Monochrome: On the Way to Spring

I took similar pictures just about 

a month ago of these trees and shrubs.

Yep, they were standing in front of the same 

brownish wall, too. Then, it was the way the light 

reflected off the branches that caught my eye.

Yesterday, it was the subtle variations in color. 

There were bits of red added to the mix,

the buds that told me spring was indeed, in spite of 

the leaden gray skies, in our future.

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.

Gold and Silver

Whenever I see a different color reflected 

from the Federal Court House, I end up walking around, 

my eyes gazing upward, looking for a new angle.

It's the same ol' building I've frequently posted pictures

of over the years, but it's beauty fascinates me.

And Saturday was no different. 

Its limestone facade glowed in the gold

and silver lights reflected onto it 

by the windows of nearby office buildings.

I was smitten. and wandered around it

enthralled by its luminescence.

Spring Training

It will be just about a month until Spring rolls into Indy,

but Saturday gave us a preview in the form of sunny skies

and temperatures in the seventies.

People took every advantage of the unexpected warmth

by coming downtown to see the sights, to shop, and  to enjoy 

the company of other people doing exactly the same.

Whether it was folks people watching, enjoying their lunch 

or an ice cream cone on the steps of the Circle,

people took the time to speak with others.

They chatted with visitors from outside the city

while lined up on their Harleys near

the Hilbert Circle Theatre.

Others spent time practicing 

their skateboard skills on the plaza 

of the Regions Bank, watched by 

commuters waiting for their buses 

just across the street.

It may have been a month until Spring 

rolls around, but the people of Indy used 

the day well. I guess it could be 

called Spring training.

In a Hurry

A week ago, the weather was bitterly cold,

with temperatures that included 

the dreaded "wind chill factor."

Saturday was a pleasant surprise for all. 

People who had been huddled inside their parkas 

were now enjoying the sun, 

taking in the sights downtown and lazing around 

Monument Circle. Definitely, everyone is

anticipating the coming of Spring,

in a hurry for the flowers and sunnier skies.

Also in a hurry was this couple.

Evidently they were running late for some

event. The young woman had removed

her strappy heels in order

to improve her speed and to reduce

her risk of injury.

Smart woman.

The Frozen Tundra of an Asphalt Field

With January edging into February,

our winter weather has finally arrived, 

bringing below freezing winds that swept 

across the plains of area parking lots.

In the early morning dark,

people shuffled from their parked cars

into work, huddled and cringing 

from the blowing snow like so many

 shadowy proletariat, on their way to work

at one of the many cubicle farms

that make up our local employment scene.

The Eagle and the Sparrow

While waiting for a bus home late Wednesday 

afternoon, a flock of sparrows flew to my feet. 

Cold and hungry, they didn't startle easily, 

but waited in anticipation of any crumbs that might

fall from my hand to their anxious beaks.

Unfortunately, I didn't have anything to offer them.

Another commuter approached,

startling the flock into flight, up onto the base

of a light stanchion just behind me.

While most of them huddled at the feet of cast iron 

eagles, one of them perched on the head

of one of the fierce-looking raptors,

making it look as though it was wearing

a big fluffy hat.