February 19th, 2009 admin
I’m still not sure why I feel compelled to share this with those that read my blog but the this short film by Zach Arias really grabbed my attention. I follow Zach’s Blog on a fairly regular basis for tips and tricks in photography. He was recently asked to be a guest blogger on Scott Kelby’s blog which typically address’s all the things related to Photoshop and photography. Rather than approach it in the same manner as all previous bloggers, Zach produced a short film titled “Transform”. While his message is slanted toward photographers, it struck me that his message could easily be applied to anyone that questions their path and their impact on the world and ultimately what is most important.
The intro while not representative of the rest of the film, was a very appropriate lead-in for the readers of “Guest Blog Wednesday”
To check it out the video just click on the image above.
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February 13th, 2009 admin
Our oldest son has recently discovered the world of video games…his enthusiasm as he describes how he conquered the various levels of Mario Brothers while at his after school daycare is contagious.
So one day Caroline & I proudly stated to Alex…”you know, we have a video game system called XBOX” his eyes lit up as he leaned forward to hear more of what we had to say. Well it didn’t take long for him to get bored with the two games we own. So last night I decided since he had gotten such a great report from his teacher that I would take him to Blockbuster to pick out a couple of new games. I walked him to the back of Blockbuster towards the game isle, as I begin scanning for the XBox Section Alex ask me “Daddy are these ALL games?” I realize at this point I need to explain to him that there are different types of gaming systems – PS2, Wii, XBox 360 and off course XBox. But as I looked around, I started to get that sinking feeling in my stomach…I couldn’t locate the XBox section. Could it be! Is XBox so old school that they don’t even carry the games anymore.
So I make my way to the front of the store to ask the clerk…
1. Can you play XBox 360 games on an XBox…I can’t even describe the look he gave me.
2. Do you have any XBox games…his reply was “I think we have a few…Hey Megan, can you show this “gentleman” where the XBox Games are”. I look back at Alex and already the excitement is dropping off. He must be sensing my concern.
So as we turn down and isle the lady points to a section about the size of a shoebox labeled “XBox” Of course it lies in the middle of the row surrounded by thousands of other games for other systems. At this point I’m forced to face Alex and say to him “Alex we need to pick a game from this section”. Remember those lit up eyes I mentioned before…well I just extinguished them. I did my best to grab a game and say “hey what about this one?” He was a champ and agreed to the three games I picked out…of which none of them were the mainstream games he was familiar with like Mario Bros – but none the less he agreed and we headed home.
I felt like such a putz! I know preparing kids for disappoint is all a part of growing up, but for some reason this one was hard for me.
In the end the first game we played when we got home was pretty cool and he really enjoy it. We both had a great time figuring out the new game and all was forgotten.
Oh and one final side note. The Tony Hawk game I picked up for Alex (and ME) turned out to be a PS2 Game ARRRGGGHH!
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February 12th, 2009 admin
I ran across this poem on one of the many blogs I visit for inspiration. It really struck a cord with me for so many reasons. Caroline and I often talk about taking risk and we both understand and have experienced the rewards from risk. Where all of this gets muddy for me is when I let the words – rational, prudent or responsible enter into the mix. To what extent could my actions impact others in a negative way and to that end how selfish can one be when taking risk?
For those interested, Andrew Todhunter’s book “Fall of the Phantom Lord“,addresses the subject of risk taking and the role it has in life. The book Chronicles the life of climber Dan Osman as he lives life on the edge.
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach for another is to risk involvement.
To expose your ideas, your dreams,
before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To believe is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the
greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The people who risk nothing, do nothing,
have nothing, are nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they cannot learn, feel, change,
grow, love, live.
Chained by their attitudes they are slaves;
they have forfeited their freedom.
Only a person who risks is free.
- anonymous
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February 10th, 2009 admin
One final image from Squaw Creek – and my personal favorite.
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February 8th, 2009 admin
Saturday brought temps in the upper 60’s which played perfectly into my plan for the fam to drive north to the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Located about 90-minutes north of KC, this is a place we discovered several years ago while on our way to Indian Cave State Park in Nebraska. Squaw Creek is best known for its large concentrations of snow geese, other waterfowl, and bald eagles. The refuge is a major stop-over for waterfowl, with more than one-half million birds in the fall and lesser, but still spectacular, numbers in the spring. While this time of year most of the birds have headed south for warmer temps, you are almost always guaranteed to see an eagle or two along with some geese.
We spent most of our time walking along this looong peninsula. Caroline and the boys stalked the Muskrats while I tried my best to keep up with the changing light. It blew me away how fast the light was changing – the series of photos below were all taken within a 90-minute time frame. Contributing to this was a front that was moving in and brought with it these incredible clouds.
Besides providing the boys a great outing away from the confines of the house, we successfully wore them out as evidnet by them both sleeping in past 8:00 AM the next morning.
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