THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: thoughts


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Coming around the bend

The weekend took more out of me than I thought. Because I didn’t make it past the pregame show for the MNF game. I never sleep all that well when I’m away from home and even though it was just a few days that was enough to throw me off.

Monday was a special day, and I want to digest it before I share the great visit I had in a post later today.

Like this Camaro I’m coming to the junction of the fun of shooting the car show this past weekend, and the task of editing 500+ shots and the effort. A labor of love.

A classic black and silver Chevrolet Camaro SS parked near a waterfront, with a person standing in the background.
BigBlock Camaro in Ocean City MD. Photo by Mike Hartley

A task that is both fun and challenging due to the volume. Funny thing is that I wish I had doubled my shooting. But I have that feeling every time I go out and raise the camera, and I hope I never lose it.

Most of the cars at this show were more straight-line monsters. And while there are few feelings like being pinned against the seat as one of these feats of engineering roars off the starting line and down 1320 feet. That’s the quarter mile race for those of you who aren’t car nuts.

Life isn’t a straight line. It’s filled with many twists and turns. Too often I’ve gone through life where twists and turns present a chance for new opportunities or time to ask yourself important questions and look at direction choices and I’ve missed them. Everyone probably has at least one or two.

In some ways life is easy. It teaches you many lessons along the way. The question is do you want to live life learning the same ones over and over again or do you want to move onto the next one.

I’m hardheaded and had to repeat a few over time. Thankfully wisdom comes and progress is made.

So, what I’m learning finally is how to be comfortable and happy with myself and what I accomplish each day.

Random Thoughts of the Morning

  • It felt good to positively touch someone close to us that needed it this past weekend.
  • Music is a huge part of my life. It’s like my daily surfing time for my mind and inspiration. And sometimes sadness.
  • This office needs a good cleaning and organizing.
  • The excitement on my granddaughter’s face when she saw me last night is still a nice feeling this morning.


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Chilly start, nice finish

That chill makes for some good sleep. Haven’t used a blanket in a while. 40 degrees out this morning was too cold for this early in October. My instinct is to start to prepare for hibernation. Must be the bear in me. An instinct I have to fight against all winter long.

So, I got extra busy to warm up the basement and get the day off to a good start. A few posts here, some exercise and off to a doctor’s appointment and back home. Funny timing my best friend was at the doctor’s also this morning.

The day is filled with opportunities. I’ve made use of a few already. Had time to drop off my vote, hit the pharmacy and capture a few new images.

Close-up of a stone bridge with overgrown plants and flowers along the archway.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Back at my favorite town, Ellicott City.

A person fishing in a river, wearing waders and a hat, standing on a rocky riverbed surrounded by trees.
A person in fishing waders standing in a shallow stream, wearing a straw hat and blue shirt, casting a fishing line while surrounded by rocks and greenery.

Photos by Mike Hartley

Nice day for waders.

Blue three-dimensional letters spelling 'OEC' surrounded by pumpkins and straw.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Tis the season.

A skeleton sitting on the roof of a car with a church steeple in the background on a sunny day.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I should get one of these. Maybe people would tailgate me less.

A male mallard duck swimming in clear water near rocks.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I’m going with the flow this week like this guy.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Lzzy Hale reminds me of Janis Joplin. I saw her cover an old Bad Company tune and it was incredible.
  • We could be only a few weeks away from civil war. Don’t underestimate his desire to stay in total control.
  • Looks like I could overdose on baseball today.


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Flying Start

The blue skies have returned to central Maryland today and I’m loving it. Light lifts my spirits. So do these warming temps and breeze. It’s going to take a bit to dry out but were on the way.

Colorful kites of various shapes and sizes flying against a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Kites off Ocean City beach. Photo by Mike Hartley

One second, I feel the need to get a lot accomplished today. The next minute I’m fine with whatever I get done today. Now that is what I call balance.

To be in great spirits on a Monday morning is pretty much par for the course now. I’m trying to decide what hats I want to wear today. I was thinking about cooking being my better half has been doing all of it lately. But I think we might have dinner out. I’m going to put on my painter hat later, along with my photographer cap.

But I’m starting to get the itch for a real hat and wearing more than just the floppy beach hat or baseball caps.

Tomorrow is landscaping hat day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • It’s funny what you develop attachments to, over time.
  • I feel like I’m always calling in a prescription. Why can’t they just give me a year’s supply?
  • The leaves are changing too fast already.
  • Don’t hesitate to share it, nobody will see the greatness if it’s left in your drafts folder.
  • I should trim my beard before I’m mistaken for a member of ZZ TOP.
  • Could be less than a month till Civil War.


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Brightness

There wasn’t a hint of sunshine yesterday. Clouds and near constant rainfall. I missed that orange object in the sky. And then I came across this image when looking for something else from this shoot in Annapolis and was pleased again. It feels like late November instead of late September here in the Mid-Atlantic.

Close-up of a bright orange Harley-Davidson motorcycle with chrome details and the iconic logo visible on the fuel tank.

A day without sunshine leaves me feeling incomplete. And tired also. As my better half reminded me, this is prime sleeping weather. Hopefully a hint of sunshine on Tuesday to revive me and others.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • A good day to fill out my voting form and submit that.
  • Played with my grandchildren this morning. Nice start to the day.
  • The neighborhood is under construction. They are trying to rehab a home that should be torn down. Even the guy who bought it said it would have to be demolished and a new one built. I wonder what changed his mind.
  • My doctor believes in vaccines and therefore I got mine this morning for Covid and flu. It puzzles me how people start thinking they are smarter than doctors.


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Strutting

I’m strutting tonight. I was fortunate enough to catch a nap this afternoon, so the batteries are recharged and fuel (dinner) was just had so I’ll be high stepping this evening.

A great egret standing in tall grass and reeds, surrounded by green foliage.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Funny that a video of Angus Young of AC/DC duck walking just came on for added inspiration. I didn’t know where I was going when I started this post and found this picture of mine, I hadn’t used yet. It’s my signal to get to work tonight and make some progress.

The sense of urgency is upon me. Not sure where it’s coming from. Could just be the excitement of opportunity to create and share. Or it could be the volume of years already passed that provides motivation. Probably a mixture of both.

It could be the fact I did more shooting last week than I had done in previous weeks. And that felt great. Not that I got that many winners, I was just noticing more opportunities and thinking more. It’s feeling really natural to have that camera up to my eyes again.

Maybe it was the progress I made on my gallery of latest example of textures that I’ve been making 8×10 prints of and about to turn the corner on covering another wall.

Progress, it feels good. I was going to watch some Monday night football, but I think I’ll keep working. And if I do catch some of the game I’ll get on the treadmill and lift some light weights.

I used to dread Monday’s, now I find it to be one of the more productive days of the week. It would be a shame if all this good feeling was due to the haircut I got first thing in the morning.

Random Thoughts of the Evening

  • Gambling must be getting out of hand due to the number of commercials I see and hear for it. Someone is making bank and it’s not the people placing the bets, most of the time.
  • I like songs that teleport me to good times in the past. An old Led Zeppelin tune just started playing and off I went.
  • Growing up too fast as a kid is not a good start.
  • If the weight of the world is on your shoulders, sit it down and push it for a while.


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Monday Motorcycle

Found a classic style on Main Street this past weekend. Won’t be many more weeks of riding weather. I have ridden all year round once in my life. And I’m glad that was only needed once in my life.

This is a beautiful Triumph Bonneville. I like how they maintained that older styling in their newer bikes.

A black and red Triumph motorcycle parked alongside a gray Nissan vehicle on a city street.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I still miss riding somedays. Especially when I see a bike I like.  Or hear a group of Harley’s rumbling through. Time is running out fast to scratch that itch again. But that is okay, I got some seat time in my past years.

A line of motorcycles and trikes riding through a small town street, with historic buildings and power lines in the background.
Main Street EC. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Morning

  • I hope to get out and back before the rains this morning.
  • Taking control of my schedule feels good.
  • It’s a good day to listen to music for inspiration to paint.
  • Getting out and about is good if you pick the right spots.
  • The nice thing about the aftermath of a big event in a small town is that it returns to normal where everyone left, looks you in the eyes, smiles and says hello and good morning again.


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Cracker please

The daily prompt is at it again with the book questions. – What’s the longest book you’ve ever read?

Probably some computer technical manuals before the internet existed. Oh, maybe the Time/Life series on Photography which is 17 volumes.

So being that answer is so short I’ll share some thoughts of the morning.

  • If you really want to see how fast time goes get a daily desk calendar.
  • I like to envision my kids sleeping. Even though they are adults, I know life is tough and I’m glad they are at rest.
  • I’d like to snap a few hundred fresh images today.
  • Keeping my weight in check is a mental thing. It’s all about being honest with myself.
  • A great week for some long walks.
A red macaw and a blue-and-yellow macaw perched on a metal stand with autumn leaves in the background.
Have a bright day. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Morning wave

Are you catching your morning wave? It’s harder to do if you don’t get up, grab your board and set out.

A serene beach scene at sunrise, featuring gentle waves and a person standing in the water. The sky is partly cloudy with soft light illuminating the horizon.
Heading out to look for his next set. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Morning

  • There are many positive things you can contribute to this day. Just give it a shot.
  • I like the quiet in the middle of the night.
  • Chapstick season is on its way.
  • I think the term – getting over your skis – is appropriate for our AI situation.
  • Had a great meal at El Azteca in Clarksville this week.


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Just a thought or two

Yes, they aren’t the best for your health, but one won’t hurt.

Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s a short work week, be optimistic about that.

There is a unique opportunity to help ourselves later this year.

Firepit season is almost here in the Mid-Atlantic.

I going to entertain a 1-year-old grandchild today. What a great gift.


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Getting better at it

This thing called life has confounded me for some time now, but I’m finally getting the hang of it. Figuring it out in my head and acting on it.

For instance, it was late in my career when I came to the realization that the job was just a job. Other things have come to light in retirement.

Judging people was something I thought I was good at. People never fail to surprise me even till this day. From strangers to those I’ve known for decades. I’ve had my successes but also misjudgments or ignoring obvious things. But I see it much clearer now.

I’m making better judgement calls on purchases. That is kind of easy if you just put the effort into the research.

Other judgement calls are painful. I loved riding a motorcycle. Giving up riding was one that still hurts at times. Like when I go by the local bike shop. Or someone pulls up next to me on a nice ride on a nice day. My better half was never comfortable with me riding. She enjoyed it a bit. It was the smart move for longevity. And I have no trouble replacing it with other interest but that was a unique one.

Close-up view of chrome motorcycle engine components and exhaust pipes.
Love the flow on those pipes. Photo by Mike Hartley

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the disposable society we created. I’m used to making things last and then fixing and using them some more. And while that judgement has served me well in the past it might not be in my best interest with some things today. I’ve noticed manufacturers not keeping parts for older equipment as long as they once did. Or just relying on the 3rd party market for them.

I’m going through a period of adapting to physical and energy changes. In other words, I’m taking breaks and not punishing myself during the hottest part of the day. Making those judgements and not pretending that I’m much younger.

Going into retirement with preconceived ideas, plans, and concepts is fine. The more the better. But be prepared to be flexible. You may discover you like being home more than traveling. Or the hobbies you thought you’d spend most of your time on turn out to be different ones.

Adapting to the changes in life is difficult at best. Resisting some are fruitless. Others you can change and control a bit. So, flow with it like those motorcycle pipes above.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I always hope I have the urge and ability to get up and dance when I feel like it.
  • The biggest changes lay ahead.
  • Hopefully tomorrow will be the last dentist’s appointment for a while.
  • The improvisational abilities of Robin Williams astounded me.
  • I’ve got a full pack of 8×10 semi-gloss that I hope to put images on this evening.


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Feel

Good morning and salutations. I’m feeling my art more. Be it the words I choose, the photos I take, shaping a piece of wood or holding a pastel color in hand. That’s a good thing. Being in touch with what you’re working on is important.

At times that feeling comes so naturally. Being on a walk with the camera and life presents a scene you’re fortunate enough to be at the right time and looking at suddenly and then you raise the camera.

Other instances I feel I’m working on something and struggling after many hours and not feel good about it till it’s completed and looking back after some time has passed. That is a feeling I have when I paint.

Most times I feel satisfaction as a print comes out, or I’m uploading a few dozen images to the photo site. Each time I hit publish here I feel both apprehension and excitement. That’s good for my daily fix.

I guess I got that habit from working in the daily publishing business for so long.

That ride this morning was a great feeling. No destination except to return home after an hour cruise.

Feeling just peachy. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

Sometimes, when I want to scream at night, I’ll put the headphones on, listen to Pink Floyd – Great Gig in the Sky and scream in my mind.

Even with the benefit of hindsight a lot of people will still get it WRONG.

Mindset is a superpower we all have if we choose to implement it.

Listen to a new song each day.

When you change your perspective, you have added knowledge.


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Spot Side Eye

This is going to be a good day. Pain has returned to manageable levels this morning. It got in the way of some real progress yesterday and I have a few things to catch up on. I’m feeling like this cat this morning. Observing the landscape and planning the morning attack.

And like him, I feel the need – the need for speed. So, I’m going to put the top down and enjoy that rear wheel drive and manual gearbox for an hour this morning.

Looking at the lunch menu. Photo by Mike Hartley

Maybe I can sprint into the weekend with the speed and grace of the fellow above.

I’d like to get another 20-30 prints completed for a project that is coming together. I’ve got to get my (late post) to Thursday Doors done and I’ve gotten a late start this morning.

Just a little color to start the day. Photo by Mike Hartley

Today is my best chance to visit the county fair. That will be a challenge to pull off but I hope to go and get a few good images to add to the collection and share here. It’s an overcast day so that will change some shooting ideas.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I feel pressure to get a lot done as soon as possible.
  • Passed out on the couch last night. At least I had the sense to get up from the computer chair.
  • Sometimes I get choked up when I hear the first few cords of the song Simple Man.
  • Thanking of a friend having some surgery this morning. As he said, “if we’re not at doctors appointments, then someone is cutting on us.”
  • When something takes your breath away, most people think of good things. There is another side to that.
  • One of the major challenges of getting older is losing those around you so often.


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Rest well

There are some chores remaining but easily accomplished in time for some rest. The sun has set on today. A far from perfect day but one with most goals met. And despite feeling progressively worse the team of me, myself and I are spreading out the discomfort and planning for a better day tomorrow.

Sunset over a calm lake with reflections on the water and distant radio towers silhouetted against the colorful sky.
Sunset on the Chesapeake Bay looking towards Annapolis. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I felt lazy and very productive in the same day.
  • Watching the joy of a close friend share the enjoyment in the story of his 4-year-old grandson waking him up at 6:15am was a pleasure in itself. Almost like you were there.
  • I’m not what you would call well read. On the other hand, I’m well informed and I read a lot.
  • That’s it, I’m making an orthopedic appointment. I have a buffet of issues for them to choose from.


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Hoop it up

This is probably what I need. Strengthening my core is certainly something that could use some improvement. I remember hula hoops from my youth. This device looked a little different.

Recently I tried a hula hoop at my grandson’s birthday party. I failed after a few attempts which made me think I’ve either lost my coordination or have really poor hip control.

A person practicing hula hooping on grassy land near a calm river, surrounded by trees and rocks.
Lake Elkhorn Columbia MD. Photo by Mike Hartley

All of this points to the need to challenge myself a bit more physically and get my muscle tone and coordination working a bit better.

Yesterday I got a good bit of physical activity. A little walking and some strength training at home. Let’s see if I can keep this going again today.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • There is a lot to be said for making your own schedule. I’ve noticed some people are troubled by it.
  • Companies that eliminate work from home are shorting themselves of good people on purpose.
  • To the kid who passed me on the shoulder on a motorcycle less than a half mile from the Ellicott City police station doing at least 55 in a 35. Dumb shit like that is going to get you killed.
  • And why are doing a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia?


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Drops

It’s hot and dry outside and I doubt we see any drops on the flowers till the weekend. An image like this makes me think of the word relief. I dodge raindrops now, but I didn’t when I was younger. I think I’ll see how it feels again.

Close-up of vibrant yellow and purple pansy flowers with water droplets on the petals.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Wildlife is really taking a toll on the gardens this year.
  • The trauma we put our young children through because we won’t deal with some of society’s problems is embarrassing.
  • This will be a good night to be outside.
  • Water might become an issue like fuel cost in the future for some parts of the world. Including the US
  • Such highs and lows. For some too much.
  • There is a possibility that fruits and vegetables could be spreading this cyclosporiasis. No problem here, I can avoid those and still be very happy.


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Da Weekend

I still like Saturday mornings even though I no longer work for someone else. The excitement it generates in others is infectious and leaves me in line with that party bus. Also, that chocolate doughnut my grandson left behind yesterday was a nice start. Now that I have my sugar buzz on, we can proceed with the day’s activities.

It’s grass cutting day, so I hope to knock that out early afternoon when it dries. There is a local car show that is just starting up, and I thought I’d go for a slice of pizza and see what locals show up. There are the semifinals of March Madness this evening and I have a ton of creative work to squeeze in sometime today.

My friends have big appetites. Photo by Mike Hartley

We rode by our local butcher shop the other day and I passed on going in. But I ran across this image this morning and I feel I made a mistake. My better half has prepared a feast for tomorrow so I won’t be needing steak this weekend but after that cold front rolls through for a few days I think Thursday will be grill day.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • The 2- to 4-year-old age range is so adorable.
  • If our planes are being shot down, we do not have control of the skies.
  • I didn’t accomplish what I hoped for this week. One thing I didn’t finish bothers me. The rest rolled off because I did accomplish a lot. I’m learning to set my goals a little higher each week.
  • If we are taking away Iran’s nuclear capabilities where is the Uranium?
  • I have a taste for a burrito today.
  • We are headed to the gas station. I hear it’s taking longer than usual to fill the tank.


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Threads

Just blowing in the wind this afternoon. I don’t know how many shades of blue it takes to describe a sky, but it seems almost infinite.

Sometimes simple is best. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m either finishing the month strong or getting an early start on the next one.
  • The last year has changed the way I look at a lot of things.
  • The best time for creating in my workroom is right before I need a shower.
  • It helps when you know what you’re doing but I’ve never let that stop me.


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Tight Tuesday

Feeling tight this morning. The body is constricted and therefore the mind isn’t free. Let’s see if we can work things out. The treadmill hasn’t helped so far. Neither has some stretching. Trying round two of both of those with some light dumbbells to hopefully work out the kinks.

It sort of feels like a rude cloudbank creating a lot of turbulence that bounced me around too much.

Rumbling through the morning so far. Photo by Mike Hartley

Monday was very productive. Uploaded a few series of shots of a local town I had missed before and filled out a better look at that little slice of Maryland. I’m going through my vault each day and trying to find things I haven’t uploaded to the photo site before. That is one of my priorities each day this year.

Once I’m satisfied, I’ve got most of my good stuff there and organized and presented correctly I’ll start making more references to it here. The Canon printer was also active on Monday so there are some new images to hang on the family and friend walls.

Accomplished some editing from the Florida shooting and will finish and upload that later today.

But I’d really like to spend some time painting and photographing. So let me get up from this keyboard and back to addressing feeling better.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Oh crap, tax season.
  • Oh my, Tuesday already.
  • Oh jeez, I’ve heard enough politics for the day already.
  • Oh yeah, time to create.


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Strength in numbers

There is a saying “Strength in Numbers”. Time to make it felt before it goes off the rails.

Photo by Mike Hartley

In a photo like this it’s hard to tell if that steel is hot or cold to the touch. In some videos, some things become very clear to see.


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When

I see the great snow debates have started already. How much, what date is the first snow, will it snow on Christmas, will it be colder than normal. I’m preparing for both. If it’s nice I’ll put the top down on the convertible in the middle of winter. If not, it will stay covered a good bit.

If memory serves me correctly this is off Centennial Lane. Photo by Mike Hartley

I do know that I have to test fire the generator. The shovels are out of the shed and in the basement. We have about half a cord of wood. Thinking of ordering more. We don’t burn much but in an emergency it’s nice to have available.

Winter and I do not get along. Cold is my kryptonite. The last couple days I’ve been adjusting to the trees being bare again. Soon the colorful leaves on the ground will turn brown and be absorbed by the ground.

Frosts will start, frozen mist, sleet, snow and then slush and refreeze and slush. More cold with some even colder wind mixed in. It’s all got me thinking about a song from my youth by a group called The Animals. And the song was “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.”

I will have to fight the overwhelming urge to hibernate all season. It takes my entire willpower to venture outside in winter. The only time that isn’t true is after a snow. Usually, I’m the first one out and done shoveling. I’m going to have to get a snowblower soon. This old back doesn’t react to shovels too well anymore, but it seems to pull through each season.

The season does have its beauty. It’s so crisp and clean and sometimes so quiet like after a snow. Sitting around a roaring fire in the cold is special.

Having to warm up a frozen car isn’t special. Having to dress in layers isn’t special. Having huge utility bills isn’t special. Having to walk from point A to point B while dressed as the Michelin Man isn’t special.

I’m sorry, I promised a friend I was going to be less winter hostile this year. But the cooler summer and then cold fall has tested my patience already. And if we get a lot of snow this year I’ll be making up for lost time with additional rants about cold on a daily basis.

But till then I’ll cool my jets about the pending onslaught of winter.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I paint, to brush off other things.
  • If tariffs were so good, why is he rolling them back on some food?
  • Never make light of any progress. It’s hard enough as it is, for some.
  • That bright sun from the window feels good on my back.


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Just another day

It’s never just another day. Unless you want to look at it like that. I find each one unique and special in some way. Even the worst days. It’s my own fault if I don’t learn something or find something special about the day.

Just trying to brighten the day. Photo by Mike Hartley

Trying something new. Not being afraid. Taking a chance. Living, it’s great and it’s tough.

The flip side of life and not finding those special moments or parts of each day is remarkably easy when feeling down or troubled. They are ignored, overlooked, bypassed or not attended or answered. And that is a shame because we don’t get those back.

I’ve wasted time myself stuck in ruts. Age gave me some wisdom and that helped me avoid some, but I still go off road occasionally and get stuck.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • With the fire warnings out, I won’t be lighting the firepit tonight.
  • I like pizza in the morning. Not all the time but occasionally.
  • I’m going to do something out of the ordinary that I’d like to make routine. I’m going to pick up a book.
  • There are few things better than a day without obligations other than to yourself.


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Mondays recap

Should have, Could have

I should have gotten motivated Monday and gone on a hike again. Maybe I’ll make up for it with some shooting early this morning.

Tomorrow is another opportunity. Photo by Mike Hartley
More people traffic on the bridge than cars. Photo by Mike Hartley
And yet more people emerging from the trails. Photo by Mike Hartley
And why not walk along the water paths. Photo by Mike Hartley

Quiet Again

I know more working people than retired like me. That means Monday is a bit more quiet than other days of the week.

Hopes

Sometimes I get my hopes up. I should know better at this age.

Dentist Time

Nothing wrong that I know of, just a cleaning/check-up tomorrow. I’m still getting used to my new dentist.

Young Artist

My granddaughter is excited and working on various arts. This makes me so happy and inspired to help her. I’m looking forward to her inspiring me. I need to think younger and without as many boundaries.

Alone

We’re more alone than we think we are. I’ve been good at deluding myself to this fact for a long time.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Ice cream additions are sweet.
  • I don’t know why I’m amazed when I shouldn’t be, but I still am. It feels like were going through the motions when we shouldn’t be.
  • Made some progress on basement cleaning Monday.
  • I’m so tired of dealing with Verizon issues.


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Getting in the swing again

Trying to approach the day with a better mindset and it’s working. Now I must keep stringing days of photography together, regardless of the weather outside. And I better get used to it because the cooler than normal weather that has been upon us looks like it will continue.

As one of my friends says, “dress for it.” I won’t be looking for a swing with the sunrise this morning and the temps are still in the 30s but maybe this weekend when it gets near 60.

Looking at this reminded me of my youth. Photo by Mike Hartley

It’s been some time since I’ve sat in a swing. This is the type of swing we used to have. Sometimes a single rope with a round disk with the hole in the middle for the rope. I paused for a few minutes looking at this one in a yard in Granite MD.

Nothing like a swing on a hot summer day where you create your own breeze going back and forth with little effort. My Uncle Bob had one at his home and I’d always be out on that when visiting.

You know, I could easily put one out in front of my house, and I think I might run that by the boss. The grandkids might like it. Or at least that can be the pretext for putting one up.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • Music is inspiring me this morning.
  • At what point will the majority come together and say enough is enough?
  • Yesterday was going so well. And like life, it changed.
  • I’ve got more power washing to do on a large fence. I hope the wind isn’t blowing again. It’s too chilly for a shower.
  • Don’t forget, you’re responsible for your own happiness.


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Fighting through

The last couple days I’ve started strong but ran out of energy. That old ability to light the candle at both ends and keep it burning long, seems to be fading. Yes, it still works some days, but more often than not, when I give the day a good effort for 8-10 hours, I’m getting spent.

I wouldn’t blink at working 12-18 hours in a day for decades. I wouldn’t even guess the number of 24-hour days I put in and some 36-hour ones here and there. I believe there was one 60-hour day when the press broke down, and then the inserter.

Hey, I’ll take 8-10 hours. Any day I can be productive and get an opportunity to create something, its a good day.

Partial success on one of my photo projects yesterday. Over 140 images edited and uploaded to the gallery of the 100 that were there. The end is in sight for collection of all the images of a very important subject. One that has been a joy and sorrow at the same time.

The collection of shots from my son’s first pet, one that was very loved and is missed. Step one is almost complete, going back 12 years. That’s one of my goals to finish this week. 80% done.

The next goal is to edit the 400 remaining shots from the first pass through of the Endless Summer Car Show and upload the best of those to the photo site and add a few links to share them.

One of the colors that caught my eye last weekend. Photo by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I’m not intimidated by bullies.
  • Hopefully the next to last lawn cutting of the season.
  • I work with pastels, and I got some charcoals and a pad recently. Which reminded me I haven’t tried black and white photography in a while.
  • I became a better listener recently.
  • It’s grandchildren and grand-dog week.


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Tools of the Trade

Learning by doing. I’m trying to learn, test and practice with the multitude of settings on today’s cameras.

I’ve replaced the small point/shoot Kodak 812 that I believe I got in 2007 and I purchased the Nikon Coolpix P950 from B&H Photo earlier this year. I still keep the old Kodak in the bag in case I need to go out in bad weather or a dangerous spot.

A tool I plan on using a lot more this year is my tripods. My body’s frame isn’t as stable as I’d like. Especially with that heavy Nikon 7100 and zoom. It’s not the fastest lens anyway and my thoughts are that it’s going to make me think more about position/angle. Something I should do more of, and that is to take time to think about the composition.

I also have a monopod that I’m starting to use more frequently.

So my work is cut out for me. New knowledge, new practices, new day, new fun.

Leaf me alone. Photos by Mike Hartley

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • I know there is a salad fork, but if you get the full size salad instead of the side salad do you use the larger fork?
  • One of my best friends was talking about all the trips he has planned for next year. Got me thinking I had better start planning.
  • If you think about your parents long after they are gone they did a good job.
  • I’m going to try to top my shooting record this week. (photography shooting)


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Out and about

Yesterday was a free afternoon so I headed out for some cruising time with the top down. I just don’t get some people with convertibles. I understand I can tolerate heat and cold more than most. And that people might be on their way to an event and be done up nicely and not want wind damage.

The people running around with the tops up on beautiful days is astounding to me. So, to each their own. I’ll provide the balance in the force by going topless more often than not. The top is up when it’s under the cover and if I get caught in a rainstorm.

I traveled the back roads of Howard County for the most part. On a sunny day there are beautiful tree lined ups and downs with twists and turns.

Not today though. Rain and clouds are obscuring a beautiful day. I’ll use the time to catch up on some indoor tasks and work on a few hobbies.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • The weight scale and I are on speaking terms without cursing again.
  • Lies and bullshit usually becomes obvious to the majority after some time. But I believe incompetence will hit everyone first.
  • Rain sometimes gives me a pause from yardwork that I didn’t know I needed till it was here.
  • Learning to overcome things is a valued skill to get through life.


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I’m loving Labor Day

I fell asleep very early last night, so I rose very early this morning. I went back to bed mid-morning and slept till almost noon. I guess it’s fitting, being I’ve been laboring all weekend, so I took today off and enjoyed life some.

Finally got around to ordering a fire pit today. I wanted one last year but put it off but not this year. Hope to start making good use of that outside patio this fall and winter season.

Took a casual cruise and stopped for ice cream at Bruster’s with my better half. Grilled out some chicken and now ready to enjoy the evening. I’ve got some shots to download, some more writing to do and see if the artist easel calls my name.

This guy decided to pose for a mug shot just before dinner. Probably guilty of crapping on my car.

Visiting for building materials in my backyard.

Random Thoughts of the Day

  • The treadmill was glad to see me back.
  • I saw someone going down the wrong side of Rt 40 by Normandy this afternoon. They recognized this when traffic came over the hill at them. No accident luckily.
  • Standing outside on the last day of August yesterday, I never thought I’d be glad to stand close to the fire on the grill to keep warm. Usually, I’m sweating you know what off.
  • I’m having lunch with an old friend this week.