photography road trip

Right now I am in Shreveport, Louisiana. A couple of my co-workers and I are on a photography field trip this week to take hundreds of digital pictures for our company's online photo gallery. The trip began in Memphis, then on to Conway, Arkadelphia and Bluff City in Arkansas, then to Springhill, Shreveport and Marietta, Louisiana. We will be heading home tomorrow by way of Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi.

The picture above is typical of the pictures I have been taking this week. Lots of shots among the trees, both pine trees and hardwood trees. I wish I could do this part of my job fulltime. Of course, it would have to be done in such a matter that my wife and daughters could come too. I think they would love doing this . . . travelling around the country taking nature shots.

It's back to 8 to 5 on Friday. I'm looking forward to the next road trip adventure.

your eyes

your eyes tell the story
of happiness or loneliness
sad days and angry times
your eyes won't lie if
it's disappointment you feel
as you say "that's ok or i don't mind"
your eyes can't hold in
the fever when a smile
says you're feeling fine
your eyes can tell the story
if we'll only take the time
to see.

another day at the zoo

We had so much fun on our last outing to the zoo, that we did it again this past weekend. The weather was a lot milder than it was in August. Overcast. Seventies. All the animals were out, playing, posing for the cameras, enjoying the day. There weren't as many people there this time, which made it even nicer. Not so crowded. We spent a lot of time watching the penguins and the monkeys and the pandas and the fish and the cats. This was the most enjoyable day at the zoo that I can remember.

A lot has happened since the last blog entry. So much that I can't recall it all. Some fun things. Some busy things. A birthday or two thrown in . . . and one tragedy. A life-changing, hollow-in-your-heart tragedy. September 26 marks the day my youngest daughter lost a close, dear friend. She mourns his death, and I stand by her, not knowing exactly how to comfort her, other than telling her often that I love her and I care for her and I hurt with her. The sorrow will pass with time, but the empty place in her heart will never be filled.

I hurt when my wife or either one of my daughters hurt. It's the helplessness that gets me. Sometimes I feel like there's nothing I can do, but then I remember that life demands that you live it. No matter how much we hurt, or how sad we are at times, life goes on, and so we must go on with it. We must embrace the day, make the best of it and make it as good as we possibly can . . . for ourselves and for the ones we love.

I have two quotes to close with:

[01] Show up. Tell the truth. Do your best. Don't be attached to the outcome. -- Mrs. Warren Buffet

[02] Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Now when you criticize them, you will be a mile away, and you have their shoes. -- Anonymous