The Songs of My World

Reba and Kelly Clarkson in 2006 at the Convocation Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Today’s task is another free write session with a target subject. The task is to list three songs that have had a lasting impact in your life. Ok, Writing 101, my question is why just three? Geez Louise, Doc! They’ve also asked us to free write. I don’t necessarily think the intent for the free write session was to write about the songs. Though, I admit, it’s possible. That’s what I am going to do. I think a few others may do this too.

Before I begin, picking the first two songs was quite easy. The third? Not so much. Very hard to choose only one more.

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High: Written by Founds and Rick Doyle

I learned this song at church camp as a teenager and it had stayed with me through the years. It has brought me comfort and peace countless times. I sing to myself when I am happy, stressed, or when my soul needs comfort. I always go back this song.

She Will Be Loved: Maroon 5

When this song was released, I was 24. I didn’t know it at the time, but the transition to becoming an adult and all its character building traits were about to kick my ass. Seriously. I found myself passing the time on the midnight shift at a manufacturing company by singing this song to myself. It was loud. No one could hear me. I didn’t care if they could. At the time, I only knew the chorus, but it helped me get through the long, tedious nights of the midnight shift. I bought the album shortly after its release and 10 years later it remains one of my favorites.

Springsteen: Eric Church

This is another song I fell in love with while at a baseball game (click here to read more about that). I’ll admit this song hasn’t really been out long enough to have a “lasting” impact, but it’s a great song. There’s a line in the song: “funny how a melody sounds like a memory” that simply resonates with me. It’s a true statement. It’s a great song.

 

The Place I’d Rather Be

I stand at the waters’ edge while the last of the tide’s energy splash over my feet. My newly painted toenails match the sea foam colors of the water. Over my shoulder, children screech with laughter and joy as they charge full speed into the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Some are content playing chase with the breaking waves, giggling with joy from the ceaseless game. The bigger kids covered from head to toe with beach gear including hats, goggles, swim trunks, and sunscreen — SPF 50 — charge the gentle waters with boogie boards in tow while mom and dad setup the umbrellas and chairs for a day in the summer sun.

My wet feet collect the small white grains of sand for which this area of the Gulf is famous. The cloth material on my chair matches my toes and the waters before me. Such a beautiful, rich color. As I settle into my chair and reach for my sunglasses, I find peace in the music of my surroundings. The music from the waves reaching the shore, children laughing and enjoying the water, and the sound of the wind as it reaches my ears and pushes my ponytail sideways. It’s all music.

This is my room with a view. It’s a never ending view. It is my peace; my happy place.

The Free Write Session

 

My lunch today.

I’ve set my timer on my phone to start a 20-minute countdown for the free write. I am very concerned about what I’ve gotten myself into with this WordPress Writing 101 Blog, or what ever it’s called. I thought it would be a good idea to try this, but as life happens there’s another project at work that will take up my time during the same time frame as this challenge. My hope is that this blogging challenge will help me with both my writing skills (which are pretty weak right now) and break up the day for a little bit while I work this project. Let’s hope.

My subconscious must have known that this writing challenge started today. I had a dream last night that I was writing. The words were coming beautifully and flowed freely and easily from my brain to my hand. I was actually, physically writing in this dream. In my dream, it seemed so easy to free write …. now? Nope. Not too easy, but that’s challenge.

Six minutes down … Fourteen to go.

Pause. Nothing. Silence apparently. There are sentences in my brain. It’s not like there’s not up there, even though some may disagree. I am looking at a photo of my mom. I miss her. It’s been almost three half years since she passed. I’m sure within this challenge I’ll write about her, but not today. Today is about a free write. I need to move on.

The weather here is strange this year. It’s June and it’s not hot yet. Don’t worry. It will be. It’s only a matter of time before walking to the car covers you in a hot, sticky, sweaty mess. Yep. Welcome to the South, ya’ll!

Eleven and a half minutes down …. Eight and a half to go.

The water in the kitchen is running and my co-worker is typing on her keyboard. Silence. Both stop simultaneously. The phone should ring. It should have already done so. Why? Because I’m in the middle of something else. That’s how it always happens at work, right? Yes, I’m at work. I’m at work and I’m writing a free write and thinking about what I will eat at lunch. Sometimes it works like that.

More silence. I should turn the radio on, but I won’t.

I am still thinking about lunch. I’m thinking I should have gone to get food already, but I am challenging myself. I am free writing, or so, that’s what I think I’m doing. I took a literal interpretation of the assignment today. I hope I don’t do that the whole time. I might. What was the twist? Oh well, I don’t think it matters.

I gotta have a photo on here, OH! I will take a photo of my lunch! That’ll go great with this one.

Time! Pencils down (not literally.)

 

The Archived Photos

I searched and searched for some more of my Main Street photos for a part 2 post, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Instead, I came across some old photos that I had forgotten about. I spent a few hours searching and browsing through about 20 discs full photos and decided to share these with you. I’ll admit these photos are not timely and have no purpose other than to show them to you. I had forgotten about a few of these photos, while others I could not locate when I actually needed them. Isn’t that how it always goes?

Enjoy!

A swimmer at meet.

This was a sign created by a NOLA resident. This photo was taken in February 2006.

This photo was after a light dusting at Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro, Arkansas from http://www.hannahandharley.com

An old Chevrolet truck from http://www.hannahandharley.com

 

The First Sentence

My ninth grade English teacher challenged me. She forced me to think outside of the box — outside of my very small-minded comfort zone — and open my mind. She forced to me answer  questions in which the response I gave was neither satisfying or, at times, tolerant of others’ opinions. Her assignments taught me there was more to the world than the two mile trek from my home to school. There were assignments I didn’t fully understand until I became an adult. There were assignments I still don’t understand — even as an adult. There were assignments to this day I am still proud to read.  This is profound — to me — because there are photography gigs from last month I can’t remember, but I can recall a handful of assignments from nearly 20 years ago! Needless to say, her teaching methods had a lasting impact.

One of the more confusing tasks was what I’ve grown to call the first sentence assignment. We were to choose 10 books and list the first sentence of the book and explain why we chose that book. In theory, I believe the task was associated with dramatic writing and first impressions. I think she was teaching us how a well written single sentence can captivate a reader well enough to continue reading although the subject may not be all that captivating. Personally, it forced me to think. Why was this important to me? What about this moved me?

As I was reading through the many blogs I follow, one post jogged my memory of this assignment. A blogger, Andrea Badgley, posted quotes from a book (one of many it seems) she reads. For some reason, that post spoke to me and reminded me of that long ago assignment.

There’s no way I could remember all 10 of those books on the decades-old list, but I wanted to share the ones I knew were listed. If you had to do this assignment which books would you list and why? It’s a lot harder to list than you may first think.

From 1994’s List:

“Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor: “Little Man, would you come on? You keep it up and you’re gonna make us late.”

“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton: “When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.”

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry: “It was almost December, and Jonas was beginning to be frightened.”

The Bible: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 (New International Version)

“Sati” by Christopher Pike: “I once knew this girl who thought she was God.”

(The photos on this post are of a notebook created and shared by a group of Pearl Jam fans who have, over time, bonded through through this book, their love of the band, and the friendships forged from both. I was able to see this book and have it explained to me in detail last year. I took a few shots of thinking I would write a blog post about it. I didn’t get around to writing the post, but I thought the photos fit here. These are dedicated, long-term Pearl Jam fans who are moved by the members’ music, writing, and causes. Just as the first sentence of a book can speak to us.)

The Camera Question

This is an example of a point and shoot camera (the red one) and a DSLR.

As freelance photographer I get this question all the time: “I want a new camera. What do you recommend?”

I follow it up with a question. “Well, what do you want the camera  for? What do you want to take pictures of with this new camera?”  The responses vary from pictures of my __________ (kids, pets, flowers, etc.), but it’s always followed by a long pause. A hesitation. It’s usually one of  two things: they weren’t expecting me to ask a question or they hadn’t given any thought as to why they wanted a new camera.

For most, a new camera is only a new camera. When you ask a photographer what camera do you recommend it’s like asking a movie critic what movie to watch or a chef what’s for dinner. We need more information to answer it properly. With that in mind, I’ve created a few tips that will help you pick out a new camera. These tips are based on conversations I’ve had over the years. I’ll still be more than happy to provide a recommendation, but these tips should also help you narrow down your choices and help you make a more educated decision.

1. Seriously. Why do you want the new camera?
Be honest. Do you have a baby on the way and want to capture all the wonderful and cute memories? Perfect. New puppy? Sounds good. Are you simply replacing a broken camera? Knowing why you want the camera will help you figure out the options on the camera.

2. What kind of camera do you want?

Admittedly, you are asking me so you don’t have to give this question any thought. I recognize that, but that’s not how I roll. We are going to talk to this out. Why? Because I’m the photographer and I said so! All joking aside, there is a purpose to talking it out. There are several types of cameras and in order to give my best recommendation I need more information.

Let’s talk type. In its basic form there are two kinds of mainstream consumer cameras: point and shoot and DSLR (digital single-lens reflex). A point and shoot is just what it sounds like. You point at something and you take a picture of it: point and shoot. DSLR are the digital versions of cameras with mirror reflective abilities as well as removable lens. (A removable lens is always the rule, but it is the majority.)  The single lens reflex refers to the components on  the inside of the camera where a mirror captures the image and reflects the light to the viewfinder. In the past, the light that image captured was exposed to film creating a negative. Today, that mirrored image is converted into a digital file. The DLSR provides a higher level of control in regards to light, shutter speed, and other variable settings compared to a point and shoot. (There’s new technology that doesn’t require a mirror and allows for the same type of controls and speed capabilities as the DSLR.)

How much control do you want over the camera?  If you’d rather let the camera do the thinking and really just want to take pictures at parties and social gatherings then a point shoot is probably more your style.

Do you want to change settings? There are higher end point and shoots that will allow to change and control some settings. But if you answered yes to one or both questions below I do not recommend point and shoots cameras. Period.

Are you going to be taking photos in low light environments?
Are you taking any action shots?

Now that you’ve figured out the type let’s talk price.

3. How much are you willing to spend?
If you plan ahead and think this through you will be better off in the long run knowing how much you can or want to spend. We are all guilty, myself included, of spending too much on an item. By setting a budget you keep from over spending, falling for a sales pitch, or settling for the wrong camera.

Once you’ve determined your budget and the camera you want.  Research it. There are plenty of sites that offer deals on cameras. If you’ve got the time, try to avoid purchasing it from the first place you look. I know it’s easier said than done. On large purchases like this, do some price compairisons.  It will be worth your time.

If you will ask yourself these questions you will be better informed and make a better decision about your new camera. I hope these tips have helped a little bit. Knowing what you want and how much you are willing to pay for it whether it’s a camera, a new car, or the latest gadget for a Christmas present will always make you a better consumer.

In celebration!

This is month Hannah and Harley will celebrate its one year birthday as a blog! For those who are already following us, thank you! You are already entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to Starbucks! (Make sure your email is update and accurate. That’s how I will notify the winner.) Actually, because you are a loyal reader you are already entered into the drawing twice!  From now through the end of the month those who start following this blog will receive one entry for the gift card. Good luck! 🙂 To follow Hannah and Harley, enter your email in the space provided called “Follow Blog Via Email.” Yes, it’s that easy. If you already have a WordPress account, simply click the follow button.

The Frisbee Dogs

As part of halftime entertainment at the Arkansas State University double-header tonight, ASU presented The Frisbee Dogs. I had a blast shooting these dogs. It was tons of fun and the whole crowd enjoyed it. I hope you enjoy the photos.

The Songs of Summer

Do you ever feel like you are in a losing battle? I think I’m in one right now because Mother Nature has kicked it up a few notches. Actually, I wish she would turn it up a few notches. She’s really turned it down, and I mean down! The temperature as I type is a crisp and cold 11 degrees in Northeast Arkansas. In an effort to stay warm and not focus on the cold outside I’ve decided to list my favorite summer songs for you.

I love summertime. It’s warm…..OK it’s really hot, but I love it! The days last longer and time seems a bit slower. I could go on and on about why I love summer, but that’s another posting. Below you will find my top 10 favorite summer songs. Here’s hoping it helps take your mind off of the cold weather.

10. Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft, 1972: I was at a picnic the first time I heard this song and I always think of that picnic and flowing summer dresses every time I hear that song.

9. Endless Summer Nights by Richard Marx, 1988: I like his songs and his voice.

8. All Summer Long by Kidd Rock, 2008: What’s not to like about this song? The lyrics tell a great story and has an intelligent mash up from two other great songs — Werewolves in London and Sweet Home Alabama.

7. Summer Love by Justin Timberlake, 2007: It’s a fun song to listen to in your car with the radio up and the windows down.

6. Long Hot Summer Day by Turnpike Troubadours, 2012: I fell in love with this song the first time I heard. Full disclosure here: the first time I heard it was a 30-second snippet at St. Louis Cardinals game this summer. It’s one of Matt Carpenter’s walk out songs. Does it really get much better than a great summer-themed song at baseball game? I think not!

5. Cruel Summer by Bananarama, 1983: It’s great 80s song. Plus it’s fun. There’s something telling about a song that lasts decades and is still enjoyable.

4. Boys of Summer by Don Henley, 1984: I love a good story and this song is one.

3. Summer of ’69 by Bryan Adams, 1985: What is it about 1985? There’s really a lot of great stuff from this year including this song and Back to the Future! (Yep, I did it. I managed a Back to the Future reference in a post about summer songs. I’m that good. Ha!) Released in June of that year, the song written by Adams and Jimmy Vallance, tells a story of nostalgia and love.

2. Summer Nights by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, 1978: I discovered Grease and Grease 2 in junior high at a sleepover. Within a few weeks of that sleepover I knew the words to “Summer Nights” and all of the other songs. Admittedly, I can still sing  the words by heart to this song and “Cool Rider.”

1. Summertime by D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (A.K.A Will Smith), 1991: Nothing conjures a better summertime story that this tune to me. Smith’s soothing voice is just what I need to imagine the smell of fresh cut grass and the calming warmth of the sun.

Those are my favorite summer songs. I’d love to hear your thoughts on your favorite summer songs. Please stay warm and cozy in the crazy cold.

PS: The photos are from Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, Florida. I took them this summer while on vacation.

The Year in Review: 2013

As 2013 winds down I thought I’d share a quick year-end review. This year has truly flown by. I know that’s what everyone says, but it’s true. It was a lovely year for which I am grateful. I was fortunate enough to do a lot of traveling and was able to create some really great memories that I will speak of for years to come.

I am very excited that I was able to start this blog this year too. It’s been a wonderful challenge creating posts and images that go along with it. I wanted to re-post my favorites and well as your favorites from the year. Enjoy.

May you have a safe and Happy New Year from Hannah and Harley.

This was the very first post from Hannah and Harley. There’s always something special about the first of anything.

This post is a favorite simply because it started an early interest into researching the benefits of essential oils. An interest that will most likely get a lot more attention in 2014.

This is my favorite image from this summer. From June to mid-July of this year I was in a different city each weekend. It was a great experience, but I looked up and it was almost August. Thank goodness for photography. Without these images I may have forgotten the entire summer.

The Berry Salad, a simple mixture of berries, was by far the most successful new recipe I tried this year. I’ve made it countless times since this post. It’s delicious and healthy!

The marquee says it all. This was actually a contest. Who ever submitted the winning marquee suggestion won a free combo. This is one of many photos I took over the weekend Arkansas State University played Auburn. An experience more appreciated now because in less than two weeks, Auburn will be playing Florida State in the national championship. Very cool.

Believe it or not this post about baked carrots is the most popular post from this year. It’s the most shared pin from Hannah and Harley on Pinterest. It just keeps popping up randomly. Its success is most likely due to its simplicity.

This is my personal favorite post from 2013. I don’t think I’ve had so much fun writing something since college. I had forgotten what it was like to write for fun. Hopefully I will get a few chances to write for fun.

This was the most shared post on Facebook. For clarity, this post was about my mom so I’m pretty sure the Facebook shares were from folks that knew my mom.

The Tootsie Roll

As an individual piece of candy the Tootsie Roll is fine. It’s a classic. It premiered in 1896 and has remained a candy staple for decades. You can’t deny its chocolatey, chewy goodness. There is, however, a time and place for the Tootsie Roll like the everlasting candy bowl at the office or as a sweet treat after dinner. As a Halloween trick or treating staple? Unless it’s a giant handful of them — not so much.

As a child, I adored Halloween. Not so much for the costumes. I usually created my own costumes the night before like the literary character, Pippy Longstockings, or a mash up of mixed and matched clothes from my mom’s closet. I made an effort with my costumes, but I loved Halloween for the candy! Truly. If I could have gotten away with putting hosiery on my head and calling it a costume — I would have. My mom encouraged the creativity and some years actually challenged me to top the prior years’ idea. I never could beat Pippy Longstockings until I was an adult as Marge Simpson!

But, OH!, that candy!

It was that bag full of sugary, chewy, yummyiness that was the end-all-be-all for me. I loved coming inside from a long haul around the subdivision and dumping my collection on the floor and just staring at it. I usually sorted the best from the worst based on my preferences. The best type of candy varied from year to year, but the worst was always the same. The worst were those cheap peanut butter flavored chews. You know the ones. They were wrapped in black and orange paper and tasted like stale bread soaked in sugar. It was the signal that whatever house you were at that handed them out were instantly marked off the list for next year.

As in years past, and in the years following 1990, I was in the best subdivision for Halloween candy in my hometown. For the parents, it was safe and comfortable to take the kids. There were fewer concerns of harm coming to a child. Adults watched out for all children — their own and those they had never seen before or since. Children loved it for the candy, countless yard decorations, and streets upon streets of Willy Wonka child-like generosity. In a word, it was safe.

So when you’re that young it makes sense to equate outlandish and extravagant decorations with the mother load. Right? Yeah. I don’t know what my costume was that year. Nor do I know who I was with, what street I was on, or the color of the house I was at.  What I do know was the disappointment I felt for an unmet expectation. It was probably an unrealistic expectation, or maybe, a child-like desire for my wishes to be reality. Regardless, I learned a lesson. A lesson I didn’t fully comprehend until I was an adult and on the other side of the moment.

When there’s a crowd at a house on Halloween night, there is bound to be something good there or at least worth seeing. This is what drew me to this house. There was a line! Oh my, there’s bound to be something cool there. I remember being directed towards the end of the line by someone in something black: a witch or vampire. There’s really no telling. As I stood in line, my anticipation grew. There were thoughts of Snickers, Milky Ways, or PayDays. The big ones — the kind that required you to behave at the grocery store as a reward for not bugging the crap out of your mom while she’s shopping for dinner. (God bless you, Momma, I had no idea how a day can take its toll on you.) As I’m waiting in line I can hear scary music — Frankenstein movie-like music. I heard organs, witches cackling, a wolf howl, and a creaky door. It was the quintessential music for Halloween.

There was also dry ice fog billowing from front door lit by a black light and guarded by a mummy. As I followed the line that runs the length of the wrap around front porch, my excitement continued to grow with each step. The fake cotton cobwebs startled me as I got lost in my daydream of the candy I was about to receive. A hot dog barks at my ankles. Literally. It was a little dog dressed up as a hot dog! My excitement continued to grow. I neared the front of the line and I could hear others happily, cheerfully say “thank you” as they hop down the makeshift steps the owners had created for the night’s event. At the front of the line there was a black blob moving about at the end of the porch. In nearing closer, I realized it was a gorilla. The gorilla — the big man, had the goods! I could hardly contain my excitement and it took the little cheerleader behind me to get the line moving again. It was my turn! My heart was pounding. My hands were shaking. I could barely eek out the required “Trick or Treat” for the candy. As I stood there, I could barely see from the lamp light coming through the window the large, black hand sliding forward on the table he was sitting at. He slowly moved his hand back to reveal my treasure trove that — wait! What? A Tootsie Roll? A stinking mini-Tootsie Roll? One. Single. Mini-Tootsie Roll. Are you kidding me? That’s all I get? What?

Dejected. I spit out the required “thank you.” I’m good girl. That’s what good girls do, but inside I was disappointed. Why? Why go to all that trouble and cheap out on the one thing I’m there for? I don’t care about the experience. It’s the goods I’m after! I’d be much happier with a simple porch light on and single serving bag of Skittles. Really. It’s true.

It’s true to this day. It is more about the experience today, but when it comes to Halloween, my porch light will be on. I may or may not be dressed up, but I promise you I will have the good candy. There will be none of the peanut butter chews and most certainly never, ever, be one single mini-Tootsie Roll when I’m on the other side of the door. You see: Halloween is still about the candy.

So tonight, please be careful. Be safe. Be smart. Enjoy. And may there be more than one single Tootsie Roll at every door you knock. Here’s to the good candy!