Juxtaposition (jŭkˌstə-pə-zĭshˈən)

I hope I can repeat after Paul (from Philippians 4:11) "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." 

Our daughter's place - where we'll be in 4 weeks:

Where we currently are:

The struggle ...

I have been taking a bit of a hiatus from blogging. This was driven by necessity when we had company for several weeks, but it was also driven by a sense of weariness. After almost 4-1/2 years, and approaching 700 posts, I found myself at the same crossroads that many others have - to continue or not. The decision is pending.

There are many arguments on the pro side, while the con side also has its share. I have other 'projects' clamoring for attention, and despite man's inventiveness, each day still only has 24 hours. Photography remains a passion (although the flame requires some stoking).

I am overdue visiting those who have faithfully landed here and left a comment - I shall commit to fulfilling that pledge this week.

Starry, starry night

Psalm 8
[3] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, [4] what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him?

Have you ever been out on a clear night far away from city lights and stared up at the stars ? We're lucky to be out in the country where only clouds can interfere with seeing them. A few nights ago I set out to capture star trails - this is just a small sample of the myriad galaxies and stars in the vast universe created by our Father. Who can look up and not be in awe ?

Take a few moments to listen to the song (link below the photo) while you count the stars (these were produced over a 1-hour period):

Under the full moon

I don't know whether statistics back it up but folk lore has it that strange things happen under the full moon. I was out in the wee hours last night and caught some strange apparitions.

(SOOC:  10-22mm  f5.6  120sec  ISO200)

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear ...

... the idea to get out for a few night shots, that is.

With everyone already in bed, and the night still young, and fresh snow on the ground, there was no compelling reason not to take advantage of an opportunity to capture the serenity. Sasha didn't need a second invitation and we set off into the crisp night air. It seemed like we were the only ones on the planet.

It's a pity if you've never ventured out on a beautiful winter's night.

If you have a few moments to linger, listen to the music (click on play button below the last photo) as you step into the peaceful night.

(all photos shot with a 10-22mm lens at f7.1, ISO200, with shutter speeds from 6 to 30 sec)

Speechless Saturday

(well almost ...)

No, I'm not starting a competition with Wordless Wednesday ;-) I had a lot of thoughts running through my head as I was reviewing shots from a recent evening photo shoot, and in the end I decided just to post the shots. There, I've already said too much.

Peaceful feeling

Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers through your comments on my last posts. I hope to be back here on a more regular basis, and to come by and visit you.

(18-55mm  f9.0  25 sec  ISO200)

It was a warm and windy night ...

... when I made this photo just a few weeks ago on our last trip here. There's something magical about seeing trees swaying in the breeze especially when they're palm trees and the breeze is warm. Having lived through many cold winters 'up north' I appreciate the warm weather here in southwest Florida. I can't honestly say I miss the cold and ice and slush, but I do enjoy how a fresh snowfall is like hitting the refresh button on the landscape. I'm glad we were back for a few weeks to experience it. If only winter could be 3-4 weeks long I think a lot more people would enjoy it. But then there wouldn't be a need for snowbirds !

(18-55mm  f8.0  8 sec  ISO200)

click on photo to enlarge

(Day 361) At the beach

Monday Dec. 27, 2010

You might think I'm crazy, but I went to the beach tonight, even though it was -10C/14F out. No, I didn't join a polar bear club - while I admire their pluck, I can think of much easier, less painful ways to die. In fact, I was properly outfitted for a cold evening in my heavy winter coat, zipped right up to my chin, a toque, and heavy duty gloves. Sasha of course came along dressed as she was. This looked like a nice place to get some shots when I passed by last night and that's how I came to be here late this evening.

Note: since we're out of town visiting with family I'm only able to post late at night and won't have time to visit your blog until we're back home later this week. I do enjoy reading your comments - thank you for your visits.

(18-55mm  f22.0  30 sec  ISO200)

And there were all sorts of fabulous light displays there also; here's one of them.

(18-55mm  f22.0  3.2 sec  ISO200)

(Day 315) A different shopping experience

I'm not much of a shopper. If the world depended on people like me, the economy would remain mired in recession for years to come. I see it as a necessary evil. My typical shopping experience involves knowing what I need, (usually) making a beeline to where the item is located (or finding someone who can direct me there), paying for it, and leaving. The end. Full stop. The only variation in the routine comes when I (have to) go shopping with my wife. Then I get to drive the cart and provide helpful suggestions like "I think we have everything now".

Tonight I drove to the nearby outdoor mall, willingly, on my own (well, Sasha came along because she loves rides to anywhere). No, I didn't actually go shopping. This mall must have been built during more positive economic times - instead of just the usual asphalt jungle, the builder created a much more pleasing environment. See what you think.

(18-55mm  f5.6  1.3 sec  ISO200)

(Day 206) Night spot - revisited

Sun. July 25, 2010

I got to the spot I had visited a few days ago a little late tonight, and so I'm posting late. This fountain caught my attention last time so I came back to shoot it tonight. It's an ornate Italian marble fountain, named the Fulford Fountain, after a prominent founding family. Here are a couple of views.

(18-55mm  f5.6  1/2 sec  ISO400)

(18-55mm  f5.6  1/25 sec  ISO400)

And in honour of Sunset Sunday I'm posting this shot, taken in our backyard on June 15 this year.

(18-55mm  f5.6  1/160 sec  ISO100)

(Day 202) Night lights

Wed. July 21, 2010

Continuing my theme of making some night shots, I went into the nearest town late tonight. Near the beautifully restored courthouse, I found this fountain. I thought I had got there too late because as I was setting up, the fountain spluttered and then stopped. However, in less than a minute it started up again - and so it went for a while - off and on. At one point even some coloured lights came on. I think I may visit there again to capture some of the buildings at night.

(18-55mm  f5.6  8 sec  ISO200)

(18-55mm  f8  2 sec  ISO200)

(Day 201) Night moves

Tues. July 20, 2010

I decided earlier today that I wanted to do some night shots, since it had been a while. I liberally covered myself in mosquito repellent (I'm not sure what my blood type is but it's grade A as far as mosquitoes are concerned) and took the tripod and remote shutter release out with me. The moon was not quite full but it cast a nice light on the clouds.

You can see the effect of a small aperture on the moon in the first shot. And no, the second shot is not of the northern lights - that's the effect of a long shutter speed on moving clouds.

(18-55mm  f14  20 sec  ISO400)

(18-55mm  f6.3  100 sec  ISO200)