Tag: Photography

  • One Nation Under God ?

    New York advertising photographer Bill composed this powerfully reflective photograph of a US flag made from matches that has just caught fire, Stars and Stripes Forever? (1970). Taking its name from a patriotic march, Stettner suggested it perchance foreshadows “The fragility of the US and the principles that founded it.” The haunting “?” Stettner placed…

  • Volcanoes and Bucket Lists

    We’re in the midst of a several day Smoky Mountains liquid deluge. While grateful for the needed rainfall, it dampens my desire to go outside on wander woods wanders or splash around in the creek re-arranging boulders to create reflecting pools. It’s not cold enough to turn the landscape white and snap on a pair…

  • Frozen Wonder

    It’s been a tad ‘chilly’ here in the Smokies lately. Folks here aren’t accustomed to lotsa’ snowflakes and ‘black ice’, or even regular ice other than ice cubes when the thermometer bounces around zero . . . it’s definitely not Alaska Virginia 😊 The magnificent winter wonderland surrounding our home up here in the mountains…

  • The If . . . Then Providential Promise

    In 4 days our country will inaugurate it’s 47th President. He, his Vice President, cabinet, our House of Representatives, Senate, Supreme Court and other leaders all urgently need our prayers for God’s wisdom . . . not theirs . . . in leading, healing, and unifying our sadly Divided States of America. The following excerpt…

  • Snow-er-cise

    Other than the Smoky Mountain’s peaks, unlike the Last Frontier, snow is not a frequent meteorological phenomenon in TN. Yesterday winter showed up and we were blanketed in 4 inches of snowflakes . . . Beautiful! Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no…

  • Quintessential Light Show

    No crowds  . . . No noise . . . No charge . . . A quintessential Aurora borealis display ushered in the Last Frontier New Year.  A friend of mine in Palmer, Alaska sent me this picture. Reason #1,001 to call the Greatland home 😊 “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is…

  • New Year Resolutions

    If New Year resolutions were as easy to keep as they were to make, 2025 will be a banner year for everyone! 😊 Each year (save leap years) has 365 days . . . bet you already knew that 😊. Each year is a one-of-a-kind, unique collection of opportunities, accomplishments, regrets, joys, and sorrows which…

  • Sentimental Gratitude

    Having witnessed over 8 decades of the final days of another year ticking off, 2024 is departing with a comforting aura of sentimental gratitude.   Sentimental because I’ve somehow survived to attain the stage of life where the trails seem a tad longer; my steps a tad shorter; other hikers a lot younger; and odds…

  • A.I. Road Trip

    The Cherahola Parkway is a scenic, mile-high, two-lane highway winding over the Smokies between Tellico Plains, TN and Robbinsville, NC. Earlier this week Ellie decided to take a road trip along it before the forests shed their spectacular, multi-hued fall display of color. Somehow, I had managed to cajole my permanent girlfriend to explore a…

  • Happy Place

    Each of us has our special ‘Happy Place’ where our soul is most at peace. For some it’s walking along a beach, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet, listening to the surf’s rhythmic beat. For others, it’s being immersed in a city’s bright lights, activities and cacophony of sounds . . . never quiet…