Bob's Blahg

I wonder where we are going.  I wonder which road we are really on.  I wonder where we’ll end up.  I’m thankful for many, many things.  But it’s getting harder.

The harder I work; The less I seem to have.  The more behind I get.  The harder I try to catch up there is another knock at the door.  The phone rings and rings saying “Gimme Gimme”.  I’ll keep trying.  Things could be worse.

The road is long and doesn’t seem to go anywhere.  I guess I’ll just keep working hard and praying that someone gets it right.

But it sure feels like no one is listening while hard working people are losing everything they’ve worked for. I just don’t understand it.  J-O-B-S is how you spell it.  In case you’ve forgotten, Mr. President.

Peace, Love, and VOTE,

Being a “Cancer” with the Moon as my planet I was amazed at how bright it was this evening. It was almost like daylight. The trees casting shadows and all. This being the first full moon of 2010, it is also known as the wolf moon. Makes me want to howl.

There are lots of sites that tell you how to photograph our closest planet. A tripod recommended. I tinkered around with the settings on my camera and this photo was taken at ISO 250, a shutterspeed of 1/400 of a second at f/20 with a 300mm lens.

Enjoy and Happy Howling!

Peace, Love and Planets,

Ever stand on a beach and look out over the ocean and try to fathom how really, really large it is?

But alas, I’m usually too busy watching the sun sink down to the other side of the world making it morning somewhere else and also thinking “Panama” is out there somewhere.  I more or less grew up there.  But that’s another blog.

Looking off the balcony and watching people on the beach I began to realize how kind of small we really are compared to things. I closed my eyes with the sea breeze blowing across my face listenting to the waves and drifted off in to a really nice nap.

Peace, Love, and Sunsets,

Living in and around the city these days I don’t see alot of trains. I don’t know what it is about railroad tracks that conjurs up emotions of travel, mystery about where they go, and alot I cannot really explain. I remember stories of the homeless, and hobos that ride the rails – are they extinct? Are there any hobos left that ride the rails from town to town?

I look at train tracks and think of hobos and travel. If there are any hobos left I envy them their freedom. Bills? Work? Stress? The IRS and just living paycheck to paycheck. I don’t know. Just one of those things.

I look at train tracks and watch them stretch out all the way to where the sky almost touches them. The shiny top of the rails worn smooth as chrome reflecting almost like a mirror. Yet I don’t see the beast that rolls on them very often.

Yet, when I do happen to see a train it almost inspires excitement. How long? How many cars? And to watch the cars go by and see the grafitti from around the nation plastered on the side of the railroad cars announcing “We’re Here!”. It’s awesome. I hope they never wash or paint the railroad cars because I think it’s an art form unto itself.

I didn’t see alot of graffiti today. Alot of newer looking cars. It was almost awesome to stand next to a fast moving train while it rolls by oblivious to your existance. The noise from the wheels on the tracks and the wind generated by the fast moving cars. The power. Unstoppable.

I had a good time wandering around shooting pictures and just plain thinking. Mostly about when things were a little less complicated. Wishing it were just as simple as hopping a train and finding adventure somewhere else. But alas, I have to get work now. I do love my job and cannot complain. But trains take me back to a simpler time.

Peace, Love, and Blue Rails,

I love aircraft and airports. I love flying. I love watching them. Almost like watching birds just twice as noisey.  I like trucks also – but I have to tell you I have a TON of respect for anyone that can guide a 747 around a taxiway.

Technology is amazing. How something that big can even fly. I sat and watched the hussle and bussle for quite awhile. 

At DFW Founder’s Plaza people come to plane spot, take their kids to watch airplanes, hang out, and listen to Air Traffice Control.  I had a great day picking up my nephew and stopping by Founders Plaza and watching the comings and goings.

The aircraft seemed to be mostly American Airlines (After all, Dallas is their major hub), but occasionally you’d catch a Mexicana Airbus or other airline from around the world.

I wish I could have stayed there much longer. Next time I have the gas and time I may just spend a whole day there just to see what I can see.

It may seem boring to most. But I’ve always dremt of flying. Someday I will. I’m still saving to try and get a private pilot’s license.

Peace, Love, and Blue Skies,

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas – Especially the soldiers stationed around the world away from their families. God bless you for serving. God bless your families for enduring and the sacrifices you all make defending freedom around the world.

Merry Christmas everyone and God Bless You.

Peace, Love, and Reverence,

Austin is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever taken pictures in. The people, the music, the culture. I love everything about Austin. I just thought I’d share a couple photographs with you.

The sun was bouncing off the skyline like a blow torch and lighting the water. It was beautiful to watch on this cold, sunny, winter day.

Peace, Love, and Keep Austin Weird,

I love dragonflies. There are so many varieties and they are so photogenic. They also eat alot of mosquitos.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

There are 5,000 different species of Dragonfly (Odonata)  with 450 different species in North America and a good website to visit regarding dragonflies would be the Digital Dragonfly Museum

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

Dragonflies and damselflies are fun to watch (If you like bugs I guess) and I know people who collect them. I mean, some folks have everything cat everywhere and some collect everything elephant – and some collect dragonflies.  Pictures, coffee mugs, placemats, T-shirts.  Interesting decorating idea.

Me? I take photographs of everything so I guess I’ll move on down the trail and see what I can see.

Peace, Love, and Happy Hiking,

I love hiking. One of these days I think I’ll go off the beaten path to see what I can find. Maybe that’ll shake the mood I’m in.

I really do hope things start to look up with the economy and all. I’m really dying to get a pilot’s license. That is one goal I have set for myself. The other one being getting an aircraft that is open air like this one so I can feel the breeze on my face. How cool would that be?

Peace, Love, and Fields of Dreams,

I love living near our municipal airport here in Georgetown, Texas. I get to see some interesting sights. Actually, interesting aircraft.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

I have become a fan of Aluminum Overcast. A flying piece of history in the form of a B-17G with four 1,200 hp radial engines that sounds like a thousand Harley Davidson’s thundering down the road when she flies over.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

You can actually take a flight on this wonderful piece of history or you can take a tour of the aircraft. The most information can be found at the official website http://www.b17.org

 
Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

Check out their website and appearance schedule and take a flight on a piece of history. Learn what it was like for the men of WWII. Quite an awe inspiring experience. I have other photographs on my facebook page as well (Aircraft Photos).Thank you for stopping by and God Bless.

Peace, Love, and Happy Flying,

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Veterans Day. Thank you to all who are serving around the world and who have served in the past.

I wanted to share my friends blog with you who is an excellent photographer and friend. Please visit the blog of Cricket Walker for some excellent photographs for veterans.

Peace, Love, and Happy Veterans Day,

I love water. Reflections. Watching it flow. Hearing it trickle, or even roar.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

Rivers are like life. Flowing smoothly reflecting everything around it. Enjoying the sunshine and good times.

Then it flows faster and the next thing you know you’ve fallen on hard times. Unemployment. Bill Collectors. And haveing to explain to little Bobby why he can’t have that $60.00 XBox game and that Christmas is going to be thin this year.

 
Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

Well, there are smoother times ahead. Another job. Things will be caught up and you’ll move ahead in to better opportunities.

Peace, Love, and Moving On,

I’ve recently encountered a sort of road block when it comes to naming or titling my photographs. I’ve seen exotic names for some quite excellent pieces but when it comes to titling my own work I find myself, well, hindered somewhat.

Image Copyright © Barrett Photo Art

Take this photograph for example. I stewed over what to call it for quite some time before calling it “Contemplation”.

One reason to call it “Contemplation” is because I spent a lot of time contemplating what to call it. The other reason is because it appears that there was flooding (tangled roots around both the tree and the chair) and they are both contemplating what they are doing there. Secondly, is a great place to go and sit and listen to the wind and contemplate, well…stuff.

They say that the title of the piece is as important as the piece itself. I agree. But for now I think I’ll just take my time and enjoy taking photographs and worry what to name them later. Any thoughts?

Peace, Love, and What’s in a Name,

I love mornings. The smell of coffee. Getting up a little bit early to sort of slowly wind up the day (versus jumping up and racing out the door).

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

I also like the wind in my face and the sound of surf. It makes me realize that I really do need more quiet in my life. Alas, those days are coming. The days when I can just walk down the boardwalk to the beach and enjoy the quiet. I think I want to retire someplace tropical. I’m just dreamin’.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

Peace, Love, and Quiet Time,

The first annual Georgetown Art in the Square was one of the most awesome free events I’ve ever been to and was held October 17th and 18th.  The Square was transformed in to an outdoor art gallery with over 150 artists and craftsman of every variety.

Sponsored by the City of Georgetown, New York Times, HEB, and the Arts and Culture Board the event was 2 days of arts and culture that was absolutely amazing.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

Alexis Silk displays her wonderful sculptures at the Art in the Square event in Georgetown, Texas. Alexis works in metal and glass and has studied under glass masters Pino Signoretto, Richard Royal and Boyd Sugiki. Visit the website at http://www.nogasilkartglass.com/ to see some really fine work.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

Sugarpost/Fred Conlon had some absolutely amazing and entertaining metal sculptures. This 6 foot tall skeleton rock star actually had flames that shot out of his guitar neck. Fred hails from Salt Lake City, Utah and you can visit their site at http://www.sugarpost.com to see some very original and entertaining pieces.  My favorite was the metal bugs carrying off the lawn gnome.

There was just so much art at the show it defies imagination. Paintings, sculptures, metal and wood work, Silk painting, and a huge list much too large to cover here. You simply have to come to Georgetown for the next Art in the Square event hopefully next mid October. I’ll try and keep ya’ll updated on my fair little city.

Peace, Love, and Be Creative,

My grandson has absolutely no fear of water and will dive in if not watched. My other grandson was terrified of water at first and didn’t get use to it until 5 or so.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art.

I remember the ocean scaring me to death. Hunter here just walks right in – splashes – dumps water on his head and laughs. He’s amazed by it. Hand him a garden hose and he’s fine. They grow so fast and so much to enjoy. Hug your kids today – they grow up very fast and then they’ll be gone tomorrow (hopefully *wink*).

Peace, Love, and Swimming Hole,

I took a photograph of mine to be printed and l learned a new trick. It seems I’ve always used “Sharpen” or “Unsharp Mask” when I wanted to clear some of my photographs up. Then I was introduced to the High Pass Filter. (Ahhh..so THAT’s what it does!)

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

In photoshop – you make a duplicate of your original layer.  Then select “Filter, Other, High Pass.”

You do not want to go overboard on this – a couple of pixels is fine.  Click “OK” then you set your layer properties to “Overlay”.  This really brings out some detail.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

There are TONS of photoshop tutorials on the internet – you can virtually teach yourself anything to tell you the truth.

The photograph is of the( finally)  running water in the San Gabriel River around the Blue Hole area in Georgetown, Texas. Enjoy and thanks for visiting.

Peace, Love, and Hope the Drought Gets Over,

Do not concern yourself with the questions, “What is art?” or “Who is an artist?” Everything is art. If what you see and do comes from your heart, you are an artist. – Anonymous

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

Simple quote that inspires me to look around and take photographs that make me feel good.

Peace, Love, and Snap Away,

Georgetown Texas Market Days went very well today with booths consisting of clothing, artwork, leather goods, handicrafts and lots of wonderful things.

Cher’s Creations from Round Rock features hand made custom wreaths and floral arrangements with no two being alike.
Silver Mallet Productions has hand tooled leather goods such as wallets, belts, and a whole score of other items.

Today’s Market Days had the theme of “In the Pink” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. The next Market will be November 14th, “A Season of Giving”.
This will be perfect for early holiday shopping with all sorts of wonderful gift ideas.

Market Days is located on the square in downtown Georgetown, Texas. Not only do they have wonderfully unique vendors set up around the square but the square in Georgetown has very unique shops for everyone to enjoy making for a very relaxing and fun shopping experience.

Representatives from community organizations such as the American Legion were also on hand. BJ MacMillan, Dick Miller, Jean and Bill Brownlow and Marion Pierson were on hand enjoying music from Randall. The American Legion was chartered in 1919 by Congress as a patriotic, war-time veterans organization and has since grown to be the nation’s largest wartime organization founded on the values, contributions and sacrifices of those who answered the country’s call to arms. A valuable asset to veterans and the Georgetown community.

The Georgetown Fire Department was on hand thrilling the kids with tours of a fire truck and the Georgetown Fire Department Pipes and Drums folks played some bag pipes and made some wonderful music.

It was a wonderful day browsing the vendors and the shops on the square. The kettle corn and Gyros Veggie wraps and the wonderful people that make this happen. Hope to see you all November 14th 9:00a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for the next market days!

Peace, Love and Christmas Come Early Shopping,

Photographs Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

I love photography and it is a huge part of how I keep my sanity in these troubled times.

Image Copyright © 2009, Barrett Photo Art

These seagulls all have one thing in common. They all the want the piece of bread I have in my hand. (I know – I conned them in to a photo op). Such is what I’m finding in the job market. There are now more people than ever competeting for that same piece of bread than ever before and I’m becoming frustrated.

It’s frustrating that with all the talk of job creation and “stimulous’  that WALL STREET seems to be the only one making a recovery and they are reporting that unemployment is going to get WORSE.  That doesn’t seem to be what I remember being promised.  

Nuff Said – back to job hunting.

Peace, Love, and We’ll Make it After the Next Election,