[Sony A700 | CZ 135/1.8 | 1/6400 @ f3.5 | ISO 640]

Col. Hannibal Smith, played by George Peppard in the TV series “The A-Team”, would often say, “I love it when a plan comes together!”  I can’t claim that yesterday evening was planned, but everything sure came together making for a very nice experience.

It all began when I walked through the door of the “Winery of the Wichitas”, a unique small business, located off Hwy. 49, atop a hill overlooking Medicine Park and just a mile, or so, from the eastern entrance to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.  It’s a winery, and as such they offer up glasses of the wines they craft; it’s an art gallery where local artists can show their work; it’s a restaurant called “Buffalo Bistro” and Mark and Randy Reeves play smooth jazz on Saturday night from 7:00 to 10:00.  Now, you must admit, that’s a combination that holds promise.

I go there often for the food, art, and music, in that order.  It’s not a place where “everyone knows my name”, but enough do to make it homey.  The  “Buffalo Bistro’s” menu is small but unique.  It was designed by executive chef, Anna Banda, who earned her credentials at Coach House.  Everything I have eaten, has been excellent, and the portions plentiful; most times, I leave food on my plate.  On this evening, the inside dining area was full, so I followed the path across the floor and through the door leading to the large split-level deck outside.  I was delighted to see the table with the brightly colored ceramic tile top empty; it’s my favorite even though it wobbles at least a half inch (I swear I’m going to fix that someday).  Located on the upper deck, in an out of the way corner, and only a table for two, it suits me perfectly. Read the rest of this entry »

"Rising Together"

[Sony A700 | CZ 135 – 1.8  | f3.5 | 160 | ISO 400]

This photo was taken Thursday morning through the window from my room in the Courtyard Marriott, directly across the street from the Oklahoma City Arena.  I was in town for a Franklin/Covey, “Four Dimensions of Excellence” follow-up work session.  I can only imagine how difficult it must be to get a room when Thunder is playing in town, especially tonight when they take on the Mavericks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

Lawtonian Samantha Rose is a rising star.

[Sony A700 | CZ 135 - 1.8 | f2.2 | 1/8000 | ISO 400]

2010 MacArthur graduate, Samantha Rose is making a name for herself as a rising young singing talent.  She appeared in the Wine Garden at the Arts for All Festival in Lawton, OK., this weekend.  The enthusiastic crowd welcomed her warmly and appreciated her clear voice and distinct style.

[Sony A700 | CZ 135 - 1.8  | f8 | 1/250 |  ISO 400]

There are plenty of pretty things to capture your eyes at the “Arts for All Festival” this weekend in Lawton.  Painters, photographers, metal artists, and craftsmen in various mediums set up their booths in Shepler Park on the north edge of downtown Lawton.  Their artwork has been on display since 3:00 PM on Friday, May 13, and will conclude this Sunday afternoon at 5:00 PM.  The weather has been great with temperatures in the 70s.  The only negative has been the flying dust and dry grass due to the wind and the drought.  Its been settling on everything, keeping the artisans busy dusting their wares and spectators blinking their eyes.

Along with the art displays, the festival has plenty of entertainment with many talented local groups performing continuously on two stages.  Plus, there’s the Wine Garden with several wineries offering their own special kind of “art” for thirsty palates.  The Wine Garden has its own stage with some really good local bands filling the air with sounds ranging from Jazz to Red Dirt.  And then there’s the food court.  Need anymore be said about that:  everything from turkey legs to fried Snickers.  Yummy, yummy!

Oklahoma University's Icon of Knowledge

[Sony A700 w/CZ 16-80mm | 27mm | f/8 | 1" – 15" | ISO 1600 | 5 images, tonemapped]

It’s been a good while since my last post.  I apologize for that!  I have been distracted by life and have not been able to pursue my love of photographic art.  However, this past week I was in Norman, OK. attending a three day marathon workshop on Franklin/Covey’s “Four Dimension of Execution”.  After sitting for hours upon hours the first two days, I had a great need to stretch my legs.  Toward that end, I loaded up my camera gear and headed for the OU campus about 9:30 PM.  Being an alum of OU, and very familiar with the campus, I was already anticipating seeing our Bizzell Memorial Library glowing in the night.  I was not disappointed and I hope you like it.

Everything has a season.

Post Oak Creek

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

[Sony A700 w/Minolta 50mm 1.7 | 50mm | f/3.2 | 1/80s | ISO 400 | pop-up flash -0.7 EV]

This day, I was hiking with one lens, a Minolta 50mm 1.7, prime.  For many years it was the only lens I owned and therefore the only lens I used; it enjoyed a long season.  As I accumulated more lenses, its use became less frequent.  It had been a while since its last use and I chose it this day because it is light, fast, pretty sharp, renders great color, and has a very nice bokeh.  Its only drawback is my legs are its only “zoom”.

When I made this image, I was on the return leg of a hike from the Treasure Lake parking lot to the base of Elk Mountain, just below the Apple and Pear.  I was following Post Oak Creek and had just passed Little Post Oak Falls.  The canyon carved by the creek is very narrow with vertical walls of solid granite on both sides.  It was late in the afternoon and the canyon was in total shade.  For whatever reason, the above seen caught my eye.  Without light the rich colors of the granite were very muted but I liked the composition.  The only light source I had was the pop-up flash on my camera.  I don’t care much for flash but it can produce very pleasing results if it’s controlled.  I dialed it down to what I thought might produce the desired result.  I think it turned out okay.

What struck me about this scene is the contrast between the grasses of summer, lasting only a few short months and the seemingly eternal granite wall.  However, the idea of granite being eternal is betrayed by the granite gravel that lines the creek bank.  Eventually, it will decompose into even smaller particles, becoming the grains of  sand washed farther down the stream.  This picture speaks of the irony of the short season that accompanies shallow roots sank in sand vs. granite, the rock of ages.  Yes, everything has its season; but some are shorter than others.

I'm Never Alone!

My loneliest moments have not been when I’m alone; I’ve been very lonely in crowds.  I’ve had some wonderful times with friends and family; times I’ll always cherish.  But my absolute best times are when I meet HIM in HIS garden.  It’s not that he’s not with me at other times; HE’s always with me.  I take that for granted and that’s the difference.

Sunday afternoon, we walked in HIS garden, I felt HIS breeze on my face, HIS rocks under my feet, heard HIS birds sing, and the warmth of HIS glow in my soul.  I stood in awe of HIS artistry as HE painted the canvas of granite walls with HIS ever changing Light.  If he can paint hardened granite with HIS Light and create beauty, surely he can paint the hardest of hearts, too; maybe even mine.

Tomorrow, at 7:30 AM, I go for my third attempt to complete an MRI.  My lifelong battle with claustrophobia has beaten me twice.  How stupid is that?  Tomorrow morning I’ll remember our Sunday afternoon walk, think of the picture above and know HE’s in the tube with me; I’ll know no fear.