Lost In - Austin

Actually, I navigated myself really well around Austin today. I drove up (over/down) from San Antonio to catch the Annual Austin Music,Arts and Film Festival. The drive was not bad at all, especially since I had new music to review. (Black Keys, Teagan and Sara-Blaqk Audio-The Shins pt. 2) It was an only hour away, and mid way I found the Tanger & Prime Outlet mall. I managed to not buy a thing! From all the comments I've heard regarding Austin, it definitly lives up to its reputation for lively, colorful, and beautiful atmosphere. Not to mention, a wonderful and refreshing music town. I left realizing I could definitly live there, and play guitar! It reminded me a bit of Atlanta, and Savannah's River Street.Check out Austin, Texas below:


Just driving into the city and looking for my exit to 6th street.


While walking, I was amused by the architecture and glass on most buildings. A quick shot of the opposite side of the street through the reflection.


A positive result from trying something new. I started taking fotos with my camera angled by my side and imagining the shot. Then I'd check the playback to see if I captured it. This was fun to capture candid fotos of people, without them knowing. And an alternative to invading privacy. The mood was so nice and chill, I didn't want to draw too much attention and ruin it with a large camera in someone's face. I adore this shot,although I wish I had gotten all of the right shoe.


More fun... in cognito.


Austin has great signage, and check how beautful the sky was.


May this foto demonstrate the feel of the whole day. All day, people were chill, yet amusing themselves. This was a pretty crowded festival, but it was by far not a drag. No one was in a hurry, it wasn't overly loud, there weren't obnoxious individuals all around. It was all in a all a great day, one of my top twenty of all time.


Another chance to play with light and reflection. Great store as well. I'll go back when I have money. Groove master purse...$75.00!


Street musician adding to the local flavor. Blues man with a deep raspy voice and great sense of humor.


Texas pride everywhere.


Strange find of the day. It was funny, no one noticed until I took this foto. The gentleman to my left (converse shoe) laughing in the background.


Strange find of the day number two. Tiny ass car and electric. They were raffling this car off that day. I was tempted.


"Set of a blues man." Peep the groupies in the upper right.


More shots of 6th street. It appears there are lots of lofts and apts above most stores.


River shot. Restaurants were on both sides.


I thought the "push" and angle of the bricks was worth taking a quick pik.


New strategy for the habit buyer. Take a photo of what you want, its cheaper!


Austin Fire Fighters...does it even matter what they're doing?


Little bit chillin on the street. Another shot to demonstrate the mood of the day. Taken once again, from the click of the hip.


I liked the design here. The chaos of the cable...I'm in an alley off the path, and I notice the beatiful sky once again.


More beauty in reflection. This stream of water reminded me of silver and how a bullet is made.


Bathroom mural inside, "Manuel's Mexican Cooking" Restaurant.


Of course: Party of One. But a great shot, never the less.

6-1-2

Yesterday, was my first bet ever on a horse race. I definitly have beginner's luck. First race, first pick, I won! I used the Trifecta-Box, strategy...with the number 6 horse, 1 horse, and 2 horse to either win, place, or show. I won $21.50 on a six dollar bet. Of course, the shoulda-woulda-couldas prevail. I should have bet more, I could have just said number 6 to win, ect. It was fun. More so, was viewing the mix of attendees. Saturday, was apparantly family night. Everyone and their mother, and mother's mother was there. Hahaha. Texas girls with big hoops and heels on...Texas boys with cowboy boots and big belt buckles. For my Columbus crew, it reminded me of a Cottonmouths hockey game, really. They have their special shows, annoucments,and good ole'family fun.

Second Looks

I liked the coloring and the mood of the foto. Second look-Its really a nice design in nature, for just a bunch of cable.


I first snapped this foto, because of the word "tracks." I had certainly made quite a few since Georgia. Second look-That's Pee-Wee Herman, yo!!


During a walk, I was eager to capture this foto for the shadow and value I knew it would produce. Second look- I noticed the two water drains side by side. Something I've never seen before. I think it gives a nice little something extra for the foto. Made me think of two movie or concert tickets.


Beautiful coloring, interesting shapes, and romantic feel. Second look-The center rock reminds me of so many different objects: wings, a butterfly, an ink blot.

"What Should I Do With My Life?"

The True Story of People-Who Answered The Ultimate Question,
by Po Bronson

I picked this book up about a year ago while in the airport on a lay over. I thought it was the perfect book to enjoy, during a few hours especially in an airport. For some reason, the airport has always filled my mind with life wonder anyways. So, while gazing at the oh so many different kinds of people... rushing through the airport...and identifying with some...and dismissing others...I start to analyze all the different classes, personalities, and professions people take on. I start to wonder, how I would have ended up if given different variables. After sessions like these...(haha) I always get a boost of hope for the future, awareness is key. If you want something, go out an get it. If you have a question, ask. If you want to be successful, hang around successful people. Everyone has a story, no doubt.

Let me let the author tell you himself what the book is "about."

"So this book is meant to unearth the psychological demons that haunt us. It uses people's stories to demonstrate these misconceptions and fears, and shows how people are confronting them or have gotten past them."

"The people in this book are ordinary people, ...some have succeeded, many have not. They're not famous, and they did not have available to them resources or character traits that gave them an uncommon advantage in pursuing a better life."

"They're messy and complicated. You hold in your hands the antithesis to all those books which pretend their one size fits all formula will result in rosy, happily-ever-after Hollywood endings. I'm a chronicler; this is (foremost) a social documentary of people's lives; it just so happened I learned a lot in the observation. The result might lack the comforting ease of a cure-all, but it makes up for it with integrity."

Never the less, its been a great book to read and re-read on my trip and to have in my personal library. Struggling with my own answer to this very question, its nice to be reminded, I'm not, nor will I ever be, the only one pondering. I havn't really explored it, but I can imagine there are many books of this nature. However, I'm grateful to have stumbled upon this one when I did.I truly recommend it. It has given me new perspective, and I now have new words to describe what I've been feeling for quite some time. Its been enlightening to also read about more real life stories, and understand the standpoints others come from. Throughout the book, you learn how others make sense of their own lives and mishaps. Therefore making the idea of a "mistake" (even the same more than once) okay.

One last quote from the author.
"There are many very real stumbling blocks that prevent us from pursing this question: never enough money, never enough time. We're aware of those contraints-they're right in front of us, every day. But we also have many psychological stumbling blocks that keep us from finding ourselves. Some of these are badly tangled misconceptions, some are deeply rooted fears. The two are related-like any prejudice, misconceptions get fabricated and sustained by fears. These psychological stumbling blocks are often less real than we imagine. By confronting them, we begin to see around all our obstacles, even the seemingly insurmountable ones. If you take care of these obstacles, you create an environment where the truth is invited into your life."

Comment 1: Typing psychological so many times made me wonder...how did the term "psycho" get to be so bad? There's almost a thin line, and when you think about it...being psychocolgical can make you "psycho." Haha, I guess you can be "psycho" in a good way, or is that cerebral?

Comment 2: Is all this easier said than done? I'll tell you this...I'm making head way.

Fred Flintstone Has a Flat Tire

Ever since I can remember, my Dad has been teased that he looks like Fred Flinstone. Well today, on the way to a work trip in Corpus Christi...I'm sure he wished he had been using his feet to push the car. Apparantly, the median..."came out of no where," and we had not just a flat tire... but a "blow out." Although, we didn't end up finishing the trip, the fotos are gonna make me laugh for awhile. Peep a few.


Yabba Dabba Don't.


Dad, humoring me, while I pounce at the opportunity to never let him forget this moment for the rest of his life.


Had to get a close up. Its pretty scary when you look at it closely...a lot worse could have happened.


I reaallly didn't think I was gonna get this shot, because I thought he was going to notice me creeping up to the side window. But look at this...he's on his cell...while the car is jacked up and getting fixed. I'm sure this was a "really important call."

I Miss You.

I hope you know who you are. I've soon come to realize, as much fun as you can have in general, its extra special...when your buddy is by your side.

Street Texas Heat

My second stop has been in San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio has been a chance to visit more with Dad and to take a breather for a bit in a new and vibrant city. I've only been off approximatly 12 days, and already quite a few realities have sunk in. I miss being productive, interacting with co-workers, and having an agenda for the day. Yet, I have appreciated having day light back to people watch, explore, and catch the day to day "little things" you tend to miss being a work-a-haulic. Over the past few days I have felt like I was 19 again, walking the streets...thinking of new goals, new career paths, and the idea of "growing up" again. Its been a good feeling and also scary.


It was nice to stop here and grab a bite in the middle of the day. What made it indeed, a good bite, was not having to cruch lunch into forty minutes with twenty minutes drive time back to work.



Noticing a small crack in between the two buildings was the focus of this shot.



To put it very blunt. I was turned on by the retro-ness of this scene. The color scheme and the "old school" feel of the pay phone, yet somewhat modern by the use of metal. Diggin it, I want these colors in my future home one day, somewhere.


This shot was fun to make. I'm standing on the corner, trying to time it just right before the cars cross over. I wanted an open shot of the street to catch all the texture. Its amazing the crazy looks you get from just holding a camera on the street from people in their cars. I'll admit it bothered me a little the first couple of minutes, but when I realized how much the shot was worth it, it was cool. Note to self: Next series should be "Crazy Faces of the Passerbyer"


People read in San Antonio, or they haven't in a really long time. This was my sarcasm to myself as I snapped this foto.

Back to the blah blah of reality checks. Realty check one-I've realized, after just a few hours of snappying shots all day...its addictive to think of not having responsibility and being a free loader of a regular basis. Reality check two...but I'm not 19 anymore. I'm on the time clock, and I have bills. Haha. Reality check three, I realize I can minimize my spending and master the art of beating the bank. More or less, I don't "need" as much as I "want." Reality check four, I can make a career out of doing what I love. Its just mapping out the process of getting there and prioritizing. Its amazing what a few days off can do for your personal morale!

Before I forget, and get carried away with more blah blahs, here are a few more fotos of San Antonio. Like I said before, you might as well imagine your own favorite city...I enjoy taking fotos to capture various forms of light, emotion, and perspective. I'm currently amazed how different angles can completely change the mood of a foto. See what you come up with below:


I enjoy the art of shawdow effects.


More texture and symmetry.


Splash of humor to break the monotony.


Appreciating the effort and design of an unboring park bench.

First Time In a Cave

This is one of those adventures where you seen the sign, or advertisement and contemplate. A cave is a cave right, how cool could it be? Especially, when you're broke and you're not sure when your next meal is. However, this was an amazing discovery. The lighting was low, but I was pleased at the effects. Check it.


Here's where you entered.
I caught the tour, with many chinese/korean/japanese(?) tourists. (The advertising is good, haha)


Through out the beginning and exiting of the tour, there were turns like these.


I liked this quick shot of the hand rail and how it appears translucent. These were a life saver, I wasn't really paying attention other than getting great shots, and it was very humid and slippery. I just knew I was going to slip and fall.


Just inside the cavern,(or caves) you come across the "Bear Pit." This was my first shot, and I couldn't get over how "firery" the shot was. It was a struggle throughout the tour to find the correct lighting, and whether or not I wanted to use a flash. You'll see the difference in textures later.


As you began walking, you find that you were on ledges that over looked large craters beneath you. I enjoy mirage type images like these, when most people delete.


More of the craters and this is what most of the insides of the caves looked like. I kept thinking they reminded me of those little "add water" capsules that make the funny animal shapes. Or seaweed from the sea.


More of the texture up close, (with flash), truthfully...these kind of icked me out a little.


Facinated by color a texture of the water inside. It was a challenge to catch the ripple in the right lighting.


End of the tour. I took this foto, because the exiting reminded me of a alien encounter or out of body experience. Haha.

Fun With Dad

I have never seen the resemblance between us. (haha)


Dad mentioned, he never "remembers posing for this."

Pretty Trippy

Its been awhile...so here goes on catching you up,(and a recap for myself).

September 14th marked the end of my career, circle of friends, loft apartment, and southern twang in Columbus, Georgia. (Maybe a little bit of my accent will always stick with me) However, after spending a quarter of my life in Georgia, it was time for a new journey. What better way to bench mark, than new discovery?

So, September 15th I began my journey to Alaska. I thought of no better pit stop than the colorful New Orleans, LA. Here are a few fotos you may enjoy!


Reminds me of a cd cover.


The New Orleans Signature Fleur.


My new favorite, of course there is only one.

Peep this. Below you will find the form of dance, that just fascinates me. After reviewing the fotos, they make it look so easy! Ahh, junk... follow the steps below: Ha!


Step One.


Step Two.


Step Three.


Step Four.


Step Five.


Step Six.