how my brain works

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Farm Visitors

 

While at the farm on Friday, I noticed a Mennonite family visiting the farm. Being a typical outsider, I was amazed at how normal they were. The boys ran to the animals as fast as they could and climbed the fences. The family followed the same route around the farm as any other family. I thought, wow, inspite of our differences, we are all pretty much the same.

Then my evil side took over and I wondered what they saw in the farm. Wasn't it just like home? Farm animals and no electricity? I totally turned this family into a stereotype, even after thinking we were so similar. And then I realized there really were differences between us. They were polite and kind and I wasn't.

Somedays, I think my parents did not beat me enough as a kid.

 

 

how bout them kicks?

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Pink Sneakers

 

Somedays you wake up and know that life is going your way. So you get up and put on your pink chucks and your long tutu. Man, you are set to face the world. Ready to face any challenge with a ginormous smile. Yeah, how bout them kicks?

Those are the days that make your life a wonderful experience. Your Pink Chucks Days. Capital letter days! I hope all of you are having a Pink Chucks Day on this fine Saturday in May.

Anybody seen my pink chucks?…Under the bed? Ok, thanks.

 

Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 45 mm
ISO Speed 1600

 

good luck to go

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Good Luck to Go

 

Here is some good luck for your weekend. Around here, the sun is supposed to come out early afternoon and remain (mostly) through next week. If the sun stays more than two days, it will be our sunniest week this Spring.

I hope you have a grand weekend.

 

Exposure 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 26 mm
ISO Speed 250

 

 

a quiet moment

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

A Quiet Moment

 

This was one of those wonderful shots that just hit me in the face when I walked into the room. The subject, lighting and pose were all there for me to capture. I actually had to back out of the room a few steps to frame the image the way I wanted. I thought it would be important for the picture to place both her head and the stove pipe off center.

Exposure 0.025 sec (1/40)
Aperture f/5.0
Focal Length 30 mm
ISO Speed 1600

I am really loving the new Sony a55 body. The low light capability and the ability to deliver high ISOs with very low amounts of noise is a real treat after shooting with the Oly E510 for so many years.

Thank you Mr. Sony. Ya done good.

 

 

all along the watchtower

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

All Along the Watchtower

 

Sarah, the resident barn cat at Carriage Hill Farm enjoys a quiet moment perched on the picket fence surrounding the vegetable garden. Sarah likes to roost up high on this fence. She feels safe. She can command the yard & survey her own private kingdom. She is at ease here.

The farm is made from these quiet, soft moments combined with a visual and physical contrast between this serene place and the tumult of our daily lives and this rat race we live in.

Do you have a tranquil place in your own life? A place where you can go to rest your mind and your heart?

 

 

ninja ewe

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Sheep in the Tall Grass

 

I know that right about now, all of you are wondering why I have posted a picture of tall green grass. I mean, what could be so special about a field of grass? Well, if you squint your eyes and tilt your head just a little to the right, you might be able to make out the outline of a sheep hiding in the grass. If you can't see the sheep at first, try shaking your head vigorously and then take another peek.

If you spot her, congratulations, you have seen Myra Whitsocks, the worlds first (and to my knowledge only) ninja sheep. Once you see her, don't take your eyes off of her or she might slink away and in pure ninja style, pounce on another unsuspecting member of the pasture community. Who knows, it could be you.

You just might find yourself walking along whistling to yourself when suddenly you hear her blood curdling war cry! Baaaaaa! Too late, she jumps out of the tall grass and tags you. Before you know what is happening, Myra disappears into the tall grass, leaving you bewildered.

So take a good look at the picture again my friends. You may never have this opportunity to see Myra, the ninja sheep again.

 

 

mother and child reunion

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

Mother and Child Reunion

 

Lilly and her mother Sue are inseparable. Find one in the pasture and the other will be nearby. I can often coax Lilly over to give her a scratch behind the ears but, she will soon return to her mom. When I first arrive at the farm, I often go straight to find these two. Nothing gets my visit off to a better start than to see this pair enjoying each other's company.

 

behind the curtain

Posted on by Tim McMurdo

In the Spotlight

 

I promise that this will be the last dance recital image for a while. I just wanted to point out the woman behind the curtain. Every year Patrice Link puts on this spring recital for her dance students and their parents. The ages of the dancers range from toddlers to teens. 

In a ritual that probably takes place in small towns and cities across the nation. The children file on stage and dance (or sometimes stare at the audience) while parents snap away and video their children. Here in Tipp City, it's Patrice that does the wrangling and traffic control behind the curtain. Because of her tireless efforts, the rest of us get to ooooh and aaaah at the cute kids on stage.

Thank you for putting on the show for us Patrice. Even more, thank you for letting me back stage. You are a doll!