Monthly Archives: May 2011
Memorial Day…
Memorial Day
As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died. Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done for us. There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered at half-mast. But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on.
© 2001 Ali M., 3rd Grader, Academy Elementary School, Madison, Connecticut.
My family and I went to Memorial Park yesterday to see The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Traveling Wall. I have been to the actual Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. While viewing both, one experiences profound sadness. A sense of sadness is prevalent. However, the remarkable and unmistakable senses of pride, family and camaraderie are also present.
More than 58 thousand names are inscribed on the wall. They’re the names of those who gave their lives while serving their country in the Vietnam War.
Currently, 1,689 Americans are “unaccounted for” in Southeast Asia:
These figures were last updated on : May 30, 2011
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I hope and pray for the return of each and every one of them.
Until next time,
Mark
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Timing is everything…
As has been said many times, “timing is everything”. Procrastinate and you don’t arrive at the store in time to take advantage of a huge-normous sale. Could have gotten everything for 99% off, but arrived late and now feel 100% bad. Throughout history there have been many idioms, slogans and proverbs that speak to the ideal that timing is everything.
The early bird catches the worm… Beating someone to the draw… Down to the wire… Be prepared. There are numerous others that are also well known. I would like to share one as it pertains to photography… Camera to your eye, never cry. I just made that up. Right here and right now as I sit here typing. Sheer Genius!
Camera to your eye, never cry. If you don’t want to miss that important shot you need to have your camera ready to go. Camera is in your hands, turned on, perhaps pre-focused, you’re looking through the viewfinder and your finger is on shutter release. A quick, even pressure applied to shutter release and SHAZAM! Got the shot. No regret. No sadness. No crying. You captured an important event and have a photo you can share of the special moment with others.
Don’t do the things described in the previous paragraph and here is what you get:
This is a picture of my daughter after she has accepted her envelope of certficates for her accomplishments this past year. She has already shaken the hand of the school’s principal and is rolling on by on her way back to her seat. What a marvelous image I managed to capture. It takes a tremendous skill set to get images like this. This is the culmination of many years of studying, practicing and honing my craft. Please don’t try this at home; strictly for the pros as amateurs may injure themselves attempting this type of shot.
Luckily I was able to corral the principal after the ceremony was concluded and get the shot I should have gotten earlier. Timing is everything.
Until next time,
Mark
Posted in Humor, Mark's Thoughts, Photography
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It’s Mother’s Day
Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!
Special wishes to my own mother. The three of us in Omaha hope our cards arrived on time. Wish we were there to give you a big hug. Hope you have a great day. I want to say thanks for being my mom. For being there for a little red haired guy when he skinned a knee, needed a hug or just needed his mom. Thank you for sticking with me through my many less than stellar moments. Thanks for never making me feel you ever gave up on me. I hope I made amends. Thanks for simply being you and continuing so. Enjoy life and don’t look to the past. Keep your eyes and your heart focused on the here and now and whatever comes tomorrow. You are a special lady.
Also special wishes to my bride. You befriended me at a time in my life when I needed it. I soon fell in love with you. Somewhere along the way, you fell for me also. You came to me at a time when I least expected it and you stole my heart before I knew it was yours. For all that you have done and continue to do for me, I can not express my appreciation enough. Together we became the parents of an amazing girl. As she grows, I see more and more of you and your influences in her and also in her treatment of others. Not just on Mother’s Day, but every day, I celebrate you and continue to fall more in love with you.
Until next time,
Mark
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