Streams of Water

I was a kid that day in Chicago, IL. It was a fun little day trip our family had taken. We took in the sights: Michigan Ave., Niketown, the Hancock building, and finally, Navy Pier. As we strolled back down the length of the man-made isthmus, we passed through an interior garden area. The plants were beautiful, but that was not what captured my attention. Arching over the pathways which crisscrossed the botanical floor were jets of water shot from one green island to the next.

What made these streams of water so interesting to me was their uniformity and compactness. It seemed to me that clear tubing was arching over the pathway and water was simply being piped through it. So what did I do? Touch it, of course. And what did I find out? That water, when interrupted from its original path, will spray in many directions.

I have pulled a few lessons from this. First, it is normal for children not only to watch, but also to touch in order to find out how things work. And second, water fountains are simple, but highly effective at captivating the attention of youngsters.

How is it that one of the most basic compounds on the planet can be so enthralling to wide-eyed children everywhere. Sprinklers, fountains, water hoses; there is never a sad kid in sight of these things. So when it gets down to it; who cares why kids are so happy about running through sprinklers in the front lawn. The real question is...why aren't we out there with them?

The following picture was taken in Charleston, SC. Though I am no longer a kid, I still enjoyed watching it.

18mm, f/4.5, 1/8000 sec
The Fountain, Charleston, SC

Eating French

Gaulart & Maliclet is a small cafe at 98 Broad Street in Charleston, SC and would be easy to pass by if you were in a hurry. My wife and I remembered the quaint restaurant from our honeymoon two years previous and enjoyed it enough to dine there again on our 2nd anniversary trip. We walked in, sat down and waited patiently for our waitress to come and take our order, all the while keenly aware of the laid back atmosphere, part of the reason we enjoy it so much. Our meal came out in due time and we casually savored our soups and sandwiches and finished whenever we were done. The food was not over-seasoned, but rather just subtle enough to appreciate the flavors.

Now if this dining scenario seems quite different from what you are used to, it might be because we were dining at a French restaurant. I have learned from my wife, who has spent 6 weeks in France, that the scene I just described is the norm rather than the exception for the French people.

So say what you will about the French, but I would much rather enjoy my meal at my leisure than scarf it down in the fast-food style we do as Americans. Now if only I could remember to slow down whenever I am not on vacation.

Eating French, Charleston, SC

Being Pregnant

Being a man, I do not profess to know everything about being pregnant. I have never and will never have a child growing in my womb. And, most likely, will never know the pain and effort it takes to push that little child out of my body. That being said, I do know what it is like to have a wife who is pregnant. So, to this I will try to offer my humble opinion.

Having a pregnant wife is an incredible experience because I see someone I love so much, grow and nurture a child I have never met, but already love and care for. It is hard to watch my wife be in pain or uncomfortable or nauseous or any number of things that happen to her during pregnancy. I almost feel guilty because I don't ache the way she does and therefore can't fully identify and understand what is happening to her body. It is exciting to feel our daughter kicking and punching and moving around inside my wife because one day she will be in my arms kicking and punching and moving around. It is like standing on the edge of the unknown; not knowing what it is like to have a child of my own to care for and nurture. One who needs me and my wife to survive. How else is the baby going to bathe and eat and find shelter and relationships. It will be utterly helpless and depending on us. But finally it is one of the most amazing things to ever happen to me. Because when it comes down to it, all those emotions and feelings are what make it unique, memorable, exciting, and even a little scary.

The following picture was taken on a swinging bench on a dock in Charleston as my wife and I were talking about our daughter and what to name her.

Pregnant on the Dock, Charleston, SC

A Little Change In Perspective

Someone's perspective can change a lot. Often it is simply a change in perspective that brings understanding between two people who share nothing in common. Other times, it can turn resentment into sympathy or anger into love. I think the problem is that we (as humans) tend to view situations in light of how they affect us. In other words, it is our perspective which gives us a frame of reference to interpret what happens to us. For example, if an acquaintance walks by us in the hallway at work, but does not even look at us, our first reaction might be that they are angry with us. The truth might be as simple as they are having a bad day and there is something on their mind. We probably had nothing to do with it, but our perspective makes us think we did.

My point is, there are many times when we just need to change our perspective to see the truth of the situation or, even better, the best in someone. There have been any number of arguments between my wife and me that could have been avoided if we simply assumed the best about what the other was trying to say. If it can work in my marriage, I am sure it could work in other relationships.

Changing perspective in photography can also be powerful. In fact, it is the most impressive photography that can take a normal object and show it in a completely different light. These are the photos that make you stop and look instead of just flipping past. The photo that follows is one of those where I tried to change the perspective a little. My wife and I were sitting on a bench swing on a dock in Charleston, SC when I took this photo. The scene before me was nothing really impressive, but I thought it might be worthwhile to try something different. I set the camera to 18mm and set the focus to about a foot. I held the camera down by the nail head and just snapped away. Voila! I hope this can more than anything, be a reminder to change your perspective every now and then.

The Dock, Charleston, SC
18mm, f/3.5