fireworks pics

Here are a few pictures from the Honor our Heroes patriotic celebration at Grace AG this evening…… It was a moving service honoring police, fire, EMS, veterans, and active duty personnel - all those who are willing to lose their life to protect us - and our freedoms. There was a Pearl Harbor survivor in attendance.....

Prior to that service there was a concert. Salvador was the headliner (great job!) and John David Webster was the opening act. I arrived during JDW's last song. One of these days I'll post pics of Salvador.

Immediately following the service was fireworks. These are straight out of the camera - I may do some cropping/minor editing later.....when I have time.....

Just realized how late it is…. I guess my head should hit the pillow soon

say what?

Yesterday I went downtown to our church art gallery/office to meet one of our June artists and her friend. They had just arrived and I was propping the door open when this character stopped, leaned against the door frame, and started talking.

He started talking making wax out of outdated beer and making the forms of women, like mannequins, and that they were on playboy/penthouse covers. He made them DOWN in Gary (if you're geographically challenged - Gary is north of Indy, close to Chicago). First he said he left them down in Gary .... then he said he left them at an art gallery at Washington/Sherman Streets (Indy) and was wondering if they were still here or if a gallery could help him find them.....

He went on to tell me that the wax (made out of outdated beer) turns into wood.... but also if you melt it down and put it in a swimming pool with chlorine in it - it turns into that material that you make field jackets out of for schools..... and then when the field jackets wear out you can make something else - but I couldn't understand what he was saying then.

I listened to him for at least 10 minutes and finally convinced him that I didn't know where his mannequins are and he went on his way.

He was wearing a T-shirt from Wheeler Mission - the local homeless shelter. He didn't ask for money or food, I think he just wanted someone to listen to his story. I listened, and didn't laugh while he was telling it. Later, I laughed - not at him, but his implausible story. A few years ago I spent my days at a state psychiatric facility and my nights at a comedy club. I know when it's appropriate to laugh and at what you should be laughing.

ugandan orphans choir

The Ugandan Orphans Choir will be performing in Indianapolis - catch them at the following locations/dates:

Saturday, July 5, 3:00pm - Downtown on the Circle (Market & Meridian Streets)

Sunday, July 6, 10:30am - Indy Metro Church

Indy Metro meets at The American Caberet Theatre at 401 E. Michigan Street.

ragamuffintop challenge post 8

Link to challenge: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=5299

didn't walk with the gps today - but i did walk for an hour.

i looked at pedometers but decided to check consumer reports first. their "cr best buy" is the freestyle tracer.... now to find one of those in indy.... or order it online....

on golden pond

....if you'll just let go of my hand and I slip my other hand out of auntie's hand - I can swim with Duckie..... c'mon.... please!

pushing up daisies

well.... he's not under the daisies.... but he is under a rosebush on the other side of his grandma's flower bed. The rosebush barely survived the Indiana winter, we're hoping it pulls through. Grandma had to cut some of it away.

He being my beloved, 4-legged, purring baby Bo who was 9-1/2 and had lymphoid leukemia. Callie, Kaz, and I miss him very much. There are times that I'll see something moving out of the corner of my eye - and my first thought is Bo because it was something he would have done.... then I remember that it's Callie or Kaz.

ragamuffintop challenge post 7

Link to challenge: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=5299

This was another week of so-so results..... Only one walk with the gps unit.....

Goal: 4 walks of at least 30 minutes each.... ideally at 3.0 mph

Sunday's walk
31 minutes
1.45 miles

Friday:
no gps
walked at least 2 hours around costco, sam's, and other stores picking up items for a wedding shower. We were gone for 5 hours - I figure I had to have walked at least 2 of those....

Saturday:
no gps
--took pictures at a wedding and reception - walking around doing this for 3+ hours
--my brother's wedding shower/party was in the evening.... walking & chasing the kids in the yard taking pictures for a couple of hours....

Saturday evening.... my legs were tired.... moreso than right after a 3o minute walk - so I know they must have gotten some exercise.... why else would they have hurt so much????

I should get a pedometer for those indoor walks.... that way I can more accurately gauge how much I've walked.

ben kristijanto of bread of stone

Ben is the lead singer for BOS and writes most of their songs. BOS is another great rockin' worship band. Listen online at http://www.breadofstone.com/.

A snippet of their calendar:

19 Jun 2008 4:20 PM
20 Jun 2008 12:40 AM
21 Jun 2008 12:10 PM
Warsaw, Indiana Pro-Life Music Festival
More info at http://www.plmf.org/

24 Jun 2008
9th Mill St, time TBA
Brookeville, Indiana
Brookeville Town Park w/ Kutless

28 Jun 2008 4:00 PM
Rochester, Minnesota
Rochesterfest

14 Jul 2008 6:00 PM
Susquehanna, Pennsylvania
Susquehanna Valley Revival

john porter from mile7

Taken at CIA Summit 2008.....

Mile7 is described as ""a worship band with keen rock sensibilities". In addition to lead vocals, John blends his violin into their rockin' worship. Mile7 appeals to a young audience - and "old" rockers..... check out their music online - and in person if they're near you.

Here are some upcoming shows:

6/21/08 Youth Ralley in Cecelia, KY

7/18/08 w/Sanctus Real @ New Day Festival in Pineville, KY

7/19/08 Cruise-in Concert in Kenton, OH

9/27/08 Rock the Lawn in Louisville, KY

Check http://www.mile7music.com/ for more info and events.

luke austin daugherty at chateau thomas

Luke played at Chateau Thomas Winery in Plainfield last Friday night. It had been a rainy day, so the concert was moved inside to the barrel room/wine storage. The cool air kept causing his guitars to go out of tune - he was a trooper and would just put them back in tune!

It was a fun evening - 2 or 3 times he had someone in the audience call out a chord - he'd make up something on the spot using that chord and Andre, who was playing percussion, would jam along with the new song.

There's a link to Luke's website over on the right.

father's day baby/child dedication service

We had a baby/child dedication service on Father's Day.... 7 children/6 families! The youngest was 5 days old - the oldest, 4 years.

....and even better than that.... we had 2 baptisms!!!!

This picture is my favorite from Sunday - it captures the love between a father and son.

ragamuffintop challenge post 6

Link to challenge: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=5299

this is from yesterday (sunday 6/15):

I walked with a friend. I'd rather walk with a friend an miss my wanted pace by .2 mph than to walk alone! We should have walked another .05 miles - but the skies were getting dark - and when I got in the car - heard the storm warnings and drove through a downpour.

I only reset the trip before we walked - pay no attention to that max speed! I don't know how that happened. :) Someone must have borrowed my car.... or my gps unit.... yeah...that's it.....

My guess is that whoever it was didn't realize the foot had gotten that heavy until it was seen in pixels.

cincinnati

God blessed me with a good trip to Cinci. The clouds, sun, temp mix was perfect - without a/c I didn't even break a sweat on the drive down!

Yes - I had to have the windows rolled down.... the cicadas are making their once every 17 years visit - I could hear them as I was driving to my friend C's. They were loud at her house - but at the concert about 15 miles away.... none.... strange!

It had been about a year since I had seen C. For 6 months back in the 80s we spent every Friday together driving 80 miles to Lexington for her chemo treatments for leukemia.

The concert was outdoors and the church has a wonderful setting for these. It wasn't too hot and there was a gentle breeze. Chris (Ames) performed songs from his latest CD Everyday with You. This CD is composed of love songs - that aren't wedding and new baby love songs. www.christopherames.com.

C enjoyed it and after the week she had, she deserved a good evening. If you read my previous post, you know that her long-term boyfriend died last weekend after a bout with lung cancer. Please pray for her -and for his daughters/grandchildren.

ragamuffintop challenge post 5

Link to challenge: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=5299
Link to this week's results: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=5371
Well.... this week didn't go as well as last week.... I did get in some inside walking - but not with the gps unit since it doesn't work inside. Sorry - no pics this week. Goal for next week - same. 30 minute walk 4 times.

Thursday night I walked 90 minutes in a shopping center.

Friday night I walked around a winery during a concert taking pictures for 3 hours. I sat for no more than 15 minutes the entire evening.

I did get in more than 2 hours of walking for the week - but it wasn't at a pace I would have preferred.

Every time I would be able to walk outside it was too hot/humid, stormy, or after midnight. I feel safe and secure in my apartment complex - I'm not afraid to walk to the dumpster or come in late... but not really crazy about walking for 30 minutes around all its streets after 11ish.

There are 3 men in the complex that are on "the" registry.
2 for s/battery (one transplanted from another state) with lifetime status
1 for s/misconduct with a minor - 10 year status

How did these guys get in here? I had to undergo a criminal background check when I moved in here almost 4 years ago - they called me in California to get my county info so they could run it. I couldn't have moved in with any kind of conviction re injury to another person. The misconduct guy lives across the street. I think the battery guys each live within a couple of buildings.

I know they have paid their debt to society - if I had children, I'd be way more concerned about living so close. I try to stay aware of my surroundings and always walk with my phone. Just not a big risk taker about walking alone that late. :)

6 inch square

When I woke up this morning - that's about how much pillow I had thanks to Callie. Sometime this morning she decided to move from sleeping on my legs to sleeping on my pillow - and managed to maneuver me to the edge of my queen size pillow. There's enough room for both of us on it - but no!

So.... now I have a kink in my neck - and I'm getting ready to drive to Cincinnati to visit a friend and take her to the Christopher Ames concert mentioned in a previous post. I have to drive back tonight because I have to run the projection at church tomorrow and take pictures of baptisms and child dedications.

I emailed by friend last week to tell her about the concert thinking that we hadn't seen each other in a year and I might go ahead a make the drive. She emailed me Monday to tell me that her (long term) boyfriend died last Saturday and that it would be a welcome distraction.

OK.... I should go get ready.... head out before the day gets too hot.... the a/c is broken in my car.... I'm an official member of the Junky Car Club. :)

fore!

I took this series at a golf outing fundraiser. It was a hot windy day.

This was my second time on a golf course - the first being for the same reason. Taking pictures of a nonprofit's fundraiser.

I just don't understand this game. How do they know where the ball landed from so far away? I'd lose it once it went above the treeline, if not before. What fun is it playing when it's so hot?

Is it hard to make a touchdown or hit a homerun if you're playing in the rain? :)

I don't mind taking pictures of golfing if there's a good reason (such as for a nonprofit), however, if I'm going to play, I'll just play on my nieces' Wii.... that way I can play from the comfort of air conditioning. :)

happy birthday lisset

Lisset is the beautiful girl in Dominican Republic that I sponsor through Compassion International. She turns 15 today.

I sent a birthday card - but I probably sent it too late for her to get it in time. I also went online and sent a gift about 3 weeks ago - hopefully they've had enough time to process that and go shopping!

I'm hoping to be able to visit her next year! I have a friend in Texas who sponsored a girl in DR - we're hoping to be able to take the Compassion Sponsor trip in April. If God wants us there - He will provide the means to do it.

If you don't sponsor a child - please consider doing that today. http://www.compassion.com/

christopher ames

This picture was taken in March at Chris' CD release party at Pie in the Sky in Franklin, TN. Cutting the cake with his mug on it. And his younger son insisted on having the piece with Dad's face!

Chris is going to be in Cinci this Saturday (June 14) at Anderson Hills Christian Church. Free concert - first of their summer series.

There's a link to Chris' website over there to the right under "Linkage". Check out his website then go check out his music.

Anderson Hills CC for more info: http://www.andersonhillschristianchurch.org/

ragamuffintop challenge post 4

Goal: Walk 4 days, 30 minutes, hopefully a distance of at least 1.5 miles
Success - as long as it's OK I had to walk twice today (bad weather last night)

http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/ if you want to join the challenge

Sunday - 1 of 4 for this week

30:50 moving time

1.64 miles total distance

3.2 mph average

Wednesday 2 of 4 for this week

Walking around Chicago - didn't use the gps - saving the battery in case it was needed later for navigation. :)

The longest distance at one time was at least 1.5 miles from north of the Water Tower to Navy Pier.

Due to weather last night - I had to walk this afternoon and tonight to get my last 2 walks in for the week. Re: the weather - please pray for those who have been affected by the flooding here in Indiana.

afternoon: (3 of 4 for week)

Moving time: 30:41

Distance 1.50 miles

Moving average: 3.0

and tonight (4 of 4 for week):

Moving time: 31:32
Distance 1.65 miles
Moving avg: 3.1

Goal for next week.... same except do it 4 days instead of 3 :)

From today's Life Journal reading (link @ right):

Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

jazz guitarist drew davidsen

Drew did a set at CIA Summit 2008 just before the Momentum Awards - he won Jazz Artist of the year.

Watch this clip and you'll see why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHUo-orDMQs

ragamuffintop challenge post 3

This update is for Wednesday in Chicago.....

I didn't use the navigation unit because I didn't want the battery to go dead in case we needed it to get somewhere - so I don't have a photo to post....

However.... in addition to other walking that we did - we walked from Cheesecake Factory on N. Michigan Ave to the Navy Pier then back a couple of blocks to catch the trolley back to Union Station (which we overshot to the next stop to do more walking - and we had extra time).

According to Google maps - it's 1.4 miles from CF to the entry to Navy Pier - so I walked more than 1.5 miles in total... and more than 30 minutes of walking for the day....

So.... I think it should count toward my goal!

Today (Thursday) I did some walking on a golf course taking pictures of a golf outing fundraiser - but that was so broken... I don't count it....

That means tomorrow I'll be walking after dark - as long as it's not raining.....

broken vessels

Back in March I met Broken Vessels on Friday night at the CIA Summit in Franklin, TN. We talked a bit about photography. Since my camera can be an extension of my arm, especially if I'm "on duty" - it's a natural conversation starter.

I didn't realize they were on the schedule for leading worship on Saturday morning. Come Saturday morning - I immediately had a band join my all-time top band list.

My favorite songs are "Here is My Life" and "Unashamed". Tory Dardar, lead singer, is an amazing songwriter who uses those gifts that God gave him. He wrote/co-wrote 9 of the 10 songs on their Unashamed CD - and the band (Tory, Sonny, Jace, Bill) is excellent in their musical abilities..

There's a link to their website over there to the right under "linkage". Go there. Now. Listen. Buy. You won't be disappointed. Tell them I said hello..

If I'm listening in the car - I have be careful or I'm like this guy - not a good thing when you're driving.... gotta have one hand on the wheel!: http://thebackpew.com/backpew/0_duionpraise.htm.

Should I also mention they won the Momentum Award for Worship Artist of the Year? .

just a glimpse:

verse 1 of "Here is My Life":.

Deep is the depth of Your tender mercy

Wide is the divide You crossed for me

Long is the length of Your long-suffering

Great is your love for me

chorus:

Here is my life, my heart, and soul

I'm laying it down for You, my Lord

The greatest love was shown by You

When You gave it all

I lay my life down

It's the least I can do

callie just walked across the keyboard....i don't immediately see that she helped with the typing - but if you see some oddly placed letters.... please let me know!

downtown

A shot of downtown Indy
Anthenauem bottom left/Murat bottom right

bird's eye view of a drummer

If I'm starting over on this blogging thing.... I should start posting pictures again, too.


ApologetiX drummer Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner in December at Sunrise Worship Center @ 75th & Oaklandon. One of my favorite shots from the evening, taken from a vantage point that isn't normally available.

sad update on one of my babies.....

since there's a post below about my babies.... i thought i should post this....

callie still mopes around missing her best friend..... and she still won't allow kaz to be her friend!

chi-town wednesday

Going to Chicago on Wednesday with a former co-worker who is moving to Tulsa next week. We've talked about going up for a day trip for a few months - her sudden move made us put actions to our words!

We're taking MegaBus - since our travel wasn't flexible, we weren't able to get $2.50 round trip tickets - but it's still cheaper than paying for gas and parking. We will have 6 hours to walk around (will that count for the RagamuffinTop Challenge?)before we head back home. I've never taken MegaBus - I'll let you know how it goes.

Although it's not healthy eating - I have to have pizza while I'm there! When I lived in the Bay Area one of my favorites places to go was Zachary's Pizza on College in Oakland - their take on Chicago stuffed pizza has won them over 100 awards. Any Chicago recommendations?

I am taking the camera and hoping for some great shots while we're there.

ragamuffintop challenge post 2

1 of 4 for this week.
30:50 moving time
1.64 miles total distance
3.2 mph average

pay no attention to that max speed of 6.1! i was hurrying to get across the street.... and my arms may have swung in a fashion to make the nuvi think it was going faster than it actually was :)

ragamuffintop challenge post 1

I've decided to take up the challenge from Carlos at http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/. You can join us, too!

Here are the guidelines:

1. You must have a measurable goal.

I don't own a scale - left it behind in California, I think.... so my goals, for the time being, aren't going to do with numbers on a scale.

I need to start exercising. My beginning goal is to walk at least 30 minutes, 4 times per week. I hope to walk 1.5 miles in those 30 minutes. However, if my neighbor downstairs walks with me, the 1.5 miles won't be attained - but I will continue walking after she stops and goes back inside. She's 65 with health problems, so that pace isn't possible for her.

2. You must place a photo or video on your blog each weekend and give us the scoop on how you did.

I will take photos of the screen on my gps unit. I will reset the trip counter before each walk.

3. You must link back here so that the readers of your blog get to see how the rest of us are failing or succeeding.

Go there, now :) http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/?p=5299

4. You fill out the linky thing below and then people can get to your blog from my front page and we can cheer each other on.

Will do that as soon as I post this.

I'm hoping to go to Domincian Republic next year to visit the girl I sponsor there. End result - I'd like for there to be less of me by April 2009 if God blesses me with the ability (financially) to go on that trip. babysteps. babysteps.

Updates:

Sunday

Wednesday, but posted on Thursday

wow! it's been that long!

I decided to join the Ragamuffin Top challenge - thereby dusting off a blog that I started way back when and then abandoned.

I didn't realize how long ago that was until I logged in today. Since I will be posting goals and results - the cobwebs should stay away.

I'll post pictures along the way, too.... and, sadly, an update on one of my babies.