The image below may cause this blog to lose its “family-friendly” rating, but it’s appropriate given the onset of cold and snowy weather.Part of the experience of staying at the Inn at Cedar Falls - whether it be in a room, cottage and cabin - is the opportunity to browse through the guest books and read the various words of wisdom and reflections left behind by those who’ve had the pleasure of visiting this “sacred place” on the edge of Appalachia in Southeastern Ohio.
My particular favorites are those with drawings and cartoons. Sometimes these simple sketches can say much more than words. During my most recent visit, while staying in room #4 up in what I call the “barn,” I came across this entry that included a visitors’ (it was a younger couple from Circleville, Ohio) artistic rendition of what was once the Inn’s cat-in-residence, “Monday.” I can’t help but laugh every time I see this image I took of that journal entry. This is true cartoon art with the artist rendering through his own brand of humor what his mind’s eye caught during his stay at the Inn - the typical cat with the typical cat-look on his face when confronted with the prospect of leaving the warmth and comfort of inside for the frigid air and cold, wet paws that would result from a venture forth to the outside elements.
I’m sad to report that Monday met his untimely end when a park ranger came racing down the road in front of the Inn at a time when Monday decided to venture out (during fair weather, of course). But Monday’s memory endures, amongst the spirit of the Inn and on the pages of the guest journals.
I realize that 2007 isn’t quite over yet, but these last few days are quickly closing in, especially with today’s winter weather.
Below is my latest YouTube creation - The Best Photos of 2007 - which includes my favorite images from both personal and commercial/assignment photo shoots. The images are arranged in order, starting with those taken last January and going all the way through, well, just about two weeks ago. If you look closely you will notice a definite shift in style and technique, going into place at about mid-September. Please comment if you can guess what it is.
The latest slide show in my “Pictures You Can Hear” series, titled “Autumn Openings 2007.” Firefox users need Flash Payer and JavaScript enabled.
The music used with the show is royalty-free from stock20.com and is titled “Daddys Girl.” You’ll see from a few of the images included in the show the reason for my music selection.
What the heck, since I’ve already crossed that line into the realm of politics I might as well have a bit of fun. After all, everyone knows my deep, dark secret - I’m no artistic photographer, but rather one of those evil, right-wing, imperialistic, capitalistic pigs.
By the way, my co-star in this movie is Anna Kournikova. What can I say ? The girl wouldn’t leave me alone.
We lived in Utah from February 1997 to December 2000. The story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre was pretty much well-known and common knowledge amongst most of the people I came in contact with and in the local media. I never had the impression that it was some deep, dark secret kept under wraps by the LDS Church.
Not that I’m trying to make excuses for what happened or trying to defend the past actions of the LDS religion, but I can’t help but question the timing of this movie. Perhaps some political implications ? You decide.
