Friday Foto

Before last weekend I had this preconceived notion of wedding photography. I thought that this would be a good way for me to earn money, shoot and get my name out. Never did I actually think I would enjoy it or find that special art niche in it. I did. I consider myself a fine art photographer, and by saying that, I mean the kind of stuff you would see and buy in a gallery. Corporate photographers, photojournalists, portrait photographers (etc.) all have their place in the world, but myself, I like to be classified as a fine art photographer. I wanted to find my niche in the wedding world... not just producing ho-hum candids of so-in-so hugging the bride, but something a little bit more artsy if you will. Granted, this was my first wedding, but I feel confident enough to say that I know what kind of shots I would like to get from now on. Everybody needs their flare, you know?

These photos are just a few of the 1,028 and that I took last weekend. I have begun the processing, and am getting close to uploading the proofs on the web for the bride and groom to see. I thought I would give you all a little sneak peak. It's OK, the brides an avid reader of Island Profilin', I know she won't mind... but she better not be reading today, I dare say she has a lot more important things to be doing!

I, of course, photographed those important moments too, the ones that need to be taken however normal they may be. There is a place for those in every album. I am grateful to have shot this wedding. It has opened my eyes to a new style of shooting that I have to say I enjoyed. My art is growing into something that I enjoy more and more. I hope you all like it as well.

Oh, it's almost here

The summer, the weekend, the beach... they are all almost here. This weekend is supposed to be beautiful, and I plan to spend the majority of it sitting on the beach. Tonight is the donaters only opening of the new Coast Guard station here on SSI. They are calling it the Maritime Center. Tomorrow is the grand-opening. I am going tonight as the photographer. I am looking forward to it, because well, it's an opportunity to shoot.

We're getting our car fixed tomorrow, so that will be all OK now. I love the summer. Don't be mistaken though, my favorite season down here is definitely winter, but I love the summer too. I think this summer will be great because Kelly will be out of school and willing to do much more than usual.

Who's excited about the Friday Foto? I hope you are, hopefully you'll like it. I got a compliment from somebody the other day that stumbled across my blog and traveled through and saw some of my photos... it made me feel real good. It really means a lot to me that you guys like my stuff. It gives me the confidence that I need. Thanks.

Busy getting back

So you always pay for it when you take a day off. I've been really busy at work the past couple of days, but that's OK, it makes the day go by so much faster. This weekend I shot a wedding, it went really well. I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. I got to shoot in a different way than I normally do, and I believe it will help me progress as a fine art photographer. My next wedding is in a little less than two weeks, and I am already anxious for it. I shot 1000 photos this weekend, that's 6.8 gigs worth of pics. That's a lot. As soon as I start processing these, I'll share some with you all. I am really proud of them.

Yeah, the trip wasn't all work, we had fun too. Although, Saturday morning I awoke to find someone had hit our new car in the middle of the night and didn't bother leaving a note. It was pretty bad too. Insurance will cover it, so that will be fixed soon.

I heard today that we are definitely getting some new stores in the area. I saw the final plans for the Harvey's shopping center, and they are: Target, Ross, Lowes, Michaels, Old Navy, Petsmart, Circuit City (it's moving)... I think that is it. So, we'll see..... It's supposed to open in the summer of '07.

Friday Foto and stuff... but early

Sorry, I don't know if I will have an accesible internet connection tomorrow morning, so tomorrow's Friday Foto is now.

So, I wasn't going to let you guys see these photos of Alfonza's yet, but here are two that I'll slip in for a peak until the lot of them is complete and up on my website. One is of the inside, exposed for 30 seconds to allow for the ambient light to play well. The other is an outside window (note, I did not stage that photo). Hope you enjoy.

You want a funny link? Check this out: A site dedicated to hating the Hummer.

How about another one: If you like the Peanut Butter Jelly Song...

Wanna know something that ticks me off? The RIAA (I hope y'all read this)... their argument on MP3's for the longest time has always been that you can only have them if you bought the MP3 or downloaded it from a pay site. Apparently, not any more. Now it is illegal to rip a CD that you have paid for and make it into MP3's. That's crazy. Have a great weekend

Nothing's new...

So nothing's new on this end. I'm having a good week, glad it is going to be short. I am working through lunch tomorrow so I can jet outta here at 4.

You may call me a dork, but I watch America Idol. My favorite is Taylor Hicks, the dude with the gray hair. Now, hear me out before you go pokin' fun... He's a mix between Van Morrison, Ray Charles and any other soul singer you can think of. I love this type of music and he's great at it. He also plays the harmonica (good too) and so do I, so I like him for that. I googled him last night and discovered that he already has two independantly released albums out there (1997 and 1999). I downloaded them and they are great, some original stuff, some covers... all good. I will burn you a copy at request.

Also, if you are in the mood for new music, check out the debut album by Sonya Kitchell, "Words Came Back To Me", released in April. It's awesome! She is a 17-year-old with an old soul. She sings with an incredible soulful voice. She will be big, and you heard about her here first.

Have a great day.

What a shame...

I love going out to eat, I really do. I like food, I like the entertainment, I like being around people. There are certain places that I particularly like, certain places that really foster memories within my soul. Alfonzo's Old Plantation Supper Club was one of those places.

On New Year's eve, at the turn of the millennium, three men paraded into the quaint restaurant toting shotguns, and in an attempt to rob the place, shot Alfonzo. Lucky for him, he survived. But, why keep the place open? The stupidity of a few ruined this establishment for all. What intrigues me though, is that he just dropped it. Like dropping the dish towel when you are done, they locked up the doors and left it. Nothing was changed, food was still out, wine was still uncorked, glasses were only half clean.

I had a chance to go in there yesterday afternoon, albeit not totally through the front door (if you catch my drift), but I'm sorry, this place has to be captured like this. This memory for me, needs to be preserved. See, Alfonzo's has been sold for a cool three mil, and yes, it will be torn down and in it's place a little community with 20 cookie-cutter houses with seven feet between them will sprout up. So what am I doing? I don't know, but I shot for about two hours yesterday with nothing but the afternoon light that trickled through the broken windows onto the set tables. My plan is to make a mini-exhibit of these shots, showcased on my website. You all will be the first to hear about it when I have it done. It really is a shame.

You HAVE to see this

Check this out, you HAVE to.

Friday Foto

This photo was taken on my last trip to Crooked River. It is of a water run-off creek that I believe fills up pretty high at hightide. I love the glass-like quality of the dark water juxtaposed against the sporadicly grown trees (Yes, I actually did see that while taking this image). I really like the scattered leaves in the foreground as well. I originally intended for this image to be color, but I think black and white gives it more of the feel I felt while standing there. I named it Crooked Swamp.

I won't lie to you, I'm scrounging for Friday Fotos. I need some new material. I have been so busy the past couple of weeks with work and financial obligations (we just refinanced and got a equity loan for a car) that I haven't had much time to shoot at all. That is why I am so excited about next weekend. Kelly and I are taking Friday off and we are leaving Thursday night to go to Rome, GA for a wedding that Kelly is in and I am shooting. I am so excited for a number of reasons. One, I get to go back to my old college town, which is always fun. Two, I'm taking a day off. Three, I get to see old friends, and four, I get to shoot. I can't wait to shoot some new stuff. Wedding photos, new landscapes, new night shots... I hope to come back with a plethora of new stuff, all to share with you guys of course.

So tonight we are having our last oyster roast of the season. I'll be sad to see them go, but after April, oysters really won't be in season anymore. Tomorrow is Good Friday, which means, Kelly is off of work. I swear, is there a holiday that teachers don't get off? I know, I'm just jealous. Tonight we went out to dinner, in part, to celebrate Kelly getting asked back to teach at Glynn Academy. We pretty much new that she would, but it was nice to get that contract in hand. Congrats out to her. I spent the rest of the evening hardwiring the new radar detector I got Kelly into the Acura. That's the only way to have one. Hardwire that sucker so you don't have to deal with it hogging up your cigarette lighter and leaving wires all over the place. That's the only way I fly. Have a great weekend.

I should have listened...

Well, I had a mocha earlier... double shot. I'm still awake. Caffeine usually doesn't effect me, but I guess it is because I have not yet become tired. Kelly tried to worn me. So, I really like our new car. It's so much fun to drive. I drive a Jeep. I've always driven a SUV, and I will always I think. I love having a car to drive though. It is so much fun. Some people really enjoy driving and some people don't really feel either way. Some people detest it. The sense of freedom that comes with driving is something that I love. Getting in the car, windows down on a cold night with the heat on, music blasting, speeding... can't get much better.

I just made some business cards for my photography business. I am really pushing to make it this way. I have just got my business license as well. I am now Benjamin Galland, LLC. Pretty awesome huh? That means I get to write expenses off, am covered under the veil of a company and look more legite to someone then just a person with a camera.

I'm watching The Daily Show as I type to you tonight. I generally do not like Jon Stewart at all because of his political views of course, but Queen Latifa's guest starring, and I really like her. She is one celebrity that I really admire. She is a great actress, beautiful and a very talented musician. Most people think of her R&B albums that she used to do. I like those, but that's not what I'm really talking about. I have this album titled "The Dana Owens Project" that is just fantastic. Dana Owens is Queen Latifa's real name. She sings jazz covers of many popular songs like The Mamma's and the Pappas' "California Dreaming" and CCR's "You Put A Spell On Me"... it's just awesome.

OK, it's time to go to bed now... I'm tired finally. Hope everyone has a great night and good tomorrow.

Vroom Vroom

Yep, this is our new car. After dealing with several dealerships in Jacksonville this morning, we drove on down to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and met this guy selling this Acura 3.2CL. We took it for a test drive, brought it by a mechanic, struck a deal and paid WAY less then he was asking and what we anticipated spending. 59k miles, 2001, 265HP... very nice. We are really lucky, really happy and super excited. Kelly, of course, is elated. Now, I'll I need to buy is a radar detector.

Friday Foto

Good morning readers! Can I possibly explain in words how glad I am it's Friday? This week has been a long one. I've started staying at work until 5 p.m. (I know, what a tortured life) but, I still am in at 7:15 a.m.... so there. Tomorrow Kelly and I are going to Jacksonville to look for cars. She is extremely excited, as am I.

Today's foto comes to you straight from our backyard here on the ole' island. I had the urge to go shoot on Tuesday night and went out looking for a good subject. The lighthouse, as always, is great. So many people take so many shots of the lighthouse, after awhile they all begin to look alike. I like to think that I did a decent job of distincting (?) myself from others. I love the Big Dipper in the photo. I took a lot of orange light out of the picture that was cast from the streetlights behind me. Anyway, what do you think?

So, has anyone read about the teacher that blew his hand off? Long story short, a teacher had a big bullet on is desk he had been using as a paperweight for years (he also thought it wasn't live of course). The other day in class a bug was crossing his desk and he used the bullet to smash the bug, and it went off... blowing his hand off during class. The kids in the front seats had other things to complain about then spit from the teacher. Have a great weekend. I'll be at the beach.

Wanted

So anybody know of any body selling a car? Kelly and I are shopping. We just raised our equity line and are finally ready to get Kelly a new car. Her Altima that she had since she was 15 bit the dust last year... I mean really died. It quit on the way to the shop. I got $100 for it for scrap metal. So, we have been bumming rides, sharing and borrowing cars for too long now. As always, a 6-pack finder's fee will be paid out in your choice.

I got a cool photo for y'all on Friday. I went out last night and took some night shots. It was such a clear, beautiful night. You know what I really want to shoot? I would love to capture the Nothern Lights; Aurora Borealis. I love that. I've never even seen it either. I had this great idea. I might do a whole collection of night photographs. Not plain night ones, but really neat and abstract ones. I love night photography. There is a LOT that goes into making a good night shot.

In another note, I love chicken salad.

Friday Foto

So, have y'all been anticipating today's photo? Yes, you read right last post, this picture was exposed for 32 minutes. This was done in order to catch a visual of the earth rotating. See how the stars have streaked across the night sky? The hardest part was holding the camera still for half an hour. OK, that was a joke. I definitely used a tripod. Anyway, I call it "Starry Night", I know, how original.

In other news, remember the story I told you about my friends kayaking down Georgia? They made the Athens newspaper. Check out the attachments... Have a great weekend!

Linkage, words and photos oh my

Sorry, sorry, sorry. I know it's been longer than usual since I last posted. I'v been working on this big project at work this whole week, so I've been MIA for awhile. Kelly has been on spring break this whole week, so we have been busy hanging out at night. Tonight we went to get some pizza at Moondoggies, my new favorite restaruant. The village has been packed lately with all the damn spring breakers. I feel like I need to have a sticker on my back that says, "Don't cast me as a Tourist, I was born here" so the store owners don't treat me like one. It's a gorgeous night though, really beautiful.

So, I'll say this. I've only been to California once, and it was San Diego. I went to the zoo. It was cool. I was like 8 though, so really don't remember much. I'de like to visit LA, but don't think I would like it that much, only becuase it is a big city, and I generally don't like big cities. So there...

I was upset that I didn't get mroe response from my link to the CB slang site. Come on.... no one found this as cool as I did? Put your ears on people! So, did anyone else hear about the stupid college kid that spent his spring break in a WalMart? Yeah, he definetly lived in there. I don't know what to think about that. From time to time I check out all those crazy joke/video sites like collegehumor.com and ebaumsworld.com, etc. My buddy sent me a crazy funny link for this video in which a whole town thinks there is a leprachaun in a tree. I definetly need to get some leprachaun removal scent. Another friend suggested this link as a possible blog topic. I don't know much about the topic, I just like the picture.

Anyway, so I we had a great time camping. I promised y'all some photos, so here they are below. It was cold, so I was really happy. I took an awesome photo over the weekend that I am really excited about. You don't get to see that one until Friday though. But picture this, it was a 32 minute exposure. Yeah, that's minutes. Crazy huh? So enhoy the photos:

Friday Foto (and more!)

Good Friday to you all. I have two photos for you today. Let me tell you about them... The first one I took last Saturday morning. I woke up at 6 a.m. as usual and decided that since I was up I would go shoot. I know, I have nothing better to do. I went out to the beach, and was quite productive. I got three shots that I really like from that shoot. This is one of them. I was about to head back when I saw the crosses erected in the dunes. The moon was perfect, as well as the lighting. I quickly composed the shot, under exposing to ensure the warmer colors of the dunes and detail in the moon, and got this shot. I really am pleased with it.

On the other side of the photography spectrum is this candid film shot I took of Pippin, our now almost two-year-old Yorky, when he was probably eight months old. From time to time I will shoot some slide film (positive as opposed to negative) and scan them into digital files. Why? I don't know. I used to do it because it provided better quality, but I am convinced beyond doubt that my new camera is far superior now. Anyway, back to the photo... Kelly worked in Atlanta for a period of time and I was up there visiting her in her apartment. For some reason or another we had these egg crates rolled up on the floor. Well, we were about ready to leave, so we called for Pip and could not find him. After searching and panicking, I see the egg crate rolling ever so lightly back in forth. Yes, he had found himself a little hideaway that he was fine and content in staying in. I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped this shot. It wasn't until earlier this week that I finally had the film developed and I had forget all about this memory.

That's why I love photographs. That little funny memory of our first pet would have been, and was, completely lost until I saw the photo again. If you don't already have one, I encourage you to get a camera. I don't care if it is film or digital. Digital is cheaper now, I promise. If you don't know what to get, I will personally help you find something to fit your budget, that's how much I think everybody can use one. So please, take me up on this offer.

Something I was thinking about tonight... What shows do you all miss that don't come on anymore? Either re-runs or new episodes, doesn't matter. Of course, I would have to go with McGuyver (my all time favorite; new episodes of course), but that's not what sparked this thought. What ever happened to VH1 Storytellers and MTV Unplugged? These were two of my all-time favorite shows, Unplugged in particular. I know I have seen a Springstein Storytellers recently, but they used to be a lot more frequent. I guess it's hard to cut an unplugged version of "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp". Some of my favorite songs/renditions came from those shows. Man...

I'm excited about this weekend. I am leaving after work today and Kelly and I and another couple are going camping at Crooked River State Park in St. Mary's. We are bringing a boat and plan to go to Cumberland for the day. It should be a blast (and cold!). Expect some photos on Monday. Alright now, get back to work.... but not before you comment. Have a great day/weekend. Later...

No Rain please

The one day I get to go out of the office and shoot some, it looks like it is about to rain. That stinks. I'm supposed to go out to this golf course and shoot golfer Fred Couples. I don't know what for and any details, but I don't care. I get to shoot, which is fine by me.

Kelly is still sick. She got sick over the weekend; something left over from her original illness, severe sinus infection.... it has bed-ridden her for the past two days and she has stayed home from school today.

I need to get out there now, I'll shout at you later. Here's two movies that are in the works that I HIGHLY recommend putting on your must-see-summer-movie list:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0445934/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499554 (thanks for the links bum)

Bring it on back now...

Man, I love CB radios... I've had one in every one of my cars until the last one became a "boat anchor" and wound up on eBay. You better believe that after I found this site, I will be getting another one real quick like. I'm checkin' my eyelids for pinholes. Over and out.

Friday Foto

This is Rifle Cut. A man-made, or should I say, slave dug canal that makes a short cut between The Darien River and the Altamaha River. It is 1.2 miles long, straight as an arrow, lined with Cypress trees and Pitcher plants. This is not an artistic shot, but rather a visual aid for my blog today.

Last night I put in on the the Darien River to travel north up the Altamaha to meet up with some of my friends that have been kayaking down from Millidgeville, GA all the past week. I was going to pick them up on Lewis Island, off Lewis Creek, which is off the Altamaha. I was going to pick them up and take them to dinner and then take them back. Well, the tide didn't cooperate with me, so I couldn't take Rifle Cut and had to go the long way, which led me into hundreds of sand bars that made a 15 minute boat ride turn into a 1.75 hour boat ride. That was no fun. When I got there, they were all happy to see me and we took off for Skippers (the restaraunt). I laid a track with my GPS as we traveled back, this time being able to go through Rifle Cut.

Dinner was great, but now it was dark outside. Real dark, and I had to go back to Lewis Island, and then BACK to the boat ramp... Ahh, the wonders of a GPS. You don't know what it is like relying 100% on a GPS... I mean, not even looking where you are going on the river, starring the whole time at a little 2 inch screen. Needless to say, you have to have faith in that thing.

Anyway, all was well. I made it back OK... got home at 11 p.m. Have a great weekend.

How?

I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon constructing a multimedia movie for the family that, over the weekend, lost their baby boy. I had 156 photos, four songs and a one minute video clip. How do you portray the short, 18 months of life lived by that young boy, with a handful of media clips? He drowned Monday in the pool in the back yard as his two little sisters stood by... Mom had stepped inside briefly. How am I supposed to portray a tragedy in anything but a tragic light? This has deeply disturbed me.

I am reminded of the two times that our dogs have come close to death. I know how I felt then; I can't even imagine how I would feel now.

This blog is an outlet for my feelings, sorry if this has disturbed you. I need to get this off my mind, it is saddening to the bone.

Still alive

The weekend wore me out, but I'm still kickin'. Went out Friday night, had a grand ole time. Saturday was spent shopping with Kelly and going to the beach. That's right, you heard me... I went to the beach on Saturday. It was great. Sunday I spent the whole morning shoveling gravel. Today, my back is killing me. We had an engagement party for some family friends of Kelly's last night. It was fun. Low Country Boil is awesome.

I'm still feeling pretty rotten, but better than I was on Friday. So what's new with everyone? Anybody have a conversation starter to post? Let's hear it. Have a good day.

Friday Foto

Hey Y'all. Who's happy it's Friday? I am for sure. This weekend is supposed to be gorgeous, and you'll find me at the beach with a beer no doubt.

Today's picture is yes, once again, taken at Village Creek. This is the landing at the very end. It used to be a restaurant (and a damn good one) until the family got tired of doing it and closed it down. They hold parties out there now, and you can rent the place with or without catering services. I looked into leasing the place, tracked down the phone numbers and all. I love to cook and know that place would be a prime spot for a restaurant. Well, apparently others think that too, because their is a waiting list a mile long, that is IF Little St. Simons Island (they own the place) every decides to sell or lease. Word is, Father Goose aka Boz aka Robert Bostock (the owner of Gnat's Landing, Boda Bing and Bubba Garcias) has first dibs. Oh well.

So I woke up this morning with a slightly sore throat. I sure hope I'm not getting that crap. I got some medicine, so if I don't say hi to you when I bump into you over the weekend, it's because I'll be drugged up on cold medicine. I'm fighting this one. Anyway, I was watching MTV this morning (something I rarely do) and I saw the video for Pink's new song called "Stupid Girls". Anybody heard this song and/or seen the video? I love it. Finally, someone is putting the trashy celebrity girls like Paris and Jessica in their places. In the video she makes fun of Jessica Simpson while washing a car in these really skimpy clothes, cowboy boots and all the while, this nasty slice of pizza hanging from her mouth. Brilliant! I loved it.

That's all I got. Have a great weekend.

Website Updated

To all of you that are supporters of my photography and care to look at some new stuff, go on over to my site where you will see that I have updated it with a dozen new photographs. For those that don't care, may you rot slowly.

Thanks for all of your support. Let me know which photo you like best. This really helps me get a feel for what others think. Thanks!

Aha, another week.

Yep, nothing new to discuss. The weekend was great. Beautiful weather.

Did anybody watch the Oscar's last night? "Crash" sure did clean house. I had never really heard much about that movie until last night. I will definitely rent it now. I am thoroughly disappointed that a rap song won Best Original Music last night. The 'song' "It's Hard Out Here for A Pimp" from the motion picture "Hustle and Flow" can hardly be thought of as a song. It's a bunch of non-talented garbage men shouting muddy-lines over top a mediocre at best vocal from some chick. The Academy Awards are a long tradition based in elegant attire and respectful awards... not a whole bunch of thugs dressed in Sean Jean sporting more bling in their teeth then on Oscar himself. The Academy Awards are no place for that genre. Yeah, you may disagree. I tell you one thing, I probably wouldn't say this at all if acceptors of the award would have at least put on something decent. I'm sorry, XXXXXXXXXL sized T-shirts should be banned at the Oscar's. Jon Stewart was a trip though, that's for sure.

That's really all I have for today. I hope everyone has a great week.

Friday Foto

Today's photo comes to you guys straight from the ole' backyard... sort of. The main street in my neighborhood dead-ends into the marsh. There is this little path that we always used to play on when I was a kid that leads into the marsh onto a little hammock. I saw the beautiful light early this week and walked down this path once again in hopes to catch it. It was pouring through the trees and I think I accurately caught the "on fireness" of what I saw. I still want to work a little on the foreground, including the palmettos and such, but I am pretty pleased so far. Any comments? I call it "Fire Through the Trees".

So, as usual I have very little plans this weekend. I plan on getting up before sunrise Saturday to capture the light, but besides that no plans. I hope all you have a wonderful weekend.

Voir Dire

For all you out there that aren't Latin scholars or students of law, Voir Dire stands basically for "truth talk". It is the process in which lawyers question potential jurors in hopes of weeding out the ones they don't want before a final panel is picked. I knew nothing about anything prior to going into this jury duty, and I gladly say I now know a little bit more.

I did not get picked, after two days of Voir Dire, one being individual (where it is just me in the room with the judge and attorneys and clients) where they asked me more personal questions. I feel no problem with telling you about the case (at least the amount I know) because it's public knowledge (written about in The Brunswick News last year)... plus, I download music, I'm already a rebel. HA...

It was a criminal trial involving two accounts of aggravated assault and two accounts of child molestation. That is all the details I had. It was the state prosecuting the defendant, who - I'll leave his name out - was a big supporter of Elaine Brown (the lady that was running for mayor awhile back)... I mean, BIG supporter. The guy was politically connected, and the trial was deemed to last at least 1 week. So, I'm glad to have gotten out of that.

That's a tough thing to do. I wasn't picked because I told them when asked that I have had a couple friends in the passed molested. How do you look at that without bias? I would have liked to take part on a trail like that, I think I would learn a lot, but in my mind, the guy didn't stand a chance. When I heard the charges, I already formed an opinion, one that I don't think any amount of evidence could have changed. Does that make me small-minded? I don't think so. I wish I could view that subject impartially, but something so touchy as child molestation, it's kind of hard. I wouldn't have felt right sitting on that panel of jurors... my mind was already made up, and aren't we supposed to presume the guy is innocent? Anyway...

I was thinking last night... what is you favorite slap-stick comedy? When I say slap-stick, I mean stupid, dumb comedy that you often times need to be intoxicated to really find funny. Not these cleverly humorous movies, I'm talking Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Wayan's brothers... I want everybody to practice Voir Dire this morning, and tell the truth... even if it is an embarrassing testimony... let's hear it... Mine? It's a toss-up changing with the days between "White Chicks" and "Joe Dirt", occasionally I toss in "The New Guy" and "Stuck On You". Anybody else?

I Object

So today I have jury duty. I wonder if it will be like that movie with Jim Carey. Ahh, I love slap-stick comedies. My favorite right now has to be White Chicks. I am supposed to report to the court room at 9 a.m. I was thinking about wearing my confederate flag necktie... maybe I'll get picked! HA.

Who knows what I did this weekend? I shot a ton of pictures with my new camera. I really love it... It's everything I hoped it would be. Check this shot out I got last night (can you guess where it is?):

Pretty awesome huh? Maybe I'll blog to you guys some while at the court room... tell you what's up and all. I officially have a real nice digital camera for sale that I would be willing to make some one a very good deal on. Is anybody interested? It's a Canon 10D (digital-SLR) with a Sigma 18-50mm lens. I have all the original stuff. It's in mint condition. A 6-pack finders fee is included in this deal if anybody sells it for me. I'm looking to pull around $700-800.

With that all said, I hope you guys have a great week. I got to go get my litigation on (whatever that means).

Friday Foto and more...

Hey guys! Thank God it is Friday. I can't tell you all how grateful I am for that. So what's new? Lots...

First of all, my trip this weekend was cancelled. So, Kelly doesn't get a chance to be Miss Independent and stay by herself. So let's all hang. I don't care if you don't live here, come on down!

Speaking of living here, it's a sad day in the circle of friends realm. One of our dearest St. Simoners is leaving us today to move on with her life in a new state. We all understand that this is the best for her, but I know I will miss her greatly.

So guess what?! I'm getting a new camera. Oh yes... I am really excited. This will be the first big step into my business as a photography, so wish me luck. It's real nice. I'll be sure to post some pics when I get it.

So, today's Friday Foto is a sort of homage to our dear friend that is leaving us. I hope she knows how much we will miss her. Enjoy:

Rain Rain Go Away

Another nasty rainy day it is today. I hope it clears up ASAP, I hate days like this. Either it needs to rain, or not.... none of this in-between stuff. AHHH!

So, I heard today on the news that the majority polled think that Hillary will run in 2008. Not too happy with that poll, but oh well.

So I have decided to help out with a local Boy Scout troop. It is actually my old troop. I am going on an overnighter with them this weekend down to Hannah Park. That is in Jacksonville, FL. It's just a great place to ride bikes and surf. I'll definitely ride, but no surfing for me, dude. I was thinking the other night about my commitment to the Boy Scouts. I definitely want to help out with something like that if/when I have a son. But to make it that long until he's of age, etc, is a really long time in the Boy Scouts. It's one of those organizations that sucks you in and drains the marrow. So, I might keep real low for a while, then back out when we decide to have kids, then I'll get back in when my kid is of age. Sounds like a plan.

We have a cabin in Blueridge, I know I have mentioned it before. We are going up there for the Fourth of July weekend. I am so excited, even though it's not for awhile. Anyway. That's enough of my rambling. Have a good day y'all.

I know, I know

I know, I need to update this more frequently. My only excuse is the continuing amount of busyness that I have been neck-deep in for, what seems like, forever. But hey, I am not complaining. I will take being busy over bored (like my old job) any day of the week.

So, happy President's day. Does anyone remember when we used to get George Washington's Birthday and President's Day off? Then the government had to go and combine the two. Doesn't matter to me though, I'll probably never have a job that I can observe any of those second class holidays. Man, when I'm my own boss- which will be one day, mark my words- I'm going to acknowledge all holidays. I'll crack a beer at 11:30 a.m. in cheers to Punxsutawney Phil!

So, I was thinking over the weekend. Do you think America is ready for a woman president? I think yes and no. Here's my thought. The kind of female president I would like to see in office would not be the kind that would probably make it. The kind that I think would make it, makes me cringe with fear (Hilary). But, many think because women are more compassionate, etc. they will not make good leaders. I disagree with that.

A woman's feelings are drastically different than that of a man's, but I think those differences would serve our country well. BUT, I say this. In my opinion, their are few woman who would run for president with the qualities that I like, compared to that in men. Why? I think the kind of women that is interested in presidency is generally not the kind of woman who is compassionate, just, calm, motivating and considerate. But hey, that is just my opinion.

Friday Foto

OK, this will probably be the last photo I showcase on the blog from my Sapelo trip. This is a photo of a statue in the fountain located on the front lawn of the old Reynolds Mansion on the south end of Sapelo Island. I liked this view much better then the straight-on shot. What do you all think?

Anybody got something they want to see a picture of on the blog? Any photo ideas? If so, send them my way.

Who has plans this weekend? I don't have much. Kelly is finally feeling better, although she is still congested. I wish I had President's Day off. What a stupid holiday, but man I wish we observed it.

So, what are the plans for tonight? I want to do something fun. Let's get some food. Saturday I am taking Kelly to Chelsea's for a belated Valentine's Dinner.

Finally

I have been waiting for this! If you don't know, I am OCD about dental hygiene! I'll write more later. Have a good day!

Which one?

I took this while on Sapelo Island. I have been working with this photo for awhile Which one do y'all like? The B/W, the color, or the spot color?

Brrrrrr.........

Yeah, it's cold. You know that storm that passed through the north east brought the most snow at one time since recorded history (started in 1886). That's pretty cold. My Uncle who lives up there got something like 17 inches in his back yard. Youch! So, how was everybody's weekend? Mine was nice, productive for sure. I did some work on Saturday, and a little on Sunday, and not much of anything else. I helped a friend install a new radio in his Jeep, and it made a big difference.

So, Kelly is sick today. She started feeling bad on Saturday night, and Sunday wasn't much better. She is staying home from work today. That's gotta be tough. I used to love calling in sick from work/class. But now, if I do that I get so behind. I can't imagine how hard it is for a teacher to call in sick.

Anybody watching American Idol? Will anybody admit it? If so, post your favorite singer so far. Mine is definitely Paris (the young black girl), and that guy with the gray hair. So, I've come to a conclusion, and whether she will admit it or not, Kelly feels the same way... Bonefish isn't what it was (i.e. not that great). OK, in our defense, it used to be good, and some things are still good. They specialize in fish, but I never get that (I am a snob when it comes to seafood, I'll only get it at a non-chain restaurant). I always get the steak, but the last two times it has been over cooked and tasteless. I like the salads, the breads, the appetizers... but that alone isn't worth it. So there... we are eating our words.

Speaking of eating though, I am going to Chelsea's tomorrow night for V-Day, quite possibly my favorite restaurant on the island (well, second to the Pizza Inn buffet). Consistently good.

Friday Foto, etc.

Good Friday morning to all! Man, I am so glad it is Friday. I know I only posted twice this week, but didn't we sure have some comments? I think that might have been a record. I appreciate everybody's participation. That is what this is all about. We have a forum here to hear one another's opinions It's a good way to learn other's views. I know my ideals, morals and ethics differ from other people. What better way to understand why I believe in something, and to strengthen it than hearing the opinions of others? I think all growth needs to go through this.

So the picture above was taken on Sapelo Island. They have a lighthouse on the island, but it used to be in a different spot. This photo is of the broken-down dock that was used for the lighthouse keeper to access the lighthouse. It was taken at about 4:45, hence the high contrast. What do you think?

So, any girls looking for a new man? I got one for you. He's buff, and I definitely like him as Mr. 2000 in the bottom right hand corner. Ken must have been influenced by the boy bands of the late 90's. Yikes.

Anybody have any big plans for this weekend? Not me... just some more work tossed with a little relaxation. Not that I care, but has anybody noticed the lack of activity over at islanddrama.com? Maybe the guy got kicked, or maybe he found Jesus. No skin off my back, it's a tasteless site anyway.

So, who has heard of and/or like Death Cab for Cutie (it's a band)? I really like them. Check it out, download/buy "Soul Meets Body", that's their latest hit. Really tasty stuff. Check ya later!

Homosexuality and a Lighthouse

No, I have nothing against Homosexuals. Do I think it is right? No. Do I think it is a sin? Absolutely, but don't we all sin? Do I agree with their lifestyle? No. But, do I have anything against them as people... Well, I haven't met that many, but the ones I have I like. So, what's my point? I had this interesting conversation this afternoon with a friend (whom I haven't seen since High School) at the Gym all about this. My wife calls me a media connoisseur (in a mocking tone), because I am actively interested in the media's effect on our daily lives. Here's my thesis:

The media in it's current state - because it is ever changing - is fixated on portraying the homosexual individual, lifestyle and cultural as being hip and cool. Consider it a fad. It's cool to be a lesbian today. It's associated with such liberal (not the political connotation) terms as "free-spirited", "different" and "chic". Come on! Don't believe me? Would a movie like Broke Back Mountain have every been made in the 90's? No, people associated homosexuality with AIDS back then. I guess people forgot about that when Madonna and Brittany kissed. You have 14-year-old freshman talking about how they are gay. It's like they want to be seen as different, they feel insecure, and they see on MTV how cool it is to be gay. They don't know if they are or not. Have they had sex with someone of the opposite sex yet? No. Have they kissed someone of the opposite sex yet? No. Well damn, that must make them gay. I remember when being different was wearing Birkenstocks when no one else did. I guess homosexuality is the next Arizona.

I think it just really bugs me because the parents aren't doing anything about it. Yes, one can make the argument that they may not know... Rightfully said. However, they do have the power to instill the morals and ethics into the child that lead in making the right decision. Birkenstocks may have been a comfortable and wide-spread fad, but homosexuality is much more than just a pair of shoes. We're talking serious issues here... these kids can't just wake up and decided that they are gay.... "Jenny broke up with me, I'll show her, I'm going to date Brian." Oh, or my favorite: "I'm sick of boys, my last (and consequentially first) boyfriend broke my heart, from now on I'm going to wear flannel and date only women."

Conclusion and Clarification: I am not judging. We all have sin, so who am I to say any one's persons sin is greater than mine own? I'm not. I have a friend that's gay, and he's a great guy... really down to earth. What's the point I am trying to make? Simply this. I am not bashing homosexuality, I am bashing the media for making it seem hip. Homosexuality is a big deal, in whatever way you look at it, and the media is stamping it's "uber-holy" (written sarcastically) approval to all things gay. If you are gay, fine... but don't do so just because you saw Broke Back Mountain over the weekend and have nothing better to do. It just scares me. What's next? Will we live to see the day when it's cool to have babies in High School? All it takes is for one celebrity to get pregnant young. Some whole special will air on how, despite she had a baby at 17, she managed to keep her figure, grades and six-digit acting salary all together. She'll name it something trendy like Addison, and all the girls will think it's cool to be the young-mommy that's hip on maternity-wear. Coming to theatres near you, "Young with Young: The epic tale of one girl's journey through motherhood and her ability to overcome."

So anyways, we had a good time on Sapelo. It was nice and cold, just the way I liked it. We had great weather, great for shooting. I haven't had a chance to process much of the images, but here is one to wet your whistle. I'll post the link to some more when I get them up. Enjoy!

Friday Foto

Yes, I am still alive. I know it has been awhile since I last posted. Things have been real busy. But thankfully, today is the end of the week, and with that, possibly the end of me being uber busy at least for sometime. This photo I took the other day while I was getting some shots of the golf course for a client. I really like it. It's different. Last night I went to an art opening at Monkey Love coffee shop in Redfern Village. If you like weird abstract art all with a hint of nudity (come on who doesn't?), definitely go check it out. During the summer months they have a photography exhibit in which I have secured a space. I'm really pumped, probably my first time to display my art.

So, if you know anybody that is looking for a wedding photographer, give them my name. I seem to have been getting a lot of calls lately and am going to take that up part-time. I already got two or so on the books. Networking...

SuperBowl Sunday! Yeah. I'm a media-snob. I really enjoy advertising and critiquing it. I enjoy the commercials. If you think about it, it is the mecca for commercials. So you know the minds behind the commercials put their best work into it. Something to think about.

I'm going to Sapelo this weekend; hope the weather is nice. I'll have some pics to share on Monday. Have a great weekend y'all.

Not Insomnia

Usually, when you see a post this late you're probably beginning to roll your head and suffer through another insert about how I can't sleep. Nope, not this time. Y'all, I'm tired... tired as hell. Yeah, I'm about to go to bed, but not before I give some mad publicity to my buddy Dan (you defo have seen him comment from time to time... Dan, the avid commenter) who has, in awe and pure idolatry of yours truly, created his own blog. Go visit it, he's a good guy, and it's guaranteed to be a good read. He's studying law in a Master's class at Syracuse in New York, so he's not just an idiot with a keyboard (like me).

BTW, I'm not so stressed out anymore. Still a little, not so bad though. Yay for the purple bag.

So, the Spanish dude was right. The North Pole was "somewhere". Very good. The point of that was to show you how we often think of the world as flat, rather than square... I mean round. Check you later.

Back Again

My weekend certainly wasn't long enough. Friday was nice, went to dinner and got some drinks after that. Saturday I got up nice and early and finished grouting the rest of my kitchen. Finally, the kitchen floor is done. It looks great.

I got a lot going on this week. I don't know why, but when my plate starts getting real full like it is right now, I start getting stressed out. I used to think I didn't get stressed out. I never noticed it at least. I got married, and then she told me I did get stressed out. It's funny how other people notice things about you that you don't. I get distant, recluse-like, until I am all better. The problem is, when I get like that I don't really have the drive to get out of the bog I wind-up getting myself into. Oh well.

So, I am looking forward to this weekend. Hopefully I can destress enough to really enjoy it. I am leaving early Saturday morning with Joe (guy from work) and we are going to Sapelo Island to spend the night and photograph the whole weekend. We have this plan to take little trips like this all over the South East in order to build our portfolios up. We plan on shooting the entire weekend, and getting back on Sunday afternoon. I'm pumped. Be sure to check back on Monday after that to see some great photos.

Well, that's really it. Y'all have a great Monday and week. Here's a quiz to kick off your brain:

You are somewhere. You travel south one mile. You travel west one mile. You travel north one mile. You are in the same place you started. Where are you?

Friday Foto

Who can tell me where this photo was taken (not you Kelly)? I'll give you a hint. "Medieval named ruined structure." Anybody?

I took this photo with slide film. I use this often, when I want a little change in my photography. The difference? Well, I'll tell you. Slide film is positive, versus regular film which is negative. In a nutshell, when you send your film off for processing, with regular film you get back negatives in a strip, when you get back slide film it's in an individual positive state. What's the purpose of doing this? The quality, that's what. If you looked at in terms of megapixels, slide film, when digitally scanned correctly, comes in at about 30 MP, as opposed to most high-end digital cameras at about 12 MP. Now saying that, can you notice the difference? Depends. When a photo is blown up really big (20x30 inches or more), you will notice a difference. Anything smaller or on screen, absolutely not. I'm going to Sapelo at the beginning of February to shoot all weekend and I am taking some slide film to shoot as well. I plan on conducting an experiment on the differences, and I'll lay it out for you here if interested. Have a great Friday y'all.

Text Girl

You must have a lot of time on your hands (or maybe you're just mute) to be able to beat this record. And talk about that sentence, you know that is the actual sentence they use in all contests to determine who is the fastest text-massenger. That's crazy.

Also, I love nothing more then to see someone get told-up on the blog. Thanks to all y'all who helped me prove TV Shows can lead to good movies. Oh, and how about The Saint? That was an awesome movie (Val Kilmer) adapted from an old TV Show.

Shall we even begin to discuss Brokeback Mountain? What are y'all's thoughts on that show? Mine? I think it was made simply to try and win awards. This one is much more promising.

TV and Movie

I was having a discussion last night about TV show movies. Kelly said no TV show has ever been made into a decent movie. Define Movie: A full length Hollywood movie, not a made-for-TV movie. Define Decent: Whatever Kelly likes. I couldn't think of any to back-up my argument. I suggested Blues Brothers (or any SNL-character-based movies). She said no, that was a skit not a TV show. PeeWee's Big Adventure is about the only backing I could get, man do I feel "special" (word of the day, everybody scream real loud!). So, I now enlist the power of the web and you my readers to prove her wrong. Between us all we can surely find a decent movie out there that has drawn it's inspiration from the good ole' boob tube. Speaking of boob, I also suggested "Dukes of Hazard", to which she reminded me that we are looking for a 'good' one. My last vote? Starsky and Hutch. That was a great movie! So, help and post your thoughts below!

Friday Foto

Today's picture is also from the Okefenokee Swamp. This is a 2,100 foot boardwalk that takes you deep into the swamp and dead ends. It was really cool because we saw no one the whole time we walked it. You really felt like you were in the middle of nowhere.

For those that attempted the trivia question, only one got it right. It was Bono from U2 who was traveling with Jimmy Buffett when his plan was shot down. Bloody Sunday and Grapefruit Juicey Fruit, I guess they go together.

Have a great weekend.

Oh weekend, please arrive

I am ready for the weekend. At the end of each day my eyes are killing me. I come home with a headache. This week has been tough. I'm pumped about the weekend though. I might be going to Little Cumberland this weekend with a friend. I really want to shoot it and this will give me the chance. I hope the weather and tides work out.

I have some relatives arriving tomorrow and we get to eat lobsters. I'm excited. Lobster's are good, don't get me wrong, but the work/food portion ratio is really low. Now, if they could stuff a Filet Mignon, salad, potatoes AND the lobster meat all inside the tail, we'd be in business. Unfortunately, it's not that way. I just had a Turkey Burger for lunch... it was good.

How pretty of a day is it really? Man, bright blue skies and cold. Couldn't be nicer. Hey, I got a trivia question for you... Do you know that song by Jimmy Buffett, "Jamaica Mistaka"? It's about the time that Jimmy Buffett was flying down to Jamaica when his plan was shot down being mistaken for a drug smuggler, when all he was doing was going to have some jerked chicken (man that stuff is good). Well, here's the question: Who was traveling with him? Yes, you will know who it is. Post your non-googled answer below. No, it was not a bulldog born in Alapaha. Hint: Another singer.

How about those Golden Globes? I don't hold much merit in crap like that. It seems like everybody won something. Those award shows are for the celebrities to get dressed up and party and get free stuff. Granted, I would love it if I was one, but since I am not, I can complain about how stupid they are. Well, OK.... answer the trivia question.

Camera Tossing

So has anyone heard about this new craze sweeping the UK called 'Camera Tossing'? Here's what you do. Grab your point and shoot digital camera (I guess it could be film) and set the shutter to like one second (or you could just force quit your flash feature) and, preferably at night time, mash the photo button and throw it up into the air and then catch it. Yes, that's what I said. Throw it into the air. Would I do this with my $2k camera? HELL NO! Would I do it with Kelly's? Well, yeah, of course. The idea of doing this is this: You never know what you will get. All pics are different. If there is light around, like the street light in the image of mine below, it "paints" it on the image, in whatever way it happens to be thrown or twisted, etc.
If you are interested in seeing more images done in this fashion, check out this link.

Now, who is interested in seeing more of these images from me? Because you know, they would be really cool. I'll try a whole bunch of them and post them on the blog you are all interested. I like the technique. There is some photoshop work involved to make it really cool, but it's basically just camera tossing. It's abstract art. Let me know.

My Weekend.

I woke up in the middle of the night and was freezing. I reached for my thermometer and read 54 degrees. I might have well been in heaven. I love cold weather camping. Some will laugh at that statement... Cold. Saturday morning greeted me with beautiful blue skies and chilly, windy air. To me, it was perfect. When a campfire becomes a necessity rather than a nicety.

Let me tell you one thing. On traveling to the Okefenokee Swamp, one encounters many quaint towns and sites. However, there comes a point in which that stops and you find nothing. No gas stations, no food stores, no bathrooms. Of course, this point comes when I am hungry... really hungry. Let's just say we are short one dog now. No, just kidding... all you PETA freaks can calm down. (Hey, by the way, you know what PETA stands for don't you? People Eating Tasty Animals!)

We rented a boat on Saturday and took a cruise through the swamp. How magnificent it is. We docked on one of the 70 islands throughout the swamp, Billy Island, and walked around and had lunch. It was so rejuvenating to see such untouched wilderness still. The dogs seemed to thing so too, running around and getting into everything imaginable, including the bag of marshmallows.

The best thing was definitely getting away. Getting away from the computer, the work, the stress. Spending quality time with Kelly. See, there is a huge difference between spending time with someone and spending quality time with someone. Regular time helps pass time, quality time helps preserve time. It took me awhile to get that one down. I'm still working on it.

Anyway, enjoy the photo below. It is of Billy Island in the Okefenokee. Basically straight outta the camera folks...

Friday Foto

This picture is one of my favorites portraits. I took this while traveling though Germany. I was in a hostile in Berlin. This is my friend Meredith. She was starring out the window, and I was going to get that shot until she turned and looked at me. I love it. Her face says so much. I shot this with B&W film. This photo wound up in my end of term exhibit titled "Reflections".

On another note, Hogzilla is real... all 900+ pounds and 12 feet.

I'm going camping this afternoon, leaving early from work. Man, I am so excited. Don't worry, I'll take tons of photos and give you guys a little prize at the end of the weekend.

Did you hear about the guy in FLA that just got eminent domain claimed on his land in the Everglades? He was given 5 million bucks for it by the government.... but he doesn't want it. He just wants his land back. That sucks. But come on, it's 5 mil!

Happy Friday 13th!

Some randomness for you!

Today is hump day and I thought I would give you guys some stuff to ponder throughout the rest of the week. Have you heard about the little Iraqi baby the US saved? Have you been watching/reading/listening to the news? Then you should know about the little baby with Spinabifida who, oh by the way, just happens to be Iraqi. Question... would this even make the news if she was a Georgian? Anybody? NO! What a pretty obvious publicity stunt for the U.S. Government. Granted, I believe what they are doing is right, but maybe instead of spending however much they spent on fixing that kid (no Dinar exchanged hands I'm sure) they could have invested it into Iraq itself... or, here's a thought, invest it domestically!

Yesterday Apple just released a couple of cool things. If you have been holding out on getting an iPod because you just can't stand the thought of parting with your FM radio stations, do yourself a favor and jump off a bridge. Or, buy the accessory when you buy your iPod that enables you to catch to those FM waves... oh yeah, and it's also a remote so you don't have to reach into your pocket and change the song when "Prince Ali" comes on in shuffle mode. Thanks but no thanks Apple. But, the new laptop is something I drool over. It's just uber fast and really sleek. A cool feature? Well, since you asked.... it has a backlight keyboard that turns on when it gets dark. The letter itself glows a light green. How cool is that. No more typing in the dark.

Ever seen a satellite image? Want to see them all? Download Google Earth. Just released, it is amazing. Similar programs have been out before, but none as easy as the Google Earth one. You can search any place in the world and pull a pre-recorded satellite image of it. You can zoom too. In really popular places like Atlanta and San Francisco, you can zoom so close to see individual cars.... from freaking space man. Nope, not gonna find your shack in Alapaha, GA, sorry.

Trivia question for y'all... should be real easy. Kelly, you can't answer. What is Alapaha known for? Have a good day!

Potpourri

I just discovered Steve Miller Band all over again. I have their CD, Greatest Hits 1974-1978 but since switching almost completely to the digital side of music, I haven't listened to it in awhile (plus it's scratched to hell and back). I was in a bar the other night and the song "Winter Time" came on. It was like a blast from the past. It's one of those songs that you'll probably never hear on the radio, but I knew all the words to. I went home that night and downloaded the album off the internet (illegally of course, but hey, I originally bought that one... so cut me some slack alright?) Oh man, it's an awesome album.

So I am so excited about this weekend. You know, it's been more than a year since I have been camping. That is a horrible shame. So, Kelly and I are going to Stephen Foster State Park this weekend with the dogs. I can't wait. It's located in south Georgia, right in the middle of the Okefenokee Swamp. We are going to rent a boat and ride around in the swamp. Be prepared to see some cool photos y'all. I'm bringing all the gear.

Had an awesome weekend of just lounging and eating. Could it really get any better? Can I make an aside about how much I hate PC's? Never once have I had an annoying spyware or virus or pop-up on my Mac. You give me a PC user who can say that and I'll kiss you (that should be some good incentive!). Have a wonderful week.

Friday Foto: A personal favorite

It occurred to me that every photo I have posted until now has been more artsy than anything else. This week's photo is different. This is perhaps one of my favorite photos I have ever taken (and probably Kelly's least). It is of Kelly in a tent laughing and exhausted after making up the campsite... all with the bling on.

When I left for college at the end of the summer in 2001, I had just begun to date Kelly. She left for Presbyterian College, and I for Berry College. We met up the first weekend we were both free and went camping in South Carolina. This was our first trip together, and my first trip in college. When I look at this photo, I truly understand how a photo tells a thousand words. I don't just see a girl laughing. I see the memory of sitting around a campfire talking until the fire died. I see our first hike together. I remember how annoyed I was when I had to escort her to the bathroom at 3 a.m. because she was scared to go by herself. I see my life as it was, with my entire college carrier in front of me, without a single clue as to what I wanted out of it. I remember getting so excited about teaching someone all about how to camp; instructing on proper tent set-up, lantern lighting, campfire cooking. I remember feeling so good seeing how impressed she was.

When I look at that photo I don't just see an early memory of my wife. I see a whole chapter of my life that has closed. But this is not sad. It's like a favorite book. You hate to finish it, but you can always go back and reread it. Sure, it's not going to be as good as the first time, but it can be just as good for other reasons... we mature, we learn to read between the lines.

New Year, same me

You know every year I make these wide-open new year's resolutions to change myself or my habits. I get so caught up in the attempt that when I fail, and ultimately I do, I get even more discouraged then before I started. Not this year, nope. I have finally discovered that I am fine the way I am. Sure, their are things that I would like to tweak, and tweaking I shall do... but nope, no TLC Overhaulin' episode featuring Ben's life ending in incompletion this season. I'm (and most of my friends, whether they see it or not) are at a time in our lives in which it is imperative to get that compass reading on life and make sure we are walking down the path we want to be. I like to get that reading ever so often... something resembling slightly what others might call a 'reality check'.

Thanks to you all who have made really nice comments to me about my new website. I appreciate it more than you know. It encourages me to be better and better. If you haven't seen the site yet, stick your head in the toilet and flush. You deserve it. No really, check it out... and check it out often, I plan on updating the site as often as possible. Hope everyone has a great rest of your week. Check ya later.

Wanna see something cool?

Check this out!

www.benjamingalland.com

I will update the site regularly and will keep you posted when I do. So, check back often. Have a great night.

Friday Foto

I took this one jsut this week. This is a single photo with minor photoshop corrections on color. I love the oaks in beautiful light.

Last work day of 2005! Finally! Next year prooves to be even better than before. I am very bsy at work, so I'm sorry posts have been slack lately... I promise to pick them up. Happy New Year!

It's all over

My wife went through withdrawal last night when she finally realized that Christmas was officially over. I tried to console her, informing her that It was perfectly OK with me if she wanted to buy me more presents so we could celebrate all over again this morning. But really, it is over. Is it sad? Yes, but really, this was probably my favorite Christmas (besides the year I got the rock tumbling kit... man, that thing was awesome). We had a very successful soiree. I recall it lasting for roughly 5.5 hours. That's pretty amazing, keeping everybody in the same little house for that long. We sustained injuries, except for a slap to the face of a goat. The house is still in one piece, except for a 'small' hole in the back deck. All in all, I conclude it was a success.

Sunday was perfect. Midnight mass was beautiful. Christmas morning was complete bliss. Nice and quiet, simplicity at it's best. I made out with some nice gifts. Even my puppy got a nice new collar.

Kelly and her dad are spending this week tiling our kitchen floor. Oh, how I wish I could help. He has to leave on Thursday, so they are going to get as much done as possible. If you have ever tiled, you know that tiling is the easy part. It's laying the grout that is a pain. That, will more than likely, fall under my job. It's all good though.

So what was your favorite Christmas memory/present this year? You have to answer both, so lets go! My favorite memory was initiating Christmas traditons with my wife that will now last a life time. My favorite gift was a pipe carving kit. Your turn.

The Waiting is Over, Merry Christmas

Now I sit. One of the hardest times I have found to stay awake is that time between Christmas Eve dinner and Midnight Mass. It's worth the waiting, but man is it hard. Sleep beckons with the aid of a full tummy, yet I wait, knowing I will soon don the traditional coat and tie, venturing once more out into the cold night air. Midnight Mass is a special thing though. In the midst of all holiday parties and presents and fellowship, it's nice to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Last night we had our Holiday Soiree. My wife swears that she will never do it again, but come on, we all know she is lying. I have to say, it was a blast. I really appreciate all you guys, thanks for coming out and celebrating the holidays. See, to me that's what it's all about. I like to consider last night a celebration of our friendships that have held strong through the years. Some new friendships, some old. Some broken, some made-up. Some inter-mingled, some cross-referenced. Some weird, some perfectly fit. That's what the holidays are all about to me. Fellowship. Yeah, we may drink a little, party a little too hard sometimes, but when the day ends (i.e. morning begins) I know each and every one of you is still there. So thanks, from me and from Kelly.

Below is the link to the photos from last night's Holiday Soiree. Remember, if you like one of the photos and would wish to make a print of it, just email me the photo number, I'll send you the original. The one on the site is too low of a resolution to print out well. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. I know we will here on the ol' Galland front. Thanks to you all, for making last night really special.

Pictures from the Holiday Soiree: Part Deux

Winding Down...

Well, I just finished writing this nice long post and the power went off for a split second and I lost the whole thing...

But, I'll write again, I will. Who's ready for the Holiday Festivities to begin? After the success of our last party, we have decided to throw another... hence, The Holiday Soiree, part Deux. Of course, you are all invited. Tired of the transit strike in NY, NY? Come on down for a nice relaxing sit by the fire. Tired of the liberal front in Cali? Come on out for some politically incorrect redneck jokes. How 'bout you Mid-Westerners? Come on over, and well, get a life!

One bad thing about being married to a HS teacher is that you catch all the crap that's going around. I hate being sick. I have stuffed myself with so much medicine that my skin's turning blue. I am GOING to be chipper and full of holiday cheer(s) come Friday night, nothing is stopping me.

I am sorry that I haven't posted much in the past week or so. I have been trying to wind things up for the end of the year. However, I haven't forgotten about y'all. I have something nice in store for you as a little Christmas present... So stay tuned. I hope everybody has safe holiday travels. Ciao!

Perfection

As this weekend comes to a close I think about all that I did. Despite the rain, Kelly being sick, me beginning to catch whatever she had, I found perfection. We stayed a couple of nights at the Village Inn and Pub, a little hotel on St. Simons that doubles as a great place to get a drink. It's a gorgeous little place, very quaint and neat. I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a nice place to stay or drink. While Kelly shopped all day on Saturday, I spent the day installing new countertops in my house with my dad. Kelly was so surprised and loved them. She liked the pearls I gave her too. We had a great dinner at Georgia Sea Grill, although Kelly's cold was really getting to her. The rest of that evening was mostly spent with her sacked out and me playing with the iPod she got me for our anniversary.

Perfection is a funny thing though. This afternoon I was thinking about it. What makes something perfect? I used to think it was something without flaw, without imperfection. I disagree. I think perfection is a state of mind. This weekend it rained non-stop, Kelly was miserably sick for most of the time, and now I'm catching it... however, I classify this weekend as perfect. Perfection is achieved by learning how to deal with the imperfections that life brings us. It has taken me a long time to realize this, and I can't guarantee that I'll always remember. You see, rain happens. Plan and simple. So many people don't seem to realize that it will end, it always does. If we can stop worrying about how wet we'll get when it rains, and while it rains, we just might be able to enjoy it for awhile. Yeah, rain sucks... but don't you always take something from it?

Well, now that I have rambled on enough, I think I will go to bed. Not, however, before I mention that today is my one year wedding anniversary. I'll spare you all with the "I can't believe it's been a year" speech, and just say this. I have learned more about myself and my wife in the past year, then I did in the 4 years we dated. Has it been fun? Yeah. Has it been stressful? Yeah. Has it been all worth it? Yeah. I consider myself lucky to have enjoyed the rain and the sunshine thus far with Kelly by my side.

Friday Foto

Here's a straight out of the camera shot, no frills attached. This was taken down around the village on St. Simons Island. Just a little something that makes you feel all warm in side on this nice cold day. They say that a big cold nasty storm is passing through the South East these couple of days.... I haven't seen it.

I got a busy, but fun weekend ahead.... I can't wait to fill you all in on Monday, so be ready! I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Interesting

So, did you hear about that guy that was acquitted from first degree murder in Colorado? They have a law, dubbed the "Make my Day" law, that gives freedom to those who, in protecting their home/person, wound or kill someone else. Well, this one was a stretch, and the media thinks so too. In 2004 Gary Hill, 24, shot and killed John Knott, 19, after he and three others unwelcomely entered Hill's house and assaulted him. Now, if that was the whole story, no prob... however, the guys wasn't shot in the assaulted man's house, not even his yard. Apparently, after he was assaulted the 4 guys got into their car and drove off. Hill got his gun, ran out into the street and shot at the car, hitting the driver, Knott, and killing him as the car ran into a tree. After a year or so of litigation, the court has acquitted Hill of all charges claiming self-defense under the "Make My Day" law. Pretty interesting huh? If you want to read more about it, go here.

What do you think? I personally think justice acted correctly. Even though he fired from the street, not his personal property, I believe he was acting in self-defense... tricky though, I could definitely argue both sides pretty persuasively. Comments?

Favorite thing about Christmas...

Let's get some activity on the blog today. What is your favorite thing about Christmas. It can be anything... food, family, presents, trees, flannel underwear, etc. I would have to say one of my favorite things (because you can't pick just one really) is coffee cake. I've always had coffee cake, or crumb cake as I call it, in the morning while opening presents. My dad always makes it. This year I get to make it for Kelly and I. I am excited. It's life's little pleasures you know? So, comment below on you favorite thing about Christmas.

Man, I am so excited about this weekend. I've been looking forward to it for a while now. Not only is it my anniversary, but it marks the official countdown to Christmas! Friends start coming back in town, you can almost feel Christmas morning approaching! So, I've decided to give you guys some special treats between now and Christmas. I have now idea what they will be. Maybe some photos, maybe some funny jokes, maybe some original poems, maybe a good story, I don't know... but I'm doing this as a thanks to you out there, all my loyal and devoted readers. You make my heart warm!

So, I've officially decided I am going to help out with the local Boy Scout troop here on St. Simons. I am an Eagle scout and graduated from this troop that I helped start back in HS. It's kind of said, because I have heard that it is not what it used to be. I guess I gave myself a nice year to settle down and now I am getting into the black hole of volunteer work. I tell something though, one of the main reasons I am doing this is for the camping! I mean sure, I care about furthering the minds of young kids, teaching them morals and all that jazz, but just between you and me.... it's the camping. OK, and the S'Mores.

Monday, Monday

Ahhh, what a nice weekend I had. I finished up my Christmas shopping on Saturday and went kayaking on Sunday. I was supposed to go kayaking with another guy, but he cancelled out and I was about to do the same... But, I went, and it was worth it. I put in at 12th street on East Beach and kayaked to Village Creek landing. Exactly five miles. It's amazing what you accomplish in five miles of paddling 6 inches off the water. I was sitting there just thinking of all this and that that I needed to do when I got back, this coming week, before the end of the year in order to get my life nice and in order. Then it came to me. I spend so much time trying to figure out what I can do to make it so I'm finally living my life that I haven't realized that I am living my life. Make sense? I think that sometimes I get caught up in trying to have this life that I think I am supposed to have, that I loose sight of the fact that I am currently living it. Their will always be things that need to get done. If I tried to do all the things that need to be done, looking for that time when I can just sit back and relax, I would be waiting a long time.

Man, I'm excited about this upcoming weekend. It will be my one year wedding anniversary... lots of plans in store. Sunday marked my one year out of college anniversary. Pretty crazy. Been out of school for more than a year. Have a great week!

Friday Foto

And here you are. This one I took last Friday down in the village. I was riding my bike through the are the day before and noticed the sun was perfect. I went back the next day with my equipment and snapped several shots. I got a couple real nice ones. I really like this one.

I'm dragging today, with the lack of sleep I got last night. I was awake for about 3 hours after blogging. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Christmas is getting closer, yeah!

Not again

So, I thought that since I was tired and fell asleep so fast that I would actually have a good night's sleep... Wrong! I can't sleep.

So we went to this Oyster Roast tonight hosted out on Altama Plantation. This is about 20 miles north of St. Simons Island, some property owned by the Jones family, the same family that owns Sea Island. I love this place. As a kid in the Boy Scouts we used to go camping out there a lot. If you ever get a chance to make it out there, you really should, it is an awesome place. What makes it so cool? Only the several hundred acres of nothing. There's a house on it, a bee farm, several ponds with loads of fish, and nothing else but woods to explore. It's awesome.

So, I got some new music for you. Ever heard of Jamie Cullum? He's a pianist from England. He plays with a jazzy, funky style that I really like. He's got attitude, in his music and in his lyrics... but he can because he's good. The song "Get Your Way" off his new CD Catching Tails has been getting a lot of play on the radio waves lately, you may have heard it. His music is very piano driven, but nothing like Ben Folds Five (another contemporary piano driven band). I urge you to check him out, if nothing but to broaden your horizon.

A little aside... Turner, took your advice on the nightcap to aid in sleep. Did nothing but make it harder to type... perhaps a bigger one next time? Good night.

Surprise for the readers!

I thought I would surprise you all with a photo! After a long last wait by some, here is our Christmas tree. We are very proud of it, being our first tree and all. Just for the record, "A Christmas Story" is the best movie ever! I would give anything for a Red Rider BB gun! Too bad those things couldn't put a hole through a Coke can from point blank. Ahhhh... Merry Christmas to all... I'm pumped about the season.

Insomnia attack

So the past couple of nights I haven't been able to sleep. Oh yes, I have been tired, but no sleep has come. So, I stay up watching the TV, reading, or surfin' the net. Tonight, I decided to share it with y'all. So, what's happening? I'm ready for the holidays. I can't wait for Christmas. However, before that I get to celebrate my one year anniversary. I'm really stoked about that. I have a lot planned for the weekend, and will fill all you in after the weekend. It's weird, it feels like ages since I left my last job with The Darien News. When you are unhappy, time seems to last forever. When I think about my wedding though, it seems like yesterday.

So, what's everybody getting for Christmas? How about giving? Anything you are getting someone that you are really excited about? This Friday I'm going to see The Chronicles of Narnia movie. If you haven't ever read any C.S. Lewis, you really should. He has an unbelievable way of describing the complexities of religion via the written word. My personal favorite is The Screwtape Letters. It is a very interesting take on religion. The book is a collection of letters written to and from Satan and another devil named Screwtape. Screwtape is assigned to a human on earth, much like guardian angels, but trys to make them sin. He writes to Satan about how he is doing, and Satan writes back with advice, pointers and precautions. It's marvelously written and really opens ones eyes to how Satan acts.

Good night.

Fun with themes

Prompted by an earlier email, I thought I would engage you readers in some conversation. So, we are throwing another Holiday Soiree. "Holiday Soiree II: The Return of the Sticky Chicken", if you will. How about giving the party a theme? One suggestion was really tacky Christmas sweaters for guys and long denim skirts with cowboy boots and/or bikinis for girls. Who's in for that one? My suggestion? Dress up like your favorite appetizer... I would definitely be a pig in a blanket. Man, can anything be better than little wieners wrapped in oven-toasted bread? Let the comments fly! Props to Bum for the idea!

Rainy days and Mondays

They're both bad, but when they collide it's something quite un-harmonious. I had a good weekend. Had a nice dinner Friday night with some friends, went and got a couple (said lightly) drinks afterwards and turned in before 1. Saturday was an almost perfect day. The weather was so beautiful... the only thing making it not perfect was the temperature; it could have been colder. We went Christmas tree shopping. I though this was going to be an easy, painless task. I grew up working at a Christmas tree farm every year, so I would consider myself a semi-professional when it comes to the ole' tree. Little did I know that since this was our first Christmas tree, it had to be perfect. Lucky for me we found one... after looking at EVERY tree that Home Depot had (you think I'm kidding?). I had other husbands giving me the I-feel-for-you look, and their wives patting me on the shoulder telling me to have a little Christmas spirit. I have plenty of xmas spirit, but this 6-7 foot Fraser Fir looks just like the last 15. But, we wound up finding the perfect one, and we were both happy. Plus, God had pity on me and I found 20 bucks on the ground, so no more complaining from me. Saturday night we decorated the tree. I'll attach a picture later in the week. It really is gorgeous.

So, who has been following the Saddam trial. I usually would follow something with that much importance, but I'm not... and that brings me to my next topic. I'm not following the trial because I feel he has no chance. The media is so saturated with negativity towards Saddam, I doubt he can possibly get a fair trial (not that he deserves one... go ahead Goat). I think they are just giving him this trial out of procedure. Thoughts? Views? I'd love to hear them.

Friday Foto

I reached back into the archives for this Friday Foto. I was thinking about it all week, something from this era in my life. My buddy just back from Argentina and he had me thinking about the time I lived in Florence, Italy. This picture was taken while on a trip to Cinque Terre. I actually know the girl in the photo. She was traveling with us and had been sunbathing on the rocks . It was bright outside and that led to great backlighting as seen in this photo. I took this with 35mm black and white film. I later scanned it into my computer. This photo was taken in 2002, around March perhaps.

I hope you all have a great weekend. It's supposed to be gorgeous down here, hope everybody can get outside for some play time.

Quantum Leap

Man, did anybody used to watch that show besides me? That was the best show EVER. I used to love staying home from school "sick". I would sit in the recliner and watch Quantum Leap, then The Hulk, then my favorite show of all times, McGuyver. Then, you stop for a nice lunch of cereal, and back to the TV... Unfortunately afternoon TV watching sucks. It's filled with soaps.

So, some scientists in Austria have invented the quantum byte. I don't know much about quantums or whatever it is called, but the must the US has every been able to make is six bytes, not eight. Apparently, an eight byte structure of some sort is wicked fast... like the super computer in "Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy" that can compute the meaning of life. Wow... but can it wipe your ass? That's what truly matters. HA! Who cares about quantums?