Backroads Contest (again)

Pin It Updated (see below).

I have a friend with whom I was recently talking. She thought she should have been the winner for the last contest on my photography website. I guess she felt that she wasn’t given a fair shake the last time I sponsored it (or rather, didn't know about it soon enough and other people got a big head start).

So, for those whom would like a ‘second chance’ at winning a free print from Backroads Photography, I will have the contest one more time. The only new addition to the contest is that Gerb and Summer are more than welcome to play if they want but, since they were the winners last time, they are not eligible to win again.

Sorry guys.

The official rules are found HERE. Since Christmas is coming up so quickly, this contest will end at midnight on Wednesday, December 17th...this way my friend can try for her free print in time for that self-given Christmas gift.

Good luck!

By the way, since I know that there are a lot of cjane fans out there, she would probably win the contest hands down, so I'll tell you what...I'll make sure she gets a free print and we'll have another one for the person with the most referrals other than cjane.

ADDENDUM: I just heard back from cjane, and this is the print she's chosen (just fyi). Winning a print for yourself is now up to you...

Impact — to the second power

Pin It School was out and I was helping a few students with their homework when my classroom door opened. In walked a student I’d had in my class last year—I’ll call him ‘Joey.” Now, though I hadn’t seen Joey more than once or twice in the past six months I’d heard about how he was doing from his brother…that he had good grades in middle school, and that he’d taken up guitar classes.

Joey paused for a second in the doorway, looking around my new classroom. Upon spotting me he ran across the room, threw his arms around me, and hugged me like he were never going to let go. I patted his back saying something to the effect of, “It’s great to see you again too, Joey.”

He started to cry.

I immediately thought that something must be wrong. Perhaps there were problems at home. Maybe somebody in his family had been hurt. I wondered even if he’d been bullied or somebody had threatened him.

“Joey, what’s wrong?” I asked, concerned.

In response at first he said nothing—he just squeezed even harder. Finally, with a quavering voice through his tears he choked out, “Nothing’s wrong, Mr. Z…I just miss you so much.”

Sometimes, I forget just what a big impact I make on the lives of some of my students—as well as the impact they make on me.

The Christmas Card

Pin It I created quite a stir last year with a number of people.

I received emails, phone calls, as well as visits from those inquiring minds who just wanted to know exactly what was going on.

Such is the response when one creates a Christmas card with a fictional family—grateful for things which they don’t even have (for, as I said, they are fictional).

Let’s see…

• My Mom freaked out.
• My aunt yelled at me over the phone, dropping a few choice adjectives which I’ll not mention.
• Several friends casually questioned me about what was going on.
• I received email congrats from fellow bloggers.
• A few acquaintances called and wanted to know why they hadn’t been invited to the wedding.
• My friend, Jan, shook her head and blew out an exasperated sigh; then muttered, “Zimmerman” under her breath.
• My Dad laughed.
• My sister rolled her eyes but told me that it was funny anyhow.

Now I sit, on the threshold of this next Christmas holiday with building pressure. How in the world will I top a masterpiece card like this?


To be honest, I’m not quite sure just yet…

Prognosis negative

Pin It Chronic Mastoiditis

Yep, that’s what they think.

Now, you’re ready to run to the search option of the internet to look up just what Chronic Mastoiditis is, aren’t you?

If you really want to know, feel free. At the time there is not much else to say…time will tell. However, didn’t I say it would be fine?

Now I get to see a neurologist instead.

Thanks for the concern.

However, I’m thinking that it might actually be a brain cloud…

As it comes

Pin It There were a hundred different things which raced through my head to blog about tonight…or at least a dozen.

Each item seemed so perfect, but it was discarded.

I don’t wish to be deep tonight. Nor do I wish to be eloquent. Therefore, I will write it as it comes with no revision of said words.

I made my lunch this morning as I usually do, not really realizing that the bread was freezer-burned at first. Upon closer inspection I made the discover, and decided to stop in at the grocery store to pick up a deli sandwich.

$5?

I stood there looking at the price again.

It didn’t change.

As I looked at the quality of the product coupled with the price tag, the two just didn’t seem to go together. I decided to spend my hard-earned cash on something a bit more worthwhile.

Apples and bananas.

And of course, a visit to the Walker’s on Center Street for a Dunford Maple Bar.

Purchasing these varied items would cost less than the sandwich in question.

Unfortunately, Walker’s was out of the maple bars by the time I’d arrived.

I felt incredibly ripped off.

I’ll just have to try again tomorrow…

Perhaps a few minutes earlier.

Hurricane photo shoot

Pin It When I was down in Hurricane, I was asked to do a photo shoot of some friends of mine. They wanted something, but were not quite sure what it was. Unfortunately, with the several onslaughting days of rain, the leaves (as well as ground) of the backyard was completely soaked. Additionally, the little treasures' left by their two dogs would have made it a bit more treacherous as well.

I suggested we take their couch and get a few shots in the middle of their street.

These are a few of my favorites from the session...

We called this one, “High School Musical.”

Something told Teachinfourth...

Pin It Something told the Wild Geese
Rachel Field

Something told the wild geese
It was time to go;
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered. . . snow.

Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned . . . frost

All the sagging orchards
steamed with amber spice
But each wild breast stiffened
and remembered ice.

Something told the wild geese
it was time to fly.
Summer sun was on their wings
Winter in their cry

As I awoke this morning, I stepped outside and found myself surrounded by a world arrayed of ice crystals - like truckloads of diamond shavings - covering nearly everything. The bitter cold bite of the morning air invigorated my lungs and made me smile.


Though I am not a huge fan of winter, it is wonderful - that time - when autumn and winter meet.