Bathed in Light

Ahhh....Tea leaves....
Winter is tea time at our home.  

The warmth, fellowship and healthful qualities are invigorating.

This was a moment that was too good to miss.

Water Safety Class

 It was a beautiful day for this water safety class.  
I couldn't help but capture some images 
from the day!

    

Free Burma Ranger Event

From their site :

"The Free Burma Rangers' (FBR) mission is to provide hope, help and love to internally displaced people inside Burma, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Using a network of indigenous field teams, FBR reports on human rights abuses, casualties and the humanitarian needs of people who are under the oppression of the Burma Army. FBR provides medical, spiritual and educational resources for IDP communities as they struggle to survive Burmese military attacks."

More information can be found at:

http://www.freeburmarangers.org/

                    

 "The purpose of this event was to provide updates on the situation inside Burma, as well as network, pray and discuss how you can get involved."

It was a privilege to be a part of this exercise. 

I urge you to check out  their website and learn more.

Another link:


http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/110224/burma-myanmar-karen-junta?page=full

No Picture Today

We are getting into a whole new rhythm here.  Senior picture season is gearing up as are weddings and elopements!  FUN!  Spring is full of change and excitement.
I came across a quote today while reading with my boys and thought it would be appropriate to share here in lieu of an image.

The essence of optimism is that it takes no account
of the present, but is a source of inspiration,
of vitality and hope where others have resigned;
it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the
future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

While we may never face the odds Dietrich Bonhoeffer did, those are great words to take us into the rebirth of spring.

Winter Neighbors

Every winter we usually get several bald eagles staying around the mountain. This year they decided to stay around our house. It's pretty cool for the kids to witness eagles so close to home.

Duty and Sacrifice

When I am called to duty, God

whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.

Help me to embrace a little child
Before it’s too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.

And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife

Everyday I drive by the fire station on my way into town. We take these brave people for granted, only thanking them in our desperate hour. They face danger everyday. Make it a point to say thanks to your firefighters and police.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

New Eagle Scout

How fortunate we were this weekend to get to attend my nephew's Eagle ceremony!  He has proven his mettle in pursuit of Eagle Scout over the years and it was great to share in the celebration.  


As Mike Rowe said, "The Eagle Award is not really meant for people who need to be dragged across the finish line. It's meant for a select few..."



We are proud of you!

TORNADO in Northwest Arkansas

I was up as usual this morning at about 5:30 and decided to check the weather radar because it was raining and the wind was howling. As I pulled up the weather site I noticed our area was covered in the bad colors and it had a tornado warning box around northwestern Washington county . That's me, I am in that area. I got off the internet, woke up the family and we got in a protected area. At that time the power went off and the cell phone rang. One of my sons had spent the night with a friend and the mom called to tell us that the tornado sirens were going off. We got the emergency radio out to listen and stayed protected. We did not hear of a tornado setting down in our area, but as we went to pick up our son we realized tragedy had hit our little area. Three people in a town by us died and several others were injured. Our prayers are with the families in our area as well as the Emergency workers out in this away from their families. One of my images is of a husband and wife firefighting crew from the Gallatin Fire Department.

Jimson in Winter

(Datura stramonium)
I have been off schedule with my "somewhat daily" photos with the celebrations of the season.  It's time to get back on track!  My kids were building a fort in the woods and wanted to show me their progress.  So, I grabbed my camera and followed them out!  Photographic opportunities abound at dusk in the woods.  

Patriotic Texture

This is part of an exercise I have assigned myself.  There will be many more editorial photos like this to come.

Textures

It is amazing what you discover by looking up close at your surroundings. We walk by interesting things everyday. Usefull things. I am going to start using these textures in backgrounds for other images. I love photoshop.

The Sights and Sounds of Fall

A look at the woods in late fall and in preparation for winter.  The stack of wood is getting bigger!

The boys found this poor turtle upside down in the woods...they were too late to help, but, they are making lemonade from lemons...it will soon be a rattle.