I’m not sure that the bartender appreciated me walking behind her bar to take this shot … but I just could not help myself!
Blue Reflection
Category Archives: Reflections
Almost Made It …
Caught in the rain. Worth it … for the ride and the image.
#cellphonephotography #straightfromthephone
The Road Ahead
The road of life offers many opportunities and challenges,
and sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between the two.
Sometimes the direction seems foggy or unclear,
with obstacles blocking the way.
Soon enough though, the way will be made clear, and we’ll see the future as it should be.
The world around us will be peaceful once again,
while the spirit, made stronger because of the struggle, soars.
This small collection of photos was taken at various points this past week, a week that was filled with far too many twists in the road, and not near enough opportunities to use my camera.
I’m quite sure that many of you experienced the same. Let’s all just breath … it’s going to be okay.
Riding on Sundays
Sunday rides are my therapy!
My campaign manager and I have carved out 6 hours in the week for time on the bike and time with friends. While the rest of the week is devoted to work and the campaign, those 6 hours on Sunday are for ME! This ride was extra special because my friends and I were celebrating my birthday.
Dave led us through Craig County, VA on our most recent ride, and as we traveled along those curvy mountain roads, I was wishing I had a go-pro on my helmet so I could share the beauty of this county. We stopped at Fenwick Mines, the site of a 19th Century iron mining site.
Offering a wheelchair accessible trail that winds through woods and across wetlands, Fenwick Mines is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
The reflections on this overcast day kept me shooting.
The water was so still that the blue sky, breaking through the clouds, was visible in this reflection.
We rode on to Tizzone, a new wood-fired kitchen and wine bar, owned by a friend.
We enjoyed the Charcuterie and Cheese Platter, and I followed it with a Wood-Fired Smoked Gouda and fig spread on Ciabatta bread. Accompanied by a Raven’s Roost Baltic Porter, it was a delicious birthday meal. The extensive wine and beer list will require a return visit with a DD.
We left Tizzone and headed out to Parkway Brewing, a 2 year old brewery with “Fresh Beers, Artfully Crafted in the Heart of the Blue Ridge”.
Riding a bike significantly limits the intake of alcohol for me (obviously) but learning the history of the places we visit and listening to local music always provides great entertainment.
Another Roadside Attraction is a “husband and wife duo from Roanoke who perform mostly original songs on a myriad of eclectic instruments: from the Mexican guitarron, to a variety of ukuleles, to the haunting musical saw, and a homemade recycled percussion setup”. Can you see that Jordan is playing the musical saw in this image? Be sure to check out the link. Another Roadside Attraction travels the length of the US and will be heading to Mexico later in the year.
Sunday Riding: a great way to celebrate a birthday! I walked in the door and the downpour began, as did the campaign phone calls. I’m already counting down to next Sunday!
Myakka River
A wonderful weekend in Florida with friends was well worth the craziness of life upon my return. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands in the Myakka River State Park.
And while I cannot wait to share stories and photos, I’m firmly convinced it is time for a zoom lens!
I look forward to checking out your latest posts!
Feeling the Holiday Spirit
It had been a busy day in the office, but the staff found time to put up the Christmas Tree and to add some pretty lights to the waiting room. I was the last one out at the end of the day and as I prepared to walk out the door, I had to stop and admire the decorations.
The lights on the tree cast a soft reflection on the glass of the window.
The building was quietly empty and a soft rain was falling outside,
and the cars passing by on the highway added to the glow in the window.
And suddenly, I was feeling the holiday spirit.
Timing
You sit in the truck, watching the rain, and ponder. There’s no way to avoid getting the purse (with camera), lunch bag, laptop, and self at least a little wet. Then you remember that it’s just water. You take the shot, open the door … and go!
(yes … the camera was protected)
Gifts
Weekends away offer many gifts.
Time with friends and the chance to fill up with the good things in life.
Loud laughter. Quiet Conversations. New card games. Old music. Much wine. Not enough dancing.
Nourished by meals prepared together and shared around a large family table.
Long walks and talks, and peaceful moments at the river’s edge.
Early morning photography sessions and late evening songs around the campfire.
And arriving home rejuventated, with major life decisions made.
Gifts indeed.
Along the New
Before heading out of town to celebrate life and the one year anniversary from the wreck, I was able to spend a few moments along the New River. We’ve continued to have daily rain showers, making for overcast skies (and muddy shoes and pants).
Knowing that I only had a few minutes, I literally ran down the path towards the trestle.
We hope that this trestle, connecting the City of Radford and Pulaski County, will eventually be available for shared use between pedestrians, cycists, and trains.
One of our citizens spends hours making these bluebird houses. He finds the perfect spots to place the birdhouses, and monitors bluebird activity. Carl is one of those unsung local volunteers, making the natural world and the community a better place through his hard work.
You’ve heard me ask this before: how lucky am I to live just 5 minutes from this river?
Next Post: North Carolina Wineries and “finishing” the trip I started one year ago!
Living on the River
You’ve heard me praise the New River in previous posts, and I’ve commented about how lucky I am to live just minutes from it. Whether floating in a kayak or tube, or riding or sitting alongside, there’s nothing like a river to sooth the spirit.
Lately, I’ve been trying to imitate the work of some of the photographers that I follow. If you’ve visited Ron Scubadiver‘s blog, you’ve seen his beautiful reflections. Now, rest assured, I’m not comparing myself to him, but I thought of his work when I took these.
Colorful reflections on the river are lovely, but the image might have more depth in Black & White. If you are a lover of B&W, I welcome you to visit our new blog Monochromia. The blog will feature images in B&W, and is the brainchild of Joe at The Visual Chronicle, who says “We are a collaborative group of photographers, fanatics, artists and photo nuts”.
Somehow I got to be a part of this talented group of individuals. They are the pros; I’m, as you might guess, just along for the ride!!
Elina – Capturing Little Moments – http://capturinglittlemoments.wordpress.com
Robyn – Robyn Graham Photography – http://robyngrahamphotography.com
Patti – Nylon Daze – http://nylondaze.wordpress.com
Emilio – Photos By Emilio – http://emiliopasquale.wordpress.com
Joerg – The Things They Are In Pictures – http://joergthamer.wordpress.com
Joe – The Visual Chronicle – http://joeinfocus.wordpress.com
Meho – Le Mehograph – http://lemehograph.com (occasional posts)
Check out the blog and in the meantime for those of you in North America, Happy 4th and Canada Day (just a bit late).
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 