Latnemele

Photo Gallery

2006-11-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

Hi all. It has been quite a long time since posting, but for the first time, I have a fair excuse. I have been part of a team of people at my work who put on a photo gallery in our building. It is only running till the 22nd of November, so if you'd like to see it in person, get moving.

There are two walls, one representing North Minneapolis, the other, Africa. I was able to take some time to make images in North along with a couple of friends. The presentation is quite interesting as we chose to mount the prints to plywood and subsequently hang the plywood panels. With a little Arrested Development circa '92 pumping through the speakers, it really feels like the real deal.

I am so proud to have been part of something like this, and to do it so well, with help from so many people behind the scenes.

Following here on my blog is a small sampling of some of my images. If you'd like to see everything that I submitted to the gallery, here is an online version: click here

Capri Theater

2006-11-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Capri Theater, originally uploaded by squatoo.

I'm amazed that this shot was even captured at all. I know better that to keep my extra batteries in my bag on a cold day rather then in an inside pocket of my jacket. But, for some reason, on this day I forgot. After shooting in one area, we moved towards this theater and were going to continue until I tried to make this image. After pressing the shutter release I heard a strange noise from the camera. It sounded like it was saying "eh, excuse me, but I'm not going to take another. I'm sorry for any inconvenience that this might causes you, but I'm done." That was it for the day. Me and my frozen batteries had to pack up and go home just as I was getting "warmed" up. That'll learn ya!

Home from school

2006-11-18T08:22:00.001-08:00

Home from school, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Room with a view

2006-11-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Room with a view, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Final Preparations

2006-11-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

Final Preparations, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Pat, a long time resident of North, said that the reason she has stayed so long is that this is home...and home is worth fighting for.

Who's there

2006-11-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

Who's there, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Looking at these abandoned mailboxes, I couldn't help but to wonder about the stories that lived here. With names scribbled in like a historic role call, these boxes show that no matter how temporary, home is home.

Waterdrop 1

2006-10-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

Waterdrop 1, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Here is a little series of water images that I am messing around with. We've all seen those great photos that allow you to see water in ways that are quite surreal. I figured that I would give it a shot but totally underestimated what it would take to do it well. These are a couple of my first tries, but there will be more to come when I can figure out how to manage waterdrops with competence. Until then.

Waterdrop 2

2006-10-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Waterdrop 2, originally uploaded by squatoo.

More waterdrop musings...

Waterdrop 3

2006-10-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Waterdrop 3, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Ok enough already.

Fall is Falling

2006-10-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Fall is Falling, originally uploaded by squatoo.

...its in the air...

Sea of Needles

2006-09-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sea of Needles, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Shade of Red

2006-09-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

Shade of Red, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Son's Art

2006-09-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

Son's Art, originally uploaded by squatoo.

My wife and son were out walking the other day when on a whim she handed him the camera. Clearly knowing exactly what to do with it, he proceeded to capture a couple of great images. Then again, to everyone but a proud papa, this looks like the kind of shot taken when you forgot the camera was on and you bump the shutter button. Oh well, as with life, perspective is everything.

It doesn't get any better than this!

2006-09-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get any better than this!, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Todays temp is struggling to reach 50 degrees. I'm struggling to say goodbye to summer. Even though fall is my favorite season, I'm still wishing I had more of those longer days...

Come to think of it though, i do really hate the heat, humidity, bugs, lack of school to wear out the kids, chaffing, sunburn, getting sunburn in places that chaff, oppressive stillness that makes sleep impossible, overcrowded parks, overcrowded beaches, overcrowded campgrounds, sweat, sweating and sweatiness. Did I mention the heat and humidity?

Well, I guess I'm glad to see it go. On with better weather, less people and more color (followed by infitessimally less color). Thus ends my ode to summer.

One Amongst

2006-09-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

One Amongst, originally uploaded by squatoo.

One seems to stand out. The others fade into the backdrop. I wonder though, if your looking from another direction, which is which.

Harbor Gull

2006-09-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Harbor Gull 3, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Mysterical.

Arthur Anderson Sunset

2006-09-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

Arthur Anderson Sunset, originally uploaded by squatoo.

I'm not dead. Well, at least not yet. Although my absence has been significant, my reasons are not. I deeply appreciate all of you who asked for my reengagement. I have, and I will.

Stormy Seas

2006-02-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

Stormy Seas, originally uploaded by squatoo.

It's been a while. Life has been unsettled lately. This image reminds me of the feeling I get when looking down a lengthy to-do list. It seems that the things you really love doing fall to the bottom while you find your self doing things that are quite meaningless...for hours. What a shame. I am convinced that life was never intended for us to be scurrying though tasks at a frenetic pace so that you might have some time to slow down and do the things you want to do, but you don't quite have enough time to really enjoy them, so you might as well just keep going on that "other" stuff that will probably make someone else "happy". *sigh* Sorry bout that. I want to make more time for this, and other creative, fun, joyful, thoughtful and exuberant expressions of life. My brain knows this, but the reality is, that tomorrow is another day...full of lists...

Hmmm

2006-02-22T18:57:00.000-08:00

CRW_8256, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Dripping Ice

2006-02-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Dripping Ice, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Watchtower gull

2005-12-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

Watchtower gull, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Sibling rivalry

2005-12-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

Sibling rivalry, originally uploaded by squatoo.

It felt good to see some color on such a dreary day.

1:01pm

2005-12-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

1:01pm, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Sun drenched pine

2005-12-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

Sun drenched pine, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Cracking stream

2005-11-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

Cracking stream, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Long ways to nowhere

2005-11-26T20:17:00.000-08:00

Long ways to nowhere, originally uploaded by squatoo.

It's a foggy kind of day.

Grey flags

2005-11-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

Grey flags, originally uploaded by squatoo.

I love environmental change. The changing of the seasons are such neat times of the year. Minnesota seems to have seasons in-between the 4 seasons and sometime those in-betweeners are more like the seasons they are replacing or welcoming. Either way, I have found it strange how much I love precipitation in all the seasons. We had our first snows recently. I love how it feels like the whole world changed in seeing my first few flakes. I'm not sure what thats about, I guess it's the suppressed adventurer in me who's tired of sitting behind a desk or hiding behind family responsibilities expressing its need to transmute.

Yawning companion

2005-11-16T17:52:00.000-08:00

Yawning companion, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Sometimes you just get lucky.

Gateway to nowhere

2005-11-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

Gateway to nowhere, originally uploaded by squatoo.

I could waste this post on apologies and 101 excuses as to why its been so long since I have been able to post. I'm tired of wasting more than just posts. Here is one that should get us started back on track. Thank you for being here.

Golden retreat

2005-10-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

CRW_7501, originally uploaded by squatoo.

This past weekend I was able to take a quick day trip to Gooseberry Falls State Park and capture the last remains of the falls colors on the shores of Gitche Gumee. That place dressed in its' fall foliage is so magical. I should have a little run of images to share with you. That hopefully means some more frequent updates!

Ladybug in thistle

2005-10-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

CRW_7416, originally uploaded by squatoo.

This might be a bit hard to see. There is a little ladybug hanging out in this Flodman's thistle that is covered in the morning dew. I don't seem to run across things like this too often when carrying my camera. Oftentimes I see things like this without my camera and get frustrated that I wasn't prepared or anticipating it.
As time goes by I have begun to recognize that not all of these gifts are meant to be shared. Sometimes its just you and all the creative power that makes this world tick standing there together, marveling at one another. To do something that would try to "capture" that moment would only ruin it. You must stand there for as long as it takes (an believe me, I want it to take as long as possible) and enjoy it with your whole being.
Then, just as you stumbled upon it, it fades without fanfare as time begins to pass again and one must return to the supposed "realities" of life.
But now with a sense of so much more.

Northwest vitality

2005-10-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

CRW_7508, originally uploaded by squatoo.

If you've been there, you can still smell it can't you?

Grass on blue

2005-10-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

CRW_7373, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Nocturnal Pastime

2005-10-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Nocturnal Pastime, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Todays temp started at 68 degrees. By morning it will be in the 30's. Tonight, I honor the passing of warm days into the dimmer cold of winter.

Jesus in red

2005-09-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Jesus in red, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Time setting

2005-09-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Time setting, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Reflecting on the cross

2005-09-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

Reflecting on the cross, originally uploaded by squatoo.

I thought I had seen everything that I was going to see on this evening. It was quite dark. I started packing up my things when I saw this bird bath resting out in the middle of a large lawn. I was instantly confronted by the choice; pack up and rest or wander over, take your time, and see if anything is there.
I often read about photographers who nearly missed a great shot because they thought they had captured everything they could. I am not proclaiming this to be a "great" piece. I am however, glad that I looked.
Reflecting upon my choices and the fact that I could walk away yet stayed in it, brings more meaning to this photograph than what is actually there.

The King is standing

2005-09-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Kings back, originally uploaded by squatoo.

I was wandering around a catholic retreat center the other day (that sure sounds pretentious) and was captivated by the statues in the gardens. I spend some time exploring with my eyes and my heart. These images don't seem to me to be substantial, but they do have a presence. That presence is what drew me to them in the first place. I didn't like the obvious parts. I didn't stand on the little pads that were placed so that you could see just what the artist had in mind. I liked the mystery of why they were there. Is He watching something. Maybe a guard of some great treasure. It might just be really late and I'm getting a bit delirious, but I think I could feel more than carved block of stone standing in front of me. Might that come through to you? Who knows.

Mary in colors

2005-09-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

Mary in colors, originally uploaded by squatoo.

A little color adds some drama. I am told that this statue is rare in that Mary is "looking to heaven" with head and heart. Not the usual position for Mary in the catholic church. Maybe that is why I was so drawn to it. It's possible that my head and heart assumed the same posture when I captured this image.

The hand of Mary

2005-09-13T20:26:00.001-07:00

The hand of Mary, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Kings side

2005-09-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Kings side, originally uploaded by squatoo.

It feels like He's looking at something. Not sure what. That is up to you.

Lowly Fall

2005-08-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Lowly Fall, originally uploaded by squatoo.

I'll try to make this the last of the "little waters" series that seems to have grabbed most of my attention lately. I guess I still get quite excited when I start seeing things that I have looked at many times before in new ways. Hmm. Isn't that the point of being a photographer? Maybe I really am becoming one. There is always hope. Goodnight.

Deadwood Companion

2005-08-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Deadwood Companion, originally uploaded by squatoo.

This downed tree and stacked rock caught my attention while I was wandering Middle Falls at Gooseberry State Park. It seemed to be a placid scene...until I looked a little longer, and slower, and maybe a bit deeper.

Amid the Boil

2005-08-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

Amid the Boil, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Amazing what you can see when you slow things down enough to see what's really happening right in front of you. Let the philosophical blathering begin. No, really, I'd like to hear it.

Smooth Through

2005-08-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Smooth Through, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Something to soothe you...

Fissure Flowers

2005-07-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

Fissure Flowers, originally uploaded by squatoo.

It's been a bit of time since my last post. Time. It never seems to be on my side. In an attempt to escape the Africa heat we had this week, we drove 4 hours north to visit some family. It was just as bad there so after a bit of begging, my merciful bride send me on my way to natures air conditioner; Lake Superior. I never grow tired of being there. I had just enough time to make some images that I will be posting for the next few days. Time. I feel it breathing down my neck. Will it stop? No. The state of "being" that does not feel slammed by what's next used to be easier for me to enter into. Breathe deep. Now is where it starts...right?

On the edge

2005-07-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

On the edge, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Water, rocks, wind and sun combine to create a favorable environment for these little flowers to bloom. They seem like they don't belong. I have seem them many times, but for some reason, they always surprise me.

Hidden Treasure

2005-07-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hidden Treasure, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Splashing Superior

2005-07-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Splashing Superior, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Superior is a magical lake. Time seems to pass at a different rate here. In fact, when standing on these rocks I often wonder if time is even passing at all. How long have these same rock sat hear taking such abuse from these ancient waters? I get lost in its bigness and smallness. I sat here for a little rest after shooting hard for a couple of hours and was just as mesmerized by the great expansive waters were you can't even tell where the horizon is. But just as enthralling was the waves crashing into the rocks close by. Its all therapy one way or another.

The First Step

2005-07-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

The First Step, originally uploaded by squatoo.

A post for a posts sake is just a post...unless it comes with a photo.

Resigning Duck

2005-06-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

050516SilverWoodCRW_5777, originally uploaded by squatoo.

It may be hard to see in this small format, but the duck that was out for an evening stroll made me envious. When I first started watching it, I was jealous of what seemed to be an inherent freedom. A half an hour later, I realized that I had drifted into a similar state of mind and was quite relaxed.
I was then horrified by my next thought. "If I could only have this duck around all the time, relaxation could be mine whenever I wanted."
Let's hear it for the "American Dream" still being alive and well in me!

Paper Birch Texture

2005-06-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

050516SilverWoodCRW_5767, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Michele in the sun

2005-06-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

IMG_6134, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Strange how quickly thing change. One minute all is well and your major issue is trying to find a campsite for next weekend and then...

I feel quite helpless. If I could do anything, I'm not sure that I would right now. That sounds pretty harsh but I think that would make the reality of the situation very apparent. I would rather extend this time of denial. Is that ok?

One of the hardest parts of seeing my friends hurting is that fact that I think about myself all the time. Being selfish in the face of such critical health issues seems "bottom of the barrel" kind of low. I just want Michele to get better. Thats what my mouth keeps saying. I think what I really want is for all of this to never have happened returning my friendships, work relationships, party schedule, responsibilities, and otherwise back to normal.

That's hard to say.

I have counseling type friends that tell me that this selfish thinking is normal. Sickness is normal. I don't want that either.

I'll stop now. Sorry to put you through that. I guess this blog works for more than just photographic therapy.

Simple Pleasures

2005-06-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

IMG_6143, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Streams of more than water

2005-05-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

050509WmObrienSPCRW_5741, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Spent the weekend at William Obrien State Park. The weather was a bit unpredictable, but isn't it always. Things were suprisingly undeveloped given that just 30 miles away home is in full bloom. This stream marks the norther border of the park and is the main turning point of a nice little trail. I hadn't had the chance to pull the camera out much before that given the "family" responsibilities. When my wife pointed this little sanctuary out to me she was gracious enough to give me a little time to explore. Its amazing how quick the juices can start flowing when given the oppertunity. I have only been home for 24 hours and I am already feeling caged up, looking forward to my next chance at drinking from that eternal creative stream.

At the site of rest

2005-05-09T21:20:00.001-07:00

050509WmObrienSPIMG_5703, originally uploaded by squatoo.

While breathing deep...

2005-05-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

050509WmObrienSPCRW_5749, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Sweet Whites

2005-05-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

050509WmObrienSPCRW_5711, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Sun Through Pines

2005-04-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sun Through Pines, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Wounded Trunk

2005-04-25T19:20:00.002-07:00

Wounded Trunk, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Deadwood Adrift on Loon Lake

2005-04-25T19:20:00.001-07:00

Deadwood Adrift on Loon Lake, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Early Budding

2005-04-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

Early Budding, originally uploaded by squatoo.

We spent the weekend up north and I ran over to Savanna Portage State Park to check it out as a possible camping location later this summer. I brought my camera even though it was midday. The lighting was lousey and most things are still waking from their winter slumbers, but the spirit was moving during my first trip up north this spring. Enjoy.

Sunset clouds through branches

2005-04-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

Sunset clouds through branches, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Oh, summer is comming isn't it? I can smell it in the air. I might have been in the middle of an inhalation when I made this image. At least thats what it makes me think of as I peer into it.

Sunset Gull at Silverwood

2005-04-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

Sunset Gull at Silverwood, originally uploaded by squatoo.

A new park opened up close to my house a couple of weeks ago. I have a feeling it will be a much needed getaway (if you can call getting out of the house for 30 mins). I saw this gull flying around during sunset, both of which were very calming.

A long way to go, and a short time to get there...

2005-04-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

A long way to go, and a short time to get there..., originally uploaded by squatoo.

My son, he has what some call "energy" or "spirit". For me, I call it exhaustion. I work so hard trying to subdue his activities, but somehow when step back long enough to make an image like this, I smile and hope neither fades.

Reaching for the stars.

2005-04-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Reaching for the stars., originally uploaded by squatoo.

God is the details. That is what they say. I spend most of my energy in life trying to get those details right. Perfectionizm, when let free to roam, will chew up most of the pasture. I am here to reclaim some small corner of the pasture. Hopefully a corner that has a lake.

Here I am.

2005-04-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

myeyes, originally uploaded by squatoo.

Hello. I am here. I hope you love me.