Snap Its

National Icon

Aren't they beautiful?! I have seen them in the wild but never close enough to photograph and never with a camera handy enough had they been. Photographing them in the wild is definitely on my bucket list.
 

welcome home

Indiana welcomed home a deployment of troops today returning from Afghanistan. As is now customary, the Patriot Guard escorted them from the airport to their respective posts. The Patriot Guard also stands vigil at all KIA funerals as a barrier between grieving family members and protesters who show up to defile the fallen for his or her  service and harass the families at one of the most difficult moments of their lives. I was honored when they asked me to participate in their flag guard today. It's always a good day when they come home.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

heaven & earth

It's just been one of those super enjoyable weekends. You know, the kind where you get tons of things done but never feel rushed and are actually able to RELAX for a minute and unwind. I had one of those this weekend and hope you did too!

remember

 
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -Elmer Davis

 

Shaking out the cobwebs

I have several projects in the works and am getting back on track so it's time to start maintaining my little blog again.I know, I know, I've said that all before (at least 20 times in the past, what, 4 years since I started this blog?) So without further ado here is a snap from yesterday.

I'm happy to report that there were no incidents or confrontations taking pictures of this old abandoned barn and no one threatened to run me down or shoot me this time either! My luck must be improving! LOL

As before, I will keep this part of the blog for daily snaps and thoughts, updates of the kids will be kept separate and password protected, and my photo challenges and projects will be kept on my 365. It seems to work pretty well that way...at least when I am doing my part that is. ;-)
 

VU Chapel

 
The VU Chapel by night (hand held because it is WINDY and freezing)...in a snow storm...freezing cold (I'm sure I mentioned that)...my lens got wet...all is well...Amen

Happy New Year

2009 will go down in my life as one of the worst years...ever. Though we were spared many of the hardships too many friends and family endured, the suffering, misery and agony was just all around. So many need the new year to usher in some real relief.

I believe 2009 needed a meaningful, absolute and symbolic send off this year.  I sat down and recounted all the negative stuff that I could recall that took place over the course of 2009 (it was a very long list). Then I folded it up, put it in an envelope and burned it.

The other envelope contains my resolutions, thoughts and hopes for 2010.

As the smouldering ashes of 2009 are carried away on the brisk arctic winds, may 2010 be the relief for so many of those I love, those I tend to, and those I will never meet.

May you all have a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Happy Happy Halloween

Storms

I don't know what it is about storms that I find so facinating. They usually scare the daylights out of me, but I'm facinated by them nonetheless. The awesome power; Man's inability to control a single aspect of it; How very small one must realize they actually are in the grand scheme of things. If nothing else, a good storm ought to make a person take stock and refocus on what is truly important in life. And, in my opinion, there is nothing better than being able to observe a storm from the distance...and not be caught right in the middle of it!

It's hard to believe that in just a couple short months this shoreline will most likely be covered in icecaps (and my blog readers and my neighbors will be once again listening to me grumble about the weather!)  
 

Veteran's Memorial Victory Ride!

What an incredible tribute to Veterans and our active duty service members. 3000 bikes met up at Wicker Park for their annual Veteran's Memorial Victory ride...3000!! You just can't imagine how long a procession of 3000 bikes really is...until you see it! It was just amazing!

Members of NWI Patriots set up on the corner of US30/SR55 to greet riders and thank vets for their service to our Country. It was a beautiful sunny day for the event.

And this is the Founder and Chief Organizer of NWI Patriots, Faith Jones and her favorite veteran and bodyguard, Randy Taylor. There were so many bikes and by the time Faith and Randy came past us, the tears were flowing, I'm just happy I got these shots of them!

And then, after a nearly 15 minute procession (15 MINUTES!! Totally AMAZING TO SEE!!)...they were gone...

If there is one thing I've learned, it's that the freedom we enjoy in this Country is not FREE. God bestowed upon man the 'right' to be free and that right is recognized and guaranteed to us as citizens of this Country by the words and commitments set forth in our Constitution, but it is through the duty, dedication and sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform that guards these freedoms and provides us with the security to enjoy liberty and live our lives as we choose...in FREEDOM. They are our guardians of Freedom...and their service, and the lives lost protecting us, should never be taken for granted. We should never miss an opportunity to thank a vet for their service. To all of our men and women in uniform, and to all our Veterans, and their families....Thank you!