Archive for the ‘Sociology’ Category

Fishing Pier at Lake Quanah Parker

|Sony A700 | CZ 16-80 | 16mm | f8 | 1/320 sec | ISO 640 | 3 images tonemapped|

The winter sun rises south of due east creating low angles of light and many opportunities for dramatic lighting.  I was hoping for such an opportunity when I headed out to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge this morning.  I had a strong hunch that the sun rise at ESE 118.1°, would create interesting shadows and texture on the fishing pier at Lake Quanah Parker.  However, I have to admit my surprise at finding so much beach exposed, considering the rains we have had in December.  At normal lake height, there is very little, if any, beach.  As much as I was surprised, I was also excited because of the additional opportunities 20 yards, or so, of beach would present.  I parked just outside the entrance to the Quanah Parker Conservation Center and hiked to the pier.  I arrived well ahead of the sunrise and was able to get set up in plenty of time so I could just wait for the light and the fun to begin.

"Blue, Blue Christmas"

[Sony A700 | CZ 16-18 | 16mm | f8 | 2 sec | ISO 640 | 3 images, tonemapped]

I like looking at Christmas lights.  I like looking at Christmas lights, a lot!  That’s why driving to Medicine Park to see the lights on Christmas night 2011, made sense and felt “right”.  It had been a good day, because it was, after all, Christmas Day!  A lot has to be overlooked on this day, just because; just because.  And that’s why standing in a light rain on a winter night taking pictures of Christmas lights is an okay thing to do.  And I wasn’t the only one, either.  It was surprising the number of people who showed up just as I did to capture a few quick shots for scrapbooks and memories.  Most were only brief moments, quick dashes, and hurried poses.  And then, there I was, smiling and remembering times gone by while waiting patiently, camera on tripod, for a less hurried appreciation.  Oh, Cristmas lights, Oh Christmas lights, how brightly you do shine!

Herbie

[Sony A700 | CZ 135/1.8 | f1.8 @ 1/500 | ISO 6400 | handheld]

Only a week ago, wildfires threatened the survival of Medicine Park.  Past perils and hardships have not destroyed the determined spirit of Medicine Park residents.  This past 4th of July weekend they carried on with their 103rd Birthday Celebration.  All firework displays were canceled due to the extreme drought and 100+ temperatures across all of Southwest Oklahoma, but that didn’t stop the celebration in Medicine Park.  Live bands were performing throughout the weekend.  I checked the schedule of performances to see who would be there Sunday night.  Scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, was “The Brothers Dupree”, and then at 9:00 PM, was someone called “Miss Blues”.  I had never heard of them so I Googled the name and “missblues.com” showed up.  After scanning quickly through the site, I knew I’d have to drive out to hear Miss Blues.

It was worth the drive and a lot more!  Unbelievably good and incredibly entertaining is the best way I can describe it.  Miss Blues is 76 years old and has been singing the blues for 68 years.  The band she fronted this evening was comprised of some of the best musicians I have heard in one group.  They were amazing.  The group of assembled to hear Miss Blues was small but what it lacked in size, it made up in appreciation.  It didn’t take long for everyone realized this was a rare treat for Southwest Oklahoma.  In fact, Mike Cappucio, a member of The Brothers Dupree, stayed for the performance and may have appreciated these performers more than anyone.  They were only scheduled to play a couple of hours, but I left at 12:45 AM, and Miss Blues was still going strong.

WHAT A SHOW!  WOW, WOW, WOW!

(more pictures to follow shortly)

Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy have a unique sound.

Erin came to visit Mike and me over the Memorial Day Weekend.  Every Memorial Day Weekend, Medicine Park reverberates with the sound of Red Dirt Music during the “Mayor’s Red Dirt Ball”.  After examining the list of bands performing over the weekend, my bet was that the best music would be heard Sunday evening.  Two groups were were scheduled to perform, Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy, 7:00–9:00 PM, and Brandon Jenkins, 9:30–11:30 PM.

We pulled into the old Medicine Park High School baseball field about 7:20 PM, and had no difficulty finding a parking spot.  From there, we only needed to walk the 300 yards, or so, down a blacktopped street and across the old bridge spanning Medicine Creek to be at Medicine Park’s “Main Stage”.  As we walked, we listened to the sound of music carried on the refreshing evening breeze. 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!