Rosa Parks

I doubt anyone needs me to explain who she was, what
she did, or why it was so important.
If you don't know, find out!
And be ashamed.

Smart Blur

This photo of a Japanese statue on the grounds of the
McNay Art Museum is a reject from that photo session
because of the huge shadow.
Instead of fixing it in PhotoShop, I jacked-around with
some of the various effect filters available.
This is 'Smart Blur', and I configured it to leave the
subject alone while making the background look almost
like it was painted.
I have used the effect several times, and while it's no
substitute for good photographic technique there are
some situations when it can help you create the
exact 'look' you are going for.

Big White Flower

The title says it all. Just a big white flower.
Still, I like this photo because of the porch
in the background, and for how well my camera
can quickly be configured to make the most of
a shot like this, since I barely paused while
walking down the sidewalk.

I'm No Angel...

...but check out my wings!
Sylvia took this so I could get in the frame,
making it the only photo on the site that I
didn't take.
Also, I don't say 'cheese' and won't take pictures of
people who do.

My Guitar

(Just a couple of photos of my guitar that
turned out better than expected.)
I was given this 1977 Ibanez Artist for Christmas
of that year, and it was Axe #1 for my entire career.
I have replaced every single piece of hardware and
electronics between 3 and five times so only the wood
and frets are original, and they're all beat up.
It still sounds incredible, and plays like a dream.


Thanks, Mom. You Rocked.

Migration

The Monarch Butterflies are now passing through
South Texas on the way to their wintering grounds
in Mexico.


Too bad the "sky-rats" don't follow them.

Accordian Festival

Yeah, you read it right.
There was an International Accordian Festival here in
San Antonio this weekend.
Acts from Kerrville to Azerbaijan were there, and the
level of musicianship displayed on the various types of
squeezeboxes was well above the pass/fail line.

Here's a couple of good-old-boys.
It's a shame you can't see their boots.




These guys were jamming in a free-form jazz kind of way.

Chalk It Up

Linda Pace, the picante sauce heiress, started "ArtPace",
a foundation that funds art in San Antonio.
One of their projects was last weekend's "Chalk It Up"
which involved closing several blocks of Houston Street in
the heart of downtown, and allowing artists, kids and
spectators to make chalk art on the sidewalks and pavement.
There was music and food and perfect weather, so by all
accounts it was a success.
Here's some photos to give y'all an idea what it was like.

Fredericksburg Texas

Here's some more photos from last Friday's trip to
this historic Hill Country town.

Ride Old Paint


Rock & Roll


'50s Buick Dealer

Autumn At Last

On Wednesday October 5th it was 103 degrees, as it had
been for two weeks.
Yesterday it hit 83 and held there for a few hours,
but as the cold front moved south the mercury dropped
like a rock.
Today it was 53 and rained for the first time since
September 11th.
A fifty degree temperature swing MUST mean that Summer
is finally over, right?
I shot this Autumnal image in the small town
of Fredericksburg Texas this afternoon, in honor of
the new season.

Cadillac vs Honda

Cavender Cadillac is one of the few remaining dealerships
near downtown, with a car lot on Broadway.
Apparently a recent test-drive didn't go so well.

This Honda is totalled, and it's driver is signing his
citations while three car salesmen look on.


The Cadillac service department is across the street from
the lot, and a mechanic has just driven there from the
accident scene--half a block in reverse.


Since it was almost 5pm on a weekday traffic was stacking up,
but the wrecker guy was very quick--maybe three minutes total.
(You can see Cavender's flag, and some of the cars behind the fence.)


Looks like the Cadillac won.

Leon Valley

Situated on Leon Creek of course, Leon Valley is a small town
just northwest of San Antonio's city limits. They have a reputation
for aggressive enforcement of the traffic laws, and an Arby's.
I have photographed this particular watertower on seven or eight
occasions, and this one from yesterday evening is my favorite so far.
It's conveniently located and sports a nice new paintjob.
The water quality is certified as superior.