Nancy is the pumpkin carver, cookie maker and house decorator in our house. I’ve never been fond of these activities, but I do enjoy photographing them.

Have a happy & safe Halloween.

Namaste

Several weeks ago a friend on Facebook announced a half-marathon which would be taking place in Lewiston, NY. The race itself a fundraiser for Niagara Hospice.

I navigated to the Niagara Hospice website and assessed the date. The distance was very doable as my longest run to date was just one mile less than the race total. The date also fit my schedule. The decision to run the race became easier when I saw you could “run in memory of someone.” I signed up, paid the entry fee and filled in the “running in memory” section. I would dedicate my first half-marathon to the memory of my grandmother Stella.

My grandmother passed away four years ago. She was a central and very important figure in my life. Running has become an important part of my life so this race was a natural fit.

As my running has progressed I have embraced the run and learned to let go of my times for they are not what is important. My willingness and ability to get up, lace on my running shoes and put on some miles every day is what is important. The reward is not the time as much as it is the solitary sensory experience of the run.

As I ran yesterday I thought of my grandmother numerous times. I thought of her early rising, never complaining, continuing her own life after my grandfather’s death in 1984 (my mother would remind me later the race day coincided with my grandfather’s birthday) her hard work and effort in the face of some pretty unhappy and difficult times in her life. I ran my race; comfortable but also pushing myself to be better, a better person for running helps me to accomplish this.

As the mile markers ticked off the miles completed, I felt the duality of life crashing down on me. Thoughts of stopping and walking entered my head from time to time. I knew I could accomplish the distance and walking for a brief period of time would make my effort a little easier. When these thoughts crossed my mind, so did thoughts of my grandmother and of Jamey Rodemeyer. As I thought of both, thoughts of stopping and walking to ease my effort slipped away. Instead I found my posture becoming straighter, my arm swing less. There became a renewed sense of following through and completing the race. I rounded the final turn and in the distance 1/2 mile away I could see the finishing banner. My speed increased. I crossed the finish line and clasped my hands together. I looked up toward the heavens and thanked my grandmother for a life shared.

I completed the race in 2-hours and 12-minutes…just two minutes slower than I had thought I might finish. I was happy with my my effort.

RIP grandma and Jamey

Namaste

Chris

I watched an article on the CBS Sunday Morning news program about the lost art of stationary and saying “Thank you.” this segment struck a chord with me as saying “Thank you” has been one of the best values which I learned from my parents. It especially struck me as I walked to a local store to purchase my Sunday paper and I was greeted by the 18 year-old girl behind the counter who was clipping her nails and appeared as though I was bothering her. As I prepared to walk away from the counter I said “Thank you” and was met with resounding silence.

The couples who hire me to photograph their weddings also receive a “thank you.” I have read many blogs and websites written by other photographers who decry this practice. I disagree with them and realize my clients have options and I am truly grateful they have chosen me to represent their wedding photography. The simplest thing I can do is say “Thank you.”

I keep a box of nice stationary as well as freshly inked fountain pens within easy reach. Saying “thank you” for me is not an option, it is a must. I’ve previously mentioned many of my blog posts are written over the course of several days in my journal. Thank you notes are often written in the same format. I write  about my gratitude to a person first in my journal. Saying “thank you” is also a way for me to acknowledge a gift of either material or emotional proportions received from a friend. It is a way for me to express my gratitude to that person for their gift and I believe is much more personal than “firing off a quick email.” In an earlier post I discussed my use of a journal and a fountain pen to write my thoughts and observations. I had also discussed scanning a written document to be used as my “written” word for a blog post so I’ve included a handwritten thank you note which I’ve recently forwarded to a friend and scanned to be used in this post.

Here’s a photo of one of my favorite fountain pens made by the Conklin Pen Company. It is also a reproduction of the pen used by Mark Twain. Referring to this pen, Twain said, “I prefer it to ten other fountain pens, because it carries its filler in its own stomach, and I can not mislay even by art or intention. Also, I prefer it because it is a profanity saver; it can not roll off the desk.” The pen is not capable of rolling off of the desk because you fill the pen from a bottle by depressing the crescent which adorns the barrel of the pen.

“Thank you” for reading.

Namaste.

Chris

As you must know by now I have a tremendous love for the outdoors, its beauty and especially the solitude which I can find within the reach of its outstretched arms. I get out into the woods as often as I can. Sunday I was blessed with the most beautiful sunshine this area had experienced in the past several weeks. i love sunshine and there is something extra special about sunshine in the dead of winter. Is it the warmth it brings, the long shadows which are thrown or the way sunlight dances across the unbroken surface after a new snowfall? Regardless, The day reminded me of my recent trip to the Adirondacks.

From John Burroughs “Snow Walkers.” “He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter. It is true the pomp and the pageantry are swept away, but the essential elements remain,—the day and the night, the mountain and the valley, the elemental play and succession and the perpetual presence of the infinite sky. In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity. Summer is more wooing and seductive, more versatile and human, appeals to the affections and the sentiments, and fosters inquiry and the art impulse. Winter is of a more heroic cast, and addresses the intellect. The severe studies and disciplines come easier in winter. One imposes larger tasks upon himself, and is less tolerant of his own weaknesses.”

The photo below is of meditation rock. During the summer months I’ll climb out onto this rock and spend 15-20 minutes meditating from this rock. This perch allows me an extra measure of solitude as I can sit above the activity going on below me.

Meditation Rock

Footprints

Snowshoeing

A beautifully sunny day.

Henry David Thoreau…one of my favorite authors. This journal goes with me wherever I go and I find myself jotting down my thoughts and observations. A goal which I have had for the past several months is to write more; to sit down and be more deliberate in the act of writing.

Writing is one act which has always brought me some form of relaxation. My blog is obviously published on the Internet and therefore must be written on my computer. All of my writing is done first in my journal with a fountain pen. It happens to be a replica of the fountain pen used by Mark Twain.

I always use a fountain pen even when I hike. I enjoy the way the nib of the pen dances across the surface of the paper and leaves behind it a trail of ink. the ink when formed into characters and linked together  gracefully allows my thoughts to be displayed for all to read. I have even toyed with scanning my written word into my blog posts but I’m not sure if you could read what I have written. The color of ink I use is also important to me be it red, black, blue green or purple. Each ink bottle contains the life blood of my thoughts and when used work together with my hand to form the words which allow my thoughts to be expressed.

I removed my backpack and from the pack I removed a cushion, my journal, thermos of coffee and my fountain pen. I sat and gazed across the ridge that is the Niagara Escarpment. I watched as two cross-country skiers silently skied below me, oblivious to my presence high above. I heard the sound of a hawk and looked up to see it circling looking, I am sure for its next meal. The sound of the hawk accentuated by the cold breeze which blew through the trees causing the branches to rub together like bony fingers on a long dead cadaver. The only other sound was that of my breath and the beating of my own heart. Solitude.

Henry David Thoreau

A solitary skier.

A photograph of one of the orchards left in this area.

Silhouette

Thanks for reading.
Namaste.
Chris

Welcome to the Central Adirondack Region. I have a love hate relationship with NYS. I hate the high prices and taxes which we pay as a result of greedy politicians and mismanaged government but I love the Adirondacks. It is a 5-hour drive for me to the Central Region and makes for a fantastic long weekend escape.

In had previously traveled to the Adirondacks twice each year. New responsibilities have challenged that number but it remains a goal still.

Thoreau said, “Walk like a camel, which is said to be the only beast which ruminates when walking.”

“When we walk, we naturally go to the fields and woods: what would become of us, if we walked only in a garden or a mall?” -Thoreau

“Two or three hours’ walking will carry me to as strange a country as I expect ever to see.” -Thoreau

“When a traveller asked Wordsworth’s servant to show him her master’s study, she answered, “Here is his library, but his study is out of doors.’” -Thoreau

The road less traveled. It had snowed the previous evening and the branches of the trees which lined the trail reached out like an outfielder to catch the falling snow. The snow rested on the branch and appeared to balance in mid-air.

The cabin in the woods is over 100-years old and belonged to an individual who had previously logged this mountain. The cabin stands as a silent sentinel as to what was. It is a simple cabin reflecting the simple life led by its owner a very long time ago. As one enters the cabin they see enough room for two horses and a ladder leading to a small loft allowing the owner to rest for the night.

“What is it that makes it so hard sometimes to determine whither we will walk?” -Thoreau

The beauty and the expanse that is the Adirondack wilderness.

“When, at rare intervals, some thought visits one, as perchance he is walking on a railroad, then indeed the cars go by without his hearing them.” -Thoreau

The restored Goodnow Mountain fire-tower. The fire-tower is  said to provide one of the “best views of the Adirondack peaks.”

I love this photo. The summit of Goodnow Mountain is 2685′. The summit holds a 60′ firetower which was originally erected in 1922 with the last keeper leaving his post in 1979. The tower has been restored and at its base one will find a partially restored cabin which was used by the firetower keeper. That’s Stephen and Caitlyn at the base of the 60′ tower.

The photo below is another photo from the cabin of the firetower. The panoramic view of the surrounding peaks including the Adirondacks highest tallest, Mt. Marcy are visible from the tower.

Namaste.

Chris

Sometimes I’ll write about my goals; those I have set, those I have achieved and those I have not. Some pages contain an impromptu to-do list, a name, an address or a telephone number.  Each entry tells a story. When I write my mind becomes free of the restraints of the day. From time-to-time I’ll randomly grab a volume from the shelf and flip through the pages. Memories flood back to me and a smile crosses my face. Each entry tells a story.

I don’t write everyday.

I once had a goal of writing every day. I allowed that goal to slip through my fingers on the wings of excuses such as “I don’t have the time to write every day.”

The introspective comments I write, like my blog posts allow me to see my inner strength. This strength has reminded me, in times of weakness of my passion for life, my clients and my photography.

2010 turned out much as I had hoped and planned. I worked hard to achieve the goals I had set for myself and look forward to 2011 being an even better year.

I have taken an introspective approach to life for about as long as I can recall. When I was younger I struggled to identify who I was and what I wanted to accomplish. Photography had been a love of mine since I was a small boy. Like a lot of people growing up I was discouraged from following my dreams because “I could never earn a living.” My writing has allowed me to see who I am and to refine that definition over the years.

Thanks everyone for reading.

Namaste.

Chris

This post is going to be heavily laden with photographs.   This past Monday I had the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the wonderful staff of the Accessium Group and Make-A-Wish. The teams combined forces and with the addition of the Mikey’s Way Foundation put on the First Annual Make-A-Wish/Mikey’s Way Foundation Golf Tournament. The tournament took place at the beautiful Brookfield Country Club.

Rene Robert as he signs one of the “Orange” seats from the nosebleed section of the old “Aud.”

Rene Robert

Two thirds of the “French Connection” joined by Derek Smith, another Buffalo Sabres Alumni.

Rick Martin, Rene Robert, Derek Smith

Below is Ryan Erwin, CEO of the Accessium Group, Rene Robert and Rick Martin of the Buffalo Sabres and Ken Tirohn, COO of the Accessium Group.

I love volunteering my time especially when it involves such a wonderful organization. I’ve attached some photos which I hope you like.

Thanks so much for reading and keep coming back.

Chris

“Reborn at 45″ is the title of an essay written by George Sheehan, MD and can be found in his famous book, “Running and Being.”Running and Being was one of those books that spoke to me and made a difference in my life. It taught me that I was normal. It taught me that it was OK to enjoy solitude and OK to be creative and right-brained. I still reread sections of this book today. There is comfort in it’s worn pages

I’m not 45, I’m slightly older than that but I feel as if I was also reborn at 45. 45-was the age when I began my life in photography.

I have been a runner since I was at least 15. I have been running on and off since then. I have never been a good runner or even a competitive runner. I’ve never been a runner who has placed fear in the hearts of other runner. I never lined up at the front of the pack at the start of a race, I never had the desire. I ran to be competitive with me.

Sometimes I ran as if I was being chased by fear. For me, running has always been a process of self-discovery. In his book, “Solitude: A Return to the Self, A degree of solitude, according to Storr, is essential for pursuits that call for original thought and the sustained use of the imagination.

In one of my favorite poems about challenges, the poet Hopkins writes, “What I do is me; for this I came.”

George Sheehan writes, “But then comes the Hill, and I know I am made for more. And by becoming more, I am challenged to choose suffering, to endure pain, to bear hardship. And in that becoming, I must live the mysteries of Sin and Free Will and Grace. All this I feel as I leave the beautiful endless time of running on the flat to risk everything on the ascent of the Hill.

At first the gentle swell carries me. At that level, nature is a help. The same nature which Bucky Fuller says is so prepared for us that whenever we need anything we find it has been stockpiled from the beginning of time.

But gradually the Hill demands more and more. I have reached the end of my physiology. The end of what is possible. And now it is beyond what I can stand. The temptation is to say, “Enough.” This much is enough. But I will not give in

I am fighting God. Fighting the limitations He have me. Fighting the pain. Fighting the unfairness. Fighting all the evil in me and the world. And I will not give in. I will conquer this hill, and I will conquer it alone.”

I began running again although I am unsure if “running” is an accurate word to use to describe this activity for I am not fleet of foot for when I run it is an exercise in humility. I am not fast and I lack the physique of a runner. Doc Sheehan taught me through his writing a runner is made in his head and in his thoughts. I am unsure what prompted me to begin running again. It could be some of my more creative moments came when I run. It could be the result of my desire for greater physical and emotional health.

Thanks for reading everyone.

Chris

It’s that time of year again when Larry Norton and 97-Rock complete their 28-hour radiothon for Make-A-Wish. For the 16th consecutive year, Larry Norton will spend 28 hours on 97 Rock to raise money to help grant wishes to Western New York children with life threatening illnesses. The Make-A-Wish Radio-thon is your chance to help grant a wish by making a request and pledge to hear any song you want, or bid during our hourly auction on some one of a kind rock and sports items.

I am so happy and so proud to be affilliated with an organization with such an awesome mission. My only concern is “I wish I could do more.” This year after the 2010 Make-A-Wish Gala in May, I decided I needed to do more for the kids. My time is limited so I decided to donate 1% of my total 2010 wedding photography revenue to Make-A-Wish.

During the radiothon I decided to try to do more so I challenged every wedding/portrait photographer in the area to match my gift. I have also decided to donate 1% from my 2011 wedding photography revenue to Make-A-Wish. Please join me helping these wonderful kids and family’s to have their dreams realized.

Thanks everyone for reading.

Chris

The Olympics have come to an end. I love watching the games and love even more hearing the stories of the athletes and their family’s. I think it’s important to understand what the non-professional athletes (are there any participating any more) and what they have given up or put on hokd to achieve their dream of being an “Olympian.” As a result of the athlete stories I’m not a huge fan of the team sports such as hockey. I’ve always been a fan of the individual sports where success and failure comes down to that one individual, their training and their effort that day. Cross country skiing has always been my favorite events and a sport I’ve enjoyed since I was small. I think about the 50K Classic Cross Country event. 30-miles on skis with a stop long enough to change skis. the athletecism is remarkable that after 50K the time difference between first and second place needs to be decided by a photo finish.

All week long we braced for the snowstorm we were supposed to get by Thursday. Thankfully we escaped the storm and  instead of the 6″-12″ predicted, we got away with 2″-4″. I awoke Sunday to find a fresh coating of snow which had fallen throughout the night. Snow so weighted down with moisture the snow-blower wouldn’t handle the it. I procrastinated throughout the day and finally decided, after dinner to go to my parent’s house with Kujo to shovel their driveway. I like snow and I like Winter, but I’m ready for Spring. Enough already.

Saturday Stephen and I took a ride to Alfred University located in of all places…in Alfred, NY. Kujo was accepted at this and several other schools. Academically his hard work has paid off and he’s been offered a nice scholarship that will help to offset his tuition. Unfortunately at  Division 3 schools there is no hope of any athletic scholarship but the awesome words by the coach all but assured him of a starting inside linebacker position providing he continues to work as hard as he has throughout his football career. This should be no problem for Kujo as his love for football and his intelligence should afford him the opportunity to play and to start. Kujo and I really enjoyed the campus and the meeting with the coaches. It was great to hear the discussion he had with the head coach who praised his play, his leadership and his hard work. I smiled big inside and know Nancy and I have done our job well with him. We were sad mom had to work as it would have been nice to have had her along for the visit. I love spending time with Kujo. It has been difficult to believe how fast the years have flown by. He’s 17 now and in several months he’ll be leaving for college. I look back at the years and wonder where they have gone. I have few regrets but hindsight is 20/20.

Sunday I met with a bride who flew in from Houston, TX. She brought her mother and we had a fantastic conversation regarding her 2011 wedding photography needs. I hope to hear back from them within the month and book another wedding for 2011.

Nancy’s Dad isn’t doing well. His left leg has developed an infection and the conversation has turned to what to do. No doubt he will have to return to the hospital and more than likely face another amputation. Paul worked hard his entire life and this is just no way for someone to spend what should be one of the happiest times of your life.  Alzheimer’s, diabetes, gangrene and amputation.

The photo below is of the The Robert R. McComsey Career Development Center at the Allen Steinheim Museum. The minute I saw this building on the tour I knew I needed to take a photo of it.

As always, thanks so much for reading. Keep coming back.

Christopher

This past week had many highlights. When I look back at these highlights I smile. I smile because I made them happen. Monday, like any other day can be a sad day. I choose, not without some occasional difficulty, to make every day the best day t can be. I work hard everyday to achieve the highest level of success I can achieve. I remind myself “I made these successes happen. I developed and grew the relationships which allowed me to experience the success I’ve achieved.” I learn something about myself every week and continue to practice daily mindfulness meditation which helps me to successfully maintain a centered approach to life. Every once in a while my life veers either to the left or right, but my meditation practice helps me get it back on track.

The biggest highlight I experienced was a meeting with a great couple and and awesome wedding planner. Forget Me Knot Details wedding planner in Buffalo, NY featured one of my recent engagement sessions on their blog. This was hugely important for me and one of the most exciting things to happen in several weeks. Thanks for the shout out Liane. Lunch with friends and dinner with my wife rounded out a great week and as always the weekend raced by much too quickly.

I completed a brief photo shoot for the Ramada Inn located in Amherst, NY. The photo listed below is one of the photos from that shoot. What a great venue and an awesome representative. Thanks Alison for the shout outs and for your continued support. My wife accompanied me on this shoot and as always was helpful in more ways than she will ever know. Thanks for the company Nanc.

I look forward to this week and another exciting week.

As always, thank you for reading and keep coming back.

Of those facts I am unsure; what I do know is I love my wife.

Happy Valentine’s Day Nanc. I love you very much and cherish the fact you are in my life.

I thought I would use this photo of Nancy as she is rather camera shy. I’ll have you know this photo is considered a “Nancy approved photo.”

Saturday I had lunch with a friend who I’ve not seen since 1998. Sean and I went separate ways when we both left the same employer several years ago. Sean’s trip took him to Houston, TX and my family and employment kept me here. We went for coffee and lunch and had a great time discussing the interesting paths our lives have taken over the last decade. Sean also developed a name for a self-help group consisting of people who talk too much. He named the group “Yuck, Yuck.” I guess this was in response the fact we occupied a table at a Tim Horton’s for a little over 4-hours. Is that a long time?

Last week also saw me book a couple of a additional weddings. One of those was another 2010 and one a 2011 wedding. The week also saw me get back together with Sara and her fiance EJ to complete the couple’s engagement session which had been rained out a couple of Sunday’s earlier. I’m still editing those photos and we’ll have a preview posted later this week with a full post the next week.

Oh, and how can I forget the Superbowl with one of my favorite bands, The Who playing the half-time show. There was no worry of a “wardrobe malfunction” during this halftime show. The guys looked old, but then again they should; they’re in their sixties. I don’t care what anyone said, they still rocked. Pete Townshend was sporting the “windmill” as he jammed through the band’s set. It would have been great to see Roger whipping the microphone around as he did back in the day, and Pete smashing his guitar on stage, I think that was something the “older” fans would have loved to see.

The New Orleans Saints won the 44th Superbowl. I’m OK with that decision as I had not strong desire to root for either of the teams. I’m happy for the Saints, their fans and especially for the city of New Orleans, a city that continues to struggle five-years post Katrina. Congratulations to the Saints. It ought to be one helluva Mardi Gras celebration this year. Unfortunately the commercials were all yawns. There were, in my humble opinion two winners. They were the Snickers commercial and the casual Friday commercial.

I spent the early afternoon with Sara and EJ. We completed “Part II” of the couple’s engagement session as we were rained out of the first. We were blessed yet again with nice weather. Temperatures warmed slightly and almost broke the thirty-degree mark. I was happy to see the sun show its face. I’ve said before seeing the sun does something special for me. It recharges my batteries and just generally puts a smile on my face. This smile is immediate. I mean as soon as I see the sun…I’m smiling. A preview post will be coming later in the week.

I’m sure there were some other things which took place during the week but as I’ve said before I really don’t have much recollection of the middle of the week other than to look at it and guess where it went. I discussed this during a post last week. Today begins the second week of February, the second week! Lent will be upon us. Easter, Spring, longer days and warmer temperatures will not be far behind.

Thanks again everyone for reading.

Christopher

I am the only person stirring about the house this morning. It remains dark outside and will remain so for the next hour. I jockey cars out of the driveway in anticipation of the start to the day and as I reenter the house Jack greeted me at the door. He did not want to go out and simply stared at me as if to ask, “Where were you and why didn’t you take me with you?”

A familiar smell caught my nose and pulled me into the kitchen. Nancy had been up and she had made a fresh pot of coffee. I poured a cup and watch the dark liquid fill the cup to the brim. the intense aroma tickled my nose as a smile swept over my face.

I grabbed my mug by its handle; the Notre Dame logo facing me. Memories of Notre Dame football games as well as the sights, sounds and smells of the Notre Dame campus on those brisk Fall days came rushing back. As I settled into my recliner to enjoy the coffee and quiet my eyes were drawn to the Christmas tree. The lights on the tree are the only lights on in the house. The only sound that of the wall clock behind me making the familiar “Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock” sound as it counts the seconds.

I relish this time of day. The comforting sound of silence sets a relaxing, comforting tone for the day. My eyes close but I am not tired. I do not wish to sleep. I only wish to have the memories of this morning accompany me throughout the day.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Be safe and remember this day is about family, love and sharing. Keep God in your heart and enjoy the day.

Christopher

Wedding season has come to an end. Thanksgiving and Christmas come quickly on the heels of Halloween. December 21st, the Winter solstice, brings hope to those of use who struggle with the light shortened days. December 21st is the shortest day of the year. Everyday thereafter brings more daylight and the hope Winter will be coming to an end and warmer weather will soon follow.

Winter used to be a huge downer for me. I’d sit in the house and complain about the cold, the darkness and anything else that would cross my path. I rediscovered the outdoors through a return to skiing and snowshoeing. Snowshoeing fit my personality perfectly. I love the outdoors. I love hiking and I love the solitary feeling of being in the woods. I take a backpack and a thermos full of coffee, my hiking poles and my thoughts. I also bring a notebook and my camera. Several times along the path I stop to photograph with both my camera and my mind, the beautiful scenery laid out by God for my enjoyment. I hear snowflakes gently falling and settling on top of their dearly departed relatives.

As I make my way across the open field, breaking a path through knee deep snow, I look up toward the top of the ridge and I see it; “meditation rock. “Meditation rock” is how I refer to this rock which has provided me with countless opportunities to be introspective. The rock juts out from the ridge and appears to be ready to fall at any time. As I make my way out toward the end of the rock, I remove my backpack and ultimately my thermos. I sit and see other winter hikers below me. They do not see me. I am invisible to the world if for only the time I spend on the “rock.” As I sit I remove my notebook and pen from my backpack and try to capture the thoughts racing through my head begging to be written down. No one sees these words but I know they are there. They are my comfort. They complement my photography and combine to tell the full story; a story that words alone cannot capture. At some point I need to resume my hike. I don’t want to and a battle ensues within my thoughts. I know there is more beauty to see along the path but I am happy, content where I am. After a few more minutes I rise and replace my notebook and thermos. My backpack rejoins my back and I return to the path; the path used by others. I begin hiking and search again for that spot where I can find the quiet, the solitude and be comfortable with my thoughts once again. A smile crosses my face as I come to a bend in the path. I am familiar with this section of the path. It leads downward and comes to an abrupt turn where, as my eyes glace further along the path they spot a large stand of pine trees. I know these trees. They provide a similar sense of quiet and solitude as does “meditation rock.” As I leave the path my eyes search for another comfortable spot on which to find a perch. The sequence of removing my pack and its contents is slowly and thoughtfully repeated. I sit. I contemplate. I write. The feelings at times become overwhelming and I find tears leaving my eyes. I have thoughts of my grandmother who left us two years ago. I think of my family and the successes I have experienced. I think of the love I share with my wife and the tears of sadness turn to those motivated by joy and happiness.

The summer months accompanied by their long, sun filled days are an opportunity to get things done and to feel productive. There seems to be a natural slow down during the winter months. Weddings are still being booked but are not being photographed, especially at the pace they are during the summer.

Thanks again everyone for reading. I hope you find my photography and my writing inspirational. Please keep coming back and please leave comments at the end of the post.

Have a great Christmas. Be safe and God Bless.

Chris

Winter is here and the bright colors of Fall have faded.  I’m a sucker for Mother Nature’s patterns and Winter contrasts I see during the cold, dark Winter months. What is left is best expressed in black and white.

I sat and looked at these photos again and stared for several minutes at the ones I enjoy the most. As I looked at them I find my memory being drawn back to numerous winter trips to the Adirondack’s. The thought of hiking, skiing and kayaking, enjoying the great outdoors, the wide open spaces and all that the area has to offer.  John Muir said it best, ”As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.” -John Muir.

I hope everyone enjoys. Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment in the comment section at the end of my blog.

Chris

The forces of nature get together to produce interesting sculptures. Wind, water and freezing temperatures combine to form some of the nost beautiful sculptures on Earth. They cannot be duplicated and as they are made of organic compounds and continue to be exposed to the same forces which developed them, they will change daily. As they grow and change they remind us of the frailty of life. Soon these sculptures will be gone and remain only in our memory. It is my desire to capture these memories for all to see as I have seen them.I love trees. They have two very distinct personalities; the one we see when in full bloom during the warm, inviting summer months and the one we see during the cold, dark months of winter. The trees have shed their leaves, their personality and stand dormant as once great features of our landscape waiting to bloom once again. We often take these same trees for granted and pass by them without notice. We cut them down arbitrarily when they are in our way and lament their absence when gone and unable to provide us with comforting shade.Three trees stand a silent vigil on the Western shore of the Niagara River.Mother Nature’s sculpture as crafted by the wind and water.More ice sculpture. i can get lost for minutes trying to figure out the exact combination of elements which helped to form such interesting sculptures.I watched the seagulls from my perch at a nearby picnic table. The wind had picked up and began to ruffle the bird’s feathers; their heads tucked into their breasts to avoid the cold, windy assault.

More ice sculpture.Additional trees guarding the shoreline of the Niagara River standing silently against the cold breezes blowing across the water.This is my favorite. As a child I remember listening to Neil Diamond’s “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” over and over. If memory serves me, I needed to replace at least one vinyl LP it was played so frequently. I saw this seagull effortlessly coasting on the wind and I was transported back to the 1970′s and the song “Be” from the Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack. it was very peaceful sitting and watching the birds take flight on such a cold afternoon.A picnic table absent of people who, when the weather is warmer would be enjoying a meal, a cup of coffee or just the company of another.It’s not often I see pigeons by the river. This group took flight as I approached. They are beautiful and graceful in their flight.

My son’s high school football career has also ended. The team decided they did not want the season to end prematurely so they fought hard each game and walked away with index fingers pointed to the sky in a victory salute. The raised fingers also denoted “One more game. One more step toward the championship game.”

On an unseasonably warm Sunday in Syracuse two weeks ago the Lumberjacks held their fingers high, pointed at the sky this time saying, “We did it. We are the champions.” Wednesday night was the night for the team to gather once more and again raise their fingers high in a victory salute. A salute to themselves, to their coaches and the parents and citizens of North Tonawanda who supported the team throughout the year.

Next year another team will take the field. This team a new team as every team is. This team will be comprised of players returning from the victorious 2009 season and those players moving up from the JV team. This team will continue to work together in the off-season in an attempt to win glory for the school and the city once more. When the Lumberjacks take the field next year their spirits will be buoyed by the previous year’s victory and by the same people who have supported the team year after year. The Lumberjack pride, spirit and poise demonstrated by those players who have moved on will remain with the team for it is this energy that will help fire the engine that is Lumberkack Pride.

Go Jacks! Congratulations boys on a great season! This beautiful cake was donated by Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts. If anyone has ever had desserts from Muscoreil’s then you understand how good this cake tasted. If you have not tasted their fine products, all I can say is you have no idea what you are missing!An emotional Mr. Dick Grapes was the recipient of a photograph of the 2009 Lumberjacks. The photo was signed by every member of the team. Mr. Grapes means so much to Lumberjack history. He recently retired after calling games for NT for 51-years. His voice and thoughtful annunciation will always be remembered.Thankfully Nancy videotaped the banquest so I could be free to photograph the event. I love this little video camera!The winners of the 2009 academic awards. Kujo has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years and has been a recipient of this award for the same length of time. North Tonawanda should be proud of the school’s academic standing in New York State. The school ranked eigth in academic standing this year.Quarterback Michael Tuzzo and Stephen “Kujo” Kijowski were the recipients of the two academic awards given out this night. Michael won the North Tonawanda Hall of Fame Scholarship and Kujo won the Louis Anastasi Scholarship. Congratulations to both of you! Mom and I asked Stephen if we could read the several pages he wrote to nominate himself. In true Kujo fashion he said, “I’ll let you read it if I win.” I didn’t tell him until later I had found the document on my computer and with tears in my eyes read it. The grammar was not perfect nor was the spelling but the message he conveyed about the life lessons he has learned and more importantly applied as a member of the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks was clearly stated. I am so proud of Stephen and his accomplishments it makes me feel as though Nancy and I have successfully done our job as parents well.Coach Dave Celeste, Casey Shreve, Kujo and Coach Tomm. Coach Celeste found out over the summer he had testicular cancer. Once he shared this with the team the players decided to honor Coach Celeste at each and every game. The players wrapped their wrists in athletic tape and wrote the initials “DC” on the tape. Two months ago a fundraiser was held to raise money to help offset the costs of Dave’s treatment and in true Lumberjack fashion over $20K was raised. I was told Dave just completed his last chemotherapy treatment and judging by the smile on his face he’s doing well. Dave, you are in our thoughts and prayers and an inspiration to these boys. Thank you for your courage, tenacity and perserverance.We could not leave the festivities Wednesday night without a photo of Kujoand Head Coach Eric Jantzi. Coach Jantzi is a true inspiration and a true leader to these boys. Without his support and leadership and the awesome coaching staff he has, this group of boys, this team could not have accomplished what they did this year. Thank you Coach Jantzi for all you have done for our boys.This is my favorite photo of the night. I love Mr. Grapes’ voice, his leadership, humility and soft-spoken approach to life. We approached Mr. Grapes and asked for a photo. He smiled, rose from the chair in which he was sitting, placed his arm around Stephen and said, “Absolutely.” After we took the photo he made comments to Nancy, Stephen and myself that brought tears to my eyes. I of course know of myson’s accomplishments and probably his most important characteristic, humility; but when Mr. Grapes said through the tears in his eyes how special this team and Stephen were to him I thought I was going to lose it. The overwhelming feeling that someone else had recognized my son for his unbelieveable characteristics and talents was enormous. Mr. Grapes looked at Stephen and said, “Whatever you do don’t you ever lose sight of who you are as an individual. Keep your head on straight and look everyone directly in the eye and you’ll be just fine.” Thank you Mr. Grapes! You have no idea how much that meant to Nancy and myself.

I think it’s also important to recognize and remember Mrs. Grapes who passed away on October 28, 2009. On the night of Mrs. Grapes wake, several members of the Lumberjacks football team arrived at our house wearing dress slacks, shirts and ties. A few minutes later Stephen descended from his room wearing similar clothing. When I asked the boys why they were dressed in such a manner I was told they were ”going to the funeral home to pay their respects to Mrs. Grapes and support Mr. Grapes.” This is the epitomy of the Lumberjack football team. There is nothing else to say. I recall a cheer from my daughter who was a cheerleader for the Lumberjacks. It goes something like this A-W-E-S-O-M-E! That’s what the Lumberjacks are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

As always, please leave a comment in the comment section of the blog. Thanks so much for reading.

Chris

The words escape me and most who know me know this is a quiet time of day for me. A time of quiet introspection and reflection.

I love this quote by John Muir. “I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out ’til sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” I cannot think of anything which captures the beauty of a sunset so spectacularly. For once in my life I am left speechless. I will allow the photograph to speak for itself.

Thanks again for reading and please scroll to the comments section below and leave a comment.

Chris