Spires...

Today I took my camera outside and snapped a few pictures. I've included these buildings in my blogs before, but when I reviewed the pictures I took today, it appears I was drawn to spires. 

One's from a government building, two are from a religious building, one's an advertisement that doubles as a weather signal for the valley, and one's a picture of a gate.

 

I guess the gate picture isn't really a spire, but it's vertical.

The sky at this time of the year is so incredibly blue right now. It makes for an amazing backdrop. Looking at these spires, it reminds me of Copenhagen, Denmark...at least the spires do.

Happy Birthdays To Friends And Families...

I am on Facebook--it's no secret--and when you get over 350 or so Facebook friends, there's an opportunity to receive notifications of friend's birthdays everyday. Such is the case with me.

And on many days, I have multiple Facebook friends that share a birthday. I think today is an example of the most notifications I've received for one day...four birthdays.

Two of these people I didn't know six months ago. I met them both in plays I did over the winter. The other two, I've known (or been known by them...) all my life. They're my first cousins and they're both older than me.

Facebook is many things. Some love it; some hate it. For me, I'm glad it reminds me that these wonderful people were born on the same day. Happy birthday to Matt, Whitney, Brent, and JoEllyn! May the coming year be filled with love of family and friends, great health, and joy beyond measure. And I hope also to be able to tell you this all over again in one year's time. Take care.

But Which Pic Of The Day?

Every day since early 2011 I've taken and chosen one photograph as my Pic Of The Day. Some are interesting, but most aren't memorable. In all that time, rarely have I had to actually choose between two (or sometimes, more...) photographs I've wanted to use for that one picture.

 

But today, I found two pictures that I considered as my Pic Of The Day. They're not fantastic shots, but I liked them both. I went back and forth as to which one I wanted to use--I ended up using more time on the decision that I should have.

Ultimately, I picked the shot of the Main Street that runs through our little town, even though I liked the shot of the church benches.

Of course, had I waited an hour I could have picked the shot of the sunset setting over the local amusement park. Then again, I've used a lot of sunset pictures in the past. Hopefully tomorrow my daily picture will be easier to choose.

They Really Are Women Of Steel...

The text was simple, "Would you be interested in filming our race this weekend?"

In the first place, it's an honor to be asked to come take pictures and shoot video, especially since I'm not a professional photographer. To be honest, I had to think about it--not because I didn't want to help out a friend, but because it's been another crazy week.

 

In the end, I just couldn't say no. I'm glad I went.

 

Today was the first time I went to a triathlon. It was the Woman of Steel Triathlon and 5K held in American Fork. You can see a video I made of the race: HERE. It was a cold, rainy day--50º when I pulled up at 7:15am. Luckily, we only got a little rain which was unusual because it appeared the entire rest of the valley was getting drenched.

It was fun to be with good friends and the women that competed in the event were truly inspirational. They kept going, even though I know many wanted to quit.

 

I tip my hat to you, women of steel, and I hope continue to do push yourselves and accomplish great things.

Star Trek, Nerds, Friends, A Lot Of Fun...

Last week I wrote about new movies coming out this summer that I'd like to see. In that post I said I'd probably not see the new Star Trek film and wait for it to come out on Redbox. Turns out, I didn't do that. Last night my wife and I joined several friends and we saw the film.

I knew that some of my friends were dressing up for the event. I lack the proper attire to join in so we dressed as civilians. An invitation went out on Facebook last week for all who wanted to join us, but they said we'd be on our own for costumes. One person responded: "The question is, do you already have these costumes in your closet?"

And my friend answered: "um, yes . . ."

When my wife heard that others were dressing up, she asked (a little concerned...), "Do we have to dress up, too?" I assured her, we didn't. Though, I think it would have been cool to dress up as Scottie.  

Oh, and the movie was pretty great, too. 

Imagined Dreamworld...A Short Story

Weekly Blog Hop Story

It's that time again. I'm finding a pattern when I write these. I usually get four of the five words into my story rather easily, but there's always one word that gives me fits. Same thing happened this week. But, it's written and if you're interested in doing the same thing, here are the rules:

1) Use the photo and the 5 words provided in your story

2) Keep your word count 500 words or less.

3) You have until next Tuesday to link up your post.

4) Go to these blogs: Nicole, Carrie, Tena, or Leanne and add your story at the inLinkz button.

5) Have fun, don’t stress, let those creative juices flow.

This week's mandatory words:

Dock

Cannon

Anchor

Camel

Credit Card

Enjoy!

 Imagined Dreamworld

"Well, I don't know about this. That river worries me," Frank told his wife of eleven years as the couple gazed upon the slow-moving stream at their feet. He loved the thought of having a stream running next to the property they considered buying, but the brain inside the husband and father of two failed to stop considering the worse scenarios that could happen.

"Ah, relax!" Jane said laughing and slapping him lightly on his back as she took in a prime example of nature's beauty. "It'll be fun! You know, I grew up on a farm and we had a real river next to us, not like this running puddle." The moment she saw the water, she fought to resist the urge to take off her shoes and go wading in.

"Oh, another farm story to beat me over the head, eh?"

"Tired of them yet? Because I've got lots more." Jane turned her husband east to the undeveloped lot. "Just look at this place! It's perfect! There's room for a huge garden--which you want--and it's even zoned for horses!" 

Frank assumed she would check the zoning for horses, something she had wanted ever since she moved from her childhood home in Idaho. He'd given in over the years with a hamster, a lizard, a cat, and finally a dog. Moving from the city to the country meant owning a horse was a very real possibility.

"I don't know...the boys are still young..."

"They're te and eight-years old. We can teach them to respect the water, and besides--it's safer than that busy street we live on now."

"That's true," Frank said still concerned.

"Honey," Jane said taking her husband by the hand and leading him to the water's edge. "I want you to image yourself as a little kid." She waved her hand in front of her. "This river can be an ocean, separating you from distant lands full of jungles, or pyramids, or even a camel."

Frank smiled at his wife.

"And imagine you finding some old boards and building a dock on this mighty ocean and pirates come to attack and you make a cannon out of that stump that you could anchor on the dock right there." She pointed to a spot her husband agreed would be perfect for just such a project.

"And you think if we build our dream house over there" he said pointing. "That our children will create this little dreamworld you're imagining? I mean, it sounds like a vision better suited on a greeting card, and they're not real." He winked at his wife.

"Hey!" Jane punched him. "I know they will! Give me a little credit. Card pictures got nothing on this!" She spread her arms wide. A look from Frank told her that she had won. She knew her family would be building their home beside the stream and that her children would know a world similar to the one she knew growing up.

Word Count: 500

Am I Really A Narcisist?

I read a post on Facebook today about blogs. The author of the post said that he doesn't read blogs where there's no content. He doesn't feel cute things your cat did or what you had for breakfast is content. "Give me content, or give me death," is his cry.

It's also his opinion that a majority (a LARGE majority...) of the blogs he's seen are exercises in narcissism. I think I need to state that when I read his thoughts, I was not offended in any way. In fact, I think he's got a valid point. If a blog doesn't have information that you feel is important to you, it's probably not worth your time to read it, or even worse, follow it and read it on numerous occasions. 

The reason I didn't take offense to his comments is because I believe everyone who blogs does so for reasons that are as unique as the writers themselves. I write for several reasons, but the main reason I write my blog and include a post every day is because my foremost goal with this blog is to write something everyday in order to improve my writing, my creativity, and to a small extent, my photography skills.

I know there are endless articles and YouTube videos giving tips on how to improve the traffic on your blog. Be specific--blogs are more successful if you stick to a main theme. Follow other blogs and comment on them--this will increase your blog footprint and draw people to your site. It goes on and on.

I realized early on that I'm not going to break any records with my little blog. As I mentioned, I write it to improve my skills and to chronicle things that happen to myself and my family. I guess you could say that this is narcissistic and if so, I'm okay with that. I've said all along that I hope those who come by my humble blog don't ever feel they've wasted their time, and if I in some tiny way, make them feel better, that's a bonus. So I know I'll probably write about something cute one of my cats did or what I had for breakfast in the future. I just hope not to do it too much...