Category: Photography

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Travel: Oslo 6

I got a double shot of culture today at the Operahuset i Oslo, Den Norske Opera & Balletts (Opera House in Oslo, Norway Opera & Ballet.

As above, so below. You are able to walk up to the roof, which provides great views of the city and fjord.

Little red circle is my room at the Radisson Blu Plaza on the 21st floor.

The main show was Swan Lake, Act 2 (a new production). My seat was on the very back row, but still enjoyable.

While on the roof, I enjoyed playing with the reflection off the glass.

Of course, the day would not be complete without the obligatory selfie.

Finally, I came across this question in some of my reading from this morning: “If I had infinite money, already traveled the world, had no fear, and didn’t receive any recognition for what I do, what would I do or what would I create?” My next question was, “Then why aren’t you doing that?”

The next couple of days will probably be pretty quiet here. I’m looking forward to some reading and… yeah…. Reading.

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Dora’s Windmill  

Dora asked me to paint the windmill that is in her yard. At the time, I must have been drinking, because I said, “Sure. I can do that.” The canvas is 2’x3′. Big… As Dora commented, “Go big or go home.”

So, we took a picture.

Then I made a first attempt that did not work out, so I made some notes for the second.

I painted this bit almost two years ago and then set it aside. I had no idea how to proceed. 

A few weeks ago, Dora took a picture of something, then commented on the empty space, apparently reserved for her windmill. This weekend, I went to work on it and actually finished. I’m very pleased with the end result. I hope she is too.

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Travel: Painted Churches of Texas

When Czech and German immigrants came to Texas in the 1800s, many settled in the central part of the state and named their towns after the places they’d left—Praha, Schulenburg, Dubina, Fredericksburg. These thriving communities prospered by working hard, helping one another, and praying together.

In an effort to make their new churches feel more like the ancient Gothic structures of their homelands, these early settlers painted the walls, altars, and arches of their simple wooden sanctuaries in colorful patterns and clever tromp l’oeil images. These buildings came to be known as the Painted Churches of Texas. Thankfully, they have been preserved and stand today in honor of those whose artistry and devotion created them. (Source)

St. Mary’s is considered the Queen of the Painted Churches located in High Hill

St. John the Baptist in Ammannsville (aka: the pink one)

St. Cyril and Methodius in Dubina

St. Mary of the Assumption located in Flatonia.

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Late Night Options

Now that I have this picture, I suppose a… poem is needed.

I watched as the skin of my hand
made these words upon the page
They lied
but they hoped

You are in the corner
where they can’t see you
where they won’t see your face
or know your name

but I know you are there
Yes
The lights in the room and the
color of the message
won’t take that from me

Can you see your life
Can you see the light flowing
from the books
that so many have written
Isn’t it a shame
they’ve all died
and still
we wait
Wait
Wait

I’ll continue to dance alone
in the shadows of my own mind
after all
my shadows dance with me
They know the song
They know your name

We’ll keep silent
for a time
We’ll let the streets flow
And
And

And

We’ll dance

Yes

We’ll dance

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