I May Have Mentioned This Before

We had a bit of a warm up this past week.  Temperatures rose to the mid 50s and things started to thaw.  Of course, the sun still  hid its shining face, but the warmth was enough to lighten my heart.  Now we're back down in the teens, and the sun is shining.  Go figure.  I am not usually one to wish winter away.  I appreciate the special kind of quiet the permeates the outdoors during our snow laden months.  Sounds are muffled yet crisp, and I love it.  But I'm ready for the lazy days of summer, which are not lazy at all.  I'm ready for the waterways to open back up, to watch life float by at the pace of the current.  I'm ready for the ducks to come back.

Love This Girl

I'm in a family kind of mood lately.  I'm missing home and my nieces and nephews terribly.  I may have to plan a trip soon, but in the mean time, I'm comforting myself by sending them emails and looking at old pictures.  My oldest niece, in particular, is extremely photogenic.  She's going to be a real beauty when she grows up.  I'm in no hurry for those days. 

Missing Grandpa

The Major's grandfather passed away just after Christmas this past year.  He's been gone only a little over a month, but it feels much longer than that.  I loved the relationship I had with him.  He was a kind man.  Strong and funny and faithful.  I learned so much from him and continue to find myself wanting to ask him questions about this or that.  He was a World War II veteran who rarely talked about his time in the war.  I think the horror of war in the South Pacific was more than he cared to remember or share.  He was a simple man.  A frugal man.  A loving man.  And as our life changes yet again, I find myself missing him more than usual.  He would love the direction our life is taking.  He would celebrate with us, and he would have a world of wisdom to share.  I miss grandpa.

 

Project 52 Week 4

I really like taking candid photos of people.  I think you learn so much more about them in a candid photo than you ever could in a posed shot.  People have a tendency to hide their insecurities and faults to the best of their ability when they know a camera is pointed at them.  A candid shot allows you to see the rough edges, the hidden beauty, a more real truth about the subject.

Here's a candid I shot last week.  I like the look of concentration on his face, the intensity you can see in his eyes.  His body language suggests he doesn't necessarily agree with what's being said.  He wants to say something he thinks he shouldn't.  Or he knows more than is being communicated and is literally keeping his mouth shut.  Of course, that's just my take.  What do you think?