Veteran's day thank you

     It's rainy and dark (my vitamin D reserves are getting very, very low) but that's OK because I had an amazing weekend!  Ice skating and the bruises associated with that nearly crippled Kayla, but she is recovering.  There was also pigeon hunting, horseback riding, football, and time spent with my friends and family that I will cherish.  All in all, it was a jam-packed weekend that made 6:45AM a decidedly unpleasant experience.

     On to the main reason for my post: photo of the week, the Veteran's Day Special.  First of all, I want to sincerely and humbly thank all of those veterans, personally known or otherwise, who have risked their lives and lived to tell us about it.  They were brave enough to sacrifice so much of life that I don't think I ever could put on the line.  They not only risked their own lives, but they gave up time with family and friends, they gave up comforts that I take for granted, and did it for my freedom.  I pray I never take that for granted.  Have you ever taken the time to hear a veteran's story?  I have a few times and they are amazing.  Go find a vet, listen to them, nod your head and ask questions...you will be amazed with the perspective you gain.  This is in honor of them:

     This is a Veteran's memorial near downtown Schenectady and falls within the lines of my "self-project" of finding long-lost Schenectady.  I look at this 3" gun, made by Rock Island Arsenal (I think) in 1944, every day before boarding the bus for work and think, "hey! I should photograph that cuz it's old and detailed and would make an interesting black & white"  Well as luck would have it, one day last week was very foggy and I brought my camera.  This is the best composition and I love the fog covering the back ground.  I've contacted a few different agencies because I really want to know the back story of the gun--when I know, you'll know.

     I do hope you enjoy the photo, and I hope you go find a veteran that you know and spend a few moments with them.  Take them out to taco bell or something and talk, they deserve it.

     Lastly, if you know of any sites around the city that you think to yourself, "that would be an awesome photograph, Tim Lawrence the photo-pro extraordinaire (just kidding!) should go snap a few shots", please let me know.  I'm hungry for history knowledge of the area.  Have a great day, stay warm!

-Tim  

New direction!

Happy Monday!  New week, new challenges, new opportunity....and new inspiration!  After speaking with a writer friend of mine, who just started a new blog as well (she's awesome and will you will enjoy her posts...http://cynthialovely.com/), I've decided on a weekly theme.  Every Monday I'll post a picture with a short description or story or whatever for all to enjoy.  At worst, you will be entertained by my ploys to entertain you, at best you will love the photo and my writing will improve!

Ok!  Here it is...

This photo means quite a bit to me.  A picture is worth a thousand words right?  I'll try to keep it to 100 ;) Back in 2010, a military family moved here from the South and started attending my church.  Right from the start they were friendlier than most Northerners, especially for not knowing anyone!  My wife (fiancee at the time) and I spent some time with them and immediately became solid friends with the whole family.  They were a home away from home for Kayla and treated her with love and kindness during the most stressful times of planing a wedding and going to school.  They continue to be close friends even with the busyness of our wedding, there daughter's wedding, and countless other activities that sometimes keep us apart.  I stopped by their house on Saturday after dropping Kayla off at work to catch a few football games with the man of the house, Joey.  He's a die-hard LSU (geaux Tigers!) and New Orleans Saints fan and I like them too.  It's also amusing to watch him get all bent out of shape during the game when it doesn't go his way.  Well, Sis. Manos had decorated the outside of the home with some pretty awesome Fall decorations and I just had to have a mini-shoot.  The light couldn't have been better for it being 1pm (it got way better at around 5, maybe those pictures will come next...) so click click click went my shutter.  This was my favorite shot not only because of the lighting and color, but also because it embodies everything this family is about-welcoming people into their home with unconditional love.  They have truly blessed myself, Kayla and countless others in the sometimes not-so-friendly Northeast.  I'm thankful that God has placed them in our lives and hope that they feel as welcome in my home as I do in theirs.

I hope you enjoyed the photo and story of the week!  Come back next Monday for more...