Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 85 of 100

It was a windy day today, cold and gloomy at the end. This picture hints at that same mood. I thought several times throughout the night that one or more of the tress on the street would come crashing down on my roof. So far, all is safe in that regard.

 

 

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 84 of 100

Today’s picture was taken at Convict Lake about 6 months ago. The boardwalk went through the woods on the western side of the lake, and it offered great views every so often when looking east through window-like openings. It was a clear day during that photo, and the trip itself was beautiful.

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard)

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 83 of 100

Caption: A strong and beautiful woman walks among the wildflowers of California.

Yesterday that woman, my sweetheart, helped me record a speech I gave to a camera club regarding photography and metal prints. I was the guest speaker of the night. I got to show pictures like the one above to the club’s members, and I even brought in a few metal prints so they could see the that photography medium in person. It was a great night. It never would have happened if that strong woman didn’t negotiate a plan with a coffee house to show my prints on their walls (a member at the camera club saw the prints and asked me to speak).

Thank you, sweetheart.

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 82 of 100

Today’s picture was taken five days ago at the Salton Sea. It’s interesting how the place looks so accommodating at first glance–picnic tables, grills, ample parking–that you almost forget that few people travel to the region for recreation. But then you step of the car and remember why the lake is abandoned. The smell. It’s tremendously strong, so much so that any guests in your car are likely to pass on exiting the vehicle even for a minute because the odor is too much to tolerate. I remember my first trip to the lake. I walked around for hours taking pictures during the afternoon–ignoring the smell as best as I could–to the point where my sneakers became two mucky swamp creatures. I don’t recall how many times I had to wash my shoes to get the smell out, but I know the job was akin to removing what dogs jettison on lawns for unfortunate, unaware soles (pun intended).

Nevertheless, the Salton Sea still a beautiful place to photograph. Some of my best shots have come from the lake, and that speaks volumes when I consider how many places I’ve visited over the years, and how many pictures I’ve taken of those destinations. There’s a surreal sadness that hangs over the area. It hints at a time when the air was once fresh and the water was once swimmable. You can almost picture women sunbathing, children running and laughing, and fishermen casting their lines into fish-rich waters. You know the present and past are two different worlds, and only God knows what the future holds for the region. (I’ll save talking about what happened to the Salton Sea for another blog entry.)

-Vincent Lowry (Author of American Vineyard)

 

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 81 of 100

Today’s picture was actually taken on my 40th birthday, 3/22/17. My girlfriend was sweet enough to pose for me for several shots, and this one is probably my favorite of the day. The smile of her mouth matches the joy in her eyes. The feminine delight in the picture powerfully reveals a woman at blissful peace laying among spring wildflowers bathed in afternoon light. The yellows and purples are fresh and bright. Even the shadows cast spring upon the ground and on her face. And beneath her is a soft bed of sand, making it seem as if we were on a beach and not in the middle of a desert.

Spring will move forward, but I’m happy this photo will remain unchanged.

-Vincent Lowry

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 80 of 100

These flowers are for someone special. I hope she likes them tonight.

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 79 of 100

WordPress was giving me problems with some photos I was trying to post, so I will just use a few that I know will go through in the meantime.

Picture above was taken in Torrance. It was the last night of my 30s.

 

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 78 of 100

The picture above was taken in Joshua Tree California on 3/23/17. The wildflowers were amazing because of the winter rain.

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 77 of 100

This picture was taken on my 40th birthday. I was very pleased my girlfriend joined me to see some amazing desert flowers.

Following a Dream in 2017 – Day 76 of 100

Today is the last day of my thirties. I took a walk this evening to reflect on the past decade and all the changes that have happened in my life during the last decade. It’s amazing how much I’ve been through, good and bad, and how much is different today verses ten years ago. I won’t get into the details, but I will say it’s very surreal thinking about it. It’s almost as if my younger self is a different person entirely, and my memory of that young man is just some memoir I happened to read and mistake for my own.

All the same, I’m thankful for the years I’ve been given thus far. I know exactly what I’ll be wishing for when the big forty hits tomorrow, and I think most people wish for the same when wisdom of experience outweighs the arrogance of youth. I will wish for it tomorrow out in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Spring flowers will fill my eyes, and a spirit will fill my core with a beauty that is unrivaled and glorious.

And the vast horizon shall unfold the next journey.

-Vincent Lowry