FLICKR FRIDAY Project116*3: The NEWLY PAINTED Castle
In an effort of doing a double upload this week, I go back to the Disneyland trip well (I really can only draw blood from this stone one last time).
During our 8th anniversary, and the first day we arrived, they removed the scrim and scaffolding and what you see is the new paint scheme for the Sleeping Beauty castle. Now to be fair there are some who wanted more muted colors but for me and my wife, we loved the saturation. The shade of blue with the gold was so punchy and the way the sun hit the castle right at that time of day, it was....just magical.
I'll have an upload again, how so ever the blog entry for Shutter Speed for the "Understanding Exposure" blog series is on hold while I recoup an injury and get ahead of some obligations personally. Thanks for understanding and see you again soon!
FLICKR FRIDAY Project116*3 : Stickney Mansion
Those of you not from Illinois or if you are from Illinois, aren't around the NW suburbs of Chicago probably know nothing of this house. Certainly not threatening this house was converted into the sleepy town's police station. That is were the limited knowledge at perception would end. In reality, The Stickney Mansion is haunted. As the legend goes Mr. Stickney made this house with the conviction of making the house with no 90-degree corners. In truth, he practiced "Spiritualism" which was based on corners keeping spirits caught in a room. This was important since he and his wife practiced many seances in the house. In legend, he found one corner made in his house and hung himself, but in reality, he died of heart complications facing the corner.
The house went from owner to owner with reports of paranormal activity, until finally became the property of the town of Bull Valley in 1985 and became a police station from there. Several officers have quit over the activity, and the police chief even has a tale or two himself to tell over his experiences.
As I was getting ready to shoot this my battery died, how so ever it was half charged for that matter, and while there was some color correction done to this HDR the flares that you'll see around the photo is just that. This does challenge me to make an effort to take photos of certain haunted places and key areas. That, however, will have to wait until the end of Project116*3. Thanks for stopping by!
FLICKR FRIDAY Project116*3: "Breakfast of Champions"
This installment of Project116*3 comes to you from my anniversary vacation. I’m not about to let a project get in the way of me relaxing but Disneyland has always had a special place in my heart for it’s attractions, smells, sounds, and food. This morning was no different as my wife and I wanted to experience something new that we haven’t experienced before, to add to our already bursting filing cabinet of good memories. We tried Carnation Cafe, and let me tell you this tip; wait longer for outside seating. Always seat outside. No matter where you are eating most every place in Disneyland let’s you eat outside under an umbrella, and it just adds to the experience. I’ll definitely reorder my waffle w/ sausage, oj, and coffee next time we swing by Disneyland, and that will be next year exactly enjoying our 9th year married. I love being married to my best friend, and I love spending time at Disneyland with her. Here’s to another eight years!
FLICKR FRIDAY Project116*3: "What I do"
Working for a marketing company has its perks, especially when making house calls to restaurants. McBride's, a wonderful restaurant in Joliet Illinois, is no different. Whether it was the beautiful bartop, the hospitality from the management and staff, or the food. The shoot for this client was a pleasure.
FLICKR FRIDAY Project116*3: "His name is Pig Newton"
In the sleepy town of Woodstock, Illinois is a farm. In this quaint farm resides a pig. This pig however isn't just a normal pig, this is a heritage Kunekune pig. This kunekune pig is a boar named "Pig Newton" and he is the patriarch of all the kunekune pigs at HillBunker Farms. He is a very friendly boar, unlike other breeds of pigs where boars can be hostile, and enjoys snacks. Newton and all the other animals had a lot of visitors they day I showed up as the farm was having an open house. Guest could stop by and pet the baby pigs, lambs, chickens, and shop at the store within the farm for all their farm needs (honey, wool dryer balls, candles, deodorant, eggs, meat, and lotions).
If you are visiting the NW suburbs of Chicago, or live in the area, ask nicely first and visit Pig Newton. While you're at it support HillBunker Farms and their wonderful animals by buying some product at the farm.
FLICKR FRIDAY Project116*3: "40 Years"
The first upload for project 116*3 brings us back to Anderson Japanese Gardens, the site of C M Y K's (M)agenta Forest. This time standing in front of the iconic waterfall my Mother and Father - In - Law. On Orthodox Easter no less, this happy couple was celebrating 40 years of marital bliss. I don't say that lightly, because after spending a decade plus around them through highs and lows, deaths and births, good times and bad ones these two have had each other's back...when they aren't at each others neck. I can only wish to have a marriage as long and well planted as theirs with my wife. Congrats to the both of you!
Yasou!
&
Χριστός ἀνέστη!