THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

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What a weekend

Our children again gave my wife the wonderful gift of time for her birthday. They came yesterday and spent the night and morning with us. I spent the afternoon cleaning up and recovering. I love playing with grandkids so much. And the 9-month-old girl is so precious and expressive she reminds me how special life is.

I could use one of those to clear my driveway of snow. Photo by Mike Hartley

My spirits are up this evening after catching up on some rest. I figure I’ll be out in the middle of the night shoveling a bit depending on how fast and much is falling.

Which reminds me if you don’t see me for a few days we may have lost power. Otherwise, I’ll be right here spitting out some snow pictures and thought of the day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • How many more lies about people murdered in plain sight will we endure before we all say STOP. Does it have to be one of our own children who is shot before we raise our voices.
  • Been a lot of years since I shoveled significant snow. And my daughter reminded me yesterday that I missed the last really big one 10 years ago because I had just finished radiation treatments for a few months. And my children dug us out.
  • I love the quiet of snow in the early morning hours before sunrise.
  • But right now, I’m enjoying some aggressive rock and roll. I’ve got to get in the right frame of mind to get through the mess of weather on the way. I’m going to be Neil Peart with a shovel.


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Keep those eyes open

I love to admire my surroundings. Above, below, side to side, in front and behind. I guess it comes from looking for images to take. I’m getting a little old to be making some of the moves I used to when younger like spinning around while walking. I should watch my step because I have seen enough results of other seniors falls.

For some reason I’m always seeing something either first or that others don’t see looking at the same thing. No my job is to take advantage of that gift and capture more if it. But the eyes can benefit you in other areas of life like safety.

It’s always good to be keenly aware of your situation and surroundings. Being really alert behind the wheel and what is around me has saved my behind countless times. Having spent a lot of time on both bikes and small cars the expectation of being scene, is not expected.

I sometimes took late night walks when I was working in downtown DC. Not your ideal place to wander around, even a block or two up from the White House. Most all the homeless were friendly and harmless. But then you would see the predators in the distance. Or there were certain streets you knew activity was best to avoid.

Reacting to sound, spun around and bingo. Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m amazed at the eyes of other photographers. A good photographer doesn’t need an exotic locale to take a good photo. It helps but making something out of nothing is also fun.

For this new year I hope to be more alert with my eyes. To look harder and more often. Plus, I need to take care of the peepers and I was a bit overdue for an eye checkup so that appointment is now scheduled.