Capturing God's Beautiful Creations, One Click at a Time

help my niece's softball team

2008-08-29T13:24:00.003-04:00

My niece, E., is playing on the FTGS Flashes 8U travel team. If you need to renew (or buy) a magazine subscription, please consider doing that through the link below. Thank you!

(I made the banner for them....)

third day church service

2008-08-23T03:08:00.000-04:00

Third Day rocked it tonight on the Music Builds Tour @ Verizon Wireless.

Every 3D concert that I have ever attended has been more like a church service than a concert and tonight was no different. They rocked the house with the emphasis where it should be - pointing straight up to Jesus.

They brought old favorites such as Thief and King of Glory - and new favorites-to-be from their latest release Revelation.

For the encore - first they were joined first by Robert Randolf for a song. Then Jars of Clay joined in and they did my favorite arrangement of I'll Fly Away with Mac taking the lead on a verse. For the final song of the evening Switchfoot came to the stage for a collaborative When Love Comes to Town.

I enjoyed the way they built the encore bringing the others back to the stage one at a time.... hey... the "music builds" tour... although I think that has more to do with the Habitat for Humanity benefit part of the tour. :)

If this tour comes anywhere close to your city.... GO! .... you will not be disappointed. Better yet - when you go - take someone with you who needs to hear about Jesus. Hopefully another will be added to the Kingdom.

I'll do another post with more photos later. It's 3am and I just finished downloading pictures while falling asleep in the recliner. My aunt came to town tonight with her entire family - children and grandchildren. We have a date with a few animals at the Indianapolis Zoo tomorrow most likely joined by my parents and nieces. My "job" is to navigate us there and take pictures. Then turn those pictures into a DVD slideshow to keep the kids entertained later. Easy job for me and I'll get to spend time with family.

Music Builds Tour, Fox 59, and IBJ

2008-08-21T11:28:00.011-04:00

This morning I was watching Fox59 morning news and the IBJ upcoming events segment. I was hoping to see the Music Builds tour mentioned, but, alas, it was not.

They mentioned FringeFest and said you might see something good or you might see something bad. They mentioned Bob Dylan being somewhere out of town but apparently close to Indy.

Did they mention what I think will be the best Christian concert of the year? Noooooo.... Did i email them and express my disappointment? Most certainly.... and gave them a few nuggets of info to go along with my thoughts - and links for them to get the full story.

For a good start - the tour benefits Habitat for Humanity.

Third Day - a multi-grammy award winning band that Billboard has called one of the best bands. Period. ...and the fact that they recently graced the cover of Billboard Magazine.

Switchfoot - oh, their music is played on MTV... definintely not thought of as a "Christian" channel.

Jars of Clay - just another grammy award winning band.

Robert Randolf - named one of the Top 100 Guitarists of all time by Rolling Stone... a "secular" publication.

Christian artists with accolades from secular media.... and they don't deserve even a passing mention in an upcoming events segment.

So - if you're in Indiana or nearby... make your way to Verizon Wireless in Noblesville on Friday, August 22 for what will be one rockin' show!

(p.s. I'm giving away my extra copy of Third Day's Revelation in the post two entries below this one.)

(p.p.s. stop by and say hello to me at first stage just inside the gate... my friend and singer/songwriter Luke is playing there... you will know me because I'll have a camera or two hanging around my neck since I'm his concert photographer)

Unique's Photo Challenge: Portrait of Two

2008-08-21T10:33:00.003-04:00

My entry:

See other pictures from the same day here: http://fotosbycheri.blogspot.com/2008/07/wish-i-had-my-camera-today.html

See other entries at http://www.uniqueexposures.com/challenge/2008/08/16/portrait-of-two/

p.s. I'm giving away 2 CD's .... you will find info on how to enter if you look for the "cd giveaway" post on 8/18/08 in the blog archive in the right column.

cd giveaway

2008-08-18T22:57:00.004-04:00

After purchasing Third Day's Revelation CD, I won one. I decided to pay it forward and give it away here. Along with it I'm giving away a copy of Broken Vessels' Unashamed CD.

Here's how to enter:

1. Leave your favorite Third Day song in your comment. If you can't pick just one - you can list 2 or 3. I know I have a hard time narrowing it down to even 3! http://www.thirdday.com/

2. Also in your comment..... Broken Vessels' website is getting a makeover, so in the meantime go to their IndieHeaven site at http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/broken_vessels, listen to the clips and tell me which song you like best. If you like the clips - you will find 4 full-length songs on their myspace page (www.myspace.com/brokenvesselsmusic).

3. One comment per person, please, and this contest is open to U.S. Residents only.

4. Since it's a Third Day giveaway - the contest will end on the 3rd day of September. Please enter by 11:59pm - Hawaii time. (that's 5:59am EST and 2:59am PST ).

Other pertinent information:
I will enter the number of comments/entries in the website http://www.random.org/integers/ which will choose a winner at random.

If you don't have a link to a blog or website to give me a way to contact you, please check back here to see if you're the winner. I will leave the winner info in the comments and in a new post.

lensday: smoke

2008-08-18T22:47:00.004-04:00

My entry for lensday: smoke.

This is a bird's eye view of ApologetiX drummer Jimmy "Vegas" Tanner. I did some climbing and leaning to get this one! ....whatever it takes to get the shot.... :)

http://www.lensday.com/

p.s. I'm giving away 2 CD's .... you will find info on how to enter if you look for the "cd giveaway" post in the blog archive in the right column.

photohunt: colorful

2008-08-18T22:31:00.004-04:00

This is my entry for photohunt: colorful.

This was Jeremy Camp's band on The Restored Tour. That concert had the best lighting I have ever seen at a concert - a photographer's dream. :)

If you want to see other pictures from the evening:
http://www.fotosbycheri.com/restoredtour/jeremy/index.htm - Jeremy Camp
http://www.fotosbycheri.com/restoredtour/afters/index.htm - The Afters
http://www.fotosbycheri.com/restoredtour/beth/index.htm - Bethany Dillon

photohunt link: http://tnchick.com/archives/1133

p.s. I'm giving away 2 CD's .... you will find info on how to enter if you look for the "cd giveaway" post in the blog archive in the right column.

caleb rowden in greenwood

2008-08-18T20:47:00.002-04:00

Caleb Rowden rocked Greenwood Saturday night at the Greenwood Christian Church Family Fun Festival.

It was a great show with songs from his CD and he rocked up some old hymns. The old hymns are great, but I really enjoy it when an artist breaths new life into them.

cd giveaway coming in a few days....

2008-08-12T00:02:00.002-04:00

more details to come....

2 CDs will be given away....

tuesday challenge: hill

2008-08-08T23:45:00.001-04:00

http://www.tuesdaychallenge.co.uk/

photo sunday: animal

2008-08-08T23:35:00.000-04:00

http://wetsox.org/noah/photosunday/

Third Day

2008-08-03T23:44:00.004-04:00

***edit 8/18/08 http://fotosbycheri.blogspot.com/2008/08/cd-giveaway.html - enter to win***
***edit 8/12/08 to add: check my blog for a Revelation CD giveaway in a few days ***

Mac challenged David Crowder to a leg wrestling match @ Louisville Palace on March 2, 2006. Mac lost that one - is it time for a rematch?

I was first introduced to Third Day when I was on the worship team at my church in California and we started singing "Your Love Oh Lord". I immediately went out and bought the CD. It wasn't long after that we led worship at an association meeting and I briefly met Aunt P when she told us that her nephew wrote/sang that song. We met again later through a mutual friend and have kept in touch after my move from that beautiful area and weather.

My first Third Day concert was in San Jose with guest rocker Jennifer Knapp.

I preorded Revelation and picked it up this week. I'll save that topic for next month. :) I've had it playing in the background while working and really like what I'm hearing. I need to focus more on it before writing about it.

Today our pastor closed out a 16 week series on Revelation - I wore my Revelation Tshirt to church at least once during the series - and to the church office when I went to work. I thought it was appropriate.

Great job on Leno! I Tivo'd it - but tuned in a few minutes before they performed. From what I'm hearing - and what I saw in the last couple of minutes of the last guest - I think I'll just fast-forward when I go back to watch it again. Speaking of watching again - I should revisit the 60 Minutes interview. Wow! I just looked and that was in 2004! I love Tivo, too... makes it easy to save things.

Third Day will be in Indy (well, Noblesville actually) on August 22 - less than 3 weeks - at Verizon Wireless. It's going to be a fun concert!

It's going to be doubly exciting for me:

Number 1 - I get to see my favorite "signed" band (I have 2 top favorites - the other is an indie band.)

Number 2 - A local artist friend (Luke Austin Daugherty) is playing first stage. I'm his concert photographer and have been on his core team for about 3 years.

This post is part of the blog carnival going on at Third Day's blog - which is hosted by Mark Lee.

Other link love:
Third Day - can't write about them without linking to their site!
Luke Austin Daugherty
Broken Vessels - my favorite indie band
map to Verizon Wireless (Third Day's tour page has it listed as being on N Keystone in Indy);
Tivo - because it's one of my favorite gadgets and allows me to keep shows for years.

moody monday: sentimental

2008-07-28T00:14:00.003-04:00

A local church held a "Honor Our Heroes" celebration the weekend before the 4th of July. They honored veterans, active military, police, fire, and EMS.

This gentleman was helped to and from the front by his two friends you see right behind him. If I'm not mistaken, this is the gentleman who stood earlier in the service when it was stated that there was a Pearl Harbor Survivor in attendance.

Those who defend, and have defended, our freedom and those who keep us safe should be thanked at every opportunity.

photohunt: hanging

2008-07-27T22:50:00.002-04:00

He's hanging in mid-air!

This is Justin Glasco and was at the end of a Jeremy Camp concert. I was taking pictures and noticed him standing on his keyboards... I thought this was going to happen - so I immediately changed the subject of my focus.

Photohunt: http://tnchick.com/pshunt

lensday: movement

2008-07-27T22:10:00.002-04:00

Lensday challenge at www.lensday.com

moody monday: competition

2008-07-27T20:33:00.005-04:00

Posted for Moody Monday photo meme. www.moodymonday.org

This is the complete opposite of how she looked the previous day - all decked out in a blue formal as a junior bridesmaid.

no longer $280

2008-07-25T10:56:00.004-04:00

Don called this morning after getting a call from Canon. They went up from $280 to $435. He called an indie repair shop in Atlanta. They're ballparking it at $340. Go indies!!!

So now it has to travel from Canon Aristocratic Hospital back to Lexington then to ATL Mercy General. :) Wish I was earning those airmiles!

So... now it probably won't be here by next weekend.

$280

2008-07-24T18:23:00.000-04:00

Don called this morning - the hospital bill for my camera will be $280. He called to find out whether or not to give them the go-ahead to do the shutter transplant.

It's one of those "what choice do I have?" issues. It would cost way more than that for a new camera - and I don't have the $$$$ to do that. It would cost more than that to buy a used one - and I don't have that either. And I have to have a camera to help pay my rent!

It will be good to have my baby back. He overnighted it to them - so when it's ready, they will overnight it back to him. Then UPS will have it here the next day. Hopefully by the end of next week....

where's your favorite vacation spot?

2008-07-23T19:50:00.001-04:00

One of mine is California.... especially the Bay Area. I made several trips a year there from 1994 until moving there in 1997. I lived there for 7 years before moving to Indiana. I've been back twice - once to LA and once to the Bay Area... not nearly enough!

Here are some photos from my trip last year. I went for a long weekend to take wedding pictures. I spent more time visiting friends and eating great food than taking pictures - but managed to get a few in the GGNRA. www.nps.gov/goga/. The lighthouse is the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Two person limit on the bridge leading to it.

i get to see this in october!

2008-07-23T11:01:00.009-04:00

....and it's a free ticket!

I figure most people recognize it... but if not... San Francisco .... the TransAmerica Building framed by a small part of the Golden Gate Bridge.

My mom wants to go visit her aunt in Redding so she had me redeeming her reward points - when it came time to put the name on the other ticket, my dad decided that they shouldn't both be away for a week because of the business and my nieces.... so she told me to put my name on the other ticket.

I jokingly call her Miss Daisy because she has me drive her if it involves downtown or 465.... so now instead of Driving Miss Daisy, I'll be Flying Miss Daisy -- not literally flying, but guiding through airports. I don't mind - I know if it was a matter of life or death or great importance - she would drive or fly herself.... she did drive downtown once.... and when they lived in Lexington she drove downtown almost every day.

I'll spend a couple of days with the family in Redding - then back down to the Bay Area to see my friends and visit favorite places from when I lived there.... which mostly involves food!

The food list:
Zachary's Pizza http://www.zacharys.com/
Rockridge/College Ave - 1st spot to hit!
Stuffed pizza

In-n-Out http://www.in-n-out.com/
Whichever location we get to first
Simple menu.... burgers. fresh hand-cut fries.
They're experts at those 2 things.

Back 40 BBQ http://www.backforty.us/
Pleasant Hill
Brisket or ribs??? maybe 2 trips!

Burger Road - they don't have a website....
2634 Pleasant Hill Rd, PH
Cheeseburger & Onion Rings w/ranch dressing

Elephant Bar http://www.elephantbar.com/
Concord
Chicken Tenders w/honey mustard & fries
Creme Brulee
(wish they would come to Indy!)

on the wishlist - may not happen:
Vic Stewart's http://www.vicstewarts.com/
Filet Mignon
would love to go.... but this one is a big splurge..... I need to pick up some extra photography jobs!

I will have to really work on my RagamuffinTop Challenge before & after this trip!

edit:
submitted for lensday: city

keith haynie of apologetix

2008-07-22T21:00:00.004-04:00

Keith is the bass player for ApologetiX - that Christian parody band.

APX just released their latest CD "Future Tense" - check it out at http://www.apologetix.com/. I just found out from J. via email that I'm in the liner notes for photography.

I didn't get the CD when I saw them on the 11th.... it was the night before my brother's wedding - and the concert where my camera had its attack. So my mind wasn't thinking about CDs.... it was thinking about being a wedding photographer without a camera!

Better to go to the concert and have the shutter fail - than to have it fail at the wedding the next day! So I'm glad I went....

Here's your next few chances to see ApologetiX live - take the kids... they'll love it! Take your unsaved friends... they'll hear about Jesus!

Empire, AL 07.25.08
Austin, TX 07.26.08
Tyler, TX 07.27.08
Lima, OH 08.01.08
West Burlington, IA 08.02.08
Ligonier, IN 08.03.08
Seaside Park , NJ 8.08.08
Beach Haven, NJ 08.09.08
Dinwiddie, VA 08.22.08
Wilmington , NC 08.23.08
Noble, OK 09.05.08
Stamford, TX 09.06.08
Farmer City, IL 09.13.08
Cameron, NC 09.20.08
Billings, MT 09.26.08
Great Falls, MT 09.27.08

another flower

2008-07-20T16:38:00.006-04:00

taken with my mom's little point and shoot.

Now I need to work on more wedding pictures.

7/27/08: posted to Thursday Challenge: Yellow (http://www.spunwithtears.com/thursday.html)

ragamuffintop challenge post 12

2008-07-20T15:46:00.003-04:00

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

Let's just say that this week..... I failed miserably......

What time I wasn't working on normal work stuff... I was working on wedding pictures - finishing up all the editing on the June wedding of a former co-worker and then starting on my brother's wedding pictures.

To show I was doing more than just sitting on my duff..... from the co-worker's wedding:

wish i had my camera today!

2008-07-19T23:18:00.004-04:00

I took this today with my mom's little nikon p&s. I was missing my DSLR! I wonder what it would have looked like taken with that one. Maybe the flowers will still be in bloom when it gets out of the hospital.

I did bring my (1st generation) Elan into service today for a couple of concerts. I hadn't used it since I bought my 20D in April of '05. There was still film in it! I also had film that had been in the refrigerator for a few years.... We'll see how it works! I did take pictures of the flowers and bees with it - but it all depends on the film....

Instead of getting prints - I'm going to have the film processed and scanned to CD. I'll post a follow up photo here so we can compare the results.

edited 7/31/08: here are the photos taken with my Elan and film that was at least 4 years old. The biggest difference is the bokeh (out of focus area in the background) and in the scans you can see some emulsion marks or something - probably because the film was so old. I had Roberts scan it directly to CD for me.

pitcher's feet

2008-07-17T12:21:00.002-04:00

My niece S. is the pitcher for her All-Star team. I took a few (160) pictures at her game last Sunday evening.

Judging by the wear on the toes of the right shoe - I think it's about time for new ones. She's 10 this week - and wears the same size I do! If I ever decide to take up softball (I hear the laughter from those who know me!) I know where to find shoes.

I think I'll just stick to taking pictures of her and E. playing instead of playing myself. (Now the laughter subsides.....)

being a ring bearer is hard work!

2008-07-16T23:42:00.003-04:00

I noticed where this little guy was during the ceremony and couldn't resist taking the photo. He was so tired he had to use the ring pillow for his head.

I won't comment on the placement of his fingers. :)

out of the mouth of babes 1

2008-07-16T14:52:00.000-04:00

My niece E. was a flower girl in her favorite Uncle Dave's wedding. She's 6 - and she loved it. She wore one of the Disney princess dresses with a little tiara.

I stopped by my parents' on Monday. Here's the conversation that took place:

E: Are you ever going to get married?

Me: I doubt it.

E: What's that mean?

Me: Probably not.

E: Do you know any single guys?

Me: Yes.

E. Why don't you marry one?

Then a sad look.... not because I'm not getting married.... but because she wants to be a flower girl..... soon!

my camera's in the hospital

2008-07-15T16:28:00.003-04:00

so..... thankfully the night before my brother's wedding I decided to go to the ApologetiX concert - even though I didn't really have time. After about 250-300 pictures..... my camera went into shutter failure. click-click-click-click........

Had I not gone to the concert - that failure would have most likely happened DURING the wedding on Saturday.

Earlier in the week I had decided to ask a friend from my photography meetup if he would be willing to come help me for a few hours with the wedding pictures (with pay). He agreed - then Thursday night, he sent an email telling me he hadn't realized earlier that he was going to be in Cincinnati on Saturday. He offered to let me borrow his flash so I could use two for the pictures. I picked it up on Friday.

Then Friday night after my camera started going crazy I called him to see if he had ever had any experience with this particular problem. He offered to loan me his camera for the wedding.

Looking back ... God had it all worked out.... I decided to ask someone to help, he ended up not being able to but he loaned me his camera.

I shipped the camera off to my friend at Murphy's Camera in Lexington yesterday. He will ship it to Canon today. I've bought all of my equipment from him for 20 years, even after I moved from Kentucky to California.... and now that I'm in Indiana. I haven't stepped foot in the store in 8 years or more - UPS does a great job of delivering equipment if needed.

Sure, sometimes I might be able to save a few dollars by going to Sam's, Costco, or sales at other stores.... but if I have a photography or equipment related question - can I call Sam's or Costco???? or even your big-box electronics stores??? No, but people will call camera stores to get expert information then go to other stores to make their purchases. I prefer to buy from the same place where I get my questions answered. If someone doesn't - those stores will go away and we'll have people who don't know the equipment or what it can do selling it to us.

ragamuffintop challenge post 11

2008-07-15T15:52:00.004-04:00

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

Last week was 3 days walking instead of 4.... but lots of hours walking on those days.... no gps walking, since much was inside.

Thursday:
at least 90 minutes mall-walking in the a/c

Friday:
90 minutes mall-walking in the a/c

Saturday:
10 hours + on my feet with an least half of those taking steps.....finding vantage points for taking pictures at my brother's wedding and reception. before, during, and after. Actually started taking pictures at 9:45 a.m. after only 2 hours of sleep the night before (working on wedding stuff).... stopped taking pictures at midnight. May not have been fast walking.... but my legs would assure you that they walked.... a lot!

I did get to do a little bit of sitting at various points throughout the day.

We had a baptism at church on Sunday - I got to church about 5 or 6 minutes before it..... just in time to take pictures - left a few minutes after. Aaron told me that if I fell asleep during his message that he wouldn't point and call me out... I told him I was going back home to sleep.

Since I'm supposed to post a picture and my walking was without gps.... here's the bride:

ugandan orphans choir, pt 2

2008-07-08T23:50:00.000-04:00

The Ugandan Orphans Choir performed songs and dances and played homemade musical instruments for our service on Sunday. They also learned and sang "I Am Free" with our band to close the service. They are full of energy - I was tired just watching them dance!

They also performed on the Circle on Saturday. It was nice to see people take time to stop and enjoy watching the kids - they amassed quite a crowd.

The bottom photo shows the beautiful theatre we rent for Sunday service. The building was built in the late 1800s and (from what I can find) renovated in the early 1990s. The theatre hosts 6-8 productions a year. The current set on stage is from "Swing!" - which is as high energy as the Orphans Choir!

Sometimes the stage set works well for us and we use it - for others, if possible, we drop the curtains. We weren't able to drop the curtain during the production of Elvis songs last year. That set was 3 or 4 bedrooms, a residential hotel desk, and I think a living room and park setting. One bedroom and something else occupied the side stages.

My first Sunday there was during "The Full Monty".... on the outside of the building was the bigger-than-lifesize banner promoting the production. It was rather strange going to church and seeing banners/posters of male strippers with strategically placed hats....

The stage is gorgeous during November/December for the Christmas production. Last year I was tempted to have my parents/brother & his family skip their churches one Sunday and go with me - just so we could take a family picture. Maybe we'll do that this year. It's going to be a Country Christmas - and I'm sure Rodney will outdo himself with the set.

ragamuffintop challenge post 10

2008-07-07T22:41:00.005-04:00

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

I did better last week with my walking. I only have a gps screenshot for one - the others were downtown and I was carrying camera equipment.

Wednesday:

Distance: 1.7 miles
Time: 33:06
Average: 3.1 miles per hour
(edited to correct distance....goofed in bringing it down from the screen)

Thanks, Callie, for propping up the gps!

Friday:
Distance: 1.6 miles (verified distance on http://www.mapmywalk.com/)
Time: unsure.
We walked 1/3 of it, then stopped by my church gallery/office. Then another 1/3 and stopped at a coffeeshop where a friend was playing for the evening. Then the last 1/3 back to The Art Bank to take fireworks photos.

Saturday, #1:
Distance: .6 miles
Time: 15 minutes carrying 15 pounds of camera gear - and stopping at crosswalks waiting for the walk signal.
Walked from the church/office gallery to Monument Circle. Our church hosted the Ugandan Orphan's Choir - they performed on the circle Saturday afternoon.

Saturday, #2:
Distance: .5 miles
Time: unsure.
Walked from the Circle with pastor's wife. They gave me a ride the last .1 mile - we were trying to get there to help unload bottles of water from the truck. but... since we had to walk so far from the Circle - by the time we got there - the water was unloaded.

Goal remains the same.... walk 4 times for 30 minutes. I don't want to increase my goal until I can regularly attain the one I have.... or I'll be a worse failure!

happy birthday america!

2008-07-04T12:32:00.001-04:00

wfmw - 5 ingredients or less

2008-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

This is my first WFMW post. I'm not a mom (well.... I'm "mom" to 2 furry creatures who meow who think I'm just not as furry as they) but I do appreciate things that make life easier - even if it is just me and the furballs.

First is my Quick & Easy Yummy Peanut Butter Cookies, then a recipe from a friend who passed away a year ago for a Strawberry Pie. He was diabetic, so it's sugar-free.

Q&E Yummy PB cookies:

1 c peanut butter
1 c sugar
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine ingredients. Roll into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten by criss-crossing with a fork. Bake 8-12 minutes depending on the size of your cookies.

When I give people the recipe - they look at me in disbelief and say "no flour??? there has to be flour!" .... but that’s it…. that’s all….. Quick & Easy YUMMY Cookies.

---------

Speedy's Strawberry Pie

1 small pkg vanilla sugar free cook-and-serve pudding
1 small pkg sugar free strawberry gelatin
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Mix the pudding with 2 cups water. Microwave according to directions for 6 minutes. Let cool for 3 or 4 minutes.

Mix the gelatin powder into the pudding Slice the strawberries and spread into a pie plate. Pour the pudding, gelatin mixture over the strawberries. (Makes a glaze)

Refrigerate for an hour. Enjoy!!!!!

He didn't say, but I'm assuming you can use a graham cracker or other prebaked crust - but that would add calories and possibly sugar - depending in your crust.

For more 5-ingredient-or-less recipes - check out the links at http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/2008/07/works-for-me-th.html

ragamuffintop challenge post 9

2008-07-01T23:24:00.002-04:00

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

Well.... last week wasn't the best of weeks......

Goal: Walk 4 times for 30 minutes (hopefully averaging 3 mph)

Results:
Walked one hour one day - didn't use the gps so I don't have a pic to post.

Same goal for this week. I should be able to hit it this week! I'm going downtown Friday evening - parking at a friend's art gallery - walking around downtown - then going back to the gallery and taking fireworks pictures from the roof.

They aren't opening the roof to the public because of insurance, etc. - I'm going to set up the tripod. I won't have the problem I had Sunday night - people would walk in front of the camera - and sometimes - just stop! I was able to get some good shots - but could have gotten more.

fireworks pics

2008-06-30T02:52:00.006-04:00

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?

2008-06-28T10:45:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-26T08:55:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-25T23:48:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-25T09:25:00.001-04:00

....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

2008-06-25T00:10:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-23T14:20:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-20T10:45:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-19T14:00:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-17T21:21:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-16T23:43:00.006-04:00

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

2008-06-16T23:28:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-16T00:30:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-15T22:51:00.005-04:00

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

2008-06-14T10:16:00.004-04:00

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!

2008-06-12T17:08:00.006-04:00

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

2008-06-11T06:49:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-09T20:56:00.005-04:00

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

2008-06-07T22:51:00.006-04:00

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

2008-06-07T13:50:00.006-04:00

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

2008-06-05T23:17:00.005-04:00

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

2008-06-04T00:33:00.007-04:00

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

2008-06-03T10:47:00.003-04:00

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

bird's eye view of a drummer

2008-06-02T19:49:00.002-04:00

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.....

2008-06-02T11:00:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-01T21:33:00.000-04:00

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

2008-06-01T21:12:00.007-04:00

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

2008-06-01T15:30:00.014-04:00

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!

2008-06-01T15:27:00.003-04:00

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.

my babies....

2006-12-30T20:34:00.002-05:00

This is Kaz... I rescued him (much to the dismay of Bo & Callie) last year. I took this picture today testing an accessory for my flash.

This is Bo - the sweetest of the bunch....

And last, but not least, is Callie.....

jump!

2006-12-02T15:48:00.003-05:00

Justin Glasco plays keys for Jeremy Camp. This is from the Restored Tour in November 2005 at Eagle Church.

bumble bee

2006-12-01T03:03:00.002-05:00

From my trip to Galena, IL with Michele in August:

playin' the blues

2006-12-01T02:34:00.003-05:00

This is Tim Hof playing harmonica backup for Luke Austin Daugherty. They opened for Mitch McVicker on September 29. It's one of my favorite shots from that evening.

2 corinthians 5:17

2006-11-27T21:12:00.002-05:00

I had this one printed 16x20 - but haven't put the nail in the wall yet to hang it.... one of these days!

This was a last second shot - I took Emma to the zoo, she wanted to go to the butterfly exhibit, but once we got there and she discovered the butterflies are flying around and not in a cage - she was afraid and wanted to leave. I grabbed this shot as she was pulling me to leave. Funny side note.... she wanted to know why the lions, tigers, and bears had to be in cages... she wanted to play with them!

She told me recently that she's not afraid of butterflies any longer... too late... she will have to wait until next year's exhibit.

to start things off....

2006-11-22T13:49:00.004-05:00

Here's the most exciting news on the photography front for me.... On Labor Day I took new promotional pictures for ApologetiX....

They are using one of the pictures in the ad for and on the back of their new CD "Wordplay."

You can find it in the following magazines:

HM - November/December 2006 issue. It's a double-cover issue. This ad appears on the Pillar cover side, page 6, full page ad.

CCM - November 2006 issue on page 70

Christian Music Planet - November/December 2006 on page 41.

The scan isn't the best - but this is what it looks like...