Favorites, 2016, part 1 of 3

post #316
       Hello to all during this mid December with its extreme cold weather in so many places. Here in eastern Kentucky, we have not yet had more than a few snow flakes, and schools have been able to meet every day this month. Who knows what lies ahead! Hey, that weather comment sort of mirrors our election, so I should add "and who knows what lies are ahead." (That is just how my mind works. It doesn't mean I think the current political transition is funny. Not.in.the.least.)
       My plan for this week, New Year's weekend and the first full weekend of January is to do a review of favorite photos this year, ones I have made. I won't be posting on my blog next Sunday, mainly because it is a busy time for everyone and who would have time to read it!  And, quite frankly, perhaps my loyal readers need a break as well!

        Today I have pulled some of my favorite portraits in 2016, and they will be showing up  chronologically. My apologies if this turns out to be confusing in any way. I don't like to give full names of anyone, unless they are used to publicity, because we all know who we are and there's no need for anyone else to know someone's full name, i.e. I'm a privacy nut in a world that can feel trusting and way too transparent. Anyway, enjoy!

Peg's rescue donkey

Bonnie and her trucks and garden and wonderful sense of humor

Jamie at work in our hay

    Both children who follow were at a rally for equality, held at the Rowan County Arts Center in Morehead.

      

my grandaughter, waiting for her teacher dad to be dunked, at a school fundraiser picnic, not sure if the whole thing is OK

up close and personal with a pre-schooler

Bill and June, both looking like their wonderful selves

the featured artist at the Kentucky Folk Art Center in Morehead last summer: MARK FRANCIS

my poet friend, Melva, with her chocolate, at the Fuzzy Duck in Morehead

another skilled artist, only 5 years old, my grandson, Will

Will's dad, my son, Eric, and a repaired ankle that barely slowed him down at all

one of many photos I like of Will's sister, Audrey, in school

the beloved and incomparable doctor, Ed Scott, because he was about to retire

   This last photo was taken of Will and Audrey and their maternal cousin, Avery, by their dad, who commented on the family Instagram that grownups seemed now no longer totally necessary! Avery has been staying with them for a couple of wonderful weeks while Avery's young brother had some surgery.  
     Actually, it's family that is wonderful. I find a good way to end this post is by sharing a Christmas moment on this blog. And with all best wishes and thanks to my viewers, no matter where in the world you live.

 

reflections on a windy Sunday

post #70 
      Here I am, thinking again.  Wondering.  Decided to seek out some of my favorite photos from 2011 to see whether they move me.  And, if so, why.  Recently I've been reading about Grey Villet, whose photos about Mildred and Richard Loving -- whose case before the Supreme Court in 1966 struck down the law banning interracial marriage -- move me.  I want to go all the way to New York City to see them at the International Center for Photography (ICP).  I have until May 20 to figure out how to do so. 

      I am also wondering about whether I have some visible theme in the images of mine I really like.  So today's post is a start on sharing some of the 2011 photos I feel particularly connected to, starting with portraits, defined very broadly.... 

         .....such as the hound who watched the sorghum making, in September:

First, two photos from February 14, 2011, I Love Mountains day in Frankfort, Kentucky:

one of my favorite 2011 photos!  I hope I will see these guys again this year so I can get their names and give them a copy of this photo.

Wendell Berry, who had spent the past several days as part of a group in the governor's office, in protest.  Wendell, please forgive me, but this happens to be a very good photo....

In January, my sister Haven and her husband Robert took me to a redwood forest.  Wow!  Great red hat, Haven.

family friends welcoming my daughter's upcoming "big" event...It took 4 photo tries to get everyone with all eyes open, with grins and hands in place!  I thank each of you!

Not every 9 year old boy likes to have his photo taken, and Malick is no exception.  So I am honored to have gotten this photo.

England in July: a native

My sister in England: our visits overlapped!!

     The following is a photo that may look planned, but in reality it was pure serendipity.  I was in the basement of our son's home, making a photo of the framed hands (by John Flavell) which said son had purchased and moved to Denver, so I wanted John to be able to see where it was hanging.  My granddaughter showed up, sat down and started playing with the keys -- wearing straps crossing her back!  She is 2 1/2 in this photo, and she knows where the high notes are, and the low notes, and she can also push the right buttons to hear the songs the piano plays; then she listens intently.  Can anyone hear the music?

In May, holding on to mom, who is my first cousin once removed....

   The last photo for today is from 2010, but what better occasion to include it than when I am reviewing my favorite portraits.  This is definitely one of them.  Holding her guitar is a happiness for her, and being outside, sitting on my car, after giving a writing workshop at Natural Bridge State Park, is also a happiness.  Thanks, George Ella, for the happiness of our friendship, even when I am taking your photo! 

George Ella Lyon

     
      Next week, more favorites. I hope everyone else can do something this week they love doing, no matter how large or small it is.