Little Things

Why does a small wildflower bloom in the middle of November? Walking through the back dunes of Petoskey State Park a couple days ago I came across a harebell blooming on the side of a dune. Maybe there was just enough heat energy left in the sand to encourage the plant to produce one more bloom. The insects that may pollinate such a plant are certainly long gone. So you may say that this bloom is wasted. But it wasn't wasted on me. I felt like it was just there for me to enjoy — an audience of one.

And speaking of singularity, This one seed pod floated along the shore and somehow I felt obligated to pick it up and place it on a small piece of driftwood just to honor it's travels — a long way from mother maple. I'm sure by now it has been picked up by the wind and planted itself along one of the many streams that flow into Little Traverse Bay. Someday my grandson will play in its branches.

Capital Reception

My wife Manette and I headed down to Lansing on Monday for a reception at the Governor's residence, honoring those artists whose works were selected to decorate the residence for the coming year. I wasn't quite sure what to expect — if it would be just a "photo-op" with the Governor, Jennifer Grandholm, and a few hors d'oeuvres — or something more. As it turned out, it was more. And for a guy who's not big on the social scene it was very enjoyable. Governor Grandholm and her husband Daniel Mulhern hung around for a while and talked about how they enjoyed supporting Michigan artists. They gave each artist the opportunity to introduce themselves and their art and where their work was located in the residence. And what was especially fun was getting to know a few fellow artists. I'd like to thank the Governor for her support of the arts and taking some time out of her busy schedule to host this reception.


So enough with the party scene. As my wife will attest, I have this fundamental need to arrive at destinations way earlier than is necessary. Not sure what gene-pool that came from, but I'm sure I could blame some ancestor for this timely trait. Anyway, we were in Lansing a wee bit early so I thought, why not head to the capitol building and snoop around. So we did, and it was really an impressive place. And for a photographer it was good timing since the place was pretty well deserted —just one small tour group. I laid my camera on the floor, lens side up, and took a few pics of the dome above. The subjects don't fall into the nature catagory I so dearly love, but you need some new-ness in the mix once in awhile. I had fun capturing these images and that's key to learning and growing as an artist.

The House of Representatives

Warm Days and Coldplay

No sooner do I talk about how depressing November can be than we have a string of beautiful warm days. I think the Lord really has a sense of humor. So I got out here a few times and took advantage of the weather and I think I made a few respectable images. See what you think.
And amidst all the great weather I had an experience that I haven't had since my college days (I won't say how long ago that was). I headed to the Palace at Auburn Hills on Monday evening for a Coldplay concert. I'll admit it wasn't my idea. It all started when my college freshman daughter wanted desperately to attend, and being the good Dad that I was I decided it was OK to go as long a I went along. And guess what? I really enjoyed it! In fact I've had their songs running through my brain all week. And now that I look at the images I've created this past week I'm thinking that they reflect the music. So enjoy my Coldplay art. By-the-way I've titled the top image "Yellow." If you're one of us Coldplay groupies you'll appreciate that.