What size do you wear?

 

“Hey, Hey Cinderella what's the story all about

I've got a funny feeling

We missed a page or two somehow

Oh, Cinderella maybe you could help us out

Does the shoe, fit you now.”

As an adult, I am not really a big shopper and shoes are near the bottom of my interests. I mean, I have to wear shoes, but the thought of having multiple pairs, yet alone dozens, is completely not my thing.

However, I know there are many who cannot get enough shoes; certainly one might think these individuals would be primarily female, but with all of the shoes available for men, they are not making these for their health. I know a few guys who have an entire side of a closet devoted to shoes. I know the shoe manufactures don’t want me to ask this question, but..”How many pairs of shoes do you need?” And, what’s the deal with, “shoe trees?” My Dad used to use them—-but then again his shoes were always in good shape so I can probably guess why he did.

Many years ago, when “tennis shoes” became “athletic shoes” I was obsessed with Puma’s. I guess I was one of a few because they are pretty much a fifth-tier brand; but in 7th grade, they were just plain cool. I remember my first pair, they were white with the black Puma logo— and if begging were an art, I was a true artist, I was Van Gogh. My parents were so tired of hearing about “Puma’s” that they finally gave in. I was in heaven, however my feet were not. 

Back then, we didn’t wear socks with shoes—-my feet said, “What?” The blisters popped up and I received no compassion from my folks—as far as they were concerned, if I wanted them that badly, I had to deal with what came with them. Of course they cared, but they wanted to teach me a lesson and they did. My feet recovered if anyone cares?

Since the pandemic hit, I have worn pretty much the same shoes, or at most two pair. Also, and I know I get some very strange looks, but I have pretty much worn shorts unless I am involved in business meeting. I love shorts, and when combined with a sweatshirt, I am “in my space.” I have a lot of pairs if anyone is interested?

The photo above was taken outside of Detroit, I have shown some photos from this trip, but what got me wondering about this picture was, “Would they be better off if they were in a closet and had shoe trees?”

Thanks for stopping by.

Unknown.

 

“I've been through the desert

On a horse with no name

It felt good to be out of the rain

In the desert, you can remember your name

'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain.”

By the looks of today’s “Snap. Shot.” you would assume it’s about a horse. It’s not. 

When I am on the football sidelines, I watch the game through my lens. I see a lot of hands, jerseys, and of course feet in motion. I will often be asked if “I took pictures of Jimmy, Johnny, or Joey so and so during the game?” My response…”What number?”

This can be at the beginning, middle or end of the season…I never really know the names of the players, but I do know numbers. Of course I do recognize players over time, but the one thing I have noticed is…they are really big with their pads on, but without them, they are human again. However, there are some who are just plain big—-not saying “fat,” I am saying large.

It seems every couple of years, player number 7 might change from a very tall quarterback to a small lean safety. I notice this when I am asked if I have pictures from previous years. I have sent the wrong photos before and when I see the player who they are referring to, and the player wearing the uniform, I know I am shooting high school football and not Tom Brady. (He’s number 12 by the way!)

There is something kind of fun about being anonymous on the field; from both the player point of view and as a photographer. Most people have no idea who I am, but they still say hello to me. I am known by the following—-“Hey photographer”—-and I am not even  sure they are talking to me, so I normally just keep on shooting. Every once in a while, when I am in the end zone, some of the boys will say, “Wow, that’s a giant lens.” I’ll look at one of them and say, “You think so, want to try it?” The look on their face is one of being stunned. But, I let them do it—I always have to ask for it back after they have pushed on the trigger button and shot 10 photos instantly. 

I have truly missed football this year. I did photograph a hockey game a few weeks ago—-I knew one player on the team, because his Dad gave me a ride to the game. I learned later coming home that the goalie is someone who our family has known for probably 15 years—all I can say is, he had top quality equipment but a really tough game.

The photo above was taken several years ago. He was the horse of a friend and his name was Billie. I took this photo and within a week or two, Billie had passed away. I felt very sorry for our friend, but at least in this situation, I did know the horse’s name.

Thanks for stopping by.

The Dance.

 

“Lookin' back

On the memory of

The dance we shared

Beneath the stars above.”

Let’s face it, we’ve all thought about, “What if?” What if we could change this? or change that?  or do away with what whatever we wanted and never have have it be part of our background? 

The expression, “life is a dance” can be looked at a number of ways…I believe one that makes the most sense to me is “letting life take you to where you are meant to go” and enjoying it. There are going to be times when you dance slow and methodically, in a group all dancing the same, and sometimes you let go be the individual you need to be. I believe we need to know how to all these and others, because once the dance is over, it’s over.

Thinking about, “What if?”..you can’t help but wonder, what if I had taken a different path or hung out with different friends? how would it have turned out? It may not be the deepest thinking you will have to deal with in life, but when it comes to your friends, spouse, family and more—-it’s pretty important. Yet, destiny is a funny thing and no matter how hard you try, it’s tough to change.

I still wonder how I turned out the way I did. My parents were different than I am yet I know I am their child; the give away, and this is personal, is my Dad, brother and I have the same lower teeth pattern. There’s no mistaking it, and until I was an adult, I had no idea. We were talking about something and braces came up. I said, “Yeah, my bottom teeth have an overlap.” My brother said, “so do mine” and when I looked at my Dad, he just gave one of his smiles letting us know it was because of him. I actually love it, it’s a constant reminder.

But how would I have changed my life? What path would I have taken over the other? For sure, I would never eaten that yellow “Peep” all those years ago—-I got very sick and even today I can’t look at them without the memory. I am sure they still taste sugary sweet and have the texture of a cross between licorice and taffy, but I will never let one get past my teeth. The same would be true for oysters, liver, and “SOS”—for any of you who don’t know what this is…google it.  

There are many things I would never change that have happened in my life, but I am going to wait for another day to discuss it as I still have 305 more entries of “Snap. Shot.”  to write and I need material!

The photo above was taken a few years ago. It was actually a cold fall night, the dancer was a friend of someone I knew who agreed to do the shoot. When I took it, I knew I was going to love it…because for me, when I take my last picture, the dance is over.

Thanks for stopping by.

Down on the farm.

 

“Plowing these fields in the hot summer sun

Over by the gate, yonder here she comes

With a basket full of chicken

And a big cold jug of sweet tea.”

To my knowledge, I never have lived on a farm. I have lived on land that at one time was a farm, have seen animals up close—-but for some reason, somewhere deep inside, I feel very connected to farms. Go figure.

I am sure I have written about this in “Snap.Shot.,” but when I was in grade school and lived near a farm (it was very close to our bus stop) we used to watch the farmer prepare dinner for family and customers. Yes, it is true, they do run around with their heads cut off. From afar it was funny, but when you think about how barbaric it is, it’s not as funny as it appears.  We live in times where this happens to humans and that takes all of the humor out of it.

My Dad was born in Iowa many decades ago, and whereas he only lived their a short period of time, I really believe something from living in rural America stuck with him. He was hard working, kind, and was a very proud man. That to me is the spirit of the farmer and all they have brought to America. My Dad, and his humbleness, really left an impression on me. I try very hard to keep life in perspective, and to carry on his ways, but I fall short in many of his attributes.

I think the reason I love farms has to do with the barn. For some reason when I see a barn I need to photograph it—I have many many photos to prove it. One of my favorite barns, it is now gone, was off of Highway 55 which travels from Chicago to St. Louis. It was located at mile marker 212 and even from a distance you could see it had weathered a lot in its life. It had faced one too many storms and eventually succumbed to Mother Nature. All that remains today is the windmill and it’s on its last legs.

It figures that near my parents home where I grew up there was a spectacular barn. It was old, but when the sun came in through the slats of broken wood, the rays were just incredible. I wish I could go photograph it but it’s too far away.

The photo above was taken at a barn west of where we live; I have photographed there a number of times, but this was the one day I was waiting for. A storm was coming and I knew with it would have lightening and high winds. I was right on both thoughts…there was a storm coming, and it was a great day to be risking my life!

Thanks for stopping by.

What’s for dinner?

 

“Cheeseburger in paradise

Heaven on Earth with an onion slice

Not too particular, not too precise

I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise.”

We all eat. This could be the end of today’s “Snap. Shot.” but I think there is more to say on the topic since this is something we have done since we came into this big world.

Tonight we are having “Shepherd’s pie” for dinner—-a beloved dish from Ireland. Let me think about how often we had it growing up in our household…we didn’t. We should have, it really is good; but my Mom had a number of dishes she was good at preparing, so the closest we ever got to tonight’s fare would be corn beef and cabbage. That’s it.

My parents did enjoy another part of the cow that completely disgusted me. Not the hoofs, brains, or rocky mountain oysters—-they enjoyed the “tongue.” I know, you can stop gagging now. Please note, I never allowed this to get even close to my lips—my folks had leftovers.

True story. I was home from college and came in “well after” dinner hours; I was hungry and opened the refrigerator. There was a large dish with aluminum foil covering something underneath. I took it out of the refrigerator, and lifted the foil. Yes…there was a large cow tongue with its protruding taste buds staring at me. Okay, they were not staring at me, but I for sure was staring at this disgusting piece of whatever. Because it was late, and let’s say I was not in a great state of mind, I kind of sort of got sick. I had never seen such a horrific sight—-well, except for the time I skinned my knee so badly I swear I thought I could see my knee cap. That’s another story another time.

With global food influences now a part of our everyday palate, foods that were not around when I was growing up today are fairly generic today. The other day I was talking with a friend and “bagels” came up. He had no idea of their heritage—he was sure they were invented in the U.S. (Spoiler Alert: Their founding goes back to Poland in the 1600’s as the legend goes.) 

I wonder where Twinkies really came from? 

The photo above was taken at a food fair a few years ago. Certainly not this past summer when everything we might have consumed during the summer…stopped. I have looked at this photo a few times, when I see “The Heart Attack” as one of the options, I thought they were serving tongue.

Thanks for stopping by.

Winter in the Midwest?

 

“Sunny Skies sleeps in the morning

He doesn't know when to rise

He closes his weary eyes upon the day

Look at him yawning.”

If you live in the northern part of the U.S., you should be accustomed to winter; if you live in the south, you know this thinking is foolish. I must be foolish as I have lived in this area my entire life. I am really growing tired of it. It’s only January.

Yesterday, the buzz in our area was the impending snowstorm. It must have been really concerning, because our local Baskin-Robbins even closed early. No big deal, until someone in our household had a hankerin’ for some mint chocolate chip ice cream. Solution, Haagen-Dazs. This should never have been an issue, but then again, Baskin-Robbins closed early.

Over the past 24 hours, we have had about 7 inches of snow; that is based upon “railing measurement.”  This was our first real snow fall of the season, so it could have been a lot worse. It will be even worse if we get a lot more in the coming days! Over the past few years, I believe we have had a lot less snowfall than in previous years—-our average is 36 inches. 

Go back to 1978/79 and look at our whopping 89.7 inches that year—it was so bad, the mayor at the time lost the coming election because the snow was not being cleared for several days. I didn’t live here then, and I am really glad I didn’t—-however, I was fortunate to be here during the “polar vortex” a number of years ago. That was really tough.

If I don’t like winter, I know where it comes from. My Mom just hated the winter weather and would not drive in the snow. It was rough for her, and when we knew snow was coming she was pretty vocal that she was not going to drive. Fortunately we didn’t use the Old Farmer’s Almanac in our home, otherwise it would have made her more nervous. She was a real character and I miss her very much—but she still hated the snow.

In the coming years, we will be leaving the north. I can’t give a specific time frame, but when we do, we will NOT be coming back anytime between January through May if we come back at all. 

Here’s why…

The photo below was taken in Florida last year during the spring; the weather was warm, the skies were clear, and the people from up north were grateful to be there. Why do we live in the north? Because it's home. For now.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hoops.

 

“Basketball Jones

I got a Basketball Jones

I got a Basketball Jones, oh baby

Oh, oh.”

It is nearing a year since basketball, and other sports, were normal. I have no idea if we will return to what we knew, but I sure hope I at least have the opportunity to either sit in the stands or be on the sidelines again before I go to that big camera store in the sky. (If I can find one that is still in business.)

Growing up I was not a big basketball fan—for a couple of reasons. First, we didn’t have a pro team in St. Louis until 1974—The Sprits of St. Louis came and went by 1976. The St. Louis Hawks had moved to Atlanta many years before, and that left a big hole in my interest. That was not the case for the Cardinals or Blues. As a kid I went to my share of games for both teams, I remember when my folks had season tickets for the Blues and the excitement the city had for hockey. Obviously that came roaring back 2 years ago when they won their first Stanley Cup.

For someone my height, I should have played basketball; for someone with my coordination, it’s best that I didn’t. Another true story, similar to my previous “Snap.Shot.” from a couple of days ago. Many years ago, I played in a pickup league; I played in every game, but usually at the very end when it didn’t matter any more and they let me in.

I went into the game, got the ball and went for a layup…of course I didn’t make it but I was fouled. Please keep in mind, I had not scored one point the entire season. Not one. So I went to the free-throw line, bounced the ball at least 4 times, got set for the shot…and it didn’t even hit the rim. I know people were laughing, I was too, but I had another shot and darn it I was going to make it. I once again put my toes right up to the free-thrown line, lined up the shot, and let it go. Again, true story…the ref caught the ball. That was my last game.

The photo above was taken when you could go to a Bulls game at the United Center. I had a great vantage point that night, at least for the pre-game, and when Benny the Bull was out waving the flag, I knew it was now or never and couldn’t miss it. Seems like a similar feeling I had when I went to the free-throw line. We know what happened.

Thanks for stopping by.

me. me. me. me.

“I got a Nikon camera

I love to take a photograph

So mama don't take my Kodachrome away.”

If you have been on any form of social media since Wednesday, you may have seen Bernie Sanders more than Joe Biden. I realize the inauguration took place, and there were a lot fewer in attendance, but of all who were there, Senator Sanders has busted out and is suddenly everywhere with casual attire and mittens.

Meme's have been part of culture for quite a while. Believe it or not, the word “meme” was coined in 1976. (Yes, 1976!). The concept of the internet meme was first proposed back in 1993 in Wired Magazine—-this was 8 years after AOL came on the scene. So in other words, we might think memes are new, but they’re not.

However, you would be hard pressed not to be exposed to a meme every day…some days it might be many, one thing for sure, they can be really funny and bring an image and creative writing together. If they’re really good, they go viral.

Many memes use kids, adults and pets, and some bring in recognizable images—-think Kermit the Frog, The Simpsons, Ron Burgundy and countless others. One of my favorites showcases “The most interesting man in the world”—-although the campaign was eliminated a number of years ago, his popularity is still there. They were crazy to kill the campaign, have you noticed their advertising recently? Didn’t think so. It’s Dos Equis by the way.

With all the fun, memes can add to the experience of being on the internet; there are many that are not so nice. You have bullies, dorks, and some very mean spirited jokes. I would love to say I am bigger than getting involved and would never pass them on to someone else, but that would be a lie. I have a good friend and we text multiple times a day. I love it! The best part, during these times, they bring about a smile.

The photo above was taken a few months ago in our town of Glen Ellyn. What was just a photo had a little “add on” this past week when Bernie Sanders made it on to the scene. Either he was early for the movie, or saying, “look at meme.”

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Making an ass out of myself.

 

“But what a fool believes he sees

No wise man has the power to reason away

What seems to be,

Is always better than nothing.”

If I were to write about all of the foolish things I have done, every “Snap.Shot.” from now to the end of my life would be covered. I, for sure, have done some things where I have made a real “ass” out of myself.

If you are looking for stories, let’s start with a few.

When I was probably about 8 years old, I had yet to learn that being honest was not always needed. Yes, I try to be honest, but this was one time when not only did I make a fool of myself, but I think the police office probably went back and told everyone at the station.

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday, I will get into that another time, but one day we were shooting off fireworks and sure enough, a police officer comes down our street and takes our stash. After he had taken them, he asked “Do you boys have any other fireworks you’re not telling me about?” I looked at everyone, then back at the officer, and said, “I do, they’re in my house.” I ran and got them and felt very proud I was being honest. He took them and said, “I don’t want you boys doing this again” and drove off; I am sure he took the fireworks home and shot them off that night. 

To this day, my brother still gives me trouble.

Want more? 

I was going to a sales meeting, and one of my associates told the team how much I hated horseback riding. We were picked up at the airport, a full busload, and I thought we were heading to the hotel. Rumors started to travel around the bus that we were going to have an activity—-we were going horseback riding! We drove about 30 minutes, and the driver made an announcement that the stables were a few minutes away and “to make sure to put sunscreen and a hat on.” I could feel myself starting to perspire. 

We pulled up to the hotel and I looked around very confused. At that point everyone on the bus turned around and started laughing at me. I knew who was behind it, and he knew I knew. I laughed along, but when it was my turn a few months later, he never saw it coming and it was much better than what he did.

The photo above was taken in the middle of Nevada. In rural communities, burro’s roam freely in the former mining towns.  As we were driving, we saw burro’s from a distance walking right in the middle of the road. We slowed down, stopped, and suddenly we had a visitor. I am sure that night he went back and told his buddies… “some fool invited me to the window of his car.”

Thanks for stopping by,

Tats.

 

“It sure left it's mark on us, we sure left our mark on it

We let the world know we were here, with everything we did

We laid a lotta memories down, like tattoo's on this town.”

Over the past couple of decades, what was once primarily on the arms of sailors and other military is now part of the American culture. I am not a participant in this culture, but I know many who are—-the closest I ever got to having a tattoo was from a piece of “Bazooka” bubblegum. The big difference, their tattoos were temporary. 

Two of my children have tattoos, one is considering it, and the others have no interest whatsoever. The two who have them let me know, “it’s my body,”—-which it is—-and I did my best to be tough and let them know, "If you plan on going to college, or having me pay, I wouldn’t advise it.” That empty threat was pushed aside quickly as they showed me their little tattoos when they were freshman. That was a while back; now they have more and even larger “art” on their arms, back and other areas. (At least I think they have them in other areas, I have never asked.)

I remember when NBA players started to showcase “ink” on their bodies. It started with a few, and then expanded to probably 70% of the league. Although he is no longer playing, Chris Andersen (AKA “Birdman”) had some of the most predominant tattoos of the day. 

You could not help but notice his “ink”—-the bright colors on the entire upper part of his body—stood out even more than his mohawk. I saw him play in Milwaukee, and he was a lot of fun to photograph. He was emotional and he knew people came to see him. Oh yeah, LeBron was on the team too, maybe they came to see him too??

One of the most popular tattoos of all time would be in honor of “Mom;” another, and this should be of little surprise, is “Harley-Davidson.”  Why do they love them? “General love of freedom and dislike for conformity” according to the company. They don’t come with the bike, but riders don’t seem to care.

The photo above was taken in Tonopah, NV. I was there with my editor and we went into a bar to look around—it was during the day—and there was a woman who I knew I had to photograph. You might think it was her letting us know she is a “hopeless romantic”…but the truth is, it was the jar of “Miracle Whip” on her leg! 

Thanks for stopping by.

Welcome home.

 

“Well, I'm going home, back to the place where I belong

And where your love has always been enough for me

I'm not running from, no, I think you got me all wrong

I don't regret this life I chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old

So I'm going home, well I'm going home.”

There is something about returning home. It could be from a day at the office, business trip or time overseas defending your country; regardless, someone is waiting for you to walk through the door and they are going to be happy to see you.

Of the three scenarios above, I have had two happen. I can’t even imagine what it must be like to be away from your family, and your family being away from you, with danger all around in the middle of a war. It’s just too much for me to fathom. 

When traveling, you will often see members of the military—-they may be coming or going, but there is little doubt they are committed to defending their country. Whereas I am sure they hear it a lot from strangers, I will often “thank them for their service.” It requires nothing to say it, but I am hopeful it means something to them as they are either boarding or deplaning. 

This month we have seen what the military brings to the U.S. No matter what side of the discussion you stand on, I have to believe we were relieved when we saw the National Guard, members from the Washington DC police force, Capital security, and more helping to bring some safety to our lives. If this didn’t do it for you, how about the inauguration? When representatives from all areas of the military were present—-especially at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”—-that demonstrated what the millions who have served and given to their country stand for. 

The photo above was taken at a Milwaukee Bucks game…this was before they were good and getting seats cheap was easy…I was able to witness something we usually see on the news, but never see live. A soldier was reunited with his children; I can only say it was amazing. The kids were surprised, the fans were going wild, and one thing we soon realized—-a loving father was home.

Thanks for stopping by.

Fill in the blanks.

 

“Yeah, A pictures worth a thousand words

But you can’t; see what those shades of gray keep covered

You should've seen it in color.”

Photography really plays with your brain. Part of it is, how does a camera work and capture an image? The other, when shooting in black and white, how do you fill in the colors that make it look real? Unless you are unable to see color, your brain has to go into overdrive to fill it in the blanks.

I have always enjoyed black and white photography. Many years ago, before I started taking photos the way I do today, I remember going into a dark room and watching the change…from a blank sheet to a miracle. (Okay, I think it’s a miracle, sue me.) The subject? Plants and greenery—-probably two of the most photographed subjects done in color…but it did look cool in black and white. 

If you have ever really looked at very old photographs, it is very interesting to see how little has changed. In some instances you will find the clarity and quality is on par with some of the photos produced through today’s digital options. Sure, there is going to be a difference, but when you think of how old some of these photos are—-you will quickly understand.  

Look at photographers such as Alfred Eisenstaedt, Dorthea Lange, Vivian Maier, and my personal favorite, Neil Leifer—they photographed mostly on film and today, their photos are treasured. When you consider how we now take billions of photos, and theirs are at the top of the photographic pile, it says a lot about how great they were. Oh, yeah, except for Neil Leifer, the majority of their photographs were taken in black and white.

Everyone who has a smart phone, camera, or brownie camera, can take a photograph. It has become so much a part of our society that it is ubiquitous—-ask any teenager on social media and they will tell you. I remember when I first heard the word, “Selfie” I thought they were kidding—they weren’t.

The photo above was taken at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” it may appear to be methodical, but as I watched the day it was taken, I could see the pride on the soldier’s face and it made me proud to be an American. Yes, the picture is in black and white, “You should've seen it in color.”

Thanks for stopping by.

Many years in the making.

 

“There's a hole in the bottle

Leakin' all this wine

It's already empty and it ain't even suppertime

Honey, no, I don't miss him

In fact, it slipped my mind

There's a hole in the bottle of wine.”

It’s funny what a bunch of grapes can do when they enter a bottle. I have written on this topic, and for someone who doesn’t drink wine, for some reason I can’t stop writing about it.

But whether you enjoy wine or another “adult beverage,” there’s always something behind how they’re produced I didn’t know. Always.

Over the years I have been to several wineries; it always amazes me the passion behind the product…whether as a maker or a taker (purchaser)…is pretty immense. When you visit, they swirl, sniff and sip…then do it again. It’s a process. I have been to a brewery, and the experience is different. There you walk, you listen, and you drink it when the tour is over. Plus, at both you can buy more than beer and wine—-you can buy some pretty cool swag.

Every time I go to either Costco or Trader Joe’s, I am impressed by the amount of wine they have available—and I assume sell. If you ever watch “Shark Tank,” you may have heard “Mr. Wonderful” (Kevin O’Leary) comment that Costco is the largest wine seller in the world. Besides wine they also sell a lot of other alcoholic products—-I know when it comes to scotch, I support them.

A long time ago, I was given a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Scotch as a parting gift from a job. I was not sure how to take it, if they were either happy or sad to see me go; I was happy as this is really expensive scotch… and I drank it over a very long period of time so I could enjoy it. I did!

Honestly, I really don’t think too deeply when it comes to whatever I am drinking. I have joked when I have had what would be deemed as sub-par scotch—I comment, “it all takes me to the same place anyway.” I usually get a laugh, unless I am with someone who takes it really seriously and then I think, “You need to get a life.”

The photo above was taken several years ago on a trip to Napa, CA. The scenery was breathtaking, stories amazing, and well, the buildings just plain cool. This winery was not one where you could enter, but if so, I would suspect it would have been one to remember—-just like that bottle of scotch I received a long time ago.

Thanks for stopping by.

For those who have given.

 

“And I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property

I'm on sacred ground and I'm in the best of company

I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done

I can rest in peace

I'm one of the chosen ones

I made it to Arlington.

If you have ever walked around a cemetery, you will likely have mixed emotions. If you are just walking through it with no knowledge of anyone who is in there, it’s just ground with people buried six feet below. It’s actually interesting to read about their lives, and any statements last words written about them, but they are still strangers.

Next would be if this is an area where family members are laid to rest; you knew them and you hope and pray they are in fact, laying to rest in a better place—especially if they had passed of a horrific disease.

Then there is Arlington Cemetery. Here lies such notables as John F. Kennedy, William Howard Taft and more than 400,000 men and women who served their country and received some of the military’s highest honors. (Also, and this seems like the perfect place, POW’s are buried there.)

I have been to Arlington a few times. It’s certainly an experience you have to prepare for and be in the right mind set. One time, and this is a true story, I was witnessing the Changing of the Guard (the military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) and as we stood honoring the moment, a woman’s phone rang. Worse yet, she answered it and started to talk. Loud. We were horrified, but we were also silent trying not to break the respect this moment deserved. I am sure someone went up to her afterward and “had a discussion.”

We are a nation of millions but when you visit Arlington you realize we are all one. 

The photo above was taken when we laid my father-in-law to rest a few years ago. He was a military man through and through; I didn’t know him when he was in the military, but I heard stories from him and his family; today he is with 400,000 other soldiers resting and watching…all on a piece of property he now calls home.

Thanks for stopping by.

Living on a prayer.

 

“We've got to hold on to what we've got

It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not

We've got each other and that's a lot for love

We'll give it a shot.”

There are two things I have not written about in “Snap. Shot.”—-they are, religion and politics. Today’s blog may appear to be about both, but I assure you it’s not.

So, please read on if you would like to.

In just a few days, change will be happening in Washington D.C. It’s something that happens every 4 years whether the individual is leaving, or just checking in for an additional term. 

Last night we watched (again) a documentary on Pete Souza. You might be saying, “Who?” but if you knew who he was, you would say, the guy can take good pictures. Pete Souza was the official White House photographer during the Obama administration. Like any great photographer, he was a fly on the wall but he also had the ability to use “fly paper” to capture some very iconic photos from the time he served. 

Whereas I have no idea how many photos he took, let’s just assume he took more that anyone reading/writing today’s “Snap.Shot.” by probably 100+ times over. He had a “deal” with the President that he would have access during the times when it was not too intrusive—-I am thinking photographing the family brushing their teeth and/or bathing would be “intrusive.” But besides this, he really captured history and that was what he wanted to do---and did it. 

Some of the best moments captured can’t be put into words, but they sure can be put into photos. My belief is, if you like or love a photo, you can probably fill in the thousand words to make it your very own. Whether the subject was children visiting the White House, very important historical events, or even a shot from behind with the Easter Bunny (a comment was made these two had the most recognized ears in Washington), the ability to document without sheer boredom is a true gift. Pete Souza had it, understood it, and brought it to life.

I will never have the opportunity to take on a role like this, but even if you are a casual picture taker, there is an opportunity to capture moments that go into a family’s history book. Fortunately we have many photos from the past 20 years, it’s the ones before that live in our minds. Oh I wish for those Kodak moments.

The photo above was taken in December in downtown Chicago. With the pandemic causing hardship and loss on the streets—and I assume the churches were not accessible—-a minister took to the streets. You didn’t need a prayer book or fancy clothes, you just needed to believe; believe in a better tomorrow and hope. Let’s get these times past us, and let’s look forward to sunnier skies no matter your religion or political affiliation.

Thanks for stopping by.

Millions of miles and memories.

 

“Carefree highway

Let me slip away on you

Carefree highway

You've seen better days

The morning after blues

From my head down to my shoes

Carefree highway

Let me slip away, slip away on you.”

There are more than 4 million miles of highway throughout the U.S., I only know this from the internet, I have not travelled them all. 

Given the option, I will often times drive to a location rather than fly; of course if it’s for business or another matter where I have to be there quickly, I will do whatever it takes to get there in the least amount of time.

Besides not feeling the pressure to be at the airport to catch a flight, driving gives you the option to take your time, make a stop, or leave when you’re ready. But that’s not necessarily the only reason I like to drive. Once on the road you can pull off and go explore, and when you have your camera or iPhone, you can capture memories along the way. I should know, I have done this many times and have gotten lost doing it. This was before GPS.

One of my favorite memories was when I was in Oklahoma a year or two ago. If you have been to Oklahoma, you know it’s not New York, LA, or even Miami….it’s Oklahoma City, Tulsa and miles and miles of unique scenery. I did ask before I went in search of some of the sights I wanted to see, and I am glad I did. Because I got lost looking for them.

One was a gas station that had a gigantic soda bottle in front of it; once you stepped out to see it, you could see hundreds of bottles in the window of the store, with a rainbow of colors and flavors. It was really cool, but the best part was at night and it was illuminated —-you could see it from miles. Too bad Coke or Pepsi didn’t come up with this idea, actually I am glad they didn’t.

Whereas the bottle was a genuine surprise, what got me the most was an area called, Mount Scott. Living in Illinois, anything that obstructs the view to the other side would be considered a hill or mountain…even if it is only a slight. I drove up to the top of Mount Scott (it took about 15 minutes) and when I got up there, I was blown away. The overlook was breathtaking and the photo opportunities made it all that much better—-I think my camera was gasping when I was done. It recovered. This was in Oklahoma.

The photo above was taken from a Southwest flight traveling back home from Colorado. The cabin was dark enough to be able to take a picture, and when I saw the long and winding road below, I knew being on the airplane that day was the best way of dreaming about getting back on the road again.

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