Creative Sparks

Lately it seems that the creative moments with my photography have been few and far between. Today though, I seem to be full of creative juices. The first photo up is something I've been wanting to try for some time. It did not come out quite as good as I hoped, but for a first attempt I'd say it's not bad.


For the next two photos, I pulled out my extension tube. I haven't used it in a few months, but it is my cheap way of doing pseudo-macro photography. First up is the badge I used to wear as a volunteer firefighter in South Carolina.


The opening lines of the essay Heroism by Ralph Waldo Emerson.


Here's hoping I can keep the creative sparks going throughout this coming week!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Long Vacation Ahead

There's a few things I want to write about today. None of them are related, but they're not necessarily long enough to warrant their own postings.

First and foremost, today is Veteran's Day. It's hard to believe that I have now been a veteran for almost 13 years now. Even with all the frustration that the Air Force causes me these days, I'm still just as proud to wear my uniform now as I was back in 1999. This day causes me not only to reflect on my own service, but on the service of others. I reflect on the service of my grandfather, Thomas T. Warshaw who served in the island hopping campaigns of the Pacific Theater with the 77th Infantry Division. Then there was my grandmother's (on my mother's side) late boyfriend, Kenneth Fitzpatrick. This person, who was just like a grandfather also participated in the Pacific island hopping campaigns with the 27th Infantry Division. I think about the services of my friends as well. My good friend Jason Viglione, a 9/11 survivor who enlisted in the Air Force following the sad events of that day. I also reflect on anyone who's worn the uniform past and present, but most especially those of my brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. For those who did not have to work today, I encourage you to take a little time today to reflect on your own.

In addition to being off today, I'll be on leave all this coming week. We were originally supposed to go to Virginia, but that had to be moved to next month. Since I already had leave on the books, I decided I'd take the time off and stay home. In almost 13 years, I've never once taken a significant amount of leave without traveling. I think that a week spent with my ladies at home will be awesome. Now this doesn't mean that we'll be sitting around the house the whole time. We'll be taking a day trip up to Baltimore one day and a trip down to DC on another. In between I plan on doing a lot of photography with a variety of subjects this weekend and coming week. It is going to be nice to get a long rest and recharge after events at work the past few weeks.

Next up are some photos of Layla. After yesterday's rain, it turned out to be a beautiful, albiet windy fall day. I took Layla out to toss her ball around for a little bit and decided to snap a few photos of her while we played.






Last, but not least I've been on a funk kick lately. I've always enjoyed the genre, but after hearing some Parliament playing in the shoppette earlier this week, I just can't seem to get enough. Thankfully Pandora has been great for helping me to get my fix. They've been playing some kickass tunes from Parliament, Zapp, Average White Band, The Gap Band, Cameo and others. I dunno what it is. That music just gets me moving.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

How Ya Like Dem Apples?

How Ya Like Dem Apples?, originally uploaded by VirginiaSouthern.

Apple cupcakes, with homemade marshmallow frosting. They are so tasty and absolutely scream "autumn".

My second serious foray into baking. I was particularly pleased with my frosting job since it was only the first time I've ever used a piping bag. Kristin is normally the baker in the house, while I tend to be more of the cook. Lately though, I've taken a keen interest in honing my baking skills as well.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

My Little Railfan Buddy

I got off from work fairly early today, so I decided that it was time for a much needed visit trackside with my daughter, Katrina. She loves trains and I've been wanting to take her for awhile, but life has been crazy for the past month or so. I'm glad we made it out today though. We both had a blast hanging out at the Odenton MARC station and snuggling to mitigate the effects of the wind. She was thrilled every time a train would pass and I loved watching her face as they did. She was particularly fascinated by the Acela train sets that would zip through the station at over 100 mph. When we weren't watching trains go by, we would pass the time singing silly songs and imagining where all the other people at the station might be coming from and going to. It did my soul good to spend that time with her and I'm looking forward to the next time we get a chance to.

New Domain Name

Yes, yes...I know. This makes three posts in one day now. I'm normally not one to make that many blog posts in one day, but I recently purchased a domain name and I thought it was worth spreading around the internets.

This blog can now be reached through the domain name www.jerseymutt.com. Please update your bookmarks accordingly. ;)

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Drunk Punkin

Drunk Punkin, originally uploaded by VirginiaSouthern.

As I've previously stated on this blog, there are many reasons I love October. I've added a new reason though recently, and that is pumpkin flavored beers. Here we have bottles of Flying Dog "No Fear" imperial pumpkin ale and Cape Anne "Fisherman's" pumpkin stout. Two awesome tasting beers. At 9% ABV, I think that No Fear is my favorite of the two. Make no mistake though, pumpkin and spice flavor goes quite well with stout.

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

Listening to "Dear Mr. Fantasy" by Traffic.

Last Saturday Recap

'Tis a slow one for news this week. I'm mainly doing things around the house this weekend while my ladies are visiting some friends in South Carolina. With that in mind I thought I'd take a little bit of time to do a photo recap of last Saturday's activities. First up is the photos from our visit to Hill High Farm near Winchester, VA...

I love this first shot because the elements in it are sure signs that fall has arrived.


A few tractor shots.








Katrina and Grandpa making their way through a maze of hay bales.


My little smiling sweetheart during the hayride.


While stopped to pick pumpkins. She's already cute enough, but holding up that little pumpkin makes her look even cuter.


One of two calves at the animal petting barn.


Later that evening we had a small campfire get together at my in-laws' church.


That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Virginia: My Haven, My Home

For those who follow me on Facebook or Twitter, it is no secret that I've been having a bit of a rough time at work. It is what it is, and I'll leave it at that. That's not what I'm here to talk about this evening.

I'm here this evening to talk about my home state, the Commonwealth of Virginia. I'm a transplanted Virginian having spent the first 14 years of my life in New Jersey. My parents moved the family in September of 1994 down to the southern Virginia town of Keysville. Keysville is a small town situated about an hour southwest of Richmond. Almost a decade and a half later, Keysville still does not have a traffic light.

While it was a huge culture shock at first, after a few months I really began to enjoy my new surroundings. Sure I didn't have all the conveniences I once had, but I found that I really loved the countryside. It should be noted, that I did spend a good portion of my early childhood on horse farms (my parents had been renting the houses). From there and visits to other rural places, I think I developed an appreciation for the countryside early on.

I only lived in Keysville for four years. While I loved my new home, at 18 years old I needed more than that small town could offer. To that end, I enlisted in the Air Force and left for basic training in April 1999. While the last 12 years have taken me many places, I always enjoyed any chance I had to go home for a visit.

Another reason that Virginia is so special, is that I met my wife Kristin here. I met her the fall before I joined the Air Force. It was Halloween night to be exact. I had just turned 18 a few days before and she was a sophomore at Longwood College (now university). We kept in touch over the years and when I came back to the states in 2004, we started dating.

The first time I came up to visit Kristin at her parents house, near Winchester, VA, I fell in love with my home state all over again. The Shenandoah Valley is not only one of the most beautiful places in Virginia, it is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. I'm so happy to be stationed in Maryland now as it puts me closer to my hometown as well as Kristin's.

So some are probably asking what my opening paragraph had to do with all of this. Well, despite the bad week I had spending the weekend here in White Post has been renewing. Whether here or in Keysville, this state always allows me to find my center again.

From a hayride with my ladies yesterday afternoon...




To a campfire at my in-laws' church...







To a evening walk with Layla today...



After this weekend, the stress from the last few weeks has melted away. I can't say that it won't return, but for now I'm going to enjoy my haven here.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.