When I used to reflect, it would depress me because of the wasted time and opportunities. Now I use it as motivation.
When I opened the bellows on that camera it reminded me of getting out of bed in the morning.
I’m going to speak to my kids about all the old cameras we have. If they aren’t interested in them, I’m thinking about clearing a few out. I’ve got a lot of stuff I need to clear out.
I don’t intend to waste any time this evening. An early meeting that just wrapped up and now it’s back to work behind the lens. And no, I won’t be using this camera below.
Random Thoughts of the Day
That pesky cough is returning.
I’m not looking forward to ChapStick season.
The most effective disease control I can think of is to remove RFK Jr from office.
I like the way Siri says No Problem when I say Thank You.
Reflecting is hard for me sometimes. Not to mention the guilt I feel for just not looking forward. So onward to the next post. Sometimes its fun painting with the camera.
A building reflected in the Western Run in Mt Washington. Photo by Mike Hartley
How do you waste the most time every day? – Now this is an excellent question from the daily writing prompt. A little self-evaluation can’t hurt.
That varies day to day I’d say. And defining waste can be hard. I’ve spent some afternoons in thoughts and ideas and felt the next day that was a waste of time because nothing panned out from it. But the next time I thought about some of those ideas I modified them or they inspired others and then work was initiated and progress was made. So was the first effort a waste?
Some might look at me later today lying in the hammock in the shade and think I’m wasting the evening away. It may be the thing my body and mind need after a busy mental and physical day after a shower and the temps cool down to unwind.
I know I sometimes spend a few too many minutes watching YouTube videos. Occasionally I find myself watching a little bit too much TV. So I guess that would be my answer.
Flood in the lobby provided this nice reflection. Photo by Mike Hartley
I love the heat, so the predicted sudden increase in temps starting Sunday does me just fine. I will spend as much time in it as I can. It might even be the first time the flip flops come out this year.
But lots of people will be scrambling inside for the AC. Some might even look for inside shade. I have found the place for you below.
From Frederick Maryland. Photo by Mike Hartley
I will have to remember I’m not a youngster when I’m out and about in the heat not to overdo it. That is one of the biggest adjustments of getting older. Retraining your mind to take it slower on many things you used to just jump through, like flights of steps. I don’t break out into a full sprint anymore without stretching a bit. Using your knees to lift or getting help with a real heavy load instead of taking it yourself. That I can’t work hard outside for 8-10 hours without taking a break.
And others like watching out for too much sun on the skin or nasty ticks. Staying off ladders and the roof as much as possible. Being careful with the power tools and on those steep hills out back.
Ah, what the hell, where are my gloves. Out I go to do battle with Mother Nature. Have a good day and I’ll try to check in later if I haven’t hurt myself and hopefully fit in a few minutes with some fun.
Random Thoughts of the Day
One would think a Supreme Court would have supreme judgment. One might be thinking wrong.
It’s good to get a hug each day. More than one is great. When it’s a long one, you hit the trifecta.
I’ve been better at carving out productive time this week.
I almost gave up on a pastel piece, but it’s starting to take shape.
I spent a wonderful evening with one of my best friends, a brother from another mother on his birthday last night.
Having more time to reflect is a nice perk. Avoiding, mistakes of the past, and taking advantage of knowledge gained along the way. Knowing the important things are love and connections. Helping enrich the lives of those close and sometimes perfect strangers.
Carroll Creek Park. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m focusing better on what I’m trying to accomplish. Inspired more each day to create and produce. I look forward to getting up each day like never before. An appreciation for all I’ve been given, in length of time and opportunities.
Reflection of the above shot. Photo by Mike Hartley
So it’s a great start to a Tuesday morning. One that I won’t waste. I don’t want to miss an interaction, a smile, a laugh, a tear, or a picture.
I must look like a child when I’m shooting, like watching a young one discover. I try to think about that when I’m photographing. I’m wandering, looking in all directions, stopping suddenly when something catches my interest or I hear a sound. I can look at something that nobody else sees anything to look at but I see a spaceship in how those branches in the tree merge. I look at the sky and see a pattern in the clouds or a bird. And down at my feet for no specific reason and, walk forward at the same time. I can park myself in a spot taking in everything around me or run forward at full speed towards the screening fire engine pulling out of the station.
Not as fast as I used to be, I didn’t catch it leaving. Photo by Mike Hartley
Random Thoughts of the Day
That bright sky this morning is hiding a deceptively cold start.
You can sleep in a recliner. But you will regret it.
I’m going to pit my smarts against a young child today. The outcome is in doubt.
Don’t you hate remembering something you needed to do a week ago and still not having the time to get to it immediately?
I caught this reflection in Annapolis, yesterday afternoon on a walk after a wonderful lunch. It couldn’t have been a better day outside by the water. I’ll post some photos of the shoot later today.
Window charging. Photo by Mike Hartley
I tried to capture a variety of things. Like some food photos from our lunch. A few reflection shots like the one above. Some nature and storefronts. Some people, boats, and whatever else crossed my gaze.
I also got one of the best shots of my better half at lunch. Even she liked it.
Random Thoughts of the Day
There are far too many weather channels.
Does all the focus on gambling turn off some sports viewers?
It’s a lot more fun walking the town of Annapolis than the treadmill.
A little rain today will not dampen my spirits in the least.
I think I’ll switch to listening to some jazz later today.
Spend a few minutes outside with that substantial breeze today and you will feel winded here in the mid-Atlantic. I had thought about some outdoor tasks but thankfully decided to stay in and do some editing. I was going back looking for some street photography and found this item I hadn’t done anything with before.
The glassworks in the window make the town street come alive. Photo by Mike Hartley
It’s a store in Annapollis Maryland showing a street reflection. I loved the store but I believe it was gone on my last visit there. Wish I could remember the name of it. I got my daughter a gift from there when shopping together so I’ll have to ask her. I’m sure her memory is better than the old mans.
I think I’ll place a greater emphasis on doing more street shooting. I might as well, I’m on a mission to visit a great number of towns in this state I haven’t been to or love visiting and shooting before.
I’m having a lazy day. I didn’t sleep all that well. The AC repairman (preventive maintenance check) came and did his thing. Got to editing a few hundred flood pictures of the 2016 Ellicott City one. Made about 70 prints. Scheduled a doctors appointment and cooked some sausages for breakfast. Worked on a car and cleaned my workroom a bit. So I haven’t been a couch potato but I just can’t feel like I’m in gear.
Maybe I should get on the treadmill and see if I can find a gear to get me moving.
Random Thoughts of the Day
I was always so acutely aware of what day of the week it was when I was working. It took 3 months and 11 days for me to lose track of them after retiring.
Going to try a new butcher shop this week.
Time to shake up this office.
I wonder how many times a day my thoughts wander to my children.
Caught a few reflections in the water while at the beach. Which caused me to reflect on a few other things.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I was reflecting on the coming Mother’s Day this month. I miss mine and think of her often. After a dozen years, it has transitioned to having more smiles at her pictures and memories of her than tears. But those still come at times. I’m overdue to pay my respects and I think I’ll remedy that this coming weekend.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Also missing my mother-in-law who only passed a few years ago. She was always so sweet to me and made time after my mother passed so much easier with her kind words and thoughts about our family. This is all part of life. I’m so glad our parents got to see our children for a few decades and be big parts of their lives.
I hope we are lucky enough to be given the same time or more with our grandchildren. That would be a wonderful gift.
While away, I reflected on why I enjoy my hobbies like photography, blogging, drawing, and painting along with some woodworking. Also why some of it was becoming a strain? And it was all about the pressure I was putting on myself to do more and be better. And while those are nice and I’ll always try to incorporate those, I’m going to let what comes naturally make due and not worry about quantity or quality. In other words, just be happy with whatever I get done. I believe the happier I am the more I’ll get done anyway.
I’m still working full time plus, doing a fair amount of chores, and trying to be a big part of my family and friends’ lives. Sometimes that leaves precious few moments to enjoy things and I feel rushed and start to feel the pressure of some of my goals like posting daily or shooting daily and throwing in some writing or once or twice a week picking up the Dremel tool or a pad and the pastels. Taking some time showed me to just relax and let the day come to me.
Well, it’s time to run already. Got to get a few hours sleep. Been up for 24 hours now and doing an early morning post is a nice change of pace and leaving me relaxed after a long night’s work. Have a good morning or whatever part of the day it is in your part of the great planet.
