Keep It Together

Ryan Bingham - Keep it Together Pin It

Siena City Center

I spent a good share of a day in Siena's Piazza del Campo, a public square in the center of the city. I had a blast people watching and the sky put on its own show with storms moving in and out all afternoon. I probably could have taken in a few more museums in Siena, but the square felt less like a tourist trap and more like people who lived there just out relaxing and I was drawn to that energy.

"Sometimes I can't keep it together, but I never give up."

Ryan Bingham - Keep it Together

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Western Shore

Ryan Bingham - Western Shore Pin It

Bosphorus Sunset

I had a lovely lazy Sunday - a sleep in, spent some time showing a new team mate the neighborhood and then tea in the afternoon with another friend. In between I did a little walking in the rain - it was cold, but so nice to be out and away from the office, a rare treat these days.


I didn't quite manage to get out and see anything new in Istanbul this week, but I did spent some time processing these photos I took of the Bosphorus around sunset a while back. The warm light makes it seem so warm, but in reality it was a bit chilly out in the water. It made me stop and think about how often I look at pictures in Instagram, blogs, etc and make an assumption about someone or their life. At times I see like the warm light in their photos and assume their life is so much brighter or better than mine. But if I really stop and think logically, I suspect more often than not, there are problems just like I have lurking behind those shiny photos and reality is a bit chillier than it might first appear.


A a reminder to myself that my happiness or satisfaction shouldn't be judged next to my perceptions of someone else's happiness or satisfaction.

"Sometimes I can't keep it together, but I'm never going to give up."
Ryan Bingham - Keep it Together Pin It

Winter Sledding

It seems somehow fitting that I post photos of a holiday sledding trip on the same day I'm leaving for the sunny beaches of Gold Coast. It is my first visit to Australia, and I couldn't be happier (well, I could if I were going just on holiday instead of for work, but I'm sure I'll manage to fit in a bit of fun while I'm there.) At the very least it will be a chance to thaw out after a few snowy frigid days in Utah.

I'm pretty certain this was my niece and nephew's first sledding adventure - we took them to the foothills above my hometown where my brother, sister and I learned to sled.

They were both a little uncertain at first. We started on the small hills and their parents rode with them, but it only took a few rides before they were ready to go it on their own and next thing we knew they were looking for bigger hills.

Wouldn't it be amazing to have the energy of a 3 and 5 year old?

The very best part of being home for me is spending time like this with my family - memories like this are life's greatest gifts.

Any of you out there from Australia? Every been to Gold Coast? What are the must see/do's for me while I'm there?

"Who says you're not allowed to stand on your own."
Ryan Bingham - Keep it Together Pin It

People Watching

I'm not much of a street photographer - too afraid to ask people if I can take their photo.  But I spent Sunday along the waterfront in Lausanne and managed to grab a couple of shots I couldn't resist sharing.

It was a beautiful day, perfect temperature and it felt as if half the city had the same idea I had and were hanging out along the water too.  Lausanne (and much of Switzerland) shuts down on Sundays.  The shops are all closed, with the exception of a cafe or two, and people just rest.  Even public transport cuts down to the bare minimum.  I think I could kind of get into that lifestyle, and I may follow their example the rest of my trip, work M-F, play Saturday and relax on Sunday.

If I'd been anywhere else, I might have thought this was a homeless person, but she was covered up with a nice blanket and good sweater so I think she must have just been cold or trying to get some sun without getting burned.

The woman in the cream slacks grabbed my attention right away.  Not only did she have the chic European look, she was so expressive.  I happened to be sitting on a bench and watched them walking down the path.  I attempted to "shoot from the hip" to get these shots.  Turned out better than I expected!

How do you feel about street photography?  Are you brave enough to walk up and ask someone if you can take their photo?  Or do you just attempt the "shoot from the hip" method?

I have been on a Ryan Bingham kick for the past couple of weeks.  I just can't seem to get enough of his gravelly voice.

Ryan Bingham - Don't Wait For Me
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A Milestone: 400

This is my 400th post!

Can't quite believe I made it here, when I started I was just hoping to record some of the memories of my time in India.  But since the first post nearly 3 years ago a funny thing happened.  I fell in love with blogging.  I learned to appreciate the habit and discipline that comes from regularly sharing my photos, thoughts, fears and discoveries.

I've made amazing friends and started to explore my creative side.  I've been encouraged and have found teachers/tutors who are willing to share their advice and talents.  I feel like I'm a part of a supportive community that I can take with me, no matter where work takes me - and that is an amazing gift for someone who is used to starting over every year or two.

Thanks for all of your support and comments - I really can't tell you how much it means to me.

Here's my celebration hallelujah in the form of Ryan Bingham:

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Hiking to Eagle Falls

While at Cumberland Falls I decided to commune with nature and do a little hiking.  I researched and found a 1.5 mile hike (3 miles round trip) to the smaller Eagle Falls.  I didn't want anything too adventurous since I was hiking alone and haven't done any hiking recently and this trail seemed just the thing.

I had such a great time.  It was so nice to have that time to just be in my own head and appreciate the beauty all around.  My only regrets - not taking a telephoto lens with me, leaving my iPod in the car (you know me, music is a must) and most importantly not thinking to bring water.

It was so much fun I'm determined to find more opportunities for a little hiking.  Do you have any favorite trails?

If I had remembered my iPod I might have listened to a little Ryan Bingham while I walked:

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The Animals of Shaker Hill

The animals at Shaker Hill were hilarious - I kid you not - they pose for photos.  Anytime I'd start to walk over to them they would either walk closer to me, turn their head so I'd get their good side or stick their face between the fence rails so I could get a good snap.

I do believe he is sticking his tongue out at me.

Not an actual animal, but this teddy bear sat on this bench for hours.

I have a feeling some poor kid is without his sleeping buddy tonight.

I stopped to talk to one of the animal handlers and he told me they figured these animals had been photographed more than the winner of last week's Kentucky Derby - I think he's probably right.

Leo - if you are reading this here's my note to you.  The cows in these photos are what cows should look like - round and well fed, not like those skinny cows we see in Delhi.

I'm loving Ryan Bingham these days - here's hoping you will too.
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Oscar Wish

I won't be watching the Oscars tonight - I'll be on an airplane where I hope there will be a great movie selection - if there, is I may finally get a chance to watch a few of the nominated films.

I do have an Oscar wish and I'm hoping putting it out there will make it come true.  Ryan Bingham's "The Weary Kind" from Crazy Heart is amazing, I'd love to see it win and for more people to discover this talented artist.

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