I’ve lived in this neighborhood for about 5 1/2 years. During that time I’ve seen it during its crazy growth spurt where houses were springing up seemingly out of nowhere. It was a time when Hobbs and I would go for a walk and instead of hearing the chirping of the birds, we heard, instead, the staccato beat of roofing nails being fired into plywood punctuating the air, backed up by a chorus power tools being wielded by various tradesmen. It was the ‘normal’ sounds of progress.

Now, with the global recession still hanging on, the neighborhood has silenced. One can hear the highway in the distance, the rustle of the grass as a rabbit tries, quiet unsuccessfully, to move stealthily through it. Rabbits, it would seem, are not good at stealth.

Fields once cleared completely by the almighty bulldozer are now reasserting themselves, covering their scars. Streets signs that once had a future to direct friends, family, and new homeowners to their destination, now sit idly in the morning light, their faces smeared with the remains of a variety of birds who now use them as perches. ‘Available’ signs are now replaced with signs that read: ‘Lot for sale’. Even these signs are starting to fade from abundant sunshine, rain, and a general lack of interest from the buying public.

I see grasshoppers, bluebirds, rabbits, hawks, ladybugs, and the occasional snake and all is as it should be. It makes me smile. I enjoy the walk. Hobbs enjoys the walk. I enjoy the old sounds. I don’t miss the nail guns, the power saws, or the beat of the hammer. I prefer the sound of the mockingbird any day.

Charlotte Convention Center ISO 3200 – No noise reduction!

There have been a number of thoughts coursing through my brain of late. However, I’ve not been posting much. Sure, I think about posting every day, but for the most part, I don’t deem the topics interesting, or perhaps they are very short and I don’t take the time to jot them down. So, here are some of the things that I’ve been thinking about

Blogging: It seems as though things have been pretty slow around the blogsphere, at least in the part that I travel. Posts are few and far between; however, the content seems to still be quite interesting.

Tai Chi: I’ve been going to The Peaceful Dragon for about one month now, let’s call it 12 visits. I really like going there, not only for the exercise, but for the association with people who are really interested in martial arts, especially for the spiritual side of it. A lot of the folks there, take this very seriously and thus adjust their lifestyles to be in line with Sifu’s teachings and suggestions. As a member of the Zen Super Boot Camp, I find it much easier to remain disciplined in my daily choices thanks to my association with these people. I don’t feel watched. I do feel supported. So far, in the first month, I’ve lost 20 pounds. That, in itself is wonderful, but it certainly takes a distant second place to the feeling that I get in just being there.

Photography: Honestly, I’ve not been out shooting as much as I’d like to, but I’m being pretty dedicated to my Tai Chi and my exercise routine. Photography will always be there, waiting for me. I have begun to wonder how my Tai Chi, exercise, and association with my new friends will affect my photography.

Hobbs: Hobbs is reaping the benefits of my ZSBC because I have more energy and desire to take him for a walk. We just came back from a short 20 minute walk and he’s already sleeping. He did, though, get to do his usual triple-poop maneuvers. I have to carry 3 bags with me at all times!

Charleston: I don’t miss it as much as I thought I might. I certainly don’t miss the drive; however, I do miss the people. I’d like to go back on a Tuesday night and do some dollar bowling. We had fun doing that.

Film: Man! I need to shoot more film! I’m missing lots of opportunities!!!
D300: Damn, that’s a fine camera!