Why Do I Like This Picture So Much ?

I am not a photographer.

This was drilled into my head through a Intro to Photography class I took in high school.
Oh sure any idiot with a camera can take pictures.  Now any idiot with a phone can too.  I am just one of those idiots, and yet ... every so often, I will snap a photo that really sticks with me.  The picture featured in today's post is an example of that.

I cannot really say why I like this one so much.  I have seen, and taken, many photos of sunlight behind clouds.  There are millions that are probably more beautiful than this one for a variety of reasons.  But I love this picture.
It has been the wallpaper on my phone now since the day I took it and every time I have considered changing it I just can't bring myself to do it.


Song Of The Day:
Although the clouds in this picture brought no rain, they sure look "Stormy" which is our song for the day.  This was one of a few hits for the group named Classics IV.  Check them out on wikipedia and you'll realize you actually have heard their music before.

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Why Did I Take THAT Picture ?

Cell phones are pretty amazing.  Not only can you call and talk to a person literally anywhere else in the world, but you can do LOTS of other things in between those important phone calls.  Like ... taking pictures.

I didn't take very many pictures with my first two cell phones, mostly because the picture quality was not very good.  Enter smart phones and my iPhone ... and now I take pictures almost every day.  Even more once I realized how you can go straight to the camera from the lock screen.

Some pictures are specifically for future Blog Posts.  Some pictures are to remember a special moment.  Some pictures are because it is easier than writing a bunch of information down.

But some pictures ... well, some pictures I have no real idea why I have them in my phone.  I truly need to just delete them, but I feel this nagging sense that I will need them again at some future point ... which will only come to my mind the very moment AFTER I remove them from my phone memory.

Here are a few of those pictures and my attempt at explaining why I think I took the photo:

I think I thought the clouds
looked cool ... maybe?

This is from a while ago
because Myra hasn't had
bottles in over a year.

First time filling up the
new van was expensive!

I think this is where we hid
Easter Eggs for the kids in Alabama

It's potato soup ... but why
did I need a picture of it ?

Not a bird.  Spencer.
Not cool man, not cool!

I'm sure I planned a
blog post for this ...

Song Of The Day:
As you've seen, my motivation to take a picture often comes from a variety of sources and situations.  The Chicago song "You're The Inspiration" is my nod to those circumstances which inspire me to snap a picture.

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What Do You Want To Learn About ?

These days our lives are so filled with things to do that we often feel like we just have no time at all for the pursuit of our own passions.  But I have found a way to keep myself from accepting that "well if I had time I would" excuse.

One of my passions is learning.  I love to learn.  I love that feeling that I still get when something confusing or unknown becomes clear or known.  There is gratification for me in gaining answers to my multitude of questions.  There is also satisfaction in not feeling like I am making things up when I am talking about a variety of subjects.

Several years ago I began keeping a running list of subjects I want to learn more about.  The list ranges all over ... from specific things (how does blowing out a sprinkler system work? and can I do it on my own with the right tools?) ... to general or very broad subjects (auto mechanics; how do engines work? why does my engine make that sound?)

I have recently begun copying this list over to my iPhone, so that I can have the subjects with me everywhere I go.  When I find myself waiting somewhere (an example would be between band performances yesterday evening), I can access the web and research / read about one of the subjects I have listed.  I will certainly become no expert through this process, but I have worked through several dozen questions and subjects in the last few years.

I also love being able to add things to the list and then not worry about them again until I have time to learn about them.  Even just putting the thought on the list makes me feel better because I know I will get to it eventually.

Song Of The Day:
When I think about learning I think about my earliest education: Kindergarten.  We learned numbers and letters and how to share, etc.  The 80's group ABC comes to mind and their tune "Be Near Me" is one of my favorites.  So the group's name is the only real tie in with the post.  But now you know ... See?  You learned something.  Wasn't that fun?!  :)

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