The baby will have an extensive library from which to make his or her reading selections. I was rather disappointed as I did not see a Kindle among the books.

Here it is. The love, I mean the cake from Say Cheescake. OMG was it awesome. I actually got asked, as my eyes glazed over if I wanted to eat the fondant. I knew if I did someone would have found me huddling in a corner attempting to recover from the sugar coma.

It was an absolutely beautiful Fall day in Western New York. The venue was right on the banks of the Erie Canal in North Tonawanda, NY. I’m always thankful when I can see the sun and feel the warm weather extend into the month of October. Andrea had a wonderful day for her baby shower. I think it’s cool they didn’t want to know the sex of the baby. It’s so much more of a surprise.

This was my favorite book. I wonder if it’s available for the Kindle.

Andrea and her sister Sarah.

This was by far my favorite photo of the day. The baby shower was winding down and Andrea was discussing her long drive back to Philadelphia. She took a few minutes to herself and basked in the warmth of the sun and the beautiful scenery of the Erie Canal. She looked so content and happy. I’m sure she was thinking of her husband Brian who is a pilot and was flying a route and couldn’t be in attendance. I hope both of you enjoy the photos. I can’t wait to do the photos of the baby.

Kujo, now also known as the “Animal”, the “Rhinoceros” and the “Locomotive” romped for over 176-yards rushing Friday night.

The football gods were being kind to photographers and fans at the game. I knew it was going to rain and hoped it wouldn’t rain too hard for too long. The rain began in the afternoon and the sky told me it was not going to cease anytime soon. I arrived at the game cloaked in wet weather gear and ready for the rain. As the first quarter came to an end the rain slowed and evolved into a fine mist. Half-time arrived and we were treated with heavier rains that retreated into a fine mist by the time the second half began. This mist continued for the rest of the game.

Kujo playing both sides of the ball very effectively.

  Kujo was thankful his “O” line did such a fantastic job blocking and opening up running lanes. Seriously, this is a good team!Kujo broke away from tacklers to secure some of his 174-rushing yards.

As a game it wasn’t much of one as North Tonawanda almost matched their score of one year ago.North Tonawanda scored on every possession through the first three quarters of the game and cruised to a 68-7 win over Tonawanda at the Lumberjacks Sports Complex in the 100th meeting of cross-canal rivals.

The Jacks now 7-0, ranked third in The Buffalo News’ large schools poll and fourth in the state by the New York State Sportswriters Association in Class AA, matched the largest margin of victory in the series, which officially began in 1904. NT won, 61-0, in 2008.

On defense, linebacker Steve (Kujo) Kijowski had 11 tackles, including three for loss.

The game through the screen of an iPhone.Kujo goes airborne after being tackled from behind as he was a standout at the fullback position.

Coach Jantzi accepting the trophy from the Marine Corp as the winner of the 100th Annual T-NT game. The game was chosen by the Marines as one of the 100 greatest rivalries in the country.The North Tonawanda Lumberjack coaching staff celebrating a perfect 7-0 season.Kujo was interviewed at the end of the game by a Time Warner cable reporter.

Additional photos can be viewed and purchased at christopherkijowski.zenfolio.com.

As Stewart changed direction Kujo found himself needing to stop and change direction mid-stride.The fourth quarter found the Wolverines QB beating the Jacks defenders to the outside which led to 22-points. Without the sideline to use as an escape route, Stewart was forced to run anywhere he saw daylight. When he did there was a slew of Jacks defenders available to plug the hole.Mike did an excellent job again of commanding the offense.Davis had a fairly easy time running against the Wolverine defenders.Montesanti was also effective as a ball carrier against a Wolverine defense who didn’t quite know how to stop the Jacks multiple weapons.Stewart was effective as a scrambler. Here’s t he one that got away.FUMBLE! North Tonawanda ran their bruising defense throughout the game. Their pressure forced their QB to struggle and scrammble and in this case to experience some difficyulty holding on to the ball.Niagara Falls recovered this fumble.Stewart being pressured again. I’m pretty sure he became sick and tired of seeing the red, white and blue of the Jacks as the North Tonawanda defense pressured him the entire afternoon.You can run but you can’t hide. Kujo hit Stewart and refused to let go. They don’t call him “Kujo” for nothing.Kujo was pretty effective as a ball carrier carrying for just shy of 60-yards. He is is the epitome of grit and determination. Go Jacks!!

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.

The goal for this years radiothon is $250,000. When the radiothon ended at 10:00 AM over $240,000 had been raised for Make-A-Wish. The listeners of 97-Rock came through again and now more wishes can be granted. WOW! It amazes me how the people of Buffalo, NY come together and dig deep to help such a  great cause! Thanks to veryone who volunteered their time and a special thanks to everyone who made a donation of time and money.

Rian Lindell of the Buffalo Bills.

DJ Jixster

Michael is another “Wish” kid who overcame great obstacles with the help of Make-A-Wish.

Larry with Michael and his parents.

Larry Norton just twelve more hours before the end of the radiothon.

I think this is my favorite shot. Andrea’s sister Sarah came up with idea for a contest for door prizes. Baby diapers with a spot of melted chocolate. The guests had to smell and visualize the type of “diaper filler”. The correct answer won a door prize. I just couldn’t participate and I more than likely won’t ever look at chocolate the same way again! I can’t wait for the “real” shower in October.

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Before the game began a group of local veterans were honored for their service to our country. I chose this side view of the color guard because a full frontal view didn’t allow me to see the comments on the flag which said, “You are not forgotten.” The men and woman who have and continue to serve to protect our country from further terrorist attacks will never be forgotten. Thank you for all that you do.

There is a small group of students who walk throughout the stadium complex carrying this flag and supporting the team. Occasionally they decide it is important to go into the visiting bleachers to ensure the visiting family’s are also supporting our team.

Every game begins with the players entering the field by running out onto the field and running through the “Go Jacks” banner

My son, pumped for the game after a difficult week of practice crashed through the banner first.

Kujo’s trying to get through the defenders to get to the quarterback.

Like I said in the previous post; you just can’t have at least one post featuring Aaron Davis running in for a touchdown.

Michael had a great command of the offense as evidenced by the final score of 63-0.

Dick Grapes is celebrating his 50th year of calling the NTHS Lumberjack games. Way to go Mr. Grapes you have a great voice. Thank you for your 50-years of service and dedication to the NTHS Lumberjacks.

This said it all! A number of people have asked me why the coach ran the score up. Well, he didn’t. From much of the second quarter through the end of the game he played the “rest of the team” which consisted of second and third stringers. Williamsville North just could not muster any offense.

Boat racing loudly returned to Western New York this weekend in the form of the annual ‘Thunder on Niagara” boat races. The boat races take place in the upper Niagara River and use Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda as its base. As the morning progressed, I changed my mind several times regarding riding my bike to the races and taking photographs or not going at all. I find myself getting so busy during the week I want to do nothing more than vegetate on the weekend. I know for me this is not a good idea so I packed my camera gear in my backpack, got the mountain bike and made the short ride to the Niagara River and Gratwick Park. Once there, with camera in hand I found myself enjoying the time alone. Between races I found myself writing in my enjoying the solitude and writing in my journal. I’m not sure what it is but I feel a tremendous amount of tranquility when I am on or near water. The afternoon was a nice escape from the busyness of the week.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Thanks for reading.

Chris

The boats are gently lifted from their cradles and placed in the water awaiting the signal to fire up their engines and prepare for their designated race.

Rooster tails.

In the lead.

The “Crush.”

The “Baby Doll.”

And the winner is…

The first game is away at Jamestown High School in Jamestown, NY. Jamestown has lights and this will be a night game. The Lumberjacks hosted Grand Island High School and Riverside High School. Enjoy the photos. There’s many more to come as I document the season as the Jack’s make a run for a championship season.

This young man had some amazing moves. Unfortunately the players defending him had better moves.

That’s my son Stephen or as he’s known by his nickname “Kujo.” In case you were wondering, he received the nickname from his little league football coach. The coach decided his tenacity and perseverance was consistent with that of the dog in the Stephen King novel.

That’s Kujo again. He leads the defense and breaks the huddle.

Kyle Schreve. One half of the Schreve brothers on the offensive line. These boys make  it difficult for defenders to penetrate.

Beautiful catch for a touchdown!

The Lumberjacks hope to make it farther into the playoffs this year.

After a little dinner Paul and his son piloted the families boat out onto the Niagara River. We headed for Buffalo and Strawberry Island. I was hoping to grab some fantastic photos of the sunset but we were disappointed as the cloud cover moved in and stole the sun.

The couple has three children, all girls. There’s Amanda who couldn’t be with the family tonight because of another commitment so we’ll be sure to photograph her at another time. There’s Audette who’s in the middle and who smiles incessantly. Audette tends to be pretty quiet but she has a devilish smile that begs the question, “What is she thinking?”  Then there’s little Alyssa. Alyssa has Downs  Syndrome and is a great kid. She smiles all the time.

This photo shoot was evidence the kids are growing older and their personality’s are growing and changing as well. Alyssa played “hard to get” with the camera. I have quite a few photos of Alyssa as she quickly moved her head and looked away from the camera. As a result we have a ghost like appearance. I was forced to outsmart Alyssa which was more difficult than it sounds. Try hiding from a very inquisitive child on the back deck of a boat. once I changed to a long lens and placed myself out of her line of sight we were able to get some really great shots. This of course didn’t last for long as she began looking for me again.

The night was enjoyable as was the company. Thanks Paul and Lisa for the invite to photograph your children. You have a great family and Nancy and I really had a great time. We’ll come up with another date and time to get Amanda’s pictures.

Alyssa being introspective. I love shots like these. These are the photos I can sit and look at for some time and ask, “I wonder what she’s thinking?”

Those who know me know I am by no means a fan of feet but I just needed to take this shot. it’s the flip flops that make the shot and not the feet. That’s what I tell myself anyway.

Audette being all quiet and introspective.

Unfortunately, this was not the first time Carly was touched by cancer. She lost both of her biological parents–Tony and Judie Cottone–to cancer during the first seven years of her life. But Carly faced her own battle with cancer with amazing courage and optimism. After all, she had goals and dreams–to go to a Backstreet Boys concert and grow up to become an interior decorator. Nothing was going to slow down this little girl who had so much living to do.

Throughout her fight, Carly was very appreciative of the support she received from her family members and friends. As a way of showing her appreciation, she decided early on in her treatment that she wanted to help other kids who were also battling cancer. Thus, Carly’s Club was born. With the love and support of her adoptive parents, Chuck and Carole Ann Collard, Carly was able to fulfill her dream of helping other families touched by the disease.

Sadly, Carly lost her hard-fought struggle with the disease in August of 2002. Little did she know the positive impact that Carly’s Club would have on the lives of the thousands of children diagnosed with cancer each year.

Carly created a beautiful legacy – and you can help us continue it for all children diagnosed with cancer, and to offer support to families across Western New York. Thank you for your generosity to help find cures and save lives!

Many thanks to the hundreds of swimmers, volunteers and supporters who made Carly’s Crossing 2009 another successful year! More than 300 swimmers turned out to Gallagher Beach on Sunday, August 16, to dive in and show their support for pediatric cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Special thanks to Olympic swimmer Kara Lynn Joyce, who swam in the 600-yard course with our top fundraisers, cheered on our swimmers and made the day extra special! Read more about Carly’s Crossing 2009 in this article from The Buffalo News.

Mindfulness or being mindful is what has allowed me to successfully manage difficult, sometimes unpredictable times in my life. That includes the change I have experienced. Wednesday has been an important, significant day of the week. What is the significance you ask? Wednesday marks the half-way point through the week and the weekend begins to become visible.  It made sense to publish a post on Wednesday as I try to publish on the weekends as well. Mindfulness is not a virtue with which we are born but a virtue that we cultivate through effort and introspection.

I like this passage from Jean Smith’s book, “The Beginners Guide to Cultivating Mindfulness.” I find myself going back to this passage when my practice becomes difficult. “We can practice developing mindfulness—and other skillful qualities—at any moment in our lives, but setting aside specific time to cultivate it is extremely effective. Many people have found that unless they reserve such time, it is difficult—especially in the beginning—to develop this quality. Cultivating mindfulness through meditation is like cultivating physical fitness. You go to the gym, where you exercise in order to strengthen and train your body, so that you will be strong no matter where you are. In the same way, you can create particular spaces and times in your life to train in mindfulness. At the gym, when you are training your body, that is the only thing you are doing—you are not driving a car or reading or eating. The same is true for awakening and strengthening mindfulness meditation.”

So what’s with this mindfulness stuff? Those who know me well know I have a special place in my heart for introspection. In this day and age where the Internet has allowed us to inspect the lives of others and become voyeuristic,  we spend almost no time working toward the improvement of ourselves. We do find it easy on the other hand to point fingers at others and insist we know what is wrong with them and what they need to change. We do this often and without knowledge but by making assumptions. I love sunsets almost as much as I love sunrises. A sunset is special to me as it marks the end of the day, a time to slow down and take stock of what I did, what I didn’t do and what I need to do to make tomorrow a better day.

Mindfulness or being mindful is a term which is most closely associated with the practice of Buddhism. Mindfulness consists of paying attention to an experience from moment to moment. More directly it describes the ability to become one with an experience. Photography is one of those activities for me that helps to cultivate mindfulness. When I have a camera in my hands it’s like an extension of my body. I see things differently and see things I might not have seen previously. Life seems to slow down and my thought process becomes more clear.

This past month has offered me the opportunity for change. I was offered a position with another company. A position that will allow me to increase the free time I have to focus on my photography. The sunset marks the end of the day knowing a new day will dawn.

I hope everyone enjoys this post and photo as much as I enjoyed writing it and taking the photo. Please leave a comment for me. I love to read them and know what you think. Thanks for reading.

Happy Birthday Pops!

Here’s another one of Ethan. This photo was made at the same time as the previous photos. I’m telling you when he’s in the mood and he wants to play in front of the camera watch out! What a great kid!