Ode To Joy (With Rivers and Collectors)
Several years ago Debra and her sister had attended a convention of sorts in San Antonio. Ever since that time she had wanted to get back there and see the River Walk at Christmas time. On a dare she asked if I wanted to go. My response-only if it would make you happy.
Interesting to note on the way down, while stuck with the never ending North I35 traffic jam in Fort Worth, we came upon a license plate that we took some encouragement from.
Once we got in the area, Debra found an ad on Craigslist for me. It was a guy that had a large assortment of machine tools for sale. I called and explained what I was looking for. He was pressed for time but met me at his shop. The location had just the right mix is hoarder and danger that confirmed there would be some interesting treasure inside. The owner arrived and pointed me to several rooms. These were all connecting through hallways that were stuffed and narrowed as to barley allow travel. Below if a photo of just one of the rooms. The owner had even purchased homes behind his shop for more storage. All filled with every machine tool or part that could every be desired. All I had to do was find it
Once we finished and calmed down from the machine-tool exploration, we checked into our hotel and made our way downtown. Foolishly I thought we would just find a parking spot. Not possible. There is no nearby, close or easy parking. These goofy horse drawn carriages would mock me as they kept blowing by Debra and I trapped into looping the blocks looking for parking...
Astoundingly we found a spot. However, urgent matters instructed me that I needed to make a quick/urgent visit to another nearby hotel provider. Thanks so much La Quinta.
Once parked-Lefty was feeling great, so off we went. It was pitch black, with heavy clouds and thick mist. The air was damp with clouds and fog. The sights in these conditions were amazing.
The line for the tickets for the boat ride were terribly long. Debra sent me off to take some pics while she got the tickets and discussed her grand-children envy with the others lined up. With that assigned task-off I went. It was somewhat of a challenge-there was no where close to enough light to really take normal photos. So I turned up the ISO settings and tried to arty-tarty up the shots. This was the first. I really liked how the lights on the water looked like brushstrokes.
I rounded the corner and saw this family trying to to get a group selfie. It seemed so ironic in the sense of the scale that was around them.
Down near the Hardrock I slipped up to the street level and snapped a pick of this couple out looking at the lights. I found it interesting how the various images and textures framed their outing.
Once back down at the river I spotted this gloved girl. I asked in a moment, 'can I take your picture? she turned and her friend smiled. Her dad watched all that was happening, very carefully.
Further down, the curve of the river and the perspective of the lens distort the flow and dis-orient your eyes.
I was drawn to this because of the family on the shore. So many people and sights surround them, yet they are so clearly separate and a family.
The way the mist and imposition of the tower across the trees was very compelling.
As we went under a bridge I turned and noticed this sorrowful young girl.
All the lights, all the colors, all the cords and yet...
As another boat crossed our path, we all started waving to each other. What else to do with strangers all smiling? This is the photo that Debra liked the least. I am not a big fan, but I did like the how the blurred edges pull your eye into the image.
One of Debra's favs. She loves kids.
Would you be happy selling women's clothes near a river in the drizzle?
This is a tree that was pushed into the wall from a flood that happened in the 40s. The tree now grows right out of the wall.
A couple of things to note. First, Debra would want you to know that at the very beginning I mentioned the humidity (hair issues). Second, is she beautiful or what? Her smile is stunning. Third-I know what you are thinking. I am smiling (toothache..) and last-just after this photo, was taken; I told Debra to start walking, now.
A man, that was clearly "not a tourist" walked up behind her, very close. I grabbed the asp-baton I carried (thanks Daniel) and we scurried off we were safe and he kept his teeth. Next stop-Walmart for some Ny-Quil. Got to find some way to stomp on this pain-ouch.
Love to you all. This is going to be a very special Christmas. Godspeed in all you do and safe travels until we see you so very soon!
