I can’t believe the holiday weekend is coming to a close. Oh whats that, another one on its heals? Yeah, I can handle that. For we all have a front row seat coming for the New Year. What will each of us make of it? I know I’m going to push myself and get some positive results in both my health and hobbies. I’m going to try to be more generous with both my time and money for people in need. I’m going to try to make this the year I stop sweating the small stuff. I’m going to increase time with family and friends.

Front row seats to the nice weather.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I like this blog because it helps me chart how I’m doing along the year. If I’m positive and happy. If I’m healthy and doing things. If I’m active in my shooting and writing. Those are good things and they will show the increase in activity and growth in skills. So off I go to make the best of the rest of 2015. For there are 4 more days to plan and reflect, and get my behind in gear.

As with any Sunday there are responsibilities. And yesterdays was going to visit my mother in-law at the hospital. That was nice to see her doing better. I know she longs to be back in her Howard County home. And going to Sunday service at St Paul’s. But its going to be some more days of rest and rehab before that happens. I wish I felt better when going to visit her. Today I felt like if I didn’t leave they might just admit me again. Wasn’t one of my better days health wise, but hopefully we are on the verge of turning a corner.

Development out of control:

What upset me the other day was when I noticed the property that runs from Bethany Lane to the Bethany Firehouse along Route 99 had a sold signs on it. Shoot they just cleared the woods across from Mt Hebron to build a new development. The pace of development in this county is unyielding and I feel it’s crossed a tipping point. Yeah its an affluent county. But the roads are already filled. How many more stores and strip malls and burger/pizza joints along with the cars and people do we want?

Early in my life I grew up in the southern part of the county. It was fairly rural. Living the last 3 decades in the northern part of the county it was also country living for the most part. But progress seems to be finding every square inch of this county and clearing and developing it into something.

Oh, I forgot that huge track of land with luxury homes going up off Route 99 just east of where Route 29 meets 99. Between Route 99 and it looks like it stretches out to Route 70 on its northern border. Amazing that nobody seems to be asking the question of when enough is enough? Then again maybe I’m just not involved enough? I don’t know about the rest of the residents here, but I’m tired of sitting in my car in traffic.

Yeah, I’ve been around long enough to know its all about the money. But as a resident I’m not seeing any of it and I’m dealing with the pain in the ass it has become. So maybe I’ll get motivated and add my voice to what must be more than a few others. For I know I went to school with our county executive Alan Kittleman and I’ll threaten to block his deadly set shot in basketball again if he doesn’t listen to me. Just kidding, plus he had a quick release and I’ve probably slowed down since then. But I do know he is a smart individual who might just listen to a good argument. So what the hell, why not get involved at another level. I’ve always voted. Why not let them hear my voice in another way also.

Obligatory cute pet photo:

Where is my milk and what is for dinner?
Photo by Mike Hartley

No purpose for this photo except it’s of a pet I miss very much and one that has many good caption opportunities. She was a pistol. She was the love of my daughter. She was a lot of company to me in her final years. I’m so glad my children have their own pets now. I can see the love and happiness they bring each other.

Being my better half and I are not in agreement with a new pet, I think I might start stopping by the animal shelter and dropping a few $$ off, then play and photograph some of the animals there. Might do us both good. Maybe I can find some of them a good home.

I get a lot of enjoyment out of pets but they are a tremendous responsibility. One that seems to very dramatically depending on the owner unfortunately. Yes they are animals and some people go overboard the other way but abuse of anything is wrong.

So here is to all pet owners who take great pride and joy in treating their pets like members of the family and giving them the same love and care any family member gets. I salute you. Just don’t expect answers when you’re talking to them.

Some thoughts on my photography:

By rough count I have posted a bit over 900 images of mine this year, on this blog. I know, quantity doesn’t make up for quality. Well I’m going into 2016 hoping to improve on both. While I was pleased with lots of the images, some were from older shoots. So that tells me to get my behind out the door and shoot more this coming year. A lot more. The only way to improve is with practice and boy do I need it. I’m still learning the tool (Nikon D7100) I got last year.

This year I followed a photographer in Frederick MD who did a site called A Year on Market Street. It has inspired me to get out and try to do a few shots in the county every day. That is one hell of a goal from a physical standpoint alone. But I like the challenge it presents. I thought the county might be a bit small for a project like that. But as I explored the county this year a bit and saw a great number of things to bring to light I realized I could do it for years and not even scratch the surface of it. I thought back to the days I worked with a number of photographers at the Times/Flier newspapers. First Stromberg and then Patuxent Publishing for 21 years. These guys were great shooters. They found new ways and angles and perspectives and treatments to take the same locations and make them look new. They found new ways of capturing life. They were amazing to watch and give me hope I might do something similar.

Variety is the spice of life. I enjoy shooting many things and I feel I tried to expand my abilities this year in several ways. I’ve shot more people, but really need to do more in that area. I enjoy landscapes and architecture. But I’ll try to expand my abilities and diversity in shooting as to not bore myself or followers. I’m trying to find ways to make ordinary things look unique. I’m working on my cropping and angles. I will invest in Lightroom or Photoshop and try not to get lost in those tools because my joy is taking and sharing the images and words.

Speaking of words, I’ve used to many here already so I’ll shut up and go get some more images to go along with all the grey copy.

Have a great day.

So you’re looking for a white Christmas. Well I just went outside (my only way to get reliable weather) and it’s in the mid 60’s. I think that is a ways from the temps, that would allow snow. Let me see, this is the 3rd day of winter correct? No problem, my gut tells me it’s coming. The wildlife still think its coming. The coat in my closet is at attention. The car is checking its undercoat. I see trucks at the ready at the salt dome.

Nope, no snow here.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I look to the sky. But there is nary a flake. But I guess winter is coming? Could it be one of those years were we just get a dusting of snow and its generally mild? Could it be a record warm winter? If you look at the weather map our country one divided into extremes. Sort of like our political process.

Would this guy be wise to come in now or stay out another week or two?
Photo by Mike Hartley

But lo and behold, mother nature helps me out and when I look up I see she has provided a white blanket of wings. Just like snowflakes they come in all shapes and sizes.

Having a bad hair day in that weather.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So no matter if the weather isn’t cooperating. You can still find white in the sky and ground if you’re looking for it. A white that only mother nature can put on the canvas.

Landing on waterway 3.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So don’t fret. The real white out is coming. These guys are just a tease.

Putting your neck out there.
Photo by Mike Hartley

While I like a White Christmas as well as anyone, it doesn’t disappoint me not having to shovel or drive or find even more limited parking in snow before Christmas. Of course this torrential rain we are having doesn’t make it a paradise with the nice temps.

So here is a toast to the upcoming snowstorms where we can work remotely from home, and I can sneak out and play in the snow. Come on Mother Nature.

Thankful for my wonderful family and friends. Fondly remembering my family and friends no longer with us. Thinking about new and old traditions. Hopeful that families are together. Grateful to those who protect us around the world and locally. Glad to have the opportunity to share my rewards. Wrapping gifts till wee hours of the morning. The house smells with the many foods being prepared. I didn’t get a chance to shop like I normally do, but I still did fairly well. I should get to church but not sure I will.

I started off this season saying happy holidays, seasons greetings. You know, non descriptive bull. The last few days though I’ve switched to Merry Christmas. That is what I celebrate. I have no problem with someone saying back to me “and a happy Hanukkah or happy Kwanzaa or anything that they celebrate. I’m glad people celebrate any holiday that is important to them and I respect that and the name of that holiday.

Put that mouse down, the cat needs something to play with.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So if anyone has a problem with me expressing a specific greeting about a coming holiday, get a life.

Random Thoughts for Thursday December 24th 2015

• Can you believe the Redskins could win the division?
• Wow, I will always miss my Moms hug on Christmas.
• I think this movie on NFL and concussions is going to have a profound effect on the game.
• I found more people in good spirits out this year. I also saw more sharing than previous holidays. Maybe I was just lucky.
• Those who wish for snow should look at pictures they took over the last decade of all the big snows we had and shoveling we did and thank mother nature for the break.
• Goals for Friday – Shoot some photos of family Christmas time. Eat well, watch basketball and share time with family and friends. And hopefully a nap or two in between activities.
• Merry Christmas everyone.

Wish I could just go grab a board like this guy and relax. And I wish it were summer instead of the second day of winter. Well I don’t surf, but relax I can do in a number of ways. After this Friday and the festivities have passed, I’m going to take everyone’s advice and relax, slow down and sleep right, while I’m on vacation.

Yeah, maybe I’m optimistic, but they say Xmas day it could be in the 60’s.
Photo by Mike Hartley

But you know what I see when I think about resting? Yep, that I’m wasting precious time that I can’t get back. And believe me, all time is precious if you think about it correctly. And sleeping or resting while awake is very alien to me now and has been for some time. I’ve never kept that proper balance of work and rest and that may be partially the reason I have some health issues.

Working night shifts, working swing shifts and multiple shifts or even day shifts with killer overtime hours has been my way of life for decades. I’m proud of my work ethic but the price could be high. So that is something that deserves some more thought because wisdom is important to pass on to ones children. It’s a good question to ask and think about. What do you put into work to provide the best for your family at what cost to yourself down the road? For if you swim with the big boys, you might get bit.

Ssh, shhsssh, sissss, schisssss, SHARKKKKK
Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts for Wednesday December 23rd 2015

• If you want to be amazed, get in your car and try to go someplace today and tomorrow.
• My Mother in-law had an accident recently. It made me aware also that when I say a prayer for a parent, it takes my full attention and thought, as well as an extra moment of reflection. Because we all are in most cases a fair reflection of our parents.
• I’m going to take part of next weeks vacation to plan out all the wonderful things and places that I want to see and do with my better half for the coming year. And yes I’m going to add movies to the list. I never take her and she loves going to them. So I work to change that.
• I like space heaters.  Especially when they aren’t needed in the middle of winter. Gracias El Nino. Hope I don’t regret that sarcasm.
• Objectives for Thursday, finish shopping, see someone important in the hospital, wrap gifts. Sleep

Don’t know when, but someday soon I’m going to be going with the tide and not against it. In some ways this has been a very good year because I can always find the good in things. But most of it has been a physical struggle and after a while that takes a metal toll on you. So I must refresh that part again and again. Set myself goals and work as best I can each day towards them. Just keep coming back, just keep plugging away.

Against the Surf
Photo by Mike Hartley

As I look back at my monthly flow chart it mimics my effort and participation. Which is kind of a nice thing to know, because once I get something sustained here it will be strong. And while medical time has really cut into my effort and abilities at times in 2015 that barrier will be out-of-the-way for 2016. And if it doesn’t I’m preparing myself for those times in advance so consistency is achieved here.

And no matter it taught me a valuable lesson. If I’m going to do this daily I have to devote more time to it and the associated crafts. I look forward to that actually because when I’m away from it I don’t feel like I’m challenging myself in the things that make me happy. Yeah the job has plenty of challenges. Making it to and from the job without being killed is a daily challenge. And of course families have challenges. And as the head of this family I will never shy away from those.

Who said fisherman can’t walk on water?
Photo by Mike Hartley

So while most days I feel like I start out fishing on the beach and solid land. Then in a blink of an eye, I’m so far off shore surrounded by water, without a boat. I know now the water will rise and retreat violently at times. I know some days I won’t be able to swim and will need a boat ready. I know I have to think smart, to execute all these wonderful ideas in my head and on my list of things to do because there is no time like the present. I need to whip up the courage to dial it up a bit to see if I can truly live up to this amateur photographer tag.

I’d write more but I have to start Christmas shopping today.

Keep that flame going.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Learning is a unique experience in life. I’ve taught and I’ve been taught. No I’m not a teacher but in my jobs I have done a gazillion hours of training. And by reactions and abilities gained  from it by others, I think its been successful. I have found sharing my knowledge very enjoyable and I learned a lot about people doing it.

I was also fortunate in my youth to have the General Manager of the company I worked for say to me, “Mike you need to share the knowledge and expertise you have with others and then learn to let go of that responsibility because you have trained them well to be able to move on to the next challenge for yourself and the new knowledge that comes along with that.”

I see that special passion to teach in two of my family members. My daughter and daughter in-law. I love listening to them and the things they come up with to engage the children and raise that bar. To make kids think on their own. To excite them about what they are being taught. To do it in a way that really holds their interest and makes it learned knowledge bit also makes them thirst for more. But I also hear them teaching a lot of people skills. Kids learn in school mainly how to interact with others and learn about friendships, respect, rules and communication among many other skills. I marvel at the profession of teaching.

But in regards to being taught. I’m a slow learner. I have to read things a few times to understand or execute them repeatedly to feel comfortable. And that is sometimes stressful in group situations. Sometimes I feel I’m better figuring things out on my own. I do find it more relaxing. But then again I have learned many great things from watching, listening and learning from many masters in the industry. But after I have something I usually have a very good memory of it and can recall easily.

But as age starts to creep into my portfolio, I find that remembering things is getting more difficult. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still very good at it and far better than average. (My better half’s opinion is not valid in this discussion)

To me it can keep you young if you exercise your mind. I hope to never stop learning. I need it as a crutch to keep positive at times lately. It’s easy to forget about challenging yourself when not at the top of your game and your mind is busy with other important task also. But its worth the effort to always return to it. For it does give me joy and I think the more you learn and share the more full you’re life is.

Wondering if this (sweatshop free) is true for all businesses? Probably not, just because there are rules doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. I worked a few early jobs that felt like it at times. And I’m not insinuating in any way that American Apparel is not true to the words on their windows. And being they are so bold about it and in an industry wracked with that injustice then I APPLAUD them. Just making an overall observation about life. See what doing some simple street photography spurs. All these radical thoughts and innuendo.

Storefront in Silver Spring Maryland
Photo by Mike Hartley

I tell you what I do believe about Made in the USA. I think the American worker feels less respected, less appreciated, more overworked and overstressed  than anytime in the last 30 years. I think the line has been crossed where owners and management now reflect our society in worth. The people at the top are taking all the profits. They people in the middle have become poorer through pay not keeping pace with cost of living, benefits being cut and job security at an all time low. Not to mention the unfortunate folks at the bottom who have been hit even harder.

And someday someone will ask the question. “What does this country really MAKE anymore?”

Random Thoughts for Saturday December 12th 2015

• I think I need to make an effort to be more a giving person each day.
• I’m glad most doctors don’t work weekends. I get enough of them on weekdays.
• Felt good to do some shooting. I’m working on my to get that camera in my hands each day.
• I’m fine with temps in the 60’s in December.
• Nothing like a good dinner with friends to kick off the weekend.
• And in an effort to recognize something from a giving person. Thanks to one of my best friends for giving me and my son his tickets for this afternoons Maryland game. Thank you again.
• A persons beauty can make their physical environment around them look better also.

Challenges are many. Energy to deal with everything at once is running on fumes. Those around me are also running low because they have taken on more for me. The days come and go too fast. They are filled with work, travel, doctors and chores. The time to enjoy life is limited. But the spirit is good and therefore will overcome this lack of energy.

I know they are trying to spell something.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I actually started photographing again yesterday. I wrote a while and thought of some new ideas for carving projects. Got a list of new bits needed for the stone carving. But most of all I feel excited again about creating and moving ahead with this blog and many other projects. I’ve got a few more weeks of tough sledding ahead but I see a finish line. And like the birds above I have a destination, a goal and I break it down into each days task and lo and behold, its doable.

But right now I feel like this leaf that appeared on my deck this past weekend. Every other leave has been dead for weeks, most are mulch already and this guy must have just fallen off the tree recently. It reminded me to be strong as long as you can. It looks like how I feel. The outward body is whole, I’m still soaking up the sun each day. The central heart and circulation system is good. But the edges are starting to bend and fray.

Just a leaf on my deck.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts for Wednesday December 9th 2015

• I’m still amazed at what people will do and think they are successful.
• When your sick you can learn a lot about yourself.
• Work at something where your feel your worth is appreciated.
• I like the environment at teaching hospitals.
• One feels as well as the mind will let it.
• I missed posting on December 7th. That will always be an important day to me because of my families involvement in that era and war. My father and uncle were in the Navy. Uncle Frank was on the West Virginia at Pearl Harbor and uncle Bob flew B-17s over Europe. Dad was on a destroyer in the Pacific. I thank them and other service members for the freedoms you have provided me an my family.
• My goal of working on this blog each day is done but posting something each day is far from perfect. Once I get a bit of health back, things will change for the better I feel.
• I enjoy driving, but living the Baltimore/Washington area has taken much of that away unless its 4am Sunday morning. You can really discover some of the beautiful highways we have at that time and the wonderful engineering if you have a nice vehicle.