Characters

One of the things my daughter and son-in-law are really fussy about is not posting images of their first baby online... so here's a way I obeyed the letter (and intent) of the law, but still recorded a stroller ride we enjoyed together one afternoon. Photo was processed "Orton" style. Walk was enjoyed "Whitney and Mimi" style.

One of the greatest joys in my life these days is the chance I have to spend time with my sweet girl — my granddaughter — Whitney. One afternoon this spring we took a stroller ride along the lake shore, just before it came back to life for the summer. It was a memory I'll never forget, and one she was too young to remember. No matter — there were smiles, fresh air, she tried to "eat" the breeze as it blew by, and I'm quite sure I sang a few songs as we walked. Yes, I am rich. One day I hope she thinks so too.  

Here are a couple of grunge frames I was experimenting with in photoshop.  One single brush and a couple of layer masks are all I used...

Odd as it may sound, a local cemetery is one of my favorite spots to visit no matter what the season. It's so more than just a "final resting place." Nature runs amok at every turn with a bubbling stream, a vast collection of well established trees (many ancient and able to tell stories of their own), colorful shrubs and perennials, fabulous, well etched stone work, architecturally stunning buildings and bridges, statuary dating back to the 1800s... all beautifully landscaped and maintained. This solitary figure is one of my favorites - she sits and ponders deep thoughts day after day, year after year, decade after decade.  Here she is - featured in several composite photos.

I know for sure this photo does not capture the moment.  I took this one last fall.  The color was so brilliant just before sunset I thought for sure the whole landscape would burst into flames before my eyes.

This is one of my favorite old trees in the cemetery near where I live.  I like it because it's interesting and beautiful... and it's older than I am.