Storm Cometh II

I dropped the girls off tonight and saw an upcoming storm brewing out over the Atlantic. As I looked at the weather channel on my phone I noticed it was red yellow and orange and rather large. As I pulled up to the house I saw this. I went to get my camera and was seeing what I thought was the start of a funnel cloud. Glad it never formed.
I had to stop for a moment and thought how humbling it was to be standing in front of this wall of power. It could open up and hit me with a bolt or the bottom could drop out and soak me. I was talking to the man in the picture, he was just sitting out there having a drink. He left because he thought a funnel cloud may form also. I was right behind him when he left.

Big Fish Little Fish

Sometimes doing something so small can give such rewarding feelings.

Take a few minutes to help a little fish back into the water.

You may be surprised to see the fish in a few years ~ fully grown, thriving and living a life in a great big ocean.

Mike

Met Mike while leaving the Riverside Arts Market R.A.M. in Jacksonville. He is an Art teacher for the school system.
Hava and I were just leaving when we saw him standing next to his mixed media painting with shells in the shape of butterflies. Really interesting.
We started a conversation and hit it off. This was his first showing and I was asking about how I get started out here. He was trying to get a pic of his display with his camera phone.

You know me, I offered to take a few and sent them to him.
I look forward to seeing Mike around and showing my talents off to Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.

Nassau

I woke early in the a.m. to turn on the cctv to see if we had pulled into port yet. To my amazement, we were just pulling in. I ran topside with camera in tow. What a lovely sight. I've been twice before, but something was special about this morning.
I had a lot of creative ideas and memories that were once thought forgotten, dislodged from the crevices of my cranium over the course of this week.
I have a lot to write about, a lot to be thankful for. I must head off to bed for now as my brain is on vacation overload and needs a rest.
A rainy day on vacation beats the hell out of a sunny day at work- ANY day!

Vacation

Sometimes you have to move forward with your life without letting the influence of upcoming layoffs play a part in your decision making process.

So with that said, here's to beaches in the Caribbean, the lovely people in the Bahamas and to watching the drunkles in Key West.

Take time to make time because before you know it, we are all out of time.

No problems mon, no problems.

3rd floor morn

As I woke this morning I went all the way upstairs to retrieve my I pod. I looked out and saw this. So I went all the way back down grabbed my camera and went all the way back up again. It was such an amazing morning it didn't matter. I sometimes think that I should deal with capturing things and showcasing them for others. Now, how to make money at that is the next question. I am pretty smart, I'm sure I can figure it out.

Margaret , my dear

I have come to the conclusion that I have way too much stuff in my noggin to keep it all inside. After dealing with real winners for upstairs neighbors (college kids with no upbringing...) for the past year, I decided it was time to figure out a better way of living. A place where Hava and I can think, be and let the creative side flow.
I haven't been able to write like I wanted, the feeling just wasn't there, the whole vibe of the last place I lived in was just that, a place in which to live and sleep.
Then, Margaret Street happened, a place to breathe, a place to just be, a place to relax, a place where it all started. It is within a block of where I used to hang out back in the 80's. It is where I need to be, close to the Ocean, close to all things positive. I am thankful for a lot of things, but really grateful for new starts.

Changes

Funny how we all go through changes. Some good, some bad. Change is going to happen, it's inevitable.
As I was snapping the pics for this photo shoot, I thought about all the changes I was going through, and all the changes the couple I was taking pics for was going through. After I got home I looked at this picture for a moment and without saying a word, the picture just spoke.
Love has a funny way of just being. Sometimes it works that way.

Down on the farm

Been a while since we went out to see Dave and Lori down on the farm. Love the feel of spring time, especially on an old farm. Flowers are blooming, things are budding and people come alive.
Took a little gardening class Sunday on plant propagation. As a small town farm boy myself, I went with an open mind and actually learned a few things. Growing from seeds, or growing from plants or part of a plant, it is an awesome thing to grow your own stuff.
I think the hardest part is planning it out just right so you have plants all year round. That is my goal.
It's nice to know you have a second green thumb around to help keep it going.

Delicate pieces

I was looking at the flowers on the counter tonight. Last night they were all but a bucket of buds. Tonight they opened up to reveal the beauty within.
I love flowers. They are very colorful, delicate, scent filled and represent everything I think a woman should be and need to be.
I also realized that I need to get the camera back out and start documenting life again. I have been living it, but not documenting it. Remember the delicate pieces...

Sailing takes me away...

You know, we could leave this place tomorrow, so why not enjoy yourself. Nothing like a little cruise to set your mind right. This is the last set of pictures I will be taking with my little point and shoot camera. It had the unfortunate experience of being dropped this Saturday. By me, on accident, of course. So, needless to say it died. Another reason to bring one of my good cameras with me. - I won't be dropping one of those!
I had a few flashbacks to my days sailing the high seas in the Navy. Except I didn't have to work on this cruise!!! I must admit it reminded me of alot of things. Memories really do last a lifetime. Here's to many more days of sailing!

Say what you mean and mean what you say...

Sometimes in life we never get the chance to tell others what we think. Other times we get the chance and choose not to do so or we feel it won't make a difference. I'm hear to tell you it does make a difference.
I often wonder what will become of me. The world is just an out of control car on a rail and I know it is a matter of time before it derails. In the mean time, we all just have to hang on and ride it out.
It is time for me to do something higher in my life. The call of art keeps whispering in my ears. I am listening, but need to get my priorities straight before I start another project. This one goes out to old friends as well as new friends. I miss some of my old friends but enjoy meeting new ones.

But there is nothing like the ones who knew you when...

Bertram Booker

Hava and I were talking about people in our lives. Those that made a difference or died. I was telling her about being around death at a very young age. For some reason I wasn't afraid of it, and I seemed to understand what was happening and why it had to happen. She went on to mention to me that she didn't get exposed to any deaths in the family until she was maybe 20.
Then she stopped for a moment and went on to tell me about Bert. He was this young black man that she went to High School with back in New York. His full name was Bertram Booker. She explained to me that he always had a smile on his face and liked to kid around with everyone. He was full of life. He just happened to be the only black kid in her school. I'm sure that came with it's own set of challenging, interesting circumstances.
She went on to explain to me that she found out on a Monday what had happened to Bert. He sat either next to her or in the next row due to their naming convention. The seat was empty. You see Bert was invited to a pool party and somehow fell in the pool. Bert being the funny guy who pulled your leg wasn't taken seriously when he was drowning. Everyone thought he was joking around. It wasn't until the kids realized what was actually going on that it was too late to save Bert. The kids were devistated she went on to explain. No one knows what Bert would have been able to accomplish if he were still alive. I know one thing, he would have had a friend in me, through her.
I went to the beach this morning, a slight chill in the air. As I walked down the beach, I saw this wreath of flowers that had washed up on shore. It made me think of Bert and the story she told me yesterday. I dedicated it to Bert in the hopes that he will never be forgotten.

A time to be ok with just being yourself.

I find it interesting to share myself with someone else. It is very fulfilling. I knew of a time once when I felt alone, very alone. Funny how some good friends of mine told me that they hope I meet someone who completes me and compliments my artistic ability.
I find it is ok to be myself. I have also found that if you find someone or they find you, it doesn't really matter, just be yourself and the rest will fall into place.
I have found that it is of high importance to never forget your friends or family. I am also realizing that forgiveness can be a hard word sometimes and it is ok to cry and to be happy. Never deny yourself the happiness that you deserve in life. Tough times are ahead for us all, just keep in mind what is important. Life is too short.

Been a while

Not really sure when it happened, but something has changed in me. Not so sure I like it or not. I have lost the drive to get up at the butt crack of dawn and take pictures or spend any quality time with anyone. I blame it on being busy, nothing more. It is the truth. I have entirely no time to do what it is I love to do, just be me. I will get back into it soon, it is just a matter of time.
Been dealing with condo\apartment life and I fucking hate it. Mean people suck and goodie goodie people who don't have a dog and like to complain about barking suck even more. Especially when he is surrounded by every unit with dogs.
Venting helps in most situations. Just going through a little phase at the moment. I suppose looking back now that getting a dog while in an apartment wasn't the best thing to do. I have also come to the conclusion that the next time I look for living accomodations it will be in a house, rented or not. And if I have to rent, it will be a house without an association and hopefully without assholes for neighbors. That's all I have to say about that.

j

My life just changed before my eyes

Funny how you can do what you do and until someone else comes along to tell you it is worth doing, that thing that you do, does it all come together.

3 birds on a sign...

Are better than any amount in the bush...


Just a little stop on the way down to St. Augustine the other day. Funny thing was, there were no other birds out and about and these 3 just sat there, never budged the entire time I stood there taking pictures.

Oh make sure you read the sign, it may save your life someday. Rip currents are no joke. We have people every year die from not knowing what to do. They panic, tire, and drown.

Dec 7th 1941 Pearl Harbor

As we walked the streets of St. Augustine this afternoon it dawned on me, the reason the flags were flying at half staff. Made me stop and ponder just how defining that day was back in 1941. Serving in the Navy made me realize just how proud I am of the fact that our country is free. But with that said, it was free on 9/11 also. Maybe a little too free. Someday we will know why things had to happen the way they did, and then again, maybe we won't.

Someday we'll know "The New Radicals"

90 miles outside Chicago
Can't stop driving
I don't know why
So many questions
I need an answer
Two years later
You're still on my mind

Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart?
Who holds the stars up in the sky?
Is true love just once in a lifetime?
Did the captain of the Titanic cry?

Someday we'll know if love can move a mountain
Someday we'll know why the sky is blue
Someday we'll know why I wasn't meant for you

Does anybody know the way to Atlantis
Or what the wind says when she cries?
I'm speeding by the place that I met you
For the 97th time tonight

Someday we'll know if love can move a mountain
Someday we'll know why the sky is blue
Someday we'll know why I wasn't meant for you
Someday we'll know why Samson loved Delilah
One day I'll go dancing on the moon
Someday you'll know that I was the one for you

I bought a ticket to the end of the rainbow
I watched the stars crash in the sea
If I could ask God just one question
Why aren't you here with me tonight?

Someday we'll know if love can move a mountain
Someday we'll know why the sky is blue
Someday we'll know why I wasn't meant for you
Someday we'll know why Samson loved Delilah
One day I'll go dancing on the moon
Someday you'll know that I was the One for you

Memories are forever

My daughter reminded me today of a poetry site called www.poetry.com
I submitted this poem years and years ago when she had one she wanted published. I totally forgot about it. I guess my memory is not forever... hahahaha

Memories are forever

Spring has sprung, from the cold we thrive
Winter is ending, warmth is alive.
God gave us memories so that we may have
Roses in the winter,
Unlike the fire in the pit, dancing rays
upon my mind, youth is forever, but watch
for the splinters.
Advice from your family so distant and far
can bring back memories of the early years,
yearly trips in the car.
Cherish the moment, breathe it in so full,
for tomorrow may not be there for you to
enjoy.
Life can be but a mere memory, so write
your own story for the world to see.
Because the fast paced world filled with
the quick and clever can never replace your
thoughts, memories are forever.

John Binkley

Sand In My Toes

i can feel the breeze
as it touches my face
i close the car door
and open the gate
i can smell the salt
from the ocean
my feet start to hurt
as i walk on the shells
i can feel the sand
in my toes.
i hear the kids
laughing and cheering
as the water splashes
in their faces.
i can see the women
laying on towels
catching some rays.
i can feel the sand in my toes.

Nicole