Sunday 20 February 2011

Crusade # 48

This month we have to document any event, trip or outing in our journals.
http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/
We already wrote about Pilot Point in our blog, but probably will mention it many times, as it has special charm which keeps us coming back and discover something new every time.
Jay’s café/museum is located in the historical center of the city. Every time I enter it my heart stops – the café is full floor to ceiling with objects relevant to historical life in Pilot Point. You may find anything from circus posters to spice boxes common to the kitchen of 100 years ago, wonderful pieces of glass, books, cloths, and photo albums from decades past all collected by Jay, the owner, this makes every visit a voyage of historical exploration. The best part is that you can touch everything, take pictures and even purchase some of these treasures. The spread in my journal is a collage made from papers acquired in Jay’s café.



Sunday 13 February 2011

Happy Valentine’s Day


A day devoted to affairs of the heart. On that day through the centuries, many words have been cobbled together in unique expressions relating to the heart. Here are a few that have caught our eye.
"Beauty is not in the face; Beauty is a light in the heart."
~ Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)
• "The heart has reasons which reason cannot understand."
~ Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
• "True love is when your heart and your mind are saying the same thing."
~ Leanna L. Bartram
• "You don't die of a broken heart, you only wish you did."
~ Marilyn Peterson

May our readers have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and may you find the words or artistic inspiration to make the day special for your special person.

Saturday 5 February 2011

After the storm



“If you don’t like the weather, wait 30 minutes and it will get worse.” I first heard this expression applied to Oregon weather. However, after the past six days, Texas may be the more appropriate recipient.
Just six days ago, Elena & I enjoyed a wonderful day of photography at and near Pilot Point. Two days later, we experienced a huge drop in temperature along with rain that coated everything with ice. Then last night, I glanced outside to discover about 4 inches of snow over the ice. This sets up today as yet another day of our community nearly totally shut down. Or, in other words, cabin fever is now upon us.

Elena took these pictures of our deck chairs. She is so adept at finding the “best side” of anything she chooses to photograph.






Thursday 3 February 2011

Tuesday 1 February 2011

One in 1,400,000


Advanced photomontage class with Carol Leigh http://carolleigh.blogspot.com/ started today.
I have the feeling that Carol will keep us very busy, as I know no other person who generates as many ideas as Carol does.

A Favorite Pilot Point Landmark

The joy of a photo outing in addition to the pictures you create, is the people you meet. This outing would make our Top Ten List.

The Farmers & Merchants bank building, a photogenic landmark in the town square of Pilot Point has been a favorite of ours. This HDR rendering of the exterior captures the spirit of this vibrant building that has morphed into an art gallery owned and operated by Wes Miller.

As we approached the bank/gallery, Wes was at the door to meet and great us. Probably just a coincidence, but as we got to know Wes, this would be consistent with the quality of this fine gentleman.

The bank went out of business during the great depression. You would have to check with Wes, but I think he said that there was just one owner of the bank from the time it closed until he purchased over 30 years ago. Wes has spent the time well. The interior of the bank is a visual feast from the architecture to the gallery hangings and the mixture of really fun antiques.