Can’t Sleep

For some reason I can’t sleep tonight. I’m up at 4am and my brain just won’t shut off. This has been going on for a few weeks now where I’m wide away at about 5am. For the longest time, I couldn’t get enough sleep. I’d sleep until the very last second I could, then get up and rush like made to get ready for the day. Then, about 3 weeks ago, it was like a switch went off in my head. I’m up at 5 or 6am, wide awake and can’t get back to sleep.

So, what do I do at 4am, when I can’t sleep?  I work on photos.  I just upgraded to the latest version of Adobe Lightroom. This version adds some cool features.  One it the ability to lay out a book, and then have it printed.  After working with it for a couple of hours last night, I realized that I’m really rusty on graphic design.  I haven’t really done anything since my undergraduate days. I need to work at this.

This morning it was working on an image that I took at the Franklin Park Conservatory a few weeks ago, but didn’t use in my original posting.  I’ve been trying to be more aware of objects and items in my environment that would lend themselves well to a photo.  I found this shut-off valve and thought that it was pretty cool looking with the crystals crusted on the interior of the handle.  I thought it would be a good detail piece to help show some of the things that are a part of the conservatory.

Fixing a Hole

Fixing a Hole

I saw this image and the first thing that popped into my mind was The Beatles “Fixing a Hole.”

I’m fixing a hole where the rain gets in and stops my mind from wandering where it will go.

I’m filling the cracks that ran through the door that kept my mind from wandering where it will go.

….

I’m painting the room in a colorful way and when my mind is wandering there I will go.

John Lennon/Paul McCartney

I can’t wait until Spring starts to show up here.  It was 50 degrees on Monday, and back down in the 30’s today with a stiff breeze.  I need me some warm breezes and flowering trees.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day
Originally uploaded by Elessar

Once again, I’m left to ask if we as Americans are still finding something more important on Memorial Day, than just a day off of work or a collection of sales. After attending the dedication ceremony for the Grounds of Remembrance in Dublin, Ohio, I think the answer is yes. The grounds were packed with people attending. The colors were brought in by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Marines. The power of this symbol was amazing. Thank you, America, for restoring my faith in our shared sacrifice, and honoring that sacrifice.