Sunday, March 6, 2011

Out in the World, Again

(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

During my many months of recovery and relative isolation, I had forgotten what it is like to be out and about with anything resembling a social life. Friday, I went to a birthday luncheon (that lasted three hours—hey, women can talk!). We were celebrating the birth of a dear friend and it was a warm and lovely early afternoon. I came home to feed the dog, catch my breath, and collect The Husband to head off to the the monthly arts gala in town, the First Friday event. That meant two hours of hubbub bouncing back and forth between two galleries, meeting exciting new artists, touching base with artists I knew already, and bumping into old friends that I hadn't seen in months. I came home at the end of the evening totally exhausted physically and so hyped mentally that I couldn't sleep. All this activitiy had come on top having just begun to re-read Freeman Patterson's Photography and The Art of Seeing. It dawned on me Saturday that I had not absorbed that much stimuli over the course of one day in over a year. Yesterday, I was still a bit of both—exhausted physically and buzzed mentally.

I had already committed in my own mind to participate in the BVS Cultural Arts Association Annual Art Show (how's that for a mouthful?) this year, and Friday night solidified that decision. The big order for my friend/client, L, is done, and I'm just waiting for some packing goodies (for a finished sort of gift wrap) to arrive, so I can ship it off. I am ready to take on the next challenge. In spite of the work the art show entails, I am looking forward to it. I hated missing out on it last year.

This past Thursday, we were on the road and will be again one day next week. This time the medical appointments are for The Husband. The photo above was taken on the road west to Arvin. Most of our doctor visits mean the road south to Los Angeles—a not nearly so scenic drive. I decided to mine the more scenic photos for something to post here.

The photo is from the shoot, "On the Road to Arvin" and was taken with the G7. This one is a good example of why I indulge in drive-by photography. All along this route, there are very few places to pull off the road. Besides, we were headed home, running late already, and moving fast. There was no time to think, just react. Afterwards, I realized that I had responded to the frame that surrounded the mountains in the distance.

12 comments:

  1. This looks like a beautiful drive Anita! And good for you in getting out there.

    You reminded me, I need to re-read Freeman's book sometime soon. I love his vision.

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  2. So glad to hear that you are out and about again!

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  3. Mark - It is a lovely drive. I never grow tired of it and it's enjoyable any time of year.

    I am enjoying the re-reading of the book and probably even more excited about it now than I was the first time. Enjoy your re-read.

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  4. Steve - It is great to hear from you with the thumbs up and thanks for dropping by.

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  5. Gordon - How nice to hear from you. I am doing great, thank you.

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  6. Freeman Patterson! I too have a collection of his books, at one time I used to avidly devour them along with John Shaw's.

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  7. Colin - I have enjoyed three of Patterson's books and John Shaw's was a major part of my basic education—definitely a big favorite.

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  8. I look forward to your road trips - you get some fantastic shots. Glad to hear you're doing so well. You sound very positive.

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  9. Ken - Thank you so much for the comment on the photo. I am feeling quite optimistic, thanks.

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  10. You are becoming quite the "drive-by-shooter." I enjoy this viewpoint, makes me feel like I'm on the road with you.

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  11. Monte - Thank for the thumbs up. This has become one of my favorites of my drive-by stunts. We do spend more time driving to run errands than we would like; but, at least much of the time we are on this type of road rather the crowded and depressing freeways of Los Angeles. We consider ourselves quite fortunate.

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Anita