Announcing the Chicago Air Show

For days, I’ve heard the growling sound of jets in the sky above as the pilots prepare for The Chicago Air & Water Show this weekend, August 18th & 19th. It’s a free event that millions of people enjoy with their family and friends. The event takes place in Chicago, Illinois. If you are in the area, find a spot that gives you a clear view of the sky and you won’t be disappointed. Every year, the planes fly between the skyscrapers in the city and then speed toward the lake. The pilots perform acrobatics that will take your breath away. If you get the chance to sit on the beach, you will swear that their wings are about to brush the shores of Lake Michigan before they disappear in a blur, only return a few moments later to perform another amazing feat. Be prepared because once you start watching you will not want to stop.

The photo was taken by me a few years ago using a Canon EOS Rebel with a standard 75-300mm zoom lens. This was my first encounter with such high speed objects. I hope that I will have the opportunity to practice again this year.

The Fox In My Back Yard

A few weeks ago, we heard a noise at our front door. When we looked out the window, we saw a baby fox running off with a dead bird. A few nights later, I saw a bird laying on our steps with two puncture wounds. We quickly decided that the mother was training her pups on the art of hunting. We watched for over an hour and saw a much smaller baby fox approach. She was quite skittish. I call her ‘she’ because of her size. She was quite a bit smaller than the first fox that we had seen. Unfortunately, the photos taken were not very clear because of the triple pane glass and low light. However, upon waking the next morning, I made the unfortunate discovery of a dead fox in our yard. This was undoubtedly the baby girl fox from last night. I am posting a photo here of the poor thing.

Later that day, I decided to get some Vitamin D and laid my blanket out in the sun. I did bring my camera because you never know what wonderful things you will discover. After just a few minutes, I heard a very soft rustling and looked into the back yard to discover a baby red fox looking toward me.

I zoomed in on the cute little face and took a close up.

As I sat watching him, I saw his ear twitch like a radar homing in on a sound.

His attention was diverted by a bluejay that landed in the grass.

I’m sure one day he will be a great hunter, but not this day. The bluejay sensed danger and flew away, allowing the fox and I to continue gazing at each other with curiosity.

Enjoy The View

Our world is full of natural and formed beauty. I try to create simple, down-to-earth photographic images of these scenes, because I want to share the beauty that surrounds each of us. If I can inspire you to explore and cherish this landscape, why, that makes it all worth while.

At age 11, my dad gave me the gift of a camera and with his professional skill provided me with a tool that became an extension of myself. He allowed me to enthusiastically discover the wonder of this form of expression.

Photography has changed not only this world, but my world. I see this world through a camera lens and eagerly share the view.

Each week, I share my passion with you by posting one of the images that I have captured on my photography blog. Please click here to enjoy this week’s view!

Bucket List

I write fiction stories and have for quite some time and have just recently shared some of them on one of my blogs. I posted She’s Got Flare. It’s a short story about Mel and her friends. They’ve just graduated from college and one of the things they vow to do is to immediately start on their bucket lists. In their first drawing, David’s name is chosen and they set out to do the top item on his list. Click here to read the story to find out what they have committed to and the surprising outcome.

Discover wondrous places, thrilling adventures and magical moments as each item is crossed off their lists.

As always, I welcome comments and discussion. So, what’s on your bucket list?