New landscapes every day.

There isn't a day that goes by here in the Green Mountain State when the dynamic nature of..well, nature..doesn't expose brand new dimensions. The scenery is never dull. As the radio crackles with news of fires in California, tropical storms in the Dominican Republic and (gasp) snow in the upper elevations of Vermont, it's difficult not to be humbled but whatever is coming next.

Just another (spectacular) autumn day

The last six months in Vermont have been beyond description (but that won't stop me) with breathtaking weather and color. With the season so dry and warm, I have been hard-pressed to convince myself to spend any time inside sitting at a computer. And the season continues. Global warming? Climate change? Yup. But we might as well take in the view while we try and fix it.

April Snows Bring May's ...

I've never woken up to a Vermont snowfall that wasn't breathtakingly gorgeous. But a few have taken me by surprise. This is a bit unusual for April as the ski resorts are winding down and the sugaring season comes to a close. It just means that mud season will last a little longer. It's always worth it. Let's hope the occupants that take up residence in these bluebird houses feel the same way since their arrival is imminent.

Croatian Sister

This photograph was taken in the central square in Zagreb. Quite the happening place. It was a perfect September evening for being outside, listening to the local musicians, taking advantage of the plentiful eateries and contemplating the changes that this country has gone through in the last 15 years. Yet, this women seemed consumed by sadness. She noticed me right after I took the photograph and didn't seem all too pleased that I took an interest in her. So, I put the camera in my lap until she moved on.

Triptych

Trio Triptych performs in Saxtons River, Vermont at Main Street Arts on April 7, 2007. The concert is double billed with House Blend, an a cappella choral ensemble whose repertoire is as eclectic as its character.

Winter gives way

This is the time of year in Vermont when winter and spring co mingle to form the daily landscape dynamic. As the ice gives way to water, the frozen roads give way to mud (our fifth season). As the frost level rises, surely the buds are not far behind.

Going someplace?

If it looks like this at home or at the airport..


Contact your airline before you leave home. It's likely that the phones will be busy because staffing has been reduced in favor of promoting website usage. The website can tell you the status of the flights and, in many cases, you can have the airline send you a text message if there are any changes in departure or arrival times. Even so, check the website for any last minute changes. You may even want to make a preemptive reservation at a motel near the airport in case things don't go your way (and you'll beat the rush). And, bring food, entertainment and patience. Keep your toiletries and medications with you (don't put them in checked baggage). Airline delays are triggered by safety concerns. How the individual airline treats you during that disruption will make the difference when it comes time to book your next flight. But bear in mind that gate agents are pressured by schedule and occasionally unreasonable demands from employers and passengers alike. Being as patient as possible will generate timelier resolutions.

A funny thing happened on the way to the airplane..

In every craft, there are those trusted colleagues that think they deserve your money more than you do. But how does the betrayal transpire? What leads us into making these bad decisions that we end up regretting? This article addresses the exposure and an on-going investigation into a former airline pilot. Click the fltops.com link on the first page of the blog or just click here: http://www.fltops.com/article.asp?ID=5674&Gateway=Industry

Babe in the Woods

Fred Picker was fond of pointing out that most photographers put their cameras in the wrong spot. For capturing the moment that moves you (the decisive moment as Cartier-Bresson would say), you must be uncompromising in all respects, including camera location. Usually, the weather is bad, the roads are dangerous or you're wearing the wrong shoes. If you're lucky, you'll get all three. In this photograph, I was heading south along the Dalmatian coast in Croatia when I spotted this billboard. Since there is every possibility that these hills were still laden with land mines, I thought it would be best to stop the car, press the button, and get going. Sometimes the light and clouds cooperate. Apart from the content of the photograph, it means as much (or more) to know what was going on around me (including the cars rapidly approaching from behind.

Triptych

The people of the Republic of Georgia are known for their hospitality, polyphonic music and gratitude for the many gifts that touch their lives. Trio Triptych was formed to celebrate Georgian music and culture and integrate music from various traditions from the United States and other countries in the Western World. With more to come. The members of Triptych are planning a singing tour of Georgia (on bicycles) in the fall of 2008. Sponsors are being lined up to support this intercultural exchange. For additional information on how to Sponsor Triptych contact us directly: mail to: simcocreative@hughes.net

Everything old is new again

Taken from a square in the old city of Dubrovnik, this beautiful young woman was kind enough to favor me with a glance while vestiges of an older generation serve as chaperon. The Dalmatian coast is known for the beautiful women. They become even more stunning and breathtaking knowing that they have survived the hardships of war to evolve into happy, motivated citizens of the world.

And they're off..

This is the place for expressing only three things: Likes, dislikes and everything in between. Think about things that move you. Or don't. Restaurants that meet or exceed your highest standards and those that dissapoint. Somebody do a good job changing a tire? Cleaning your windows? What do you like about your dry cleaner? Tell them why. Or why not. Make it better. 'Spress yourself.