Dog gallery
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Transition/Migration
Riding home this morning, it's kind of gloomy, drizzling, cold. Then as I come over the rise on Rt. 17 into Mahwah, I see the mountain. It's half shrouded in fog. Looks like something out of Transylvania. But the mountain looks different than it did yesterday. Suddenly everything is in bloom. We went from brown to green overnight.
Spring has arrived in a big way on the mountain. And tonight the tree frogs started their annual migration across Stagg Hill. (For some reason they cross the road by the thousands from west to east. They do this particularly when it is raining and tonight it is pouring. They make a lot of noise too. You'd swear you were in a jungle or rain forrest. To see this is amazing. Something almost biblical about it. We also had some thunder and lightning. You would think that would scare the cats but they seemed to be enjoying the show. I wish they (The cats) could see the frogs, they would really go nuts.
Spring has arrived in a big way on the mountain. And tonight the tree frogs started their annual migration across Stagg Hill. (For some reason they cross the road by the thousands from west to east. They do this particularly when it is raining and tonight it is pouring. They make a lot of noise too. You'd swear you were in a jungle or rain forrest. To see this is amazing. Something almost biblical about it. We also had some thunder and lightning. You would think that would scare the cats but they seemed to be enjoying the show. I wish they (The cats) could see the frogs, they would really go nuts.
The two girls below are classmates who were generous enough to slip away with me from class and take part in my bathroom project. No, they don't typically smoke in the men's room, but I think they like the concept.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Students
I'm getting such a good time from my students, former and current. I have to remind myself occasionally why I teach. Sara (See below) took some classes with me. No, that's not how she got pregnant - wise ass! But it is fun watching some of these people grow. (In Sara's case she is growing in more than one way)
I hope it is as good for them as it is for me.
I hope it is as good for them as it is for me.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Keep on Trucking!
My van broke the 200,000 mile mark yesterday. Truly a milestone. It owes me nothing. It has carried me to 3 college degrees, a house, a wedding, a Superbowl, and some interesting stops along the way. Some of you have tolerated it's loud and bumpy ride. A few of you have changed costume in it. Without it I might never have known you. I hope it's replacement treats me half as well.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Blessed
In spite of my irreverence, I remain blessed. The Irish Catholic kid in spite of himself must be doing something right or I wouldn't be this fortunate. I have a friend who marvels at my friends. They come from all generations, walks of life and social strata.
He marvels that many of them are not only younger than I, but that many are women. Some of them terribly attractive women. He asks me, how do you do that? How do you surround yourself with so many great people? Why are so many of them so attractive? So talented? So brilliant? So generous? So warm?
I don't have an answer. You might ask them, I won't. (Never look a gift horse in the mouth)
Oh what a lucky man.
He marvels that many of them are not only younger than I, but that many are women. Some of them terribly attractive women. He asks me, how do you do that? How do you surround yourself with so many great people? Why are so many of them so attractive? So talented? So brilliant? So generous? So warm?
I don't have an answer. You might ask them, I won't. (Never look a gift horse in the mouth)
Oh what a lucky man.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
The best you can do
Things are not going smoothly. I'm not sure that it's anyone's fault. But I'm trying my best. Not giving up.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Late night/Early morning visitor
I was bored, it's stuffy in this office and it's like 3:30 AM. So I tell my semi-conscious colleague I'm going to step outside for some fresh air. It's kinda mild out so it's actually refreshing. So there I am enjoying the moment and this dark SUV goes by and stops at the corner. Then backs up to where I am. So I'm thinking they are lost, need directions.
The driver's side door opens and out folds this woman, she is tall, long legs and smiling from ear to ear. Then I realize I know this woman. A former student, Laura. She sits on the steps and we talk for almost 45 minutes about art, life, and our time together. It doesn't occur to me to ask what she is doing out on a Monday morning at this hour but her visit is such a welcome break. As she leaves she asks if she can visit here again. Needless to say she is welcome. I can't help that this is like sneaking out of a really boring lecture to make images. I have to go outside more often. I have to slip away from class more often. I have to invite people to drop in here. So drop in!
Oh, the below-posted image is by one of my very talented students Yana.
The driver's side door opens and out folds this woman, she is tall, long legs and smiling from ear to ear. Then I realize I know this woman. A former student, Laura. She sits on the steps and we talk for almost 45 minutes about art, life, and our time together. It doesn't occur to me to ask what she is doing out on a Monday morning at this hour but her visit is such a welcome break. As she leaves she asks if she can visit here again. Needless to say she is welcome. I can't help that this is like sneaking out of a really boring lecture to make images. I have to go outside more often. I have to slip away from class more often. I have to invite people to drop in here. So drop in!
Oh, the below-posted image is by one of my very talented students Yana.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Thursday, April 07, 2005
James Brown
Like James Brown, I'm the hardest working guy in... What am I in? But like James, I feel good!
What can Brown do for you?
What can Brown do for you?
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Active Learning
In the words of Emile Faber, "Knowledge is good!"
I was just talking to Melissa Polanski on Saturday about how determined I am to never bore my students. And how tempting it was to slip away during a break to make a few quick images. So last night I'm sitting in a class and we hit a really slow moment and it hits me. I turn to the kid next to me, (I apologize, I don't remember her name) and proposition her about being photographed. She didn't hesitate for a second. How cool is that? Anywho I have to keep active learning near the top of my list.
I was just talking to Melissa Polanski on Saturday about how determined I am to never bore my students. And how tempting it was to slip away during a break to make a few quick images. So last night I'm sitting in a class and we hit a really slow moment and it hits me. I turn to the kid next to me, (I apologize, I don't remember her name) and proposition her about being photographed. She didn't hesitate for a second. How cool is that? Anywho I have to keep active learning near the top of my list.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Awash in work
Peg brings up a really good observation. Are we really just busier this time of year? Or as we suffering from spring fever?
Monday, April 04, 2005
Weekend
Never mind the rain... Jennifer and Lorraine, you never fail to impress me, but this time we really went too far! I'm still seeing stars. I can't wait to show you this.
Then Melissa arrives and totally hammers this project. Bernard, thanks for putting everyone at ease.
Sunday I find myself in a completely different place, church. John and Rose Russo renewing their vows 50 years later. They looked like a million bucks each. Danced with Rose, then slipped out quietly. I'm really happy for them, they looked like they were having a great day. They are both a great influence in my life. A bit odd being under the same roof with the 5 sisters.
All this took what little attention I have to spare off the Pope. I guess in the grand scheme of things he was a great leader. Even if he left so many with issues about their faith. Better luck to the next guy.
Then Melissa arrives and totally hammers this project. Bernard, thanks for putting everyone at ease.
Sunday I find myself in a completely different place, church. John and Rose Russo renewing their vows 50 years later. They looked like a million bucks each. Danced with Rose, then slipped out quietly. I'm really happy for them, they looked like they were having a great day. They are both a great influence in my life. A bit odd being under the same roof with the 5 sisters.
All this took what little attention I have to spare off the Pope. I guess in the grand scheme of things he was a great leader. Even if he left so many with issues about their faith. Better luck to the next guy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
