Photography, the Arts, and Other Things

Macro Photography: Objects of Importance

2010-09-25T00:43:00.000-05:00

My wife Dee, bought me a wonderful tool to add to my collection of photography equipment. It is a portable macro photography studio set Digital Concepts PS 101. It consists of two lights a background and light diffuser box, along with a desktop tripod. I had taken my first opportunity to try it on the 16th of July 2010. Here are my results.

This was my Grandfather's watch. Handed down to me years ago.
It does not work but is special to me.
This photo was taken with my EOS Digital Rebel XT.

Shooting Mode    Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed )    1/60
Av( Aperture Value )    8.0
Metering Mode    Partial Metering
Auto exposure Bracketing    +2/3
ISO Speed    1600
Lens    18.0 - 55.0 mm
Focal Length    49.0 mm
Image was re sampled down to 800x1200 pixels, and lightly enhanced using Corel Photo Paint 9 TM.

This is a collection of things that have sentimental value
to me that have been given to me by my wife, and/or kept.
This was the arrangement that suited me best.
This photo was taken with my EOS Digital Rebel XT.

Shooting Mode    Manual Exposure
Tv( Shutter Speed )    1/30
Av( Aperture Value )    9.0
Metering Mode    Partial Metering
Auto exposure Bracketing    +2/3
ISO Speed    1600
Lens    18.0 - 55.0 mm
Focal Length    42.0 mm
Image was re sampled down to 800x1200 pixels, and lightly enhanced using Corel Photo Paint 9 TM.

Just having more fun with photography.

Smile its a Dogs Life

2010-08-10T08:24:00.000-05:00

Draco just loving life.

One of my favorite subjects to photograph is Draco

our French Bulldog. He is full of personality.

Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT

Shooting Date/Time 5/29/2010 8:19:48 PM

Shooting Mode Auto

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60

Av( Aperture Value ) 4.0

Metering Mode Evaluative Metering

Exposure Compensation 0

ISO Speed 400

Focal Length 70.0 mm

Image Size 3456x2304 (Original File modified for WEB and posted here)

Image Quality Fine

Flash Type Built-In Flash

Flash Exposure Compensation 0

Hawaii 2008

2009-06-29T03:04:00.004-05:00

It has been a long time since I posted anything new on this site so I thought I would try something new. If you click on the photograph below you will go to my Flickr slide show from my 2008 Hawaii trip.

Enjoy.
AAE

Chris's Artwork

2009-01-07T21:02:00.008-06:00

In the next two posts I will focus on the Artwork of my son Chris and later my daughter in law Sara. Both are very good artists and musicians. I will start with my oldest son Chris, who is a really creative person. He draws with great inspiration and expression I have always admired his abilities and so wanted to share some of his works. This is a long overdue post that I intended to do a year ago, but I guess the time was not right. To express more of his talents he plays guitar, bass and mandolin very well and is mostly self taught. So without further fanfare here are three of his drawings.

Bubble Tree.

Jim's Hall

Old Man Pipe

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Just a footnote about the slide shows to the right of this blog. They may change from time to time but the photos will remain at the sites they are on for future viewing. Click on them and see more.

More Photography Adventures/ San Saba Texas II

2007-11-20T21:27:00.000-06:00

This is the second installment of Photographs from San Saba Texas.

These elephant ears are really something.

This shot was taken at f8 20mm 1/4000 sec

These flowers were shot with the macro setting

A different view of the gardens elephant ears again

More Photography Adventures/ San Saba Texas

2007-11-18T21:45:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted much here in a while and I felt that I should share what new material I have come up with. I had a very good conversation with a young future photographer. She works in a local Radio Shack, and the conversation came up while I was looking at some of their light weight tripods. She is taking photography in school and so I gave her some of my photographic philosophy and some tips on buying a 35mm SLR which is required for the course. Some of you are thinking why use 35mm, well I still use my 35mm SLR in concert with my EOS Rebel XT. Each has qualities that work for me and even though it costs a bit more to use my 35 it still has a place in my creative repertoire. I have been experimenting with electronic photo albums with some good results. I am of course not doing photography professionally at the time because my full time job is very time intensive. Well enough talk.

If you follow the link (which is also the above title) you will learn more about San Saba Texas, I will leave that up to you. I am simply going to share photographs from that walk about.

Waterwheel from the Millpond Park San Saba Texas

Waterwheel from the Millpond Park San Saba Texas

I have this habit of shooting similar images over and over again with differing composure's

The waterfall at Millpond Park

I'm going to break up the posting of all the photographs I took on this walk about because there are quite a few. About the equipment I used for these photographs; I was using the Canon EOS Rebel XT with an 18-55mm 3.5 max aperture lens. I used combinations of auto settings and manual settings depending upon the desired effect.

More Images from Germany

2007-04-16T22:49:00.000-05:00

Philosophenweg: The Philosopher's Path Part Two

The following images are taken from the Philosophers
Path.

Another image overlooking the 600 year old Church of
The Holy Ghost and the Karl-Theodor bridge (old bridge).
More detailed images of the church and bridge will follow
in later posts.

The Heidelberg Schloss is in the background of this image.

Another view.

Church of The Holy Ghost, in old Heidelberg.

I saw this interesting weather vane.

I've got many more images to share.
Art.

The Continuing Adventures a Few Frames at a time

2007-04-10T23:18:00.000-05:00

Philosophenweg: The Philosopher's Path
Part One

I regret not seeing as much of Germany
as I had intended when I had arrived.
During my last days there, I made it a
point to get out and see some of the
places I had not seen. I had to work
around the weather conditions.

"snake path" (Schlangenweg)
Taking the snake path is like traveling into a
medieval adventure. It starts on the North
end of the Old Bridge and goes right up
about a 100 meters up the side of the
hill to the Philosophers Path itself.

Venture into a past world.

Looking back down the path

Continuing up the old cobblestones and steps

The first views from a lower resting place

The sun and the mist tends to washout the images some

I will continue the adventure soon.
Art.

Glass Menagerie: Fun with Macro Photography

2007-03-01T15:29:00.000-06:00

Dee collects crystal figures. She also has a wonderful
ability to arrange them in a creative manner. The
Below images are of one of Dee's arrangements.
I of course was compelled, when I saw this arrangement
for the first time year before last, to experiment with
some macro photography detailing her arrangement.
Behold Dee's Glass Menagerie.

Detailed View with some photo editing.

Two Pieces of Art by Art

2007-02-10T18:26:00.000-06:00

Back in 1997, I was station in Camp Stanley South Korea for my one year hardship tour. During that time I was able to create at least a couple of pieces of art. It is sad
but true I had many more items that would be of interest but I simply lost track of them over the years.

Watercolor on 80 weight 8.5x11
inch drawing paper. Untitled

Drawing Pencil on 16x12 inch
butcher paper. Untitled

I really need to do more time permitting.
AAE

Trip to Garmisch Entry for 13 January 2006

2007-01-11T15:03:00.000-06:00

It has been quite a while since I posted anything
here. Of course the only items you have seen in
this blog so far are those that I had available
from Iraq. Those of you who have followed
my photos and writings from there know that
I am back in Heidelberg Germany and still
on leave. I’m glad to be back home with my
wife Dee, our Dog Draco and Cat Sebastian.
The following photographs are actually from
the second of two trips Dee and I have made
to the Bavarian Alp resort area. Check out the
following link and description from that link.

Travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Situated 97kms southwest of Munich at the
base of the Zugspitze, the country’s highest
mountain (2,963m), is the Olympic city of
Garmisch – Partenkirchen, the best and most
famous ski resort in Germany. The resort
offers excellent beginner schools, new and
advanced expert runs, as well as perfect terrain
for intermediates. Host of the 1936 Winter
Olympics, Garmisch – Partenkirchen is an
all-rounder with a sparkling heritage.
Garmisch and especially Partenkirchen
maintain an ancient village charm, while
merging as twin villages to form Germany’s
top Alpine resort. Fine jewellery and
handicraft shops, along with sports stores
and fashionable boutiques, make up the variety
of shopping opportunities in the centre.
There are 60kms of marked ski runs over
44 slopes at Garmisch – Partenkirchen,
with a longest run of seven kilometres.
Beginners get almost half of all slopes,
while intermediate and advanced skiers
get perfect terrain. Around 33,000 skiers
per hour are transported by one cogwheel
train, four cable cars, two gondolas, six chairlifts,
and 23 surface lifts, making up the 36 lifts at the
resort. Although Garmisch - Partenkirchen
lacks a ski kindergarten, it provides a children’s
school for ages four upwards. You won’t spend
too much time searching for accommodation,
with the middle of each town offering wonderful,
often luxurious hotels to farmhouses at the resort,
which has over 9,600 available beds. Fantastic
old Bavarian restaurants permeate Garmisch,
while both towns have big hotels providing
elegant après-ski, plus facilities including a
casino, bars, discos, concerts, theatres and
a cinema. A common lift ticket links the two
largest nearby Austrian Alpine villages of
Lermoos and Seefeld, with Garmisch –
Partenkirchen. The top of the Zugspitze is
accessible by railway and cable car, completing
a classic journey, and affording a panorama
which extends far over the Alps and Bavarian
lowlands. The summit can also be reached from
the Austrian side of the border. November to
May means a long ski season, with the start
and end of the season, as well as mid-January,
offering the best deals. To arrive at Garmisch -
Partenkirchen with the least fuss, fly to Munich
or Innsbruck and hire a vehicle for an awe-
inspiring journey through the mountains.

The following series of photographs were
taken with my Canon EOS Rebel XT.
This is only the second time I've had it
out on an extensive shoot. I will be posting
the results of my shoot with my
Minolta 370x 35mm on the next post.
That one will include our photos from
our 2005 visit there.

I kind of need to space this out a bit.

Below, Dee is on the balcony
of our room at the Edelweiss
lodge.

Sometimes I photograph a subject from
several perspectives, digital is an advantage
for this because of film and procssing costs.

Dee and I didn’t get to see all we wanted to see from either

trip, but there is a good chance we will get back there

during the summer this time and see more.I was going

to elaborate on the settings used to capture the shots

I am posting from a technical point of view, but I will

not go that far at this time unless I feel something needs

to be pointed out about a photograph.

Have a wonderful New Year.

AAE

More Walkabout Photography

2006-10-30T16:05:00.000-06:00

Yes I'm still posting more photographs from
My last Walkabout. I took quite a few on
this last one, and am putting the better ones
here.

I may well get out there a couple of more
times before I leave. I have to apply my
time effectively for this last little bit.

Just more of my perspective.
AAE

More photography from Walkabout

2006-10-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

Just a few more Photographs and thousands
more unspoken words.

These things I see through the lens of my
camera, some good some bad. Images that
tell tales and stories. Moving me more than
the words of great poets, or authors. Painting
instantly those things around me.

I took these the same day I did the ones in
my previous post.

Welcome again to my perspective.
AAE

Just Photography from Walkabout.

2006-10-22T21:32:00.000-05:00

While out on walkabout. I saw
a few things that I felt I needed
to shoot photos of.
These are just a few.

Did I need to say more?
I don't think so.

Fragmented Perception

2006-10-17T18:32:00.000-05:00

Looking yourself in the mirror of you life,
face to face with who or what you are.
Or is it what you think you are? Facing
long days and dark overly silent nights,
trying to make sense of those things you
have seen, tasted, touch and smelled.
Your senses shattered, mind scattered and
tattered, by the horrible reality around you.
You take on a different likeness unlike
yourself, a fractured perception of what
you are. You no longer know the sum of
all the parts, because they do not always
fit, not like they use to. Where is that
person who you were, what really
happened to him? Moving from light
to darkness and back again, trying to
find your soul. You scream silently in
your soul for quiet from the screams in
your mind and pray the smell of burning
flesh will leave you forever. It never
leaves along with the emptiness that
is constant that you find no relief for.
Look behind you and see yourself
following, like a specter haunting yourself.

Welcome to a Fragmented Perception
Just another perspection.

More about Leave

2006-10-08T20:36:00.000-05:00

During the first couple of days of my leave,
Dee had not yet made it to the US. It is hard
coordinating leave from overseas sometimes.
I spent a lot of time with my Son, Daughter,
Grandson, and granddaughter, during those
days. It does my soul good to look at these
photographs of these Grandchildren. The
beauty of the whole thing is that I am still
young enough to enjoy participating with them.
Shadrach

Ocean

I miss them.
Art

Going on leave

2006-10-05T22:49:00.000-05:00

These are photographs overlooking the wing
and engine of the plane I flew home in on leave.
I took these images because I liked the
contrasting of the plane over the blanket
of clouds.

Our flight took us to Budapest http://english.budapest.hu/Engine.aspx ,
which unfortunately it was night so we didn't see much.
Then to Ireland http://www.shannonregiontourism.ie/ We arrived
just at daybreak. On to Newfoundland
http://www.newfoundlandandlabradortourism.com/home.zap
We came in during the day and I have to tell
you, Dee and I are going to see this place
some day. Talk about beautiful wooded
areas, lakes, and from my understanding
many other sights to see. From there on to
the USA, and my family. More to come
from this story.

Just a view
Art.

I guess I needed to clear something up. I'm
already back to work from leave, I'm just
relating the story of the trip.

Our Grandchildren

2006-09-27T20:25:00.000-05:00

Dee and I are not one bit bias as grandparents, we know that we have absolutely the cutest grand-children. Leave was great, spending time with the family.

Shadrach

Ocean

Both of these Photos were taken
With the Canon EOS Digital RebelXT
Dee bought me.

The Throne at Al Faw

2006-08-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

Ok this is one of the rare times you will see me in a photograph. I took this using a tripod and that Fuji Finepix A210. A little history about the throne. This throne was given to Saddam by Yassir Arafat.

Yes I really look like this at 0300hrs in the morning after work

The emblem in middle is a representation of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem; also know as the Dome of the Rock. The inlay says “Holiness to us” on the sides and on the Top it says “victory from God and success is near” It is not clear that, that is the translation as there are differing documents the other document says the translation is “Jerusalem is ours”, on the sides, and on the top it says, “Victory from God and conquest is near,”

Detail 1

Detail 2

Detail 3

The book at the top has a verse from the chapter of the Koran Entitled “The Israelites” “AL-Isra” Its translation is “Glory to Allah, who took His servant for a journey, by night, from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts God did bless.

Detail of the Book

Detail of the arms

Detail of the Brass Urn
No history on it sorry

I have been waiting on doing this post until I got a
good self shot in the throne. Hope you enjoy.

Article from U.S. Army V Corps Artillery

2006-08-15T12:17:00.000-05:00

This is a link to the original article:
http://www.vcorps.army.mil/news/2006/july3_bagpiper_release.pdf

This Article can be seen at:
MUSICAL V CORPS MAJOR

These are the Photographs MAJ
Gunther and I wanted the PAO to use.

Here is a link of interest:
http://www.vcorps.army.mil/VictoryForward/default.htm

Mosque at Sunrise

2006-08-13T19:50:00.000-05:00

I Beautiful Mosque along the waters with flowers in the foreground at morning.
Photograph taken in June.

Palms, Cedars, and T Walls Photos From April

2006-08-13T15:34:00.000-05:00

There is a grove of date palms and cedars all together in this one small plot. When it is hot like it has been and the cedars bake in the sun, if you pass by early in the morning the fragrance of cedar fills the air. It is as if you had just opened a chest made of that wonderfully aromatic wood. The palms are really beautiful in their own way. I find myself enjoying the appearance of the palm fronds spreading out from the center of the trunk.

These are T-Walls, large concrete barriers used for protection. I just thought they looked kind of interesting in a still life sort of way. Laying in stacks on the ground waiting to be set up.

Sometimes the mundane simple and plain things in life are artistic in their own way.
Welcome to my perspective.
AAE

Welcome to the Bat Mound

2006-08-08T18:01:00.000-05:00

I thought I would show you all something different and a little weird from over here. They call this thing the Bat Mound. Just a little strange looking isn't, probably in more ways than one. Apparently the bats use it to hang on at night and the birds use it during the day. I cannot confirm the bats using it, but if you look off to the right of the lower photograph the birds do use it by day.

This is a view looking right up the side of the mound. Just as I was taking this photo I was thinking I sure hope the birds behave themselves.

This thing is right near where I live so I see it every single day will I miss it? No way.
I know it this is not as pretty and fantastic as marble Palaces but hey I got to show you some other stuff too.
AAE

Same Subject New Perspectives from Al Faw

2006-07-31T17:44:00.000-05:00

I'm going for a different twist on this posting this time. I managed to get some new photos, and used a tripod to get some of them. I am adding a little history along with this post to.

Faw is one of 8 presidential palaces used for hunting and recreation by Baathist party members and Saddam Hussein and his family. Both sons had matching villas on the artificial lake. There were houseboats to move them around, often they would cruise the lake and take tea at one of the artificial islands.

Below a different view of the rotunda. Notice you see eight of the sixteen columns in this view.

The palace was built to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Iraqi Army in regaining the Al Faw peninsula, located in southern Iraq. In February 1986 the Iranian Army successfully captured the area as part of a plan to cut Iraqi oil export. It would take the Iraqi Army two years to recapture the lost ground. Mustard gas was targeted at approximately 8,000 to 10,000 Iranian troops during this period. Thousands of Iraqi soldiers would also die in the Faw Peninsular campaign – a true war for oil.

New view of the ceiling details.

Visitors walking into the palace are greeted with the words “Peace be to the fighters of the Faw Peninsula.”
The palace is surrounded by a lake and villa complex. The lakes are filled with fish and carp. The rumors that the lake contained bodies of victims of Hussein have not been proven – nor has the lake been drained to find out. The large “Saddam Bass” are a specially bred fish with diamond scales and a green color. (See my below article on the fauna).

This is a closer view of the top of the chandelier.

The bottom of the chandelier,

The building and construction of AL Faw complex was started in 1989 and completed just prior to Desert Storm. It was declared off limits to UN Arms inspectors in 1998 – one of the events which brought Iraq under intense scrutiny
by the US.

Excerpts from a history on Al Faw author unknown. Possibly U.S. Army Historian.

Hey Theres Something Fowl and Something Fishy- It must be the Fauna

2006-07-23T17:44:00.000-05:00

Below feathered friends by the lake.

Look at those fish no one knows for sure what
all they have been eating in the past.

Wow there are some big ones.
Art.

Look to the Setting Sun

2006-07-21T16:08:00.000-05:00

Each day I look to the West to watch the setting sun,
and dream of my true love.

AAE

Untitled Haiku

2006-07-21T16:05:00.000-05:00

22 July 2006 0100hrs

Black bodies flitting wings
Dancing back, forth, up and down
Little bat eat more

AAE

Mosque

2006-07-18T18:09:00.000-05:00

The below photographs were taken on one of my walkabouts at one of our other wonderful sights. These were taken about the 18th of June.

Everyone Take Care.
AAE tm

More from the Rotunda

2006-07-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

It is hard not to come back to the subject of the Rotunda. I was spelling it wrong on the first couple of posts. Rotunda is correct. The below shot was taken from a counter top (no tripod at that time) I will be doing some more photos with a tripod that I finally got.

The two photos below were taken from the second level using one of the handrail posts from the stair case as a tripod. Amazing what you can do to make things work when you have to.

When I get on a computer with good photo software I might try to make these two panoramic.

Here is the second level from an interesting point of view.

You just got to love this Spiral Staircase. This is a view from the second level.

Everyone that walks into this place cannot help but look around. It is interesting to watch the people who work here as they walk in.

Everyone take care.

AAE tm

Local Art and Colour

2006-07-14T15:31:00.000-05:00

Below is wall art done as tiles in the
building serving as our MWR building

Below are a series of images from the side of a
near the MWR.

Interesting what you find on walkabout.
These are from he month of April.
AAE tm

Sunrises.

2006-07-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

14 July 06 0048hrs Baghdad time

I posted at least one of these in another site. These were from shots I took in March. I had to use some improvised photography methods to make these work okay. I set the camera on top of a steel post and used the ten second timer to take the shot.

Colours painting sky
Brightened transfiguration
Suns Eastern rising

AAE tm

Lake

2006-07-10T12:19:00.000-05:00

Do you ever find yourself drawn to bodies of water? I have always loved the rivers, lakes and the ocean. There is something calming, and purifying about being by a body of water. I use to love going fishing with my parents and grandparents on the Snake River, in South East Washington. That area was a desert to, but it was always beautiful to me. I love the ocean; I was in the area of FT. Lewis, on mission and had a day of free time. I made it a point to get to the ocean, and spent hours there just walking around, taking photographs, watching the waves come in and lap at the shore.

Lake near Al Faw Palace.

10 July 06 2105hrs Baghdad time

Shining ripples flow
Sparkling in the falling light
Calm lake at sunset

AAE tm

Welcome to my vision.

Still More Details.

2006-07-07T12:58:00.000-05:00

One of the other buildings on
our compound has some interesting
details also. Below is a cloumn
under an entry way.

Detail of the column.

Detail of the column

One of the side doors

Detail of the side door.

Part of an over hang that is done in detailed
wood panels and the arche above one of the windows.

Detail of the wood panel overhang

Detail of the arche over the window.

I will be posting yet more details another day.
AAE

Further Details

2006-07-07T12:08:00.000-05:00

These are some more of the detailed art work
that adorns portions of Al Faw Palace.

Below is the detailed artwork at the top of the
chandelier down the middle of the spiral
staircases.

Below is a detail of a ceiling panel on the second
level of the Palace.

The above panel alternates with the panel
below all along the ceiling on the second level.

This is what that ceiling looks like.

Below is a detail from one fourth
of a ceiling light.

Below is the whole light panel set.

I will be posting further details.
AAE

Details 1

2006-07-03T12:15:00.000-05:00

I at one time was a student of architecture, and I love to examine structures and the detailed decorations in buildings. I have had opportunity to see some interesting architecture in Iraq. What I want to say first of all is that I have not had opportunity to see any that would constitute ancient, however that, that I have seen is a representation of cultural influence. The structures in this particular area are what would be considered better that standard, because they were owned and built by rich rulers and not for the common citizens who live considerably worse.

This is an example of the decoration on the
ceiling and along the upper wall of Al Faw
Palace.

Ceiling detail from the edge of the rotunda on
main lower level of Al Faw.

Another detail from the same area mentioned
above.

Closer detail of the above item.

Ceiling trim detail from one of the main rooms
On the third level of Al Faw.

Detail of the edge of the ceiling of the rotunda
Al Faw Palace.

Columns and details of rotunda.

Closer detail of rotunda.

Closer detail of rotunda.

Two details from the exterior of a building about 10 miles from Al Faw.

Detail from building in close location to Al Faw.

There are still some structures here that I have not been able to examine yet.
If I get the chance I will and I promise to share.

Welcome to my perspective.
AAE

Eastern Sunrise.

2006-06-30T18:37:00.000-05:00

Alone you stand on the high places of the land of Persia.
Facing to the East the sun rises through the clouds in the early morn.

Can you look into the eyes of God and live child of man?

Is your heart unsettle or have you found the peace again?

Do you see or are you blind?

Early in the land of Persia, I looked to the East in the morning.
From the high places of Baghdad I saw the sun rising through the clouds.
I envisioned the face of God smiling down upon me, and felt his touch in my soul.

AAE

Looking back to January

2006-06-29T17:51:00.000-05:00

Dodge City North, Rainy Season.
Yes it does rain in Iraq.
It gets cold in Iraq also. Dodge
city North is one of the living areas.
What you see in this photo is
on a good day during the rainy
season.

Below are a couple of sunsets taken during January,
from different locations on the same lake.

The Mosque near the palace from the opposite
side of the lake.

Below the Mosque and other
structures are viewed from
the opposite side of yet
another body of water.

I discovered I had a few photographs had never posted, and thought it would be interesting to do so.

The Flora

2006-06-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

It was my original intent to put some birds on here to, and call this Flora and Fauna but I'm doing it in two posts.

Below are a nice set of photos of some of the
flowers that grow near the lake on Slayer.
I saw these on my last walkabout.

The Palace Revisited

2006-06-20T20:18:00.000-05:00

I was actually going to post some other things
I have taken recently but decided to put these
here instead. More of Al Faws Rotundra.

The two Photos below are inhanced some
I hope they come out closer to my intent.

There really are some beautiful things here to
see. You just got to stop and look for it.
AAE

Out on Walkabout.

2006-06-19T20:37:00.000-05:00

Note: I thought these two top were going to come
through better.
I may touch them up a bit later and re-post them.
AAE

The above Photos were taken at the palace,
I tried to get the full moon to show in focus
but the camera does not have a manuel
focus. Still kinda cool though.

These are photos of a really great mosque I discovered on another camp.

Hope you enjoy.
AAE

Just More Images

2006-06-12T17:35:00.000-05:00

These top two Photographs are very recent
from a trip I took outside the wire.

One more beautiful sunset near my work place.
I have to enjoy what beauty I can find, stop and
smell the roses tomorrow may not come.

More Architecture at the Palace.

Sunrise near a distant Mosque.

All these were taken with the Fuji Finepix A210 3.2 Megapixel.

AAEtm

The U.S. Constitution

2006-06-11T15:18:00.000-05:00

You know I see a disturbing trend in America these days. People concerned about the right to say this or that. Freedoms laid out in the constitution. I cannot say that any one group of persons is wrong, but their desires sometimes outrange their reason. All of the Constitution is for all of the people in the U.S. not just some. If you do not agree with something and you think it is against your constitutional rights then work to get it changed, but not at the expense of someone else's rights to the same thing. The following links are to two sites for the constitution. Read understand and know it is for everyone not just some.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/index.html

http://www.usconstitution.net/

AAE

Photography in the Modern Age

2006-06-09T12:35:00.000-05:00

Is it original or is it Photoshop? Look at photos in galleries online, or the photos that are a part of contests. It seems like most of what is say chosen for a "Photo of the day" has been changed in some way. Now I'm not talking cropping or dodging because us "dinosaur traditionalists" use to do that in the darkroom. But I am talking totally changing out the backgound, eliminating the power lines and power poles in the image and just plain coming out with a total different photograph in the end. Don't get me wrong I like being able to change some things in photographs from time to time. But if a person has a really great photograph taken with standard film or digital that they composed and shot with no modifications except maybe cropping, it is seemingly rare that they get the same acknowledgment as someone who changed the whole image. It is all good and a creative expression using the tools available but where is the satisfaction of actually being a good photographer without the hype. I'm not complaining but it is something to think about.

The above two Photographs were taken using a Fujifinepix A210 3.2 digital camera, neither are enhanced. Not bad for not having been photoshopped.
AAEtm

Take it Personal

2006-06-04T20:14:00.000-05:00

I find that when people say things against our country, against the actions of our government, against what we are doing here in Iraq, that I take it real personal. I know we are not perfect and I have never said we were, but I think what we are trying to do is right and needs to be done. So sorry If I take offence when someone badmouths us, we are the US. America be proud of who you are, and stand for what is right. Don't be suckered into believing we can leave a job left undone. Freedom has a price and we are paying it to remain free.

AAE

Psalm 91 The Soldiers Psalm

2006-06-04T16:05:00.000-05:00

How many of you knew that solders had a Psalm? Psalm 91 is the soldiers Psalm. If you take the time to read it in the context of what we do, you will see that it applies well. David was a soldier as well as a king. David of course had a much closer connection with God than some of us do. Those who have been in a war zone or near the heat of battle can relate to what this Psalm says. "A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. Psalm 91:7. We always hope that part is true though often it is not. Check out the soldiers Psalm sometime, especially since it applies to everyone in this day and age. We all stand in the shadow of an unseen pestilence, that of terrorism.

Be at peace when possible, be vigilant always, and love one another while you live.

The following Photograph has nothing to do with the Psalms, But I felt like adding it.
AAE tm 5 JUNE 06

Roads and Continuations

2006-06-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

I have seen many people, places, and things go by. Everyone has regrets about things in their lives, and skeletons to. The more your life passes on toward its eventual finality one realizes that what directions where taken were probably taken for a reason. One could drive themselves crazy with the hind sight is 20/20 thing, analyzing, chastising, and just plane making themselves feel bad or go on learn from the mistakes and make better decisions. Some just wallow in it and never recover. I've made dumb decisions and good ones as everyone has. One of my better decisions was Dee my wife. I would never trade her for anyone or anything. People in this day and age do not understand commitment. Some say "It is too hard to work at a marriage", they will never be happy or satisfied, because they will give up and never try. Granted some people should never marry in the first place. Too self-centered or arrogant, or cannot love them selves enough to even begin to love someone else. Dee and I got married young, we made our relationship work but it took lots of work. We love each other more than then now. I always tell young people I meet who are going into relationships, don't marry too young, be sure you are right for each other, and don't go by the feeling. Commitment often does not hinge on how you feel about each other day by day. Little things he or she does will drive you crazy sometimes. Commitment is overlooking the weaknesses of a person excepting them and loving them without always trying to change them to fit your mold of what you thought you were getting. Young couples be sure you want to commit to that person for the rest of your life or don't do it.

The roads of life are long often dusty, muddy or rough. You will always find a fork or intersection and have to make decisions about which way to go. Usually there is no turning back once you go there and that is the way things are. Be sure and make the best of it, and stop to smell the roses along the way.

One quick picture just for fun and I will close for now.

Across many waters to lands far away.
Far from the arms of my true love.
Look to the stars of Orion my love, or the moon and sun.
We look on them together from different times and locations, but we are as one.

AAE tm JUNE 4 2006

Finding the Better Side of Everything

2006-05-21T00:35:00.000-05:00

Being in this place makes me appreciate what I have at home so much more. But I am having to make the best of things while I am here. I have been fortunate to be in the job I've been placed in. At first I felt guilty because I was not out with the troops in the danger outside the wire. This last couple of weeks has shown me that what I am doing is important to the final success of the overall mission. I have been out taking pictures again, and will sharea couple here. Some are also

posted on the other sites that I post to.

Here are a couple:

Continued Writings

2006-05-05T03:36:00.001-05:00

Window to the Soul.

When does anyone become fully in touch with who they are? Does anyone really know their true self? I feel it may take most people a lifetime to truly know who they are or think they are. Then sometimes surprisingly they find out that they where not even what they thought they were. I know a lot of people who seem to know what they want, what they are about, where they are going. Do they really know, or are they under a self imposed illusion that they are living out. Some are constantly seeking, to know who they are. They strive day to day trying to come to grips with the life they have been given. Sometimes that personal battle ends in tragic finality. People who find nothing and are not patient, or what they find or think they find is worse than what they can deal with. I do not know everything there is eo know about myself and sometimes what I do find is surprising.

Minds of Thought

2006-05-02T08:12:00.000-05:00

I sometimes drive myself a little nutty. Because I can never stop thinking in my mind. With my mind on the move constantly it is hard sometimes to get settled into a restful state. You can be at total rest and your mind keeps on moving, traveling across vast regions, never seen but only imagined. Creativity is that way, sometimes conceiving in ones mind what you want the end state of your poem, or painting to be. It is best to follow what the heart says to the mind, and the mind says to the heart.

AAEtm 2 May 2006

My Dialogue (Ever continuing)

2006-05-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

When I was very young, I was afraid of many things. I would go as far as to say I was a coward. Now I would say I'm still afraid but able to face my fears. What happens from cradle to grave, is as the catapiller to a butterfly.

AAEtm 2 May 2006

The Cedar Haiku by Art

2006-05-02T07:51:00.000-05:00

Old desert cedar

Painfully weathered now dead

Seasons of life pass

AAEtm 2 May 06

All things eventually pass away and turn to dust. The trees of the desert or mankind itself.

Sites

2006-05-02T00:30:00.000-05:00

http://www.betterphoto.com/gallery/free/gallery.asp?memberID=167773
Another gallery of mine.
http://www.photographica.org/story/2006/4/30/182444/175
From the above one you should be able to view the rest.
Have fun.

Things I am thankful for.

2006-05-02T00:06:00.000-05:00

I am first of all thankful for Dee, she keeps me up even when things are down.
I'm thankful I woke up yesterday when it was time to get ready for work and wasn't dead of natural causes or other. Were is that mortar round going to. Just joking. I'm thankful for my children and grandchildren, you are all accent to my life. I am thankful for all my old friends and all my new ones too. There was a time I didn't value my friendships as much as I do now. I was pretty much a loner. Randy once said he thought I was stuck up. I might have been or just didn't think myself worthy of friends, or just couldn't relate. These days it is different, I've made quite a few friends. It is a great difference to me. I am going to post an Image then I may be out of time. So until I can post again. You all be at peace.

This is of course Al Faw Palace again. Bet your all getting tired of Al Faw. Well I gotta photograph what I can.

This is from the East Balcony looking in toward the main entry.

I'm going to put some other links to let you see some things I'm up to.

This Weeks Posts.

2006-04-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

22 Saturday 2006 0325 Baghdad

This is the first of my 360 blog journal that will be coming from ongoing writings as my days and weeks progress. I do not know how often, I will be updating my 360 and my artsphotoart pages, but I will endeavor to continue as time permits. It is my intention to continue both sites and my webpage when I get it up and running after I return from this place to my real world.
I wrote in an earlier entry in the previous version of this blog that, “not all soldiers are warriors and not all warriors are soldiers”. One of my friends responded that I would have to explain that statement one day. So I will begin the meaning behind that statement, with the understanding that this is only the surface of the reality of a Warriors origin.

Warrior.

What makes a soldier? What makes a warrior? Is there a difference between the two? Soldiers usually are professional persons that work as soldiers. Not all soldiers are warriors and not all warriors are soldiers. Warrior is a state of being almost spiritual in nature. Many will argue that, that is not true, and that all soldiers are warriors and being a warrior has no spiritual bearing whatsoever. Warriors not only have codes to live by but those codes are a part of the breath of life within them. Some soldiers know the codes in their head and are often made to memorize the codes for the purposes of their masters. But knowing the knowledge and having that knowledge as a part of what makes you real are two different things. A soldier that is a warrior never stops being a warrior even after he/she retires the weapons, armor, and shield of their profession.
There are many who do not realize they are Warriors, but are. I do not wish to offend anyone by this, but some who serve God are Spiritual Warriors first, but not everyone falls into that category. Warriors have a driving purpose for good. They will seek good for the weak oppressed and the abused. They will sacrifice for someone who they do not know. Family, friends, and anyone who needs them in times of trouble they will be there to help. Remember I said not all soldiers are Warriors. Take away the title and take them from being a soldier will they remain a Warrior? Some will many won't because they will see only good for themselves and not for others. Warriors may never have even touched a weapon in their entire life, nor ever have shed blood and they will still be Warriors.
There is much more to the Way of the Warrior than this and other writings will follow on the subject.
AAE tm

22 Saturday 2006 1700 Baghdad

Untitled thoughts of an old soldier.

In quiet solitude, sitting all alone, contemplating who I am, were I’ve been, and what I have done. Looking inside a heart and mind divided: sometimes light and other times much darker. What is the good of this being, not really pure but having purity, not really evil but having evil?
Humanity is not always humane to its kind, and often it is cruel. Why not good overshadowing evil, instead of evil overshadowing good?
He sits alone and struggles in himself to find that better part he once had. It tears at his heart and mind making him very sad. What has happened to me that made me change, or have I changed at all? Could it be that I have always been this person, but have been blinded from the start? What truth is in my heart? Contemplate hard perhaps the light in times of need, uses the darkness as its tool of justice?
AAE tm

Sorrow to Joy

In times of sorrow
Deep within my soul crying
Joy will find its time

AAE tm

World of Friends

2006-04-20T21:10:00.000-05:00

Some things in life are objectionable, some are not. There are a lot of lonely people in this world, who need friendship and love. Time stands still in their lives in anticipation of some form of friendly interaction with someone who cares. This world would be a prettier place if everyone would just reach out and take notice of the ones who are hurting. We all are part of this planet and it really isn’t as big as it seems, but for someone who needs a friend it can be a large and lonely place.

AAE tm 21 APR 06

More Images from the Palace

2006-04-19T14:50:00.000-05:00

This is the chandelier above the foyer as viewed from the third floor. This thing is huge and to walk into the foyer you cannot help but be compelled to look up to see the brightness and sparkle. This Photograph only begins to do the real thing justice.

AAE tm 20 APR 06

This is a view looking down at the main entrance of the Palace. This was taken from an outside balcony Just opposite of the one you see in the center top of the Photograph.

Now for a little history the palace was built just after the Gulf War of 1991, in remembrance of those who defended Faw.

AAE tm 20 APR 06

This is a view from the same balcony above facing toward the East.

AAE tm 20 APR 06

The wall opposite the above arches.

AAE tm 20 APR 06

A typical example of one of the hallways in the palace.

AAE tm 20 APR 06

This Balcony is on the West side of the palace. This is a sunset.

AAE tm 20 APR 06

My 360 Blog

2006-04-18T17:50:00.000-05:00

This is my related site to the blog you are viewing feel free to check it out.

http://360.yahoo.com/art_eld

Hopes and Dreams, Dreams and Nightmares.

2006-04-18T17:17:00.000-05:00

I think everyone has hopes and dreams. Hopes for a better life, better health, health for their loved ones. Dreams of a future with the one they love, hopeful of a peaceful long life together. Unfortunately there are the dreams and nightmares, both in ones mind and in the real world. Some of us have no choice but to face some of the nightmares in a reality. Sometimes that reality can become as unreal as a nightmare. My current reality is not as bad as my past reality, but its closeness to what I have experienced sometimes brings back the past in a realistic way. I dream, dreams with very vivid realism and remembrance. I had placed a poem in the previous version of this blog, of one such realistic dream, or series of dreams. I am going to post it again for you. Please do not read more into it than there is. Reach into the emotions it evokes however.

They watch with hollow eyes.

I’ve seen you before but where?
You watch me with hollow eyes.

You were young and alive, laughing with others in play.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

You were beautiful and smiled when I went by.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

You were holy and praised Allah.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

You called out to me.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

You haunt me as I sleep.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

I tried to call your name.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

I heard you scream and cry.
You watch me with those hollow eyes.

I saw you laying there.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

Your blood was everywhere.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

I smelled your burning flesh.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

Charred flesh from off your face.
You watch me with hollow eyes.

I see you in my dreams when I sleep, when I’m awake, you haunt me all the time, can’t keep you from my mind.
I’m sorry that your dead watching me with those hollow eyes.
When will you leave me alone?
How long until I forget?

AAE tm 10 March 06
posted by art at 3:24 PM 0 comments

My Angel with Brown Eyes.

2006-04-18T16:43:00.000-05:00

An eternity shall my desire be, to hold again my brown eyed Angel in my arms.
Gently cradled in arms long un-held, once again rejoicing in loves warmth.

AAE tm 19 APR 06

Architectural Details

2006-04-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

The Image on the bottom is a detail from a column in front of a building. The two other images are details from a wooden door panel.

Cool Haiku site check it out.

2006-04-17T18:57:00.000-05:00

http://raysweb.net/haiku-spring/index.html

Haiku by Basho

2006-04-17T18:42:00.000-05:00

Neither to Evening

Nor to morning does it belong:

The melon blossom

--Basho

Spiral Up Spiral Down Buying my Stairway to Heaven

2006-04-17T15:08:00.000-05:00

This is one of two spiral staircases in the palace main foyer. Both are done in marble with ornate ceiling work and chandeliers.

The Ceiling work.

The Chandelier. Looking down from the top floor.

View looking up from the bottom.

Just Another Day at the Office.

2006-04-17T14:46:00.000-05:00

This is a Photo I posted on the former version of this blog site. This is Al Faw Palace. This is where I work at seven days a week.

This is the Rotunda, everything is done in marble. There are two storys above the main floor and the ceilings are quite ornate.

Both Photographs were taken with a Fuji Finepix A210 3.2 megapixel camera.

Crash and burn, return of the Phoenix

2006-04-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

People go along through life torturing themselves for things that they have no control over. Misconception, miscommunication, misperceived situations. I've tried hard to be an easy person to get along with, sometimes I'm not good at understanding what people are trying to get across to me. I blow things out of perportion, get angry, get hurt, and basically impload on myself. I stop communicating usually with everyone, until I get back on track. So I'm returning here from the ashes to start again welcome to the ride.