Chalk Talk

When I started this project, I was still writing a blog for the World Tour of Beer. I am still doing that, but it seems like the photo project has taken a lot more of my attention than I had originally planned.

Now, due to the cold weather, I am struggling with content for either one. As you know, it is good to recycle, so I thought I would recycle this photo I took in January. The friends who participate in the World Tour of Beer with me are big fans of the game Cornhole. We often have tournaments outside. Since the weather has gotten colder, I have resorted to mere threats on their prowess.

Fat Tuesday, Fatter Friday

Last week was Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), the final day to whoop it up before the onset of lent. I don't really observe the tradition of lent any longer. However, I do look at it as an opportunity for two things. First, it is a chance to reinvigorate your new year's resolution that has been on the slide. Second, it is a great opportunity to throw on some plastic beads and have a good time.

On Friday morning, I was parking my car and walking to the office when I noticed these beads on the fence. It reminded me of New Orleans. I had been talking early in the week about a photo of a light post I have that is covered in beads. The beads that someone threw during a parade that were never caught, but always remember on the light post as a reminder of the good time.

When I checked this morning, the beads were still there getting more covered by snow and braving the single-digit temperatures. As they say in N'awlins "Laissez les bon temps roulez."

The EuroHawk

My Co-Worker, McNutty, got a haircut today. He lovingly calls it a EuroHawk. It was the topic of conversation over lunch. He was trying to determine what it looked like and couldn't really see himself in the window near where we were eating lunch.

Luckily, I had my handy cell phone camera to snap a picture for him. We tried a couple of different angles to make the hair look good. Unfortunately, the best angle was when he was turned to the window and the light behind him was a bit blown out. However, I liked the lines of the photograph the best and decided to post it today.

I also like the defiant sneer he has on his face. I didn't even ask him to do it, he just did.

All the Pretty Horses

After a meeting with a client this morning, my co-worker and I decided to head to Red Robin. The meeting has been an interesting one and the client had not been so nice. The great thing about Red Robin is that the kid-friendly atmosphere guarantees goodies like milk shakes and burgers are on the menu.

There is nothing better after a bad meeting than a chocolate milk shake. For that matter, anything chocolate or any type of milk shake. As we were finishing our lunch, I was sitting around thinking about how crammed the rest of my day was. I had another meeting to attend, then go home and cook dinner for a guest.

I wasn't going to have time to shoot a photo. Thinking fast, I shot the carousel horse that was right near our booth. Not the greatest photo, but not too bad for only taking one shot and being under pressure.

Browns Football Walkway

After lunch today, I took a stroll with one of my co-workers. Although it is still cold outside, the break from the single digit temperatures was a nice one.

We decided to head toward the stadium. Instead of doing the complete loop, we took a walkway that cuts across the local road and the train tracks and cuts about 5 blocks off of the loop. As we were walking, I noticed this bridge with the football field markings on it.

I thought it was an interesting setup in a very hidden place. Only fans who have walked on this pathway would notice the ground was painted like a football field and there was a sign with goal posts saying thanks to the fans. It was also ironic timing since the Super Bowl was yesterday. The deserted walkway feels representative of stadiums around the country that will now sit empty until next season.

Great things are hidden around every corner.

Black and White Leaves

After I posted the photo of the leaves, it made me think about what a similar picture would look like in black and white. Would the beauty of the winter leaves still be as compelling in color?

I took another picture of the same grouping of leaves and converted the photo to black and white. I think it does maintains it beauty. The texture and the pattern of the leaves has a beauty that is only enhanced by the lack of color.

Autumn Leaves in Winter

As I have been doing this project, I have been noticing things more acutely. There are things that I see every day that I think are interesting, but I never think of them in the context of taking a photograph of it.

Today, I pulled my car into my parking spot behind my apartment building. I really noticed the brown leaves that were clustered against the neighbors garage. Usually, the leaves are bright and vibrant green the rest of the year. However, I really though this cluster of leaves that had hung on through the snow and cold were really beautiful.

I am wondering if they will hold on and become green again, or eventually give up the fight and fall off of their vines. If they are like the ones growing near the house, they are pretty stubborn.