The First of a New Year: My Best

I really didn't have a photo I thought of as my best.

This photo was taken last month, on a cold day.

There were dead hosta, lying gold and 

translucent in their beds. 

Then I turned to see one bright rose,

shining brightly as the late afternoon sun 

heated the limestone block, 

and chill breezes froze everything 

else to the ground.

November Theme Day: Out of Focus

My little camera is too small to take super-sharp 

action pictures. It's too dark in the Natatorium to get

clear shots of the swimmers at speed: 

in natural light, they appear blurred, but when I

adjust the shutter speed, the light goes away.

However, I actually like some of the results, which I

use as reference for my drawings.

At times, the swimmers seem elongated,

 becoming even more a part of the water.

I like to watch how the liquid moves and flows

around their bodies, separates and then

rejoins its fluid self as the swimmer

passes through.

When I am swimming myself, I like

to see the water flowing past my goggles

when I turn to breathe; the more correctly 

I am able to swim, the more

quickly the water seems to pass.

I actively look for it and know to adjust 

my technique if it isn't happening.

And then ... and then, when I look at the bottom,

the water breaks the gridded tile into

facets and even the long black stripe becomes

diamonds, drifting away into a blur.

The theme for the first day of November, 

in case you haven't figured it out,

is Out of Focus. To see how other members of

the City Daily Photo portal have

interpreted the theme, just click on the

nearby link, or on the CDP badge

to the right of this post. 

Oh, Yeah, It's Theme Day: Doh!

It's another theme day and I've been rushing around, 

home-job-swim-repeat, for what seems like months, 

but has really only been a few weeks.

Gee, I even recall looking at the CDP page 

to find out what the topic would be for August, 

then promptly forgot about it.

Oh, well, here it is - a short presentation

of pictures of one of the many apartment buildings

that are being constructed in the downtown area.

I caught this moment as workmen were directing a crane

as it flew in some trusses for a floor in the new building,

just outside the Downtown area, at the corner 

of Massachusetts Avenue and New York Street.

The rents of most of the buildings starts at just over

a thousand dollars a month for a small, one bedroom

apartment. I have to wonder about this because

the property owners don't expect their tenants to become

long-term residents of their buildings; no, they

expect them to stay a year or to, then move on to

bigger jobs or to finish school and go on

to other places. In a state where the government

isn't exactly known for attracting businesses that

pay their employees a substantial wage,

who is going to be living in these buildings?

Where are the jobs and where are the educated 

workers who will be qualified for those jobs?

I also noticed that most of the crew working 

on this project are Hispanic. 

This is progress: earlier migrants seemed

to form the backbone of roofing crews who came

into the area during the summer, going from

town to town to put roofs on houses all

through the Midwest. And they do drywall

work, and they paint. Those that do good work

go on to have their own businesses, laying

the foundation for the new wave of immigrants

who will eventually become they mainstays

of their American working communities.

They are, perhaps, in the process of maintaining

and building the very neighborhoods

of which they will eventually be a part.

July Theme Day: Look Down

The street maintenance department of Indianapolis

may not be so great at making sweet, 

tidy repairs, but they somehow manage 

to be sublime street artists 

in the Abstract Expressionist manner. 

Compositions such as these exist all over the city; 

I've taken enough of these sorts of photos 

to be able to mount a large exhibition. 

Consequently, today's theme, Look Down 

was right up my alley, so to speak.

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Theme Day: Smell

The Theme for the first day of May is "Smell."

I posted another image of this same tree some weeks

ago showing its tiny buds against a background

of brown stucco. Since then, the flowers have come

and gone, too soon. All around, bunches of pansies

 have been planted in beds, against a background

of black mulch. Tulips have opened their

crowns to the sun and fallen away.

Today, hidden among the branches of its bush,

I saw the first rose opening, its aroma 

a promise still hidden amid the folds

of its petals. 

But I have smelled the rain,

those "April Showers" that bring

all the delicate colors I love so much.

And the scent of just-mowed grass

has wafted through the neighborhoods

in recent days as homeowners

wage a battle to keep their lawns from

turning into little jungles.

April Theme Day: The Beauty of Simplicity

T'ain't much, but I enjoy the way the vines 

are meandering across the silvery boards,

creating a line drawing contrasting 

their wandering ways nicely 

against the vertical fence.

March Theme Day: Where I Belong

I love the smell of chlorine in the morning.

Practices at the IUPUI Natatorium were cancelled 

because the Indiana High Shool Athletic Association 

was holding the Boys' State Championships 

this past weekend. Instead of swimming 

I volunteered to be an usher.

 Just like last week at the girls' championships, 

I was happy to be in the building, sharing 

familiar smells and sounds with thousands 

of participants and observers.

The boys passed time in the company 

of their team-mates, warming up in

the pool, chatting, and playing card games,

The sounds of cheering echoed from the roof 

of the Nat, as rhythmic sounds 

of the swimmers' kicking added a subtle

background line to the competition.

I wish that sound could be miked and

played during telecasts. Added to the way the 

water feels as the swimmer's arms pull

against it, and the way it looks as it rushes by

one's goggles, people might get

some understanding of the pleasure

one feels as one gets stronger

and more confident.

And feeling this is where I belong.

December Theme Day: Shop Windows - Why Stop at One?

When this particular Theme day appeared, 

the first shop I thought of was The Flying Cupcake.

I headed there to buy a couple of their treats

and then realized I was standing in the midst of

an entire block of shops, bars, and

restaurants that deserve attention.

From the inside of TFC, one can look outside

to see other sources for gifts and goodies

right across the street.

One of the most popular is Three Dog Bakery, 

that makes treats for the fur people

with whom we share our homes and lives.

Today's special was tempting,

even to me. Snickerdoodles are my

favorite cookie treat.

Back across the street, there is the Small Mall,

a narrow storefront that offers holiday and seasonal decor

in its entry way, tempting shoppers to explore what

turns out to be three floors of vintage furniture,

contemporary crafts and artwork. 

There are also offerings of mid-century

pieces for the home, as well as numerous items

to entertain the diverse tastes of one's 

families and friends.

(I found hand-knitted caps and mittens

that are both unique and cozy.)

Last but not least, I stopped in at

Mass Avenue Toys. They have stuff for the

smaller folks in our lives, more unique

and less commercial than the usual items purveyed

by the bigger stores. One can find gifts

that aren't too expensive, on up to what

seems to me to be rather pricey.

I like it there because they have toys to

encourage a child's intellect and creativity.

It's where I'll go to find some little 

things for my grandnieces and nephews

this Christmas.

To see how other members of 

the City Daily Photo community

have interpreted the theme, just click on 

the above link, or on the CDP badge 

to the right of this post.

Theme Day: Ephemeral

My entry into this month's theme day

is just about as fleeting as the diamonds

that appeared on the fall leaves.

The colors on the trees this autumn

have been more bright and beautiful than

in the recent past, making them

another treasure to be hoarded in the mind

for future enjoyment, as color

to be remembered through the coming

gray of winter.

October Theme Day: Shelter

For the past year, the federal court building has been undergoing

renovation, maintenance and restoration.

Earlier this spring, I found stonemasons grinding out and 

replacing the old grout between the limestone and granite slabs

that make up the surface of the structure.

To protect the sculptures that greet visitors at the main

entrances, shelters have been constructed to protect

them from falling objects, be they stone, dirt, or human.

Curiousity: Theme Day Missed, But It was Worth It

A public library is the most enduring of memorials, 

the trustiest monument for the preservation of an event 

or a name or an affection; for it, and it only, 

is respected by wars and revolutions, 

and survives them.  -- Mark Twain 

 I had intended to have a post for Theme Day. 

There aren't many "curiousities/ oddities" in Indy 

that don't verge on the downright scary.

What I had planned was pretty standard fare, 

but I missed it due to an odd conjunction

of circumstances not worth repeating.

Instead, I hied myself to Monument Circle

on Tuesday, September 2nd to take pictures

of Monument, one of six installations

comprising The Public Collection.

Developed to promote public art and literacy,

I found a wide range of books

provided by the Marion County Public Library,

titles that could entice just about anyone to

borrow something to read.

I found one for myself, a bit of historical

fiction that allows me to indulge

some life-long romantic fantasies. 

The SPARK Project continues on the Circle,

allowing visitors to mix and mingle among little

seating areas to play chess or checkers,

to stack giant Legos, play Foosball or ping-pong.

The temperatures were in the sun-baked

and humid ninetys so many folks, instead, 

seemed to prefer to sit in the shade with a bowl

of ice cream. 

But the serene and quiet activity at Monument 

and SPARK screened the main event of the lunch-time

schedule, a gathering of NHRA drivers and

displays of their Top Fuel and Funny Car dragsters.

They are in town for the annual NHRA Nationals

held each Labor Day weekend since 1955 

at Lucas Oil Raceway, just a few miles west

of Indianapolis.

I don't care for drag racing - it's just

not my thing, nor do I like Corvettes, but I 

do like the Camaro shown above.

Of course, I'd like it; priced at over $150,000

it was a beautiful expression of technologies

and mechanics wrapped in a sleek yellow and black

aerodynamic skin. If given enough money

to buy the damn thing, would I pay my bills or

have this low-flying road sculpture?

The Chevy Funny Car shown above belongs to 

NHRA Champion driver, John Force,

Shown below at the Fan Fest Autograph session 

with his daughters Ashley and Courtney,

themselves champion drivers who 

often beat their dad. He's taught them well.

While sitting in my own spot of shade with a dish of ice cream, 

I happened to notice a young man sitting at a picnic table. 

For whatever reason, I recognized him right away. 

He was Graham Rahal, Indy Car driver, son of 1986 Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal, and fiance of Courtney Force.

He was waiting for her to complete a radio interview promoting this weekend's drag racing. Between the book kiosk, 

the cars and their drivers, and the displays at SPARK, 

seeing him made my day, topping both my curiosities and 

my interests with a little cherry.

August Theme Day: Bicycles

I was wondering what sort of pictures I would 

use to illustrate today's theme.

Unlike more sophisticated/progressive cities 

the world over, Indianapolis has only, in recent years, 

begun to urge people to commute to work and 

to do their errands using bicycles as a convenient, 

environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

That has started to change in dramatic fashion,

as many of the city's streets now have

bike lanes, and the city buses are all equipped

with bike racks to aid people who both

ride the bus and use their bikes to commute.

On Saturday, today, the 8th Annual Mass Ave Criterium 

was held. Utilizing a street course 

laid out in the neighborhood just northeast of 

downtown Indy, the MAC is a cycling event made up 

of timed races for riders of various categories of experience 

and ages, male and female. (As I type this,

the Men's Pro 90-minute race has just started.)

While it's a joy to see so many lean, fit people,

I find the sport about as interesting as some folks 

find drying paint. However, entire families showed up,

both to compete and/or to watch the races.

The little girl above was accompanying her father,

attached to his bike on a sort of third wheel,

while the father below brought his son and daughter

to watch the races.

Earlier this year, the city also initiated a system 

of bicycle rental kiosks. Yeah, yeah, while this is popular

in other countries, Indy has been slow to adapt, 

but the people have not. The bicycles have proved 

to be very popular with both citizens and visitors alike; 

I often pass by kiosks that are virtually empty of bicycles 

as they have all been taken for use.

 This blog is a member of the City Daily Photo portal.

To see how other participants from all over the world 

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Stylin': A Gazillion Billion Million ...

Oh ... crickey (or words to that effect),

I completely forgot about the June Theme Day.

Well, no matter.

After all, nothing's more stylish than

three thousand or so bikers, all gathered 

to ride around Indy for a charitable event, 

the 22nd Annual Miracle Ride.

While this incarnation of the event began in 1994,

I remember other Miracle Ride gatherings in the 1980s.

Made up of motorcycle enthusiasts from a startling array 

of backgrounds, the volunteers raise money for

Riley Hospital for Children. The money is intended to treat

children with a wide array of illnesses and injuries.

This year, the cyclists met on Speedway's Main Street,

where the parked machines occupied over a half mile, from

16th Street down to 10th Street. Their owners attended

a party in a big tent, while others visited nearby 

restaurants and breweries.

As for the "stylin'" part, 

there definitely is a particular look:

Black leather and nylon, decorated with studs, 

zippers, and some fringe made up the

dominant theme, while sunglasses and bandanas

completed many ensembles.

There's no telling how many professional

folk have adopted this look,

but there could easily have been

at least one ex-governor among them.

(It's rumored that his little boot-clad

feet don't even touch the ground

when his 'cycle stops at intersections.)

To see how other members of 

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Revolution: Webfoot's Nemesis

Revolution: it's personal.

A former lover used to say that I didn't have proper toes,

that I got "toe buds" on the ends of my short, 

wide feet. I have just enough foot to keep me from

tipping over when I walk, thank you. They serve.

These days, scarred and callused, they help

propel me through the water as I swim.

With the Natatorium undergoing renovations,

I now go to the pool at Butler University for practice.

Most evenings, the narrow lanes are crowded

with other swimmers. With so many people at practice 

we need to share the lanes, circling down one side, 

back on the other. The place is my nemesis:

if I am going to be hurt while swimming this

is generally where it happens. 

The other night, I hit, or was hit, by another swimmer,

jamming a knuckle and jarring an already sore shoulder.

It hurt and was swollen and numb. I was a whiney 

bitch and took my hurt feelings and swollen

hand home to reconsider my position.

 I have goals I want to achieve and I need 

to not let little knocks and scrapes annoy me. 

I decided I should just pull on my big girl panties

and get over it. I returned to the pool the next night

to swim a little harder.

Besides (and here's where the "revolution" part

comes in), I decided I was having a white girl,

"first world" problem. The facility at Butler is in

a beautiful, well-equipped student recreation

center that's less than ten years old -- and I was kvetching 

because I did not have access to the world class 

facility where I am used to swimming. 

In a world where so many people do not have access 

to clean water to drink, where their rivers 

are cesspools of fecal matter, where the water 

is rationed or where people have no water at all,

I have my choice of places that are full of the 

beautiful blue stuff.

So ... "Get over it, doofus!"

"Revolution" is the monthly theme for

the bloggers of City Daily Photo. To see how others

from all over the world have interpreted the theme,

just click on the above link, or on the CDP badge

to the right of this post.

Theme Day: Ageing (Where the Winner of the Inaugural Wyoming Award Gets Tested)

Several weeks ago, I enrolled in "Bee School," 

a day-long seminar presented by the Indiana Beekeepers

Association. In addition to displays brought in

by professional apiaries and suppliers, there were lectures

for advanced beekeepers, beginning beekeepers,

and people interested in keeping bees.

I fall into the latter category.

Since I needed to take a bus to the site of the event,

I checked the location on Google maps that displayed an

intersection near the end of the bus route from which

I would walk about a half mile to the high school

campus. "No problem," I said to myself, as I set off

to learn how to become a willing servant to those

little pollinators of our food supply.

The bus ride Saturday morning was non-eventful, 

winding through neighborhoods I'd never seen before,

taking me into the southwestern section of the city.

I got off the bus in an area that could only be described

as light industrial to rural. The only buildings in

evidence were warehouses that are transfer points

for cargo shipped to and from the nearby

Indianapolis International Airport, a regional hub 

for FedEx and UPS. I walked a quarter mile north, 

near the entrance to a warehouse serving a lot of FedEx 

semis - and saw nothing on the horizon but more warehouses.

I walked back to the intersection where I walked west along 

a two-lane paved road. At the top of the rise all I saw

was fallow ground bordered by barren trees.

It crossed my mind that me, a sixty-something woman

might become likely prey for a serial killer

long-haul truck driver. I'd never be heard from again.
Instead of getting scared wandering the roads, I got pissed.

 The Google map did not show the bus stop

on Kentucky Avenue where I could have just crossed

the street to arrive at my location. Instead, it had me 
walking a half mile from some isolated spot, 

nowhere near the school.

That's where I saw this speed limit sign, smothered 

in brush beside a long-abandoned road.

Back at the intersection, I was able to board the next

bus along that route. I asked the driver the location

of Decatur Central High School and was told it was just

about a mile from where the earlier driver

had dropped me off, across the street from where we'd

 first entered the development of apartments, 

a small specialty hospital, with the warehouses 

just beyond that. He told me he would let me off

right in front of the campus, and he did.

An hour late, I made it to Bee School. I'd expected 

a few hundred people to attend. Instead, I saw a 

couple thousand folks; the auditorium was full and the 

lectures I attended for beginning beekeepers

were standing room only. People of all ages bunched 

around the manufacturers' displays, including teen-agers

trying on coveralls and veils. I think I could get 

started on this part of my life odyssey for about $500.00, 

including my first package of bees.

And what has all this to do with today's CDP theme?

During one of the lectures, the beekeeper spoke about

the die-off of some of his bees during the winters.

He said that bees need to leave the hive every several

days to, well, take a shit. They do not want to dirty

their hive, so briefly fly outside then return to the warmth 

of their cluster. Some bees go outside to die

for the same reason. He used to work very hard

to save them only to find they would again leave the hive,

where he'd find their little bodies in the snow.

Eventually, the beekeeper learned it was a part 

of the natural process, that they knew better 

than he when their role was done.

Me? I am nowhere near ready to be found in some

isolated snow bank, curled up and down for the count. 

I have too many adventures ahead.

To see how other members of the City Daily Photo 

portal have interpreted today's theme, "Ageing," 

either click on the above link or on the CDP badge

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