My wife has said that I’m hard to buy gifts for because I always buy what I want way before Christmas. If I see something, think that it is within reason, and I have the money for it, I might buy it.

This year has been an exceptional year, as far as buying stuff. I don’t even want to think about how much money I’ve spent, all in cash, this year.

As I watch people scurrying about to and fro in a mad dash to get that perfect gift, I want for nothing. Sure, this morning as I was walking Hobbs I saw a hawk flying through the sky, but had only my 18-70mm zoom. I thought, it sure would be nice to have that 18-200mm VR that has been out of stock for nearly a year because of the extremely high demand. That would replace 2 of my lenses!

At any rate, I’m quite content. I don’t ask for books because, even though I love to read, I go to the library. They’re free! I just bought my harmonica. I have all of the camera equipment that I could ever need … or at least I think so. I’ve got a great family and a cool, if not hardheaded, dog. Life is good.

So, all I want for Christmas is peace, happiness, and a lot of family fun. I guess that this weekend I need to get an get the tree put it up so that there can be peace in this house!

I made a promise to Hobbs that I’d walk him for a minimum of 10 miles/week, weather permitting. So far, into week 3 I’ve kept that promise. Each morning that I don’t take Tony to school, we walk for 2.5 miles. This usually happens 2 – 3 times/week. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, we do 4 – 5 miles. So far, we’ve been averaging about 15 miles / week walking.

When I first started doing it, it was quite an ordeal. We started with several 1 mile walks, which took us about 20 minutes. After building up some stamina, now the 50 minute walk in the morning is no big deal. We get to see a lot of things. Sometimes I take my camera, other times I don’t.

Of course, the one morning that I didn’t take my camera I saw a flock of geese warming themselves on the hillside as the sun was coming up and that same morning, I saw a fox run across the street. In truth, the fox crossed so quickly that I wouldn’t have been able to get a shot in anyway.

This morning’s walk was pretty much uneventful. It’s a bit foggy outside, but not a lot. Add that to a totally over cast day, and you get no pictures, but a nice walk with the dog and a lot of sweat since it is about 55 degrees and 100% humidity! Never fear though, I have plenty of pictures from previous walks!

So, walking 15 miles/week and going to the YMCA to work out 4 times/week is having an interesting effect. This morning I was able to put on a pair of shorts that I haven’t been able to wear for 2 years! Amazing! Also, I’m actually really starting to like the exercise and WANT to do it. That’s NEVER happened before.

It also helps that I have a new attitude. I only have to be successful in this moment and nothing that I’ve done before, even 1 minute ago can be changed and must be forgiven and I have to move on.

Things are working out well. I’m a bit tired from the working, walking, and working out, but it’s a good kind of tired.

I read an article that stated that photographers tend to photograph subjects based on the type of camera that they are using. For example, photographers with a view camera tend to select subjects that require tilts, shifts, and full use of the perspective controls offered by a view camera. I found that quite interesting.

To take it a bit further, I think that time constraints play a role as well. At least for me. I’ve always liked architecture photography, especially when it is done well, but prefer nature photography. Now that I’m back to work, and in the downtown area, I’m seeing more opportunity for architectural type of photography. Mainly, taking shots of buildings, statues, and art pieces. This is more of a function of available time and location.

Previously, when I was not working, I had plenty of time to get up in the morning, go to the woods, sit patiently and watch as the day, and the sunlight therein, unfolded. Going downtown to photograph would have been a hassle, or sorts. I would have to drive there, find parking, pay for parking, and then walk around taking pictures. Since I now work downtown, an opposing force takes place. I have to be here, so why not photograph? No longer can I sit around in the woods! I have to be at work!

I find that going out at lunch time and shooting is quite invigorating. It’s nice to get out of the florescent lights, see the sunshine, feel the breezes, hear the sounds, and smell the various odors of downtown.

Also, in the evening, when I’m heading out, the light is sweet. Sunset is at about 5:15 now and when leaving downtown between 4:30 and 5:00 PM, the light is just absolutely beautiful. It actually makes it hard to leave … but the thought of traffic is a great motivator!

So, now that my schedule has changed, my subjects have changed. I guess that’s called going with the flow.

I just love the Blues. It’s about the only thing that I listen to in my car and when I’m at my computer, I’m streaming it from Sirius.com. I can’t get enough. In particular I love the soulful sound of the harmonica. I love it so much so that I just ordered one and subscribed to harmonicalessions.com.

On their website they say that you should practice about 30 minute per day, when you are new, then as you get used to the instrument, about 1 hour per day. Now I’ll have to find another hour in my day to torment my family with my attempt at musical skills.

I’m looking forward to it. My new harmonica should be here sometime this week. It’s a diatonic harmonica (2-tone, blow/draw) in the key of ‘C’.

I love taking pictures, for sure, but there seems to be another little part of me that wants to express myself through music.

So, if you find me in your neighborhood, listen for the click of the shutter or the soulful tunes of the harmonica at sunrise/sunset … after I learn to play.

I just got an e-mail from Craig Tanner. It contained our group picture from the Jekyll Island, GA workshop. Here we are. I’m the guy smack in the middle, second row. Craig is the tallest guy in the photo, back row, left. Matt is in the back row, far right. They were the 2 who hosted and taught.

It was a great time. I’m looking forward to my March workshop!