Saturday, January 16.
17 January 2010
16 January 2010
12 January 2010
11 January 2010
Day 29/365 - Vagabond
Monday, January 11.
Love this book.
Look to Flickr for a better description.
I'm too tired to write more right now.
Love this book.
Look to Flickr for a better description.
I'm too tired to write more right now.
09 January 2010
08 January 2010
Day 26/365 - Chiaroscuro/Baroque?
Friday, January 8.
Haven't done any painting in a while; this will have to suffice for now.
I used a painting effect in Photoshop to transform this photograph into a pseudo-painting.
It very strongly reminds me of a Baroque/Renaissance painting.
When I took my first exposure and saw the pose and setup, it reminded me of an old portrait so I tried my best to match that vision.
I've been looking at my photographs lately and find myself very unhappy with them. I haven't been putting any of myself into my work, and it definitely shows. I have to start taking more time with my work and seeing it as something that I want to do, rather than something that I have to do. I started this project to help myself, not hinder progress and bore myself to death.
From today on, it may be more difficult to take more time to do exactly what I want because of school starting this Monday and traveling to Europe right after graduation, but I really have to try.
Another beginning, another end, another photograph.
I halt to the power
I see behind the curtain.
The voice and the eyes
ring in my ears.
Haven't done any painting in a while; this will have to suffice for now.
I used a painting effect in Photoshop to transform this photograph into a pseudo-painting.
It very strongly reminds me of a Baroque/Renaissance painting.
When I took my first exposure and saw the pose and setup, it reminded me of an old portrait so I tried my best to match that vision.
I've been looking at my photographs lately and find myself very unhappy with them. I haven't been putting any of myself into my work, and it definitely shows. I have to start taking more time with my work and seeing it as something that I want to do, rather than something that I have to do. I started this project to help myself, not hinder progress and bore myself to death.
From today on, it may be more difficult to take more time to do exactly what I want because of school starting this Monday and traveling to Europe right after graduation, but I really have to try.
Another beginning, another end, another photograph.
I halt to the power
I see behind the curtain.
The voice and the eyes
ring in my ears.
07 January 2010
Day 25/365 - Too Much Coffee?
Thursday, January 7.
I love coffee.
Pure and simple.
Have another cup.
Blue on white on green.
You reach the bottom and feel a sigh.
Forget it, it's over now.
Let it run its course.
I love coffee.
Pure and simple.
Have another cup.
Blue on white on green.
You reach the bottom and feel a sigh.
Forget it, it's over now.
Let it run its course.
05 January 2010
Day 23/365 - Potassium Dichromate
Tuesday, January 5.
I've literally fallen in love with gum bichromate printing.
The results are beautiful, and the process is intricate.
My two favorite things.
I'm going to start doing a lot of test prints over the next couple weeks in preparation for my senior thesis project. Time to return to the Orphanage on Dodge Street to get the photographs I need.
I just hope the snow hasn't completely overtaken the grounds. If so, I'll have to wait until it calms down and hope it doesn't last forever.
Wish me luck.
Pour me another;
my head won't stop spinning.
Take me to that special place
where worries drown themselves in sorrow.
I've literally fallen in love with gum bichromate printing.
The results are beautiful, and the process is intricate.
My two favorite things.
I'm going to start doing a lot of test prints over the next couple weeks in preparation for my senior thesis project. Time to return to the Orphanage on Dodge Street to get the photographs I need.
I just hope the snow hasn't completely overtaken the grounds. If so, I'll have to wait until it calms down and hope it doesn't last forever.
Wish me luck.
Pour me another;
my head won't stop spinning.
Take me to that special place
where worries drown themselves in sorrow.
03 January 2010
02 January 2010
01 January 2010
30 December 2009
29 December 2009
Day 16/365 - Watercolors
Tuesday, December 29.
I'm going to be using gum prints for my final Senior Thesis project. I changed my original idea from months ago, so I'm no longer using pinhole cameras or 4x5 cameras. Instead, I'm using a digital camera to photograph certain abandoned buildings in the area to recreate an architectural studio that questions time. It is as much about the actual processes of gum printing and cyanotype as it is about the subject. These buildings are forgotten and lost, except among the few who still visit them, often illegally, to learn more about them and experience their grandeur. Yes, it's trespassing, but sometimes the law only prevents society from fixing itself.
I still have to find blueprints for the building, or else, make my own. That might not be such a bad idea either. I found some old maps of the area so I could always just go and create the interiors based on my own measurements and experience. I guess we'll see how it goes.
These watercolors are three that were recommended to me. So they are my first step. New paper also.
Try and try and try,
until you have mastered.
Failure is as much a sign of education
as success.
I'm going to be using gum prints for my final Senior Thesis project. I changed my original idea from months ago, so I'm no longer using pinhole cameras or 4x5 cameras. Instead, I'm using a digital camera to photograph certain abandoned buildings in the area to recreate an architectural studio that questions time. It is as much about the actual processes of gum printing and cyanotype as it is about the subject. These buildings are forgotten and lost, except among the few who still visit them, often illegally, to learn more about them and experience their grandeur. Yes, it's trespassing, but sometimes the law only prevents society from fixing itself.
I still have to find blueprints for the building, or else, make my own. That might not be such a bad idea either. I found some old maps of the area so I could always just go and create the interiors based on my own measurements and experience. I guess we'll see how it goes.
These watercolors are three that were recommended to me. So they are my first step. New paper also.
Try and try and try,
until you have mastered.
Failure is as much a sign of education
as success.
Day 15/365 - Huddled
Monday, December 28.
It just keeps snowing.
Dropping and running,
your footprints appear.
I know you're behind me,
but you're all I look forward to.
It just keeps snowing.
Dropping and running,
your footprints appear.
I know you're behind me,
but you're all I look forward to.
Day 14/365 - Cycling
Sunday, December 27.
I feel trapped during the winter.
I need to get out and ride, but I can't.
I guess this is the next best thing.
Forgetting to move on
is like forgetting your hat.
It doesn't hit you
until the wind blows.
I feel trapped during the winter.
I need to get out and ride, but I can't.
I guess this is the next best thing.
Forgetting to move on
is like forgetting your hat.
It doesn't hit you
until the wind blows.
25 December 2009
Day 12/365 - Weakness
Friday, December 25.
Merry Christmas.
I'll keep it short.
Enjoy the holiday.
Dripping into a cup,
my arms feel faint.
The beautiful shade of the stream,
as it pours from my skin.
Merry Christmas.
I'll keep it short.
Enjoy the holiday.
Dripping into a cup,
my arms feel faint.
The beautiful shade of the stream,
as it pours from my skin.
Day 11/365 - View Camera
Thursday, December 24.
I am going to be using this picture as the basis of a tattoo I'm designing for myself. The view camera is the most extreme passion I have ever had.
It's something that I know I would be happy to have with me my entire life. Just to decide where it is going to go. I'm thinking forearm.
Here I am,
forever with you.
I'm running from the past
just to be with you.
I am going to be using this picture as the basis of a tattoo I'm designing for myself. The view camera is the most extreme passion I have ever had.
It's something that I know I would be happy to have with me my entire life. Just to decide where it is going to go. I'm thinking forearm.
Here I am,
forever with you.
I'm running from the past
just to be with you.
24 December 2009
Day 9/365 - Nike Love
Tuesday, December 22.
This is one of my favorite pictures.
I love the focus, saturation, and subject.
My favorite shoes.
This is one of my favorite pictures.
I love the focus, saturation, and subject.
My favorite shoes.
23 December 2009
19 December 2009
Day 6/365 - Snow Falls
This is day two of Baltimore. Yesterday, it was nice to just sit down and spend the day resting after getting here so late Thursday night.
Haven't slept much in the last two days, but that's fine. It's only vacation...
It began snowing tonight, and there is a lot of the ugly white stuff out there. But it's not super cold so it isn't too bad.
Hopefully roads aren't too bad tomorrow because we are supposed to be going to DC tomorrow. I really want to go and see the one exhibit at the National Gallery. It is on alternative photographic processes printing, and since that's more or less what I plan on doing forever, it would be nice to see some of the history in person. Cross your fingers for clear roads tomorrow.
Fill your boots,
and change your socks.
It's getting white,
It's getting wet.
Haven't slept much in the last two days, but that's fine. It's only vacation...
It began snowing tonight, and there is a lot of the ugly white stuff out there. But it's not super cold so it isn't too bad.
Hopefully roads aren't too bad tomorrow because we are supposed to be going to DC tomorrow. I really want to go and see the one exhibit at the National Gallery. It is on alternative photographic processes printing, and since that's more or less what I plan on doing forever, it would be nice to see some of the history in person. Cross your fingers for clear roads tomorrow.
Fill your boots,
and change your socks.
It's getting white,
It's getting wet.
16 December 2009
Day 3
Today is my birthday; I turned the ripe old age of 22.
My parents have been out of town this week so I've been home alone. I love the solitude and independence, but at the same time I get lonely.
It's also finals week so I've been up super late every day writing papers and working on exams.
Cue exhaustion.
I had no cake this year, no brownies, no party. But I did have a chance to meet one of my best friends for lunch today. Soupherb and then turtle cheescake afterwards. Yum.
Happy Birthday.
Found a new way to post straight from flickr, so this is going to be easier.
Walk down that road,
but don't you turn back.
Walking on legs,
it's better than you'd think.
My parents have been out of town this week so I've been home alone. I love the solitude and independence, but at the same time I get lonely.
It's also finals week so I've been up super late every day writing papers and working on exams.
Cue exhaustion.
I had no cake this year, no brownies, no party. But I did have a chance to meet one of my best friends for lunch today. Soupherb and then turtle cheescake afterwards. Yum.
Happy Birthday.
Found a new way to post straight from flickr, so this is going to be easier.
Walk down that road,
but don't you turn back.
Walking on legs,
it's better than you'd think.
Day 2
This one has a little more thought in it.
I hope it isn't too dark.
What's it like to crawl into an oven. What does an oven mean? Where did it come from? Where is it going?
Important questions to ask. Ponder it.
Any conclusions, let me know.
Turn on the heat,
and give me some time.
Let's count it down,
and wait until it's ready.
I hope it isn't too dark.
What's it like to crawl into an oven. What does an oven mean? Where did it come from? Where is it going?
Important questions to ask. Ponder it.
Any conclusions, let me know.
Turn on the heat,
and give me some time.
Let's count it down,
and wait until it's ready.
14 December 2009
A New Project - Day 1
I am beginning a 365 day project.
One picture every day for 365 days. That's one year.
A year of learning. A year of dedication. A year of trouble and pain. One more year of my life.
Incidentally, it's a few days before my birthday. No relation really, other than me getting old. Time is the issue. Time always moves, never stops for a breather, for a cigarette break, for a warm cup of coffee.
I'm glad I'm not like time. I enjoy my breaks, my pauses, my everyday daydreams of nothing and everything at the same time.
Keep that hand swinging, because time only brings more life, more time, and more light.
I should be posting one picture every day right on my blog, however, if I fall behind, they will be popping up on my flickr as well (www.flickr.com/photos/christopherfecio). Stay tuned.
I'll be growing in ways I couldn't imagine tonight.
Come grow with me.
The first step is the beginning of an end,
and the end of a beginning.
Only time will tell me,
who it wants me to be.
One picture every day for 365 days. That's one year.
A year of learning. A year of dedication. A year of trouble and pain. One more year of my life.
Incidentally, it's a few days before my birthday. No relation really, other than me getting old. Time is the issue. Time always moves, never stops for a breather, for a cigarette break, for a warm cup of coffee.
I'm glad I'm not like time. I enjoy my breaks, my pauses, my everyday daydreams of nothing and everything at the same time.
Keep that hand swinging, because time only brings more life, more time, and more light.
I should be posting one picture every day right on my blog, however, if I fall behind, they will be popping up on my flickr as well (www.flickr.com/photos/christopherfecio). Stay tuned.
I'll be growing in ways I couldn't imagine tonight.
Come grow with me.
The first step is the beginning of an end,
and the end of a beginning.
Only time will tell me,
who it wants me to be.
10 November 2009
Pinhole
Every time I think of the word pinhole, I think of the word pinhead.
Really, no connection or relativity...
I have been working on some really interesting things lately. Well, I think so, at least.
Pinhole images are some of the most surreal possibilities that film can create in a single exposure. They transcend the simplicity of the digital image and exemplify the camera's ability to produce rather than reproduce.
I started in the studio, as I thought that it might have been what I was looking for. Fortunately, after a few days, I realized that I really needed to get out of such a confined place and move into the ever changing outside environment.
With a little push from a very smart professor, an idea dropped in front of my eyes and allowed me to fully recognize what I was looking for.
The other day, I took a trip down to the German Roman Catholic Orphan Home on Dodge Street in Buffalo to begin photographing deteriorating architectural spaces. I felt as though the history and usefulness of the cyanotype as an architectural blueprint was something worth exploring. Unfortunately, once I arrived at the beautiful, abandoned building I was a bit dismayed by the multitude of shady looking characters and decided to leave. Instead, I drove down to Forest Lawn cemetery with a friend of mine and I worked with taking pinhole photographs there instead, as a bit of practice. They turned out surprisingly well.
The next step will be to actually get into the orphanage, with the accompaniment of a group of friends to feel more comfortable. Perhaps it will be just what I'm looking for. I sure hope so, anyway.
I also looked into going into the H.H. Richardson Complex, also known as Buffalo State Hospital/Asylum. But unlike the Orphanage, the hospital is in the process of being remodeled and is completely fenced off and patrolled around the clock to keep vagrants such as myself out. I emailed the woman supposedly in charge of the remodeling and inquired as to whether I could possibly have a chance to go inside and get my photographs and leave, promising to leave the place unchanged. I haven't gotten a response yet, but I hope that she will be understanding of my situation (I explained to her that I'm just a student, trying to complete my senior thesis project) and allow me to go in for a short while. If that doesn't work out, I'll have to just turn to other architecture for the time being (I have to complete a majority of my project by the end of the semester) and just stall and make time before I can find a suitable place as a subject. I guess we'll see.
Still looking for a job. I might have to cave and get a job in a restaurant or retail. Not my favorite idea. Until further adventures:
Seconds drip down the wall
as the fire rages on down the hall.
Soot plumes toward my vantage point
in the ceiling tiles.
Really, no connection or relativity...
I have been working on some really interesting things lately. Well, I think so, at least.
Pinhole images are some of the most surreal possibilities that film can create in a single exposure. They transcend the simplicity of the digital image and exemplify the camera's ability to produce rather than reproduce.
I started in the studio, as I thought that it might have been what I was looking for. Fortunately, after a few days, I realized that I really needed to get out of such a confined place and move into the ever changing outside environment.
With a little push from a very smart professor, an idea dropped in front of my eyes and allowed me to fully recognize what I was looking for.The other day, I took a trip down to the German Roman Catholic Orphan Home on Dodge Street in Buffalo to begin photographing deteriorating architectural spaces. I felt as though the history and usefulness of the cyanotype as an architectural blueprint was something worth exploring. Unfortunately, once I arrived at the beautiful, abandoned building I was a bit dismayed by the multitude of shady looking characters and decided to leave. Instead, I drove down to Forest Lawn cemetery with a friend of mine and I worked with taking pinhole photographs there instead, as a bit of practice. They turned out surprisingly well.
The next step will be to actually get into the orphanage, with the accompaniment of a group of friends to feel more comfortable. Perhaps it will be just what I'm looking for. I sure hope so, anyway.I also looked into going into the H.H. Richardson Complex, also known as Buffalo State Hospital/Asylum. But unlike the Orphanage, the hospital is in the process of being remodeled and is completely fenced off and patrolled around the clock to keep vagrants such as myself out. I emailed the woman supposedly in charge of the remodeling and inquired as to whether I could possibly have a chance to go inside and get my photographs and leave, promising to leave the place unchanged. I haven't gotten a response yet, but I hope that she will be understanding of my situation (I explained to her that I'm just a student, trying to complete my senior thesis project) and allow me to go in for a short while. If that doesn't work out, I'll have to just turn to other architecture for the time being (I have to complete a majority of my project by the end of the semester) and just stall and make time before I can find a suitable place as a subject. I guess we'll see.
Still looking for a job. I might have to cave and get a job in a restaurant or retail. Not my favorite idea. Until further adventures:
Seconds drip down the wall
as the fire rages on down the hall.
Soot plumes toward my vantage point
in the ceiling tiles.
11 October 2009
Here.
It's been a while, hasn't it?
A long while. Perhaps too long.
Haven't been writing very much lately, but I've been busy.
Senior Thesis is upon us and that means fun. Literally.
I'm working with my 4x5 camera that I made a pinhole front for. It looks extremely odd because the camera is so large and the actual lens I have was proportionately large. However, now that the lens is gone and there's just a small sheet of aluminum flashing with a 0.35mm diameter pinhole on the front, it looks so odd. Basically just a box on a rail, sitting on top of a large, awkwardly old fashioned looking tripod.
I did a couple studio shots so far, and I very much like the style of the image. Since the hole is so small, and because film loses speed as time increases, I had to set this one at an eight minute exposure. The focus is very soft, probably because the distance between the pinhole and the sheet of film was just a small distance too short. I think it was set at like 95mm so I'm going to try and switch it to somewhere around 115mm to see if that fixes the problem.
However, I sort of like the soft look it's given so I might actually leave it. I'll just mess around and find out what I like best.
I'm also going to be printing the images in cyanotype after enlarging the negatives, so here's what that looked like:
A little soft for my taste. Just because the process doesn't really print full tonal range, but still gives a very appealing aesthetic. I almost like it better than the original because of the missing elements. The only reason I ended up printing on cardboard was because I ran out of paper, but I love it. So much texture, and it gives a different tone.
There'll be more sooner or later. Definitely not another couple months. Sooner.
Drop it in and let it go,
with all the things I'll never know;
I've forgotten more than I'll ever learn,
So walk out with the rest.
A long while. Perhaps too long.
Haven't been writing very much lately, but I've been busy.
Senior Thesis is upon us and that means fun. Literally.
I'm working with my 4x5 camera that I made a pinhole front for. It looks extremely odd because the camera is so large and the actual lens I have was proportionately large. However, now that the lens is gone and there's just a small sheet of aluminum flashing with a 0.35mm diameter pinhole on the front, it looks so odd. Basically just a box on a rail, sitting on top of a large, awkwardly old fashioned looking tripod.
I did a couple studio shots so far, and I very much like the style of the image. Since the hole is so small, and because film loses speed as time increases, I had to set this one at an eight minute exposure. The focus is very soft, probably because the distance between the pinhole and the sheet of film was just a small distance too short. I think it was set at like 95mm so I'm going to try and switch it to somewhere around 115mm to see if that fixes the problem.
However, I sort of like the soft look it's given so I might actually leave it. I'll just mess around and find out what I like best.
I'm also going to be printing the images in cyanotype after enlarging the negatives, so here's what that looked like:
A little soft for my taste. Just because the process doesn't really print full tonal range, but still gives a very appealing aesthetic. I almost like it better than the original because of the missing elements. The only reason I ended up printing on cardboard was because I ran out of paper, but I love it. So much texture, and it gives a different tone.There'll be more sooner or later. Definitely not another couple months. Sooner.
Drop it in and let it go,
with all the things I'll never know;
I've forgotten more than I'll ever learn,
So walk out with the rest.
09 July 2009
A Few Pictures to Get Back in the Groove
I'm trying to get back into photographing for the rest of the summer. Not to force myself, of course, but to get my blood churning and my mind spinning with the rhythm of the world.
I've decided to take a big step and start a 365 Project on Flickr. It is a project where I will be taking one picture each day and posting it, in the hope that something will really spark and I'll touch upon a little piece of perfection. Right now I'm planning on just using self portraits that will help me learn about myself, but I'm not completely cutting off every other option.
I just bought a new wireless remote for my digital camera so I can go out and take better self portraits without having to throw the shutter and run with the timer on. More preparation means an easier time.
Here's a practice shot I did of my friend Matthew at his house:
It's a little overexposed, but I like the contrast. I did a bit of editing in photoshop as well, lower the color saturation in the background, so that I could get more of the results that I want. I just have to keep practicing so I can learn everything I want to do.
My eyes fleet from one spot
to all of the others.
But they always return because
I know what matters.
I've decided to take a big step and start a 365 Project on Flickr. It is a project where I will be taking one picture each day and posting it, in the hope that something will really spark and I'll touch upon a little piece of perfection. Right now I'm planning on just using self portraits that will help me learn about myself, but I'm not completely cutting off every other option.
I just bought a new wireless remote for my digital camera so I can go out and take better self portraits without having to throw the shutter and run with the timer on. More preparation means an easier time.
Here's a practice shot I did of my friend Matthew at his house:
It's a little overexposed, but I like the contrast. I did a bit of editing in photoshop as well, lower the color saturation in the background, so that I could get more of the results that I want. I just have to keep practicing so I can learn everything I want to do.My eyes fleet from one spot
to all of the others.
But they always return because
I know what matters.
03 July 2009
Progression
More bike work this week. The frame is more or less done, with just a tiny bit of work left to be done on the inside of the dropouts and around the joints and welds. It looks really solid, though, so it should definitely be ready to go this week.
Do you like my setup? That vice sure does come in handy.
While sanding the tip broke off. I decided to return it and get one that doesn't look quite so pathetic, and ended up with a nice variable speed DeWalt sander. It works great.
I suppose that's about it for now; Hopefully Sunday will be nice and I'll be able to set up a spray booth and get the primer on so it has some time to dry during the week. Then, hopfully laying down the first color next weekend. This takes way too long.
In other news, somewhat related, I am applying for a job as a mechanic at a bicycle shop that is pretty close to home. Niagara Cycle Works. It will give me a nice solid number of hours every week, and I would be doing something that I enjoy, although my own bike might suffer a bit from the extended amount of time that I'd be away from it. It will definitely be done before school. Earlier if I can get my argyle pattern finalized and ready to slap onto the frame for the second color. I have plenty of time before that, though.
Spinning, spinning, spinning,
and never tottering.
The wheels spin as the rider
flys past me.
26 June 2009
A New Adventure
One adventure has ended, and another is beginning.
I've decided to completely customize the one road bike that I found in the garbage a couple months back. The frame is mostly solid, with just a bit of rust.
I've already stripped most of the paint and am going to be sanding it down soon. Bare, beautiful steel is my goal for now. Of course, the priming and painting and coating afterward will come soon enough...
I love when the paint strips off.
And this is what it looked like last night:
The rest of the paint should be off by the end of today. Then sanding it tomorrow or Sunday and prepping it to be sprayed.
I can't wait to really get going on it. It's going to look amazing when done. I'm thinking solid yellow with a small argyle pattern on the crossbar. Eventually yellow rims and tires, and a seat if I can find one. We'll see.
To do with your own hands
is to learn the way of the world.
To love what you do
is to truly live.
I've decided to completely customize the one road bike that I found in the garbage a couple months back. The frame is mostly solid, with just a bit of rust.
I've already stripped most of the paint and am going to be sanding it down soon. Bare, beautiful steel is my goal for now. Of course, the priming and painting and coating afterward will come soon enough...
I love when the paint strips off.And this is what it looked like last night:
The rest of the paint should be off by the end of today. Then sanding it tomorrow or Sunday and prepping it to be sprayed.I can't wait to really get going on it. It's going to look amazing when done. I'm thinking solid yellow with a small argyle pattern on the crossbar. Eventually yellow rims and tires, and a seat if I can find one. We'll see.
To do with your own hands
is to learn the way of the world.
To love what you do
is to truly live.
15 June 2009
Home at Last
Home a bit early, I know, but it was time.
A familiar bed was calling me.
I ended the trip a couple days early after a bit of frustration in Chicago led me to arrive home at 6:30 yesterday morning. What a drive that was..
I spent last week in Iowa, visiting family (my aunt, uncle, and two cousins). It was great to see them after five years. So much had changed, but at the same time, it felt like I just saw them a couple weeks ago. They were so nice, hospitable, and welcoming. It was a great way to end the trip. While in Clive (right outside Des Moines), I took a couple bike rides and did a lot of relaxing.
On one bike ride I came across quite a few interesting bridges, which led me to the Bridges of Madison County the next day. I only saw three of them, but I had an idea of how the rest would look since they were very similar. It was just a very calm time.
But now I'm home and back to the daily happenings. I'm sure I'll have more images to show once I get all my film developed.
It's been long,
but it's been fun.
It's opened my eyes,
and I know I've changed.
A familiar bed was calling me.
I ended the trip a couple days early after a bit of frustration in Chicago led me to arrive home at 6:30 yesterday morning. What a drive that was..
I spent last week in Iowa, visiting family (my aunt, uncle, and two cousins). It was great to see them after five years. So much had changed, but at the same time, it felt like I just saw them a couple weeks ago. They were so nice, hospitable, and welcoming. It was a great way to end the trip. While in Clive (right outside Des Moines), I took a couple bike rides and did a lot of relaxing.
On one bike ride I came across quite a few interesting bridges, which led me to the Bridges of Madison County the next day. I only saw three of them, but I had an idea of how the rest would look since they were very similar. It was just a very calm time.
But now I'm home and back to the daily happenings. I'm sure I'll have more images to show once I get all my film developed.It's been long,
but it's been fun.
It's opened my eyes,
and I know I've changed.
07 June 2009
The Long Road Home
Who knew that the I90 was so long?
I sure didn't...
I found the Lego Cowboy riding through the Redwood Forest..
Let's see. I left off in Seattle? Or on the way to Seattle?
Well, I took CA 1 all the way up to 101 before getting to Seattle. It was great.
I could honestly say that the best part of the trip so far was the few short days I spent visiting Curtis in the Emerald City. I could say it was magical; I could say it was an eye-opener; I could say it was perfect. Overall, I'll just say that I wish I never had to leave. I'm sure that would have been an inconvenience for him and his wife, but I think I would have loved it. I don't even know where to start, besides at the beginning.
I arrived in Seattle at around noon on Monday morning and I drove up to Curtis's house and he met me at the door and gave me a hug. It was such a rush to see him again after such a long long time. Over a year. I brought my bags into the house and we walked down the street to a nice little coffee shop (a lot of the shops in Seattle are independently owned so it was nice to get away from those crazy chain places. We walked to the park at the end of the street and sat down for a minute and stared off towards the horizon of water, boats, and mountains. It was a great view.
Then we walked back to his house, got in my car, and drove off to get my oil changed since it was already like 6500 miles overdue. Jiffy Lube. Pretty sketchy looking place. Then we drove back to his house and we took a bus downtown to see the fish market. It was really cool, and people were just throwing around fish like some crazy people. It was pretty neat to see, and there was a wall in an alley that was absolutely covered in chewed gum. The colors melded really cool and some people even wrote their names or words on the wall. Then we took the bus back to his house and he showed me the work that he was working on at the time, and we messed around a bit with the iron filings. Then Lauren came home (his wife) and they made dinner and a couple of their friends came over and we all ate together. We had salmon, pasta, and salad, which was all cooked really well and tasted great.
On Tuesday we went to Mt. Rainier and walked around for a while. There was still a lot of snow up on the mountain top so we didn't get much of a chance to walk around and hike those trails, but we did take a lower trail that crossed the river flowing through, and that was the perfect place. I took a couple pictures there and we picked up some old man's beard and then hopped back into the car and went home. The drive was long, but we managed to see some really great sights and standing there on the bridge was an amazing feeling in itself.
On Wednesday we took a trip down to the locks and were able to see a couple boats go through, although the salmon ladder was closed for repair so that was a bit of a bummer. We rode our bikes and had a chance to see some of Seattle closer up. On the way home we stopped at Red Mill Hamburgers and had a couple of burgers and some fries. One of the best burgers I've ever eaten. After that, we headed over to the gallery space where his show was going to be and we set everything up except for the one frame that the glass broke on. It was late by the time we got finished so we stopped at the store and bought some frozen pizza and headed back home to cook it up. It was three meat pizza which had a really confusing description of what the meat was. I don't even know.
Thursday was the big day, and in the morning we went out and bought a new piece of glass for his frame and then went to a nearby town (Fremont, I think) and had lunch at a nice little Greek place. Very good, fresh salad. Then we went home, got changed, and headed on out to the show. Since it was First Thursday, which is a big art walk thing every first Thursday of the month, a lot of people came into the gallery to look at his work. I was so happy to see so many people interested in it and willing to stop and talk to him and ask him questions. It was a long night, which concluded with a bunch of friends coming back to his house and playing a game of celebrity soup bowl. I think that's what it was called. Anyway, it is a game where everyone writes names on a piece of paper and then puts them in the middle pot. They then go around and pick pieces of paper and have to try to get their partner to guess the name on the paper by giving them clues.
Then came Friday. We stopped and grabbed some burritos from Taco Time and went out to the Golden Groves beach and ate it on the sand. It was so nice and calming and a perfect way to end my stay there. I was very reluctant to finally leave, but with a long drive ahead, I finally drove away at a little after 3. On the beach we found some really cool crabs and shells and other little things that we played around with for a while.
All day Friday I drove and slept at a rest stop.
Saturday I drove to Yellowstone and spent about 7 hours there before leaving. I saw a lot of the hot springs and saw Old Faithful go off. I was planning on camping there, but when it started snowing, I though it was time to leave so I just drove for a couple hours and slept in the car again. It rained the whole day and was very miserable. Maybe I should head back west?
Yesterday was a drive to Bismarck where I just hung out with my couchsurfing hosts, and today I made my way to Fargo. It rained again all day so I haven't been taking pictures. I'm sure I can find something on the way to Iowa tomorrow.
Until then..
Steam blows from your ears
as your hands clench into fists.
I turn to walk away
from your screams in my direction.
I sure didn't...
I found the Lego Cowboy riding through the Redwood Forest..
Let's see. I left off in Seattle? Or on the way to Seattle?Well, I took CA 1 all the way up to 101 before getting to Seattle. It was great.
I could honestly say that the best part of the trip so far was the few short days I spent visiting Curtis in the Emerald City. I could say it was magical; I could say it was an eye-opener; I could say it was perfect. Overall, I'll just say that I wish I never had to leave. I'm sure that would have been an inconvenience for him and his wife, but I think I would have loved it. I don't even know where to start, besides at the beginning.I arrived in Seattle at around noon on Monday morning and I drove up to Curtis's house and he met me at the door and gave me a hug. It was such a rush to see him again after such a long long time. Over a year. I brought my bags into the house and we walked down the street to a nice little coffee shop (a lot of the shops in Seattle are independently owned so it was nice to get away from those crazy chain places. We walked to the park at the end of the street and sat down for a minute and stared off towards the horizon of water, boats, and mountains. It was a great view.
Then we walked back to his house, got in my car, and drove off to get my oil changed since it was already like 6500 miles overdue. Jiffy Lube. Pretty sketchy looking place. Then we drove back to his house and we took a bus downtown to see the fish market. It was really cool, and people were just throwing around fish like some crazy people. It was pretty neat to see, and there was a wall in an alley that was absolutely covered in chewed gum. The colors melded really cool and some people even wrote their names or words on the wall. Then we took the bus back to his house and he showed me the work that he was working on at the time, and we messed around a bit with the iron filings. Then Lauren came home (his wife) and they made dinner and a couple of their friends came over and we all ate together. We had salmon, pasta, and salad, which was all cooked really well and tasted great.
On Tuesday we went to Mt. Rainier and walked around for a while. There was still a lot of snow up on the mountain top so we didn't get much of a chance to walk around and hike those trails, but we did take a lower trail that crossed the river flowing through, and that was the perfect place. I took a couple pictures there and we picked up some old man's beard and then hopped back into the car and went home. The drive was long, but we managed to see some really great sights and standing there on the bridge was an amazing feeling in itself.
On Wednesday we took a trip down to the locks and were able to see a couple boats go through, although the salmon ladder was closed for repair so that was a bit of a bummer. We rode our bikes and had a chance to see some of Seattle closer up. On the way home we stopped at Red Mill Hamburgers and had a couple of burgers and some fries. One of the best burgers I've ever eaten. After that, we headed over to the gallery space where his show was going to be and we set everything up except for the one frame that the glass broke on. It was late by the time we got finished so we stopped at the store and bought some frozen pizza and headed back home to cook it up. It was three meat pizza which had a really confusing description of what the meat was. I don't even know.Thursday was the big day, and in the morning we went out and bought a new piece of glass for his frame and then went to a nearby town (Fremont, I think) and had lunch at a nice little Greek place. Very good, fresh salad. Then we went home, got changed, and headed on out to the show. Since it was First Thursday, which is a big art walk thing every first Thursday of the month, a lot of people came into the gallery to look at his work. I was so happy to see so many people interested in it and willing to stop and talk to him and ask him questions. It was a long night, which concluded with a bunch of friends coming back to his house and playing a game of celebrity soup bowl. I think that's what it was called. Anyway, it is a game where everyone writes names on a piece of paper and then puts them in the middle pot. They then go around and pick pieces of paper and have to try to get their partner to guess the name on the paper by giving them clues.
Then came Friday. We stopped and grabbed some burritos from Taco Time and went out to the Golden Groves beach and ate it on the sand. It was so nice and calming and a perfect way to end my stay there. I was very reluctant to finally leave, but with a long drive ahead, I finally drove away at a little after 3. On the beach we found some really cool crabs and shells and other little things that we played around with for a while.
All day Friday I drove and slept at a rest stop.
Saturday I drove to Yellowstone and spent about 7 hours there before leaving. I saw a lot of the hot springs and saw Old Faithful go off. I was planning on camping there, but when it started snowing, I though it was time to leave so I just drove for a couple hours and slept in the car again. It rained the whole day and was very miserable. Maybe I should head back west?
Yesterday was a drive to Bismarck where I just hung out with my couchsurfing hosts, and today I made my way to Fargo. It rained again all day so I haven't been taking pictures. I'm sure I can find something on the way to Iowa tomorrow.
Until then..
Steam blows from your ears
as your hands clench into fists.
I turn to walk away
from your screams in my direction.
03 June 2009
The Camera Has Returned
I should update.
But I don't really feel like it..
I still have to plan out what I'll be doing when I leave here. More later.
Rocks and trees and shrubs
reach from the ground to a brighter day.
The sun peeks out from the clouds
just to say hello.
But I don't really feel like it..
I still have to plan out what I'll be doing when I leave here. More later.
Rocks and trees and shrubs
reach from the ground to a brighter day.
The sun peeks out from the clouds
just to say hello.
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