Go towards the light!
Just a casual shot of the tourist crowds catching a sunset. They all look like they are being drawn in to the bright light – of course I don’t blame them, I was too!
Perfect Conclusion
After wrapping up the photo sessions from my previous two posts, me and my dad swang over to the local lake. It was just in time to capture a beautiful, peaceful sunset. It was a Wonderful way to wrap up the day.
Enjoy.
Fading Details
My previous post focused on the contrasting color and decay of the graffiti at the old feed mill. This post looks at a couple of the details surrounding the mill. The old buildings and machinery are testament to a once lively operation. However, all that is left are small, rusty and deteriorating details.
Color in a Decaying World
While visiting my family for Thanksgiving, I told my dad I wanted to go shoot some pictures and then asked if he had any recommendations on locations. I told him I was looking for some sort of abandoned, old “something”. He said he knew just the place and so we set out into the country. We arrived at an abandoned feed mill. This place used to provide food for the many different cow farms in the valley where they live (and I grew up). Perfect!
Much to my surprise, this abandoned mill had been turned into a graffiti artist’s canvas. Graffiti was everywhere! What immediately jumped out at me was the amount of detailed/grand pieces amongst the random yammerings of the local gangs. They were so colorful and well done in this old and decaying environment that I had to take these photos. An interesting thing to point out is that this is not a place that people go to. This is out in the sticks of a small town. These were done purely for limited viewing and appreciation. By the way, I have a few more photos coming that play on the mill environment, seperate from the graffiti; I will put those up in another post.
I am not sure what this stands for, but the creator put a lot of time and color into this one. It stood out like….a color painting on an old oat mill wall… 
Spatula? In any case, this had a great presence.
I intentionally ‘colored’ in this photo below sloppily to somewhat mimic the graffiti style. The color is what was there, I did not add any color. The surroundings in this room were so decayed up against this color that I had to dramatize this fact by greying out everything but the color.
Graffiti Rainbow!
This wall had also been attacked by local paintballers. This just added to the color in the grim environment.
It was worth it…
This last Friday it rained most of the day. As the rain stopped and the clouds began to clear, my wife and I decided to take the dogs out for a brief walk. Now I live on the 3rd floor of my building so when I went outside I was able to see that the ensuing sunset would probably be awesome (I could only see enough sky to be teased at what might be)! So, at that moment I decided that I had to see what the full sunset turned out looking like – I went back for my camera and car keys and decided to bolt up to a high ground I know to see if there was a view. I invited my wife and dogs, but they wanted to stay and pee on things (primarily the dogs, that is).
After I was at the spot for about 15 minutes, shooting pics, it hit me that on my dash out of the apartment I locked the door because I fully expected my wife to join me! Mind you it was pretty chilly this time of day and my wife, who needs a blanket when it is 75 outside, was in a T-Shirt and pajama pants with the dogs… and now locked outside. So after it finally hit me that my wife was locked out, probably freezing and without a phone, I [took a few more photos] bolted back home. When I arrived it had been about 30 minutes since I left and she was out on the sidewalk giving me a look that seemed to say “well, what do you have to say for yourself?” I just rolled the window down and said “SORRY”… Turns out she was very understanding and didn’t care. Whew!
I reached my spot and had a pretty nice view for such short notice. The sunset/sky/clouds were amazing. The natural grandeur of a “simple” sunset after a rain is breathtaking. I wish I could have spent a bit longer out there, but I was happy with what I was able to see and the few photos I shot.
Sign out where I was shooting
Hanging out in Julian, CA
I took a trip to Julian, CA this last weekend for my 1 year anniversary of marriage. We had a great time hanging out in the small mountain town eating apple pie, treats, and home made juice. While there, I snapped off a few photos of the surrounding area. I do not have a proper zoom lens yet and missed quite a few animal opportunities…We saw deer, turkeys, hawks, lizards. Oh well, maybe next time!
Julian Sunset over Lake Cuyamaca (added to post 9/5/11)
The Virgin Mary
Beautiful Countryside
Where the wild sleeps at night
One Year Anniversary
Disco Chickens
Old Paint
??
White picket fence surrounding an abandoned yard
Old Door
Awake and Alive
I was listening to Awake and Alive by Skillet today ad found it inspiring. I have heard it plenty of times before, but today the words resonated with some of the issues that are going on in my life. I wanted to share in case it resonates with any of you:
I’m at war with the world
And they try to pull me into the dark
I struggle to find my faith
As I’m slipping from your arms…
I’m awake, I’m alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it’s my time
I’ll do what I want ’cause this is my life
(Here, right now)
Right here, right now
Stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I’m awake, and I’m alive…
Of course there are more lyrics, but these stood out to me. It feels victorious, ya know? Like – I am better than these things that have been draining me and I can rise above it and succeed!
These casual photos represent a feeling of peace or victory to me:
This beach was only accessible by a boat or by a a good 2 hour hike along the Napoli coast in Kauai. It was secluded and perfectly serene – Well worth the hike!
These flowers grow wild along the cliffs of Laguna Beach, CA. Natural Beauty in fine action!
Flying in Kauai – no better feeling.
One with the Ocean! I like to call this one Poseidon 
This just makes me smile. Off to side was a massive drop down the Napoli coast mountains. Beauty AND danger! 
We have what it takes to succeed!
See ya later
