Day 28: Outlier

I have to admit I am a total dolt. You see, I am probably the only one participating in this non-contest who had no clue what an "outlier" was. I knew I was in trouble when both my kids knew what it was - and knew how to pronounce it...I still want to pronounce it like you would "uglier"...and not "liar".

When I looked it up - I still had no clue - that's now clueless I was. All those years of doing "It Pays to Increase Your Word Power" in Reader's Digest...and the ONLY word they apparently left off - was this one. Then I had an idea: I'll do up a SCRABBLE game - and use up a bunch of words (or variants) which we've done here at Ziva's photofest. So, I did it - and I put OUTLIER off to the side, all by itself, but attached to another word. My kids came over and mocked me.

THEM: "It can't be connected...it's an outlier - it has to be separate."

ME: "It has to be connected...it's SCRABBLE...the words have to be connected."

THEM: "You just don't get it, do you?"

ME: "Apparently not...explain it to me again."

THEM: "For example - if you have a bunch of kids..."

ME: "Where am I going to get a bunch of kids? I have to make up something with the stuff IN my house."

THEM: "Ugh!"

ME: "Ugh!"

Then my son suggested I get the plastic pull tabs of all the orange juices and other juices that we've been saving up for the past year - saving for no reason whatsoever...altho someone started to put happy faces on them...and to put happy faces on all of them - except for one with an unhappy face drawn on instead...and that one shall remain far isolated from the others.

I thought that idea was stupid. I wanted to do my SCRABBLE one - I friggen put all the words in there without cheating one damn time.

So...I Google'd. Right on the first image page is a bunch of happy faces...except for one, which was off by itself, with an unhappy face on it. They looked remarkably similar to the juice pull tabs.

Now I don't know about you - but that's just plain bizarre. What are the odds, right? I mean, seriously, what do they have to be??

So...I'm going to be different in a way...I'm going to remain with my first idea...even if I did acquiesce (yeah, THAT word was in Reader's Digest) and not connect OUTLIER (which I still think is stupid as all get out). So, in a way, I'm being an outlier? Right?

Right??

Forget it - I still don't get it.

Day 28 -- Outlier:



Two items I must point out:  1) We did not have to remain in/around our house as part of the rules -- I did because I either took the photo or did the write-up after ingesting Ambien (it was my "experiment").  2) The word "pill" here refers only to me (see above).



Please don't forget to look at everyone else's photographs:

MikeWJ, Nicky and Mike, Mo, Meleah, John, aka nonamedufus, Bryan, aka Unfinished Person, Malisa, Nora, LaughingMom, Tanya, Elizabeth A., 00dozo, Cheryl, Kristen, Katherine, and, last -- but definitely not least, Ziva.

Day 25: The Future

I was going to slap some sunglasses on, snap a few...and then talk about that "My future's so bright...I gotta wear shades" song. But that idea, while holding some merit in my head, was pretty stupid.  That being said, someone here probably used that idea and now I just stuck my foot in my mouth...and I'm not that nimble anymore, so you damn well better be impressed.

I also don't take photos of my kids and put them on the Internet, so the future as being my kids...was right out.

But first, let's get to Ziva's "30 Days of Photographs II" non-contest and all the other people who have been devoted or crazy enough to go thru this process every day. A sense of photographical (is that a word) accomplishment has been made by these fine, alibeit insane, people:

MikeWJ, Nicky and Mike, Mo, Meleah, John, aka nonamedufus, Bryan, aka Unfinished Person, Malisa, Nora, LaughingMom, Tanya, Elizabeth A., 00dozo, Cheryl, Kristen, Katherine, and, last -- but definitely not least, Ziva.


Day 25 --  The Future:

Now, the only other thing I thought about were those 1950s sci-fi films...and this flashlight-like thingy that I bought a couple years ago. Each time I look at it, it reminds me of "The War of the Words" (the original version -- don't even make go there...there is no remake...there's only the one). Specifically speaking, it reminds me of the all-seeing scary "eye on a stalk" alien drone which was in the movie. So, I did my best to set it up all nicely and took a few photos, hoping one would convey a nostalgic futuristic slant on things.

So, there you have it...my retro-futuristic flashlight. I think even HG Wells himself might like it -- especially if it were dark.

Day 17: Time

There are a few of these "theme" ideas which made me wonder. As I like to think out of the box and I'm not a photographer in the proper sense of the word...the photographs I have put on here, while not going to win any competition, reflect an image in my head. I'm more a writer (don't laugh) and I believe, because I see things in "scenes" when I write...I think I would be a good script writer...such as for films. So, when I do a few of these themes...I do them - probably with a bit of a different mind, than say, a serious photographer would. I don't think that's horribly wrong - it's probably just making real photographers roll their eyes the way I roll my eyes when I read "so-called" journalists writing for the Huffington Post. So, if I've evoked any rolling of the eyes from you...I completely understand. I've been learning a bit here, too. I'm just not a "setter-upper" - I'm more a take the photo and make it fit the theme. Give me a photo of a blank piece of paper and I'll give you a reason why I thought it represents the pyramids. But...I think that's not how proper photographers think...so I am definitely thinking out of their realm. You have all been nice to allow me into your world and to say such nice things about what I've done. And for that - I am grateful. Very much so.

Before I start cueing in the National Anthem for tugging on heartstrings effect, let's take a minute to give a shout out to Ziva - because, without her, we all wouldn't be on this photo-mission. And another shout out to all these remarkable people -- who just so happen to be my fellow participants in this photography non-contest: MikeWJ, Nicky and Mike, Mo, Meleah, John, aka nonamedufus, Bryan, aka Unfinished Person, Malisa, Nora, LaughingMom, Tanya, Elizabeth A., 00dozo, Cheryl, Kristen, Katherine, and, last -- but definitely not least, Ziva.

Day 17: My take on "Time"...

Clocks...hourglasses...sundials, the rising and setting sun, the phases of the moon, plants growing, flowers blooming, leaves falling off trees...all legitimate ways to get your point across about time.

I wanted mine to be more personal - to show the progression of time. It's not the first time to be done and it won't be the last...but it's my time, so to speak.

Below is a split photo of me...the left side (as you look at it) was when I was 26. It was my passport photo. The right side...is me, now, at 51 years old. Because of the angle of my chin in the right half...we couldn't merge it completely right and I didn't want to Photoshop any of the lines, shadows, or droopy bits away. Basically there's much more shadow under that part of my chin - but, as you age, parts of you keep growing...like the tips of your nose and your earlobes...or they probably just get saggier as that's what the rest of our bodies seem to do. Perhaps the chin changes, too. I know the little area - known as the "jowls" - get more prominent and sag as we get older. But other more subtle things seem to change as well. You can't really tell it - but I have much more hollow cheekbones now...and I have that "Greta Garbo" eyelid look going on. I actually like that bit. My lips seem thinner and they go a bit more down-turned than they used to...and my eyes aren't as wide open as they used to be. But...I don't think I've really wrinkled up like a prune...and for that, I am glad.

So...there you have it - my face...a block of time frozen forever by a shutter click. Twenty-five long years...my face spanning a quarter of a century...one score and five years ago. Either way you say it - it's been a while. Hopefully time will be on my side...for the next 25.

(Thanks go out to my son, Alex, who basically Photoshopped my two me's together - and would have been able to do the chin better if the angle wasn't as lopsided as it was...but he was the master morpher...not me.)

Day 15: Wood

Well, kiddies, we are at the half-way point thru Ziva's photography experiment...which is a blog essay of sorts with themes and what a set group of individuals envision the specific theme given that day. It's been quite fun...many people have done some remarkable photographs...but, in my opinion, the rest of the month is where it's going to get really difficult to define ideas.

We shall see.

But before we step too far ahead, please check out the others at Ziva's "30 Days of Photographs" non-contest...and then look for my photo and write-up directly below: MikeWJ, Nicky and Mike, Mo, Meleah, John, aka nonamedufus, Bryan, aka Unfinished Person, Malisa, Nora, LaughingMom, Tanya, Elizabeth A., 00dozo, Cheryl, Kristen, Katherine, and Ziva.

My inspiration for the today's theme: Wood...

Well, I have lots of things made of wood in my house and outside. I was originally determined to take a photo of my bedroom dresser as it has a face reminiscent of Edvard Munch's painting, "The Scream" -- and it looks at me when I sleep...but I thought that was too easy. I really should set a shot up but typically I just walk around the house and take a photo. That's a tad too easy in my opinion. I want to bring a little bit more "art" to the picture, so to speak.

So, I took a photo of a piece of driftwood which we picked up at West Point Lake in LaGrange, Georgia, years and years ago. We have quite a few large pieces which are gorgeous...but, as they are left outside to the elements, they are going to just rot away one day and that's a shame. I could see them actually hanging on someone's wall - or at the very least, beneath a large glass coffee table. They'd look stunningly beautiful.

One is relegated to the pool side of the fence propped up in front of an antique wagon wheel and a stack of old iron fencing...all of which sits and waits for decay. The cats use the driftwood to scratch their claws...so it is being used for something. With my "not so great" camera I am sure I didn't do this object justice; you cannot see the lovely smooth curves of the water-worn wood...or the curly lace-work which reminds me of the crests of waves about to crash into the shore.

Truly all are original pieces of art which nature itself provides...more beautiful in their simplistic intricacies than you'd ever imagine. All you need to do is take the time to stop and notice...and I hope you can notice even a sliver of that beauty in my photograph.

(Try not to notice the imperfections...like the horrid man-made chain link fence. I would have Photoshopped it out...but it contrasts perfectly in a way with the natural beauty...so I left it stay.)

Day 13: Pleasure

Today's word is "Pleasure". I had a whole lot of ideas...most bad...and most requiring light...but, true to my "experiment" I've been doing...Ambien has to be involved in at least one portion of the contest. Most times both the photo and the write-up are Ambien-induced.

First, check out the other participants at Ziva's "30 Days of Photographs" non-contest...and then look for my photo and write-up below: MikeWJ, Nicky and Mike, Mo, Meleah, John, aka nonamedufus, Bryan, aka Unfinished Person, Malisa, Nora, LaughingMom, Tanya, Elizabeth A., 00dozo, Cheryl, Kristen, Katherine, and Ziva.


My interpretation of Day 12: Pleasure:

This is my phone. I have two other handsets...one of which doesn't work anymore. It probably doesn't work because I wore it out. You see, my pleasure is talking. I love to talk...on the phone is fine -- in person, even better. I'm not sure if I just like a captive audience...or I like hearing the sound of my own voice. I know the sound of my own voice is horrible...but I hear it differently, and, to me, it sounds quite pleasant.

So, I thought the handset would get my point across for today's theme...it was either this or a photo of my mouth...and, trust me, the handset is much more photogenic. ;)

Day 6: Tragedy

Welcome once again to Ziva's wonderful "30 Days of Photographs" non-contest. If you don't know by now, the clickable link above will give you all the details you need to know.

My photo (and very short photo story this time around) are found directly following the list of other participants of this month-long expedition into the minds of some extremely interesting and talented people. Those people are: MikeWJ, Nicky and Mike, Mo, Meleah, John, aka nonamedufus, Bryan, aka Unfinished Person, Malisa, Nora, LaughingMom, Tanya, Elizabeth A., 00dozo, Cheryl, Kristen, Pam and Katherine.

My depiction of today's theme -- which is "Tragedy":

Yes, yes, I know I have my two wonderful children from this union...but, nearly 30 years of my life were wasted...and that is indeed a tragedy.

I won't bore you all with the details...they'd take up way more than 250 words anyway...but if you are willing, I'll give you a call. ;)

Day 3: From an Ant's Perspective

This is "Day 3" in Ziva's "30 Days of Photographs II" non-contest. All information about the contest can be found by clicking the link above. (My photo and write-up are directly after the list of participants.)

The theme this time around is "From an Ant's Perspective"...which got me quite a few "Get back inside the house already...you're on Ambien!" admonistions from my son. But...I'm sure Ansel Adams was told many times to get his arse back inside...so I persevered.

Here is the list of the other "non-contestants" who have probably risen against adversity and braved public ridicule for that one special shot, too: MikeWJ, Nicky and Mike, Mo, Meleah, John, aka nonamedufus, Bryan, aka Unfinished Person, Malisa, Nora, LaughingMom, Tanya, Elizabeth A., 00dozo, Cheryl and Kristen.

Getting down on the ground to get an ant's eye view was the easy part...the hard part was trying to hold the camera steady with one hand and estimating how it might look without really seeing it and then hoping an ant graces the magnifying glass...all whilst knowing my crappy camera can only hold a charge long enough to take about four or five shots. Then you have to factor in I'm also heavily whacked out on Ambien and teetering on the edge of my swimming pool waiting for the clouds to break so I can get the "burn the human" take on the ant's perspective. While no ants were harmed in the taking of this photograph, I was bit on the hand twice. I now have a whole new respect for those National Geographic "lying in wait" photographers...but I also respectfully decline any invitations to the Serengeti.