Bring back the blue sky

Rick Cartwright November 3, 2017

The cloud cover and rain for the last few days has left me with a little seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Yes, I think SAD is real, and I feel it every winter.

This is where photography comes to the rescue ... I remembered this picture and had a little internal party when I saw the blue sky and green pasture. 🎊🎊

Pictures and videos can bring back memories. Some of my most cherished photos are of my mother and father. When I am missing them, I will look at those photos and find peace.

So when ever you read this, do what I’m doing: Listen to The Beach Boys, and look at some of your summer photos or other cherished memories!

~ Rick

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

“Here's looking at you, kid."

Rick Cartwright November 2, 2017

I took this picture at the Honolulu zoo. I don’t know what was communicated here, but it was beautiful.

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

One of the biggest problems in our world today is the lack of real communications. It starts when we listen. I struggle with this, but I am trying to get better. Listen completely .. don’t just fake it. Be in the moment.

I have a long time friend that I believe is an expert listener. When I talk to him, he is totally in the moment. It is like there is nothing else more important than me and our conversation. More than that, you feel that he cares. I have never known anyone as engaged. He takes in every word, and every emotion. Then he reflects back what he heard with empathy. You know he understands, because he tells you by his words, body language, and expression.

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Take time listen .. and really listen. Start today, and make it a better world.

~ Rick

Change happens .. and then the clock

Rick Cartwright November 1, 2017

This picture captures the essence of the Fall season. If you look at it for a while, perhaps you will feel the cool in the air, hear the sounds of fall, and see the harvest as it happens around you. Of course, if you take a quick walk outside, you will feel the cold in the air! It’s 34°F as I type this.

When I see this picture, I am reminded that nature seems to deal with change better than most of us. Just look around and you see change every day. We complain when things change. Perhaps it’s Facebook and the constant changes to your timeline, or the location of your favorite item at Kroger ... there is always some change to dislike. I’m right there with you.

This weekend, we will experience another change: Daylight Saving Time gives way to Standard Time. For some serious stress, google “Standard time and health” or something like that. Seriously, this change is even bad for your health. 😳🤔

Don’t get me wrong ... Sunday and Monday I will be complaining. I wish we just left it one way or the other. Every year, a number of States talk about ending this crazy practice. Both Maine and Massachusetts have proposals to end it. Several states continue to ‘talk’ about it. Talk is cheap folks!

What do I propose. Sadly, let’s just suck it up and move on. If you see me Sunday or Monday, and I’m complaining, please remind me that change happens. I promise to try and let it go.

~ Rick

Lake Champlain at dusk

Rick Cartwright October 31, 2017

I spent a couple of days in Burlington, Vermont in early June of 2015. This is truly a beautiful place. After a full day of meetings, we had an amazing dinner, and then a few of us took a walk around the city. Our final stop found us looking out over Lake Champlain. In the distance, the Adirondack Mountains provide a stunning contrast to the still, calm lake.

The lighting was not great for photography, but I was able to get a couple shots. This is one of those places I want to visit again when I can take Teresa, and spend more time.

While walking around, I took a picture of this beautiful mural. It has such rich color and amazing detail. A beautiful work. It’s called, “Everyone Loves a Parade”, and was custom-designed by Pierre Hardy. It’s covered with iconic images from the last 400 years. For a cool view of the entire mural, go here.

~ Rick

One, two, three ...

Rick Cartwright October 30, 2017

Saturday morning Teresa called me to the back door because we have a party in the yard. I was surprised to see a Cardinal party. I was able to catch three of them eating berries. Clearly, I was not set for the right shutter speed to capture the flapping wings of the one male, but they are clearly having a great time.

The funny story here is that I didn’t realize I captured three of them in the picture until I was going back to edit them. I guess I was so focused on the larger male, that I missed the other two.

So be honest, were you able to see the female the 1st time you looked at the picture? The bright red males stand out, but the female colors blend into the vines. Males are colored brightly to attract females (at least that is how science describes it). I think the reality is the females are the ones with the best coloring. Better for protection, and a long life.

I have heard these cardinals in a nearby tree for several weeks, but I was never able to see where they were. I guess I just needed to wait for them to come to us.

~ Rick

Bring back the blue sky

“Here's looking at you, kid."

Change happens .. and then the clock

Lake Champlain at dusk

One, two, three ...

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