A weed? I love to see a lawn of yellow – as long as it is not mine. The following are a few of my past summer flowers – let us enjoy them again thanks ti Nikon! Waving in the breeze – the early tulip – see if any are poking up under your snow? -
Feb 17, 2015 – “It’s kind of fun to see the impossible.” quote by Walt Disney, “If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun.” quote by Katharine Hepburn. Often, instead of watching the images on the TV News, I sit at my computer, practicing how to break the rule of “photographic truth.” Creating images of the impossible. – I try to learn by practicing – Here are three practice impossible images I created from one photo of my winter trip to Drummond in 2013.:
I call this “THE TRUTH” This is as my camera saw it in December 2013. 
I call this “ELECTRIC HORSEMAN” The Mayor wants electric carriages in Central Park instead of horses. Most folks I know do no like that idea. They are horseman and animal lovers. So, maybe an electric horse of the future would be a nice compromise! 
I call this “THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE FUTURE” Pasture filled with condos – a cloned pony is how the third one got there. 
I call this “SUMMER ON OUR MIND” Sort of like a transponder on Star Trek 
Yesterday we made reservations for the Equine Affair event in April! In the mean time, I will enjoy doing “Photographic Impossible” practice most days. See Ya -
Feb 14, 2014 – Freud said that every human being lies at least once every day. But, this one lie of Brian Williams is more tragic and sad then the one he told the day before. I am sure he could go to the bank, take his money and fade into to retirement beyond the luxury most of us could comprehend. Maybe he could write a book of his life, of his mistakes, or offer education to World Leaders who lie (Do you think there are any of those kind of leaders around???). But I wonder how he feels. Does he feel sorry, sad, angry, depressed, smarter, or excited about a new career? Why do public people screw up their apologies. They could just say “I did it and will be better in the future. I have learned how dumb I was. Please forgive me. Help me get on with it. Thanks” Now onto my situation of photos that are lies- I plan to put photos that I created into photo galleries. But, is it really a photo? Is it art? Is it just a computer nerd playing around? Or is it an outright lie? Look at this photo I have created (The third photo in todays posting) – and think about the complexity of photo journalism. Do history books, NPR, FOX, or the Mayor and Animal Rights groups ever embellish their story through selective photo manipulation? My advise is – insist the truth be told – or if not – just tell us that it is a little white lie, and we will switch news stations. – Don’t you think?
The original photo graph of a freighter heading for the Soo Locks and on into Lake Superior. 
Linda preparing to catch Holy Perch – ( there is a fishing hole in the ice) – Thus Holy Perch 
As I saw it in my mind – I lightened the feeling of the sky and leveled the horizon. Then, I added a misty moon, a subtle star above the moon , and a shaft of light to point your attention to the center. Next I gave more feeling to the freighter as it beat around the point with a layer of fog, smoke, and lights. Then I added ice and open lake water to the left(and a large wave to prevent your eye from drifting off the photo), made the foreground ice more consistent and ice like, and of course Linda and her fishing shack. Was this my lie for the day? May I put it in a Photo Gallery? Shall I label it as “The joy of solitude” ? Is that OK? 
You can tell I am really having fun creating for you what I see in my mind – Look out – You may not always want to see the inner workings of my mind!!! -
Feb 11, 2015 I enjoy pondering each day – Today I pondered the Photo Club and the Community Galleries. That pondering lead me to ponder about some snow photos that I want to show you. How did I get from galleries to snow? Well, here is how: Gloria and I manage three community galleries. She manages an Art gallery in the Community Restaurant and I manage two Photo galleries in the Community Hall (Manor). This week end we updated the Manor galleries – I added one of my own – of horses playing in the snow on Drummond. Now I am thinking about my friends on Drummond who have the farm where my horse Perla lives. In February when I think of them I have to think snow – So I thought about the last time I was there in a snow storm – So I decided to post you some snow photos – See how my pondering gets from Florida galleries to Drummond snow? All that to tell you to look at these beautiful snow photos and to SMILE as you do:
The thermometer reads 15 degrees F below zero! 
The picnic table looks like this 
I see freighters on Lake Huron rushing to beat the Soo Lock’s closing for the season but waiting for the Ice Breaker to clear the turn in the St Mary’s River just south of the Soo Locks. 
The scene as I saw it in my mind. The beautiful solitude of a lone Fisherperson – My Friend Linda entering her ice fishing shack – and of course a little snow! But we dress for it. 
This pretty little house that could have been an outhouse in the old days. -22 degrees and sitting there doing your thing – YIPES!!! 
The horses rush out to play in the snow! 
Friend Allen with horse and pony – and of course a little snow! But we dress for it. 
The corral posts are a little taller 
The barn is like a photograph or is it a painting or is it both? Bear with me – I just want to encourage you kids to learn to play with PhotoShop. 
Riding with my friend Carlyle as he clears barnyard driveways – he is a skilled driver – dodging buried driveway markers and …. and of course a little snow! But we dress for it. 
In the woods – a brief snow/wind squaw – not to be plowed away – just enjoyed as Mother Nature sketched this work of art! 
I love cold and snow even more the I did when I did this – but now I love it for just short bursts of time. and a little snow! but of course we dress for it. -
Feb 8, 2015 – This featured dog looks like our Lavern (1990-2002.) – I love dogs, horses, cats, and most animals – some more then others – ’cause some try to bit, kick, sting, eat me. Comedians love them too – for example – Asthma doesn’t seem to bother me any more unless I’m around cigars or dogs. The thing that would bother me most would be a dog smoking a cigar. Steve Allen
A. Lincoln (I think) said there are no bad photos – “Your face just looks like that some days.” However, Lavern was unique always ready for the camera. – But I have many dog photo “Outtakes” – Most dogs just have no interest in a camera. – I want to show you a few outtakes – Before I finished reading my new material on “Pet Photography” 
Hey look at the camera 
I do not want folks seeing me like this – I will not look at the camera. 
Did you ever try to get a dog, a horse, or fish (Grandma would say “or a husband for that matter’) to look where you pointed? 
I do not want to be seen in the outfit? It is not my style for a casual day out. At least I do not have to walk. 
I get donations by howling at the moon – not for looking at the camera. 
What camera? 
Now take that photo – I will smile just for you! -
Feb 3, 2015 – – Photography is fun, Kids – It helps you learn to see interesting things in everyday life – The fun part is not what you see, but how you see it. So, this week-end, at an outdoor art show, I worked on “how to see it.” I did not focus on the art, but rather, I focused on the art show environment. Here is a little of how me and my trusty Nikon D5300 “saw it”:
I quietly approached this guy – I Know my dog breeds – but what is he? He is beautiful – yet not quite dog like – Coyotes are often seen in parts of the country where I like to live – Texas, northern Michigan, etc – I knew this guy was special – So, I ask the person holding the leash. I was told “He is half dog, half coyote” — very special, very BEAUTIFUL – I enjoyed hunting him with my D5300 
Then, I hunted tongues to shoot. “A blue tongue to match the Blue Blood.” That is what the person with him told me. 
A huntin’ I will go for more tongues of interest – I found it – took out my trusty D5300 and got this proper “Country Club Girl” wearing a visor to match the tongue. See how I see things? 
Then, I see — A double decker mobile home! 
But, alas, fire hydrants make some dogs have a need to go – I think one of these pups might jump the mobile home for a trip to the fire hydrant bathroom! That is how I see it. 
Then I saw the beautiful Queen of Yorkshire. The other dog? – Civil Service Body Guard! – That is how I see it. 
Some times the facial expression tells a story. Does she really see the “Joy of Garlic?” 
Who is that masked man? Is it he Lone Ranger? What is he doing? Is he rowing a canoe? 
He is stirring Pop Corn, face protected from splatter, not a mask to hide identity. 
I know this vehicle is owned by good people — How do I know that? – Would you use this “Stand-Out In A Crowd Car” as get-away car in a bank robbery? Fine people own this car — that is what I see. 
Two more hunters – That is how I saw it – One person hunting people to sell his pottery to – One person hunting pottery to buy — to enjoy on a baker’s rack in the hall. I saw it that way, because I am a photographer – Get a camera and join me. Art shows can be a lot of fun! 
Next time I my go hunting for mice – I see mice in a way that is unique to a hunter who carries only a D5300 out into the field. – I see things my way because I am a photographer! Come join me and have fun seeing daily things your unique way. -
Jan 31, 2015 – I went searching for interesting quotes about animals – “Meow” means “woof” in cat.” ― George Carlin — Happiness is a warm puppy. by me and others — “Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” Mark Twain — “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though.” A.A. Milne of Winnie-the-Pooh — I try to listen — Continue on to see some dogs I consider my friends here in Florida and see what they do (even on Superbowl weekend) :
Since my animals are in cooler (or much colder) climate I entertain my self by integrating our local doggy play ground, my fascination with photography, my enjoyment of helping the local photo club share their photos (on walls and the internet), and of course my opportunity to create perceived reality 
Doggy eyes eying me (and you) 
More doggy eyes eying you and me. 
Doggies playing by “Sharp toothed football rules” – no human participants or coaches allowed. The play strategy – “Look to the left – then attack to the right” 
I did not like this photo soo………… I modified it a little 
The ball is tested, The Ball Pup is monitored by security cameras. No cheating could happen – and since Mark Twain says dogs go to heaven, no cheating is expected. Pre-game placement of the football by the “Ball Pup” and the coach sent us to the vet for a tooth sharpening last week – Oh well, let’s have a bite before the game!!! A short dog’s view of the game – if they purchased cheap tickets in the second row! -
Jan 26, 2015 – With the advent of the cameras included on our iPhones and iPad, we are really born with cameras – Photography is not no longer a just hobby for some – it is like watching TV for everyone – there are as many ways to practice photography as there are different TV shows to watch – we choose the TV shows to match our own interests – we use photography our own way – to match our own interests.
One of my ways to use photography, is to tell you a story of my day – This evening, I went to where many sea birds come to roost – I watched them compete for roosting space. “The sea and the costal plains, once they casts their spell, hold one in their net of wonder forever.” by
Jacques Yves Cousteau
My pets, that own me, are elsewhere while I am in Florida. But, I really enjoy going to “Doggy World” in our community and photographing dog. Look at these two – They are a little suspicious of my motive, holding that camera. Sometime I must work hard to convince them that I am OK. Mahatma Gandhi says, “The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he does becomes tainted.” 
A bird (Or a dog) doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.
Maya Angelou
Yes, I know good golfers concentrate on the game – But sometimes my story to you is not about my score but the the nature I saw on the course. Is this Sand Hill Crane is looking into the mirror, looking for food, or just reflecting on the meaning of life? – “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein
I am practicing to catch reflections in rain drops. The hint of yellow in this one is a flower off to the right. “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” byHenri Matisse 
Here I caught trees and the front of our house in the rain drop. 
“We create future happiness – by creating a family photo album now, to be shared at a later time and even to be shared with future generations.” by Jim Brubaker 
Have a thirst for knowledge from the book but add to that the knowledge you will gain by planning the next snap of your everyday camera. -
Jan 23, 2014 – Each day I cross the Addison Canal – Each day I marvel at our Florida Community located on the St Johns River Preserve – Nature and Water are seen every step I take all day long. I carry a camera, just to show you a little of the marvel I see – each step of my day! “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” Aristotle — “Water is the driving force of all nature.” Leonardo da Vinci
Marvelous beauty and water – Tri Colored Heron standing knee deep in the Addison Canal. The Great Outdoors RV and Golf Resort Community has the picturesque Addison Canal running through it. 
After I crossed the Addison yesterday I played 9 holes of golf – well I played 4 holes of photographing and 5 holes of golf – Got too close to a drying Anhinga – caught him just as he rotated (Wings carried the bird)) and his wheels (feet) left the tarmac (Lake’s Bank) 
Ouch!!! That was a very hard landing – He miss-judged something. He circled the lake and came back in for a landing -Flight instructors always say “Landing is the hard part.” – And, I always said “Yes, but it is the only part that matters” 
When the water level is low, you might spot a heron, egret and/or ibis fishing for a meal. When the water level is high, alligators have been seen in the canal.
The history of the Addison/Ellis Canal dates back to the early 1900’s. A consortium of developers was established by Edgar W. Ellis and J. H. Beckwith in 1911 and was known as the Titusville Fruit and Farm Lands Company. A total of 22,500 acres was acquired in the western portion of the old Delspine Grant. To make the land usable for agricultural purposes, the plans were to drain the marshland in the St. Johns River Valley.
Two years later, in 1913, 43 miles of lateral canals had been dug. Work then began on the Addison/Ellis Canal leading from Addison Creek to the outlying vegetable fields. The canal was to relieve St. Johns River flooding by diverting floodwaters to the lagoon. This would allow transport of supplies and crops from the St. Johns River to the Indian River Lagoon, ending at Addison Point.
The Titusville Fruit and Farm Lands Company paved the roads to their fields using the extracted coquina rock. There were no problems for their equipment in the marshland and sand ridges; however, a coquina rock ridge which runs north to south was insurmountable and work stopped and the canal was not completed.
The consortium went broke and the canal project was abandoned with construction ending just east of the scrub/coquina ridge in Addison Creek near the Enchanted Forest. The Addison/Ellis canal never reached a useful depth.
Today, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the canal and the TGO Nature Center grounds. Come visit and relax on the bench or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at our picnic table. You can walk, bike or drive a golf cart across the bridge built over the Addison Canal.
He kids – Think there is a message in this birds flight! When you hit a wall do not be afraid to do a 180 and start over. -
Jan 20, 2015 – “Every photo is a piece of art and art stimulates feelings” Photos of nature – they can be cute and funny – make you feel good. A Lakota Chief said “When man moves away from nature his heart grows hard” Take a look at these photos of nature and smile and your heart will not be hard:
Let us sing today’s song together. 
Go out in nature today – look for cute, funny things to help you with your side of todays song