Looking over this area the last 30 years gives me a calm from the madness. As soon as I pull out of my neighborhood I get this view to my left. I should have been taking a photo of this view every day of the year as I did this morning. It’s a beautiful view. It changes often with the field in the foreground. There is often wildlife out there. There is sometimes work being done on the field. There are people sitting at the snowball stand where I shot this from cooling off from the hot summer sun looking over this view.

I love this view. I always spend a lot of time looking that direction and holding that image as I think about the drive I take to DC for work. I try to hold the calm it provides. Not always successful in that but I try. I think I’ll do more with this angle over the year. That’s if this old guy writes it down so I don’t forget.

You know I used to think that stating goals out loud helped me keep to them. Well the truth is that doesn’t work. Doing something each day does. A fact I keep forgetting and letting inaction become my action. I thought about this in working on this blog. I didn’t want to overwhelm possible followers. I didn’t want to bore with my writing that might not be up to snuff. I didn’t want to post average or below average images. I know I’m not organized or a good designer so the thoughts and presentation aren’t up to par.

I worry about all these things and stop creating. A constant fight I need to overcome. Well maybe it is average work at best but at least I’m going to keep plugging away trying to get better for the time being. Because the beauty around me needs to be captured and the thoughts I have might help someone in addition to myself.

I also took my old (and I mean old) Kodak out this morning because I had my long lens on the Nikon. Still takes an acceptable image for a 8 mp camera from 2007.

Not the best in low light but I like capturing hard-working people. And anyone shoveling or salting is working hard. I know what the business end of a snow shovel feels like after decades of practice.

Just trying some contrast shots with the snow. I really have to get over my phobia about winter and get out and shoot more during the season. As I look back I did do much better than the past this year but could still improve a ton.

As I stood there taking this shot I was reminded again to get to my parents grave site and pay my respects soon.

Another quiet spot I stood for a few minutes. Just admiring the sound of water. Both falling from the sky and branches and the stream.

Well, enough from the old digital camera. Back to chores and more shooting this afternoon.