Artist Date 4/23/08

I had to get myself into ‘gear’ to do this week’s outing. I could have easily put it off till much later, if not another day, and that would not have served me well in the final analysis at all. So, I made myself ‘get to it’. I wasn’t going to accept not doing it today for any reason short of Armageddon.

The day here in southern Minnesota was a rousing spring one. The sun bright in an almost cloudless blue sky along with a warm and kind wind inviting on the air. Stirrings of renewal of life, after a long winter, were apparent everywhere that nature touched. Truly, who could resist that?

My jaunt out was ‘scheduled’ to explore the waterways round here. There are little puddles, ponds a plenty and, of course, the grand old Mississippi River in my neck of the world. The last ten days or so have brought out every sort of boat, along with motorcycles and convertibles.

Any who, off on the photographic adventure folks!



This is the first place I stopped at in my meanderings. A little ‘fishing pond’ off the main highway, on a sort of back road I guess. Honestly, I had no idea that it was even there.



This is a shot off the pier looking upwards to the main road. The trees aren’t doing much yet.



These two blokes were hanging out on the pier fishing. They got a bit quiet when I showed up with my camera. I had to tactfully sneak a shot of them. Fortunately, I was forgotten when a big old black truck pulled up in the adjacent lot and asked about the fishing happening there today. Sadly, it wasn’t good for anything for conversation apparently according to the guys.


This leg of my journey wasn’t holding much promise, so off I went down the road to another stop. I ended up in a sort of ‘alcove of the Mississippi River’ next.





I had to snap a picture of this warning and put it up. It was amusing to me. One look at the muddy, brown water and I can’t imagine anyone being so inclined. Obviously, there is some worry that someone might be tempted to partake in such festivities or has down so in the past.





These were some boats docked out in the harbor. The majority looked as if they were just getting readied for the season. A couple, however, appeared as if some folks might be residing out on them.



I couldn’t resist this picture opportunity though. I was intrigued with the shoreline’s rugged look.

After this lap in my excursion, I gave up entirely on things ‘watery’. There just wasn’t a lot catching my interest. It might have been too early in the season or just that my heart wasn’t in it.

I decided to go for the next thing I usually love to chase with my camera. That being candid snaps of people roaming around.

So, the next presentation is the people roaming around downtown Red Wing, Minnesota on April 23, 2008 at approximately noon.












Again, I was reminded how uncomfortable people are in general with someone roaming about with an uncapped camera in their direction. Certain times and places you can get away with it, but on an ordinary spring day like this one, not likely.

I ‘remembered’ today how much more I enjoy shooting people candidly in all sorts of situations. I also realized that I am a bit ‘clumsy’ with the cameras. There is a need to get reacquainted.

Well, that’s the bulk of this week’s ‘Artist’s Date’. There were some side trails I took off on. I wandered into a store that was selling ‘Native American’ crafts and items. They had some lovely dresses, beading examples of key chains and necklaces. Apparently they have been there two years unbeknownst to moi.

Well, I will close this off for now. Tentatively, next week’s adventure will be to the south in Lake City, Minnesota.

The first outing

18 April 2008

My first foray into the elusive arena of the ‘Artist’s Date’ was done today.

I had chosen to go out photographing for this week’s endeavor. I thought I might not be able to due to inclement weather. Luckily, the clouds, while choosing to stay, held themselves together so no drops made their way down till I was done.

It has been a good long while since I have taken out what I consider my ‘real cameras’ for a spin. I dearly love the little digital gizmo I have mainly played with for the past year but it isn’t the same as the old ‘SLR’s’.

I had originally planned to go snapping at just one local cemetery here in small-town-land. I was focused solely on the one just off of the main highway through the city. However, on the start of my jaunt I recalled another cemetery on the out-skirts of town. I randomly decided to head there first.

The place is named 'Calvary Cemetery'. It is literally up on top of a small hill.

Here's a snap shots of the main gateway in.



The following are a few pictures of the cemetery itself. The first two illustrate the 'hilly' component of the property. I find the second one interesting as the gravestones literally flow down like steps.





The majority of the markers are 'elderly' in nature. They have either worn away to a great extent and/or acquired fungus.







The stone pictured below was obviously one of a sentimental nature. I haven't seen one quite like it ever that I can recall.



In the picture below I caught a robin perched on the very tip of a stone. Unfortunately, it is a bit hard to see. But, I assure you, the birdie is there!



Oh! I almost overlooked this one! I couldn't make out the name well, but the attribute ascribed to the person was thought provoking.



Now, off we go to the other cemetery that lies smack dab in the middle of town. It is unnamed to me as it had no formal markings on its gates. There was no one around to ask about it, either.

This marker begged me to take a picture of it as the deceased and I share the same birth date but not year. I thought that was rather odd. What are the chances of one coming across that? Especially when looking at so few graves, in a small town, no less.




This Evelyn must have liked birds or birdhouses.



Ole Hanson and spouse win for most unique headstone of the day! I believe that these are pieces of petrified wood. (I wasn't interested in actually touching them to find out.)





This fellow had a tree sprout up in his grave.



This one must have been grand in its day.



These linked markers struck me as a tad creepy. I understand the sentiment and symbolism but none the less it was unsettling.



Here are closer shots of each part of the joined markers.





Here's a couple of 'side' photos of the second graveyard's view.






Well, that is all I am showcasing for this first blog entry.

I will close offering some random thoughts on the whole 'cemetery' experience.

I have always found them 'peaceful' in general. When I was a child, I would wander about them given a chance. In fact, my sister and I often biked miles to old ones to explore them. I'd look at names and dates. I'd wondering who they were and what had they done? What their life was like? I recall thinking about the stories that their lives might have written in the world.

The differences in the ambience of the various cemeteries are thought provoking to me as well. I find more of an affinity to those that are unique. It seems the streamlined ones of our modern times lack some personal essence.

Anyways, that's the first week, folks.