White Winter Squirrel – 1/365, BlackBerry 365, Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 2010, photo © 2010 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
Intentions for 2010. My first is to focus on my photography. I have a print project in progress in the studio. I hope to have 12 framed pieces done by Art-A-Whirl in the Spring. Some of you are familiar with my Writers Hands project that I’ve been working on since 2007. I have quite a collection of photographs now, and am combining them with stories of actually meeting the writers. It’s exciting to think about a dozen framed pieces of writing and art on the walls by May.
I’ve discovered I do best when I focus on one project at a time. So I can finish what I’ve started. If I set too many goals, I fall flat on all of them. I’ve given myself permission to let my writing go for a while, to work on my photography. Another thing I’ve learned is that I need something fun that runs parallel to tough creative work projects. For 2010, it’s the BlackBerry 365 photo project.
When it came time to renew our phone contracts in 2009, Liz and I spent a few hours in the Verizon store, checking out all the different options for mobile devices. We could not resist the features and BOGO deal of the BlackBerry. It was October, right before my trip to Pennsylvania, then Down South with Mom. We were on the road, buzzing by the Blue Ridge Parkway, when Liz called and said, “Why don’t you Tweet photos along the way with your BlackBerry.” She gave me a quick ÜberTwitter lesson and an obsession was born — I love my BlackBerry.
I’ve taken over 1000 photos since then, posting them in various places around the Internet including Twitter, Flickr, and TweetPhoto. Many photographers have done a photo-a-day practice over the years. But I never have. I started with 0/365, the Blue Moon the last day of December. The second was the White Winter Squirrel. And though I take many BlackBerry photos over the course of a week, I’ll only post one daily favorite in the BlackBerry 365 Series.
I’ve also decided to post thumbnails of the photos in the comments on this post each day. The idea with cell phone photography is that it creates a different way of seeing. I find that taking photographs with the BlackBerry frees me up. I got to know my Canon PowerShot more intimately this year at a writing retreat and will continue to take RAW photos. But sometimes with the larger camera, I feel pressure to take a great photograph. With the phone camera, I feel free to experiment to my heart’s content.
I’d love it if readers wanted to join me in a phone photo-a-day practice. Just drop the link to your photos into the comments section of this post.
To be clear, here are my photo project intentions for 2010. I’ll try to check in on my progress over the course of the year:
- BlackBerry 365 — continue to take BlackBerry Shots each day of 2010. Post my daily fave in the BlackBerry 365 set.
- Complete 12 final prints, writing and bios, matted and framed, in my Writers Hands Series by May of 2010 where I will show them in Art-A-Whirl
- Start a monetary presence for my photographs in the form of an online store with sets of cards and prints available for purchase (which also involves revealing my identity)
A wise woman recently told me that I had practiced enough, that it was time to complete some of these projects and get them out into the world. She’s right. My practices are important to me, but it’s crucial that I follow through on the finished work. And focusing on photography doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned my writing. From the time I was a small child, photography and writing have been inexplicably linked for me. I’m excited to set these intentional goals. And I know you’ll help hold me to them!
-posted on red Ravine, Monday, January 4th, 2009
-Follow the BlackBerry 365 Project on my Flickr set
-related to post: Reflection — Through The Looking Glass
redravine.wordpress.com 
Every good project starts at zero. I began the BlackBerry 365 Project with the December Blue Moon on New Year’s Eve. This shot from is 0/365.
Blue New Year’s Moon Over Ice Skating Rink
Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Minneapolis, Minnesota
0/365
LikeLike
This white squirrel wandered on to our deck on New Year’s Day. She became the first photo of 2010. It’s the second white squirrel we’ve seen this year. The first was outside a pizza place in Minneapolis. You know that story about the City Mouse and the Country Mouse? Well, the Country Squirrel looked much less ragged. And check out that bushy tail.
White Winter Squirrel
Friday, January 1st, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
1/365
LikeLike
It was -21 the morning of the day I took this photograph. I stepped outside in my PJ’s right before dusk and snapped it.
Sundance At Minus 8
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
2/365
LikeLike
After this one, I’ll be caught up (until late tomorrow). I’ve got to get to bed. Work is going to come early. I took a series of these feathery ice patterns through the window this morning. It was hard to choose just one. You can see the rest on Flickr. Which one would you have chosen?
Ice Oaks
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
3/365
LikeLike
What a great idea! 365 days of phone photos. Liked what the wise woman said to you. Congratulations!
LikeLike
I like the one you chose to display in comments, QM. Ice Oaks. The others were great, too, but this one was more subtle and soft, a good juxtaposition to the sharpness of the ice feathers. Brrr….
I’m glad you posted the white squirrel on red Ravine. I had seen it via Twitter on your Flickr account and was so dazzled by the whiteness of that little critter. I’ve never seen a white squirrel. Ours are all brown here. What a cutie, and what a perfect moment to be able to snap him or her like that. I like the composition, too, with the two tables framing him on either side.
I know what you mean about needing something fun to do while working on more challenging creative projects. I tend to work better, as well, when I have something I can do that’s not Production.
This past week I didn’t do any artwork. My big painting (Axis of Evil) sits untouched. I really needed a break. After Christmas, I didn’t do any jewelry, although I did a big push leading up to the holiday. But this week in between Christmas and New Years, I decoupaged a boot box. I like to hang on to these boxes for storing things, but I also like them to be pretty. (I know, I’m silly that way.) So I decoupaged it in those moments when I wanted to do something but not anything big. I also have my doodle-a-day project going.
It will be fun to follow your photo-a-day. And you can bet, we’ll support you in all your creative intentions.
LikeLike
I can’t wait to see your author hands project at Art-A-Whirl. I want to beg for information…which authors? Which hands? Ones with orange gloves? Ones with candy bracelets? Young hands? Wise hands? Sisters-in-a-row hands?
But I know you, QM. Mum’s the word until they’re on the wall next May. I’ll try to be patient.
LikeLike
Thanks, Bob. I’m having a lot of fun with it. And it’s something I can do during the day on stops in between driving around the Twin Cities. Today was cold and crisp. It was about 3 degrees when I walked over lunch and took a few photo photos. I don’t think it’s supposed to get much above 10 degrees all week!
The wise woman who told me that, it might surprise you who it is. I only see her on her visits from out of town. She’s told me the same thing twice. And she’s someone I stop and listen to because I don’t expect to here those words. It’s kind of cool. 8)
LikeLike
ybonesy, thanks for commenting on the Ice pattern series. One thing I’m finding is that it’s hard to choose just one photo at the end of the day to go into the set. Choosing photographs is sometimes difficult. Especially if you have a series of photos of the same subject. You have to look at exposure, composition, is it saying what you want it to say. It’s easier to simply take one photo. Sometimes I end up liking all of them. And I tend to do a study of an object, from all angles.
This White Squirrel shot, it’s a happy accident. I walked into the living room over New Year’s and saw her out of the corner of my eye, grabbed my BlackBerry and took maybe 5 shots. I don’t know if anyone has ever tried to photograph a squirrel but they are nervous creatures, jumping around all over the place. I was happy that this one turned out as well as it did. I used the telephoto on the camera phone to get closer. I’m always amazed at how red their eyes are. I do think they are good luck. 8)
I’m glad you took a break over the Holidays. I’ve noticed that you tend to do big pushes, then break. It must be a style that works for you in terms of your art. I think with an artform, that’s kind of what works for me, too. I have to get obsessed with a project, then push it to completion. It’s fun to get lost in the art. Time goes by in a wink. I like the decoupage of the boot box idea. I love sturdy shoe boxes and often keep my letters in them.
I hope you’ll share some of your doodles from your doodle-a-day project. Will be fun to hear how your process goes over the course of the year. And thanks for your support. It’s so helpful to have people bear witness to the process.
LikeLike
Teri, I really appreciate your support. You’ve been there for quite a few of the writers I’ve photographed. Each time I look at a photo, it brings back memories of listening to them speak, read their work, sign books. Quite a treat. Honestly, I have no idea yet which writers will be in the first 12 in the series. I was thinking about that today and going through all the photos in my mind while I was driving. You are right though…you know me too well. I’m quiet about the details of my projects until they are launched. I’ve always been that way, I guess. Carrying all that in the belly until it’s up on the wall. I’m excited for the completion of Stage 1 of the project. There’s no going back now.
LikeLike
Does the wise woman live in Wyoming? Does she like the Guthrie? Is she as cute as a bug’s ear?
LikeLike
Hey, QM, I will definitely share some of my doodles, although not every day. I have to scan each one in order to share, and doing that would make it become less of a light practice for me. The beauty of your phone photos is that they’re so easy to share.
Teri, you’re funny. 8)
LikeLike
Just in the nick of time. I saw a lot of these frozen water spouts on my travels to manufacturing vendors across the Twin Cities today. And it was about 3 degrees out when I wandered around Como Conservatory at lunch, freezing my fingers off.
Beautiful day. The sky was crystal blue. Hard to choose one photo again. But I wanted a vertical shot. It’s -4 as I’m typing, not supposed to get much over 10 degrees all week. Maybe tomorrow I’ll release the horizontal and you can see which you like better. Oh, those are hot steam clouds on the left, rolling off the top of the manufacturing plant. Got to get some sleep!
Pouring Ice Spout
Monday, January 4th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
4/365
LikeLike
Teri, how’d you know? Actually, I thought you might guess the Woman from Wyoming. And you’d be right. I read your comment to Liz and she beamed.
LikeLike
Hey, I didn’t watch all those episodes of Columbo for nothin’.
If that Darling from Wyoming gave me a directive, I’d follow it, too. Right quick.
LikeLike
I’ve driven past this Lexington Parkway Streetcar Station many times on my travels to the Como Conservatory and Como Park. But somehow never noticed this building. Kind of cool to think I traced the steps of early 1900’s streetcar patrons on my break from work today.
It was about zero degrees when I got out of the truck and took shots from 4 different angles. You can see the others on Flickr. And here are a couple of links from the MN Historical Society of what this building may have looked like around 1908:
Minnesota Historical Society photograph of Como Park Streetcar Station at the turn of the 19th Century: Entrance showing waiting station and streetcar, Como Park, St. Paul, 1908 (LINK).
MHS Postcard of Como Park Streetcar Station on Lexington Parkway: Postcard of Como Park Streetcar Station, 1908 (LINK).
I kind of wish we had the streetcars running again. They lasted into the 1950’s in Minnesota.
Historic Como Park Streetcar Station
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Saint Paul, Minnesota
5/365
LikeLike
QM, Teri…
You make a LOL, LOL…(little old lady, laugh out loud!)
QM, GOOD FOR YOU! I can hardly wait to see the exhibit you have in May…even if it has to be from a distance.
Love that white squirrel photo…even a mink would be jealous. It reminds me of the rabbits that lived on the golf course next to our home in Bismarck. They were so beautiful in their winter white coats.
LikeLike
oliverowl, so glad you stopped by! You can see the photo series when you come in the Summer. 8) So you had white rabbits on the golf course in Bismarck? I’ve never seen them around our yard. Wish we would though.
Our rabbits are a mix of light and dark browns. Liz saw them in the driveway a few nights ago. When I think of Wyoming, I think of those long-eared rabbits with the extra long legs. Jackrabbits, I think. They’re bigger than what we have here.
LikeLike
Took a few odd photos today. Decided to post this bowling alley photo of a giant bowling pin door. It was a gray day, warmer, too, about 13 degrees at lunch. Made the sky kind of hazy so not much contrast. I went with the long view with the Burnsville Bowling Alley wall in the shot. If you want to see a close up of the giant bowling pin door, check out the next shot on Flickr. 8)
Giant Bowling Pin
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
Burnsville, Minnesota
6/365
LikeLike
QM,
The rabbits were those big brown jacks…they just changed into their white coats for the winter…their “camo” coats, I guess.
It’s freezing here, too. Let’s all send out VERY WARM THOUGHTS!
Teri, You’re so kind!
LikeLike
Still out taking pictures when it’s minus 40 degrees? The photos are lovely. Can you take them with gloves on?
LikeLike
Loved the giant bowling pin door. Also chuckled when I saw someone on your Flickr account asked “since when is 13 degrees warm??” Ha! To know cold is to know Minneapolis, I think.
We’re getting a cold snap starting today, I hear. Not sure what the temp is expected to get to, but it will be cold for us whiners. 8)
This blackberry photo project is so perfect for you in your new job, QM. Makes things fun, I bet.
LikeLike
yb, makes it really fun. I feel like I am learning to adapt my creative life more to my work schedule, one of my Intentions this year. So far, I love it. Posting every day for a year will be a challenge though. A good photo practice.
LikeLike
Bob, I thought of you when I took tonight’s photograph. My hands were nearly numb by the time I had walked across the parking lot at work in the dark. Wind was whipping, about -9 with the windchill. There have been over 500 accidents in the Twin Cities over the last 24 hours including rollovers on the way to work. Freeways closed in some areas.
Nope, I can’t take photos with the gloves on. That’s just me. So the hands get cold. Any camera will work slower in these conditions. And I noticed the same about the BlackBerry. Slow on the button!
Tonight’s photo is of the snowdrift that piled up next to my car during the day; I didn’t discover it until I left work in the dark. I tend to park in open areas so I have to walk to get to my car. Couldn’t believe the drift. What I noticed most though was the play of shadows.
When I got home, I took a few more shots of night rabbit tracks in the snow. They have a similar feel; you can see them on Flickr. Hard to choose, but I liked this one because it looked like an abstract painting. I kind of like taking photos out in the cold. I also like getting back into the warmth.
Snowdrift
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
7/365
LikeLike
I’m a woman of few words tonight. I’m tired and finally getting warmed up after a jaunt into Minneapolis for dinner with a friend. I chose the Soo Line as today’s photo. I took it on a break along the parkway by the Mississippi River in Northeast Minneapolis. I’ve always been fond of trains.
I had hoped to post a photo I took on the fly earlier in Saint Paul. But the quality wasn’t high enough. The edges were a bit washed out with snow and the details weren’t clear. I felt compelled to post it on Flickr anyway.
It was of a homeless man at a stoplight. The sign said he was a veteran, his bright yellow backpack had an American flag on top of it. I was struck by him standing there in the subzero temperatures. So many emotions come up when I see the homeless on the streets in the winter. You can see the photo here – Homeless In Saint Paul (LINK).
Soo Line
Friday, January 8th, 2010
Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota
8/365
LikeLike
Simple photo on this lazy Saturday. I never left the house. Mr. Stripeypants was sleeping beside me in the sun. He was so relaxed in a new cat bed Liz found on sale at Target for $2.36. Yep, simple pleasures. And a study in whiskers.
Eye (On The Whiskers)
Saturday, January 9th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
9/365
LikeLike
LOVE this one, QM! What a great composition! It’s my favorite so far of your blackberry shots.
LikeLike
ybonesy, thank you! I kind of liked it, too. Mr. Pants at an unusual angle. I almost put that one on the sidebar. Maybe later. I plan to alternate images there.
Today was similar in that I didn’t get out of the house much. So I focused on the Ordinary. I took a few shots of a pair of red mittens a friend from Montana made for me years ago. And a Taos drum bought in New Mexico in the 1980’s. It was one of my first trips to New Mexico. It was not to be my last. Only a foretelling of things to come.
Edge Of A Taos Drum
Sunday, January 10th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
10/365
LikeLike
Simple sun, busting out from behind the gray. Two shots of the same sky, one gray, one blue. I chose the blue.
Sun Hanging On A Wire
Monday, January 11th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
11/365
LikeLike
Day turned into night and still didn’t have a shot. Then I drove home. More ordinary, extraordinary. Dreams of the Nightowl. Got to see it in the larger size for detail.
The Way Home From Work
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
12/365
LikeLike
Glad you got a shot yesterday, QM. Those dashboard-at-night shots are very cool.
LikeLike
The only shot I took today — everyday art, a paint bucket ashtray strapped to the backstairs of a business. Some days it’s harder than others to find an image I want to shoot. It’s like looking with new eyes — what haven’t I photographed before? Almost everything.
Vernacular Ashtray
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
13/365
LikeLike
Ordinary work day. Ordinary packing material. Corrugated sculpture. Tacked it to my wall at work a few days ago. It bends, collapses, expands, changing with the light.
Corrugated Honeycomb
Thursday, January 14th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
14/365
LikeLike
Lunchtime in the truck at Como Conservatory. Noticed how bright and alive this Clementine looked against my purple lunch bucket. So much texture. I LOVE Clementines. Bought another box tonight (along with a couple of RedBox movies). This is 1 of a series of 5 shots of the Clementine.
A Study In Orange
Friday, January 15th, 2010
St. Paul, Minnesota
15/365
LikeLike
Today’s shot — my Familiar, Ms. Kiev, sunning herself in front of the radiant heater. She was the first to welcome me into the house. We think she’s a Chantilly Tiffany.
My Familiar — Kiev
Saturday, January 16th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
16/365
LikeLike
Around the house. Radiant object.
Heat Wave
Sunday, January 17th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
17/365
LikeLike
For Lily, the Waxing January Bear Moon. The New Moon just passed at January 15th. Good time to start new projects.
For Lily, The Bear Moon
Monday, January 18th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
18/365
LikeLike
Realized late in the day that I had not taken any photos all day. Kept my eyes open on the way out the door and caught this streetlight. Sometimes the simplest images speak to me the most. And the darkest. I like the grain in this photo, though it didn’t entirely capture the hoar frost and fog that hung in the air and covered all the trees this morning and throughout the warm day. Added photo to Part 2 of the collaborative poetry post on red Ravine: community poetry — the nature of renga (2) (LINK).
Night Fog (0) Emptiness – 19/365
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
19/365
LikeLike
Visited the Jackson Street Roundhouse in St. Paul over lunch this afternoon. Passed it often on daily drives and wanted to get a closer look. It was a gray day so the contrasts aren’t ideal. But I liked the mood just the same. A little piece of St. Paul history. Some of the rail cars are made of iron and wood and go back to 1905.
Northern Pacific Railway
Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
St. Paul, Minnesota
20/365
LikeLike
Couldn’t resist this shot. Leaving Poetry & Meditation Group tonight, a friend had carried a decadent homemade dessert in this golden Tupperware. She said it belonged to her grandmother, vintage 1970’s. She carries on the tradition (and is a fabulous baker and cook). Great group tonight, too. Ruth Stone’s poetry.
Grandmother’s Tupperware
Thursday, January 21th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
21/365
LikeLike
Only took one shot today. I saw it on my driving rounds of the Twin Cities. I keep my eye out for everyday kinds of art. I walked in through the back shipping and receiving door of a vendor and smiled when I saw this. (I knew I had my shot.)
It reminded me how important the work break ritual is to the average worker. A few stolen moments, time to oneself. And for many, a smoke break. I don’t smoke but am amazed at the extraordinary layouts people rig up to be able to maximize work break smoking time. Photo 13/365 is a great ashtray compliment to this vernacular cigarette holder.
I also wanted to mention that I thought about Lily the wild black bear a lot today. She had her cub on a live Bear Den Cam at 11:38am in Ely, Minnesota! Thousands witnessed the miracle (a bunch of links are at this post). I’ll never forget the first human-like sounds of her cub.
Waiting For The Marlboro Man
Friday, January 22th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
22/365
LikeLike
Watching and listening to Lily and her bear cub today, I noticed Liz folding her Joe Boxers. Everyday objects, everyday art. She bought them at a pre-Holiday sale last Fall. Bears, bears, bears. Bears on the brain. What is it about bears?
Bears On The Brain
Saturday, January 23rd, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
23/365
LikeLike
Bear fetish from BearHawk Indian Store in South Minneapolis. I don’t think the store’s there anymore. The Bear lives on. The person I bought it from told me it was created by a woman in the Southwest. She picked up a chunk of Earth where she lived, molded it with her hands, fired it in an outdoor kiln, covered it in sappy pinyon. It smelled sweet when I bought it and was sticky to the touch. I’ve had it for years now. Everyday objects I live with. More Bear energy.
Bear Fetish (Holding Space)
Sunday, January 24th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
24/365
LikeLike
Ah, the bear energy. You’re in the thick of it, aren’t you? I thought of you this morning when on Charles Osgood’s Sunday morning show there was a piece about winter in northern Minnesota and how several towns vie for having the coldest temperature in the nation. It mentioned how Minnesotans are proud of their cold weather. You’re bears, hunkering down.
BTW, I admire your daily practice, QM. Keep it up.
LikeLike
yb, it’s true. As strange as it sounds, we’re very into Winter here in Minnesota and beam with pride about it. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a deep vein running through the culture here.
I’m on lunch break, sitting in the truck, and it’s blizzarding around me! Roads are bad. Getting back on the road soon. Taking Bear with me!
LikeLike
It was a snowy, blizzardy day (is that a word?) driving around the Twin Cities. I spotted this mural on one of my runs to St. Paul. I had driven right by it before but not noticed because it was tucked around the corner from where I usually pull up to the redlight. It’s on the wall of Schroeder’s Bar & Grill.
I looked up the Walldog artist after I got home tonight. Her name is Carly Schmitt. The piece is called Victory Garden. And if you look closely at the whole series in my Flickr account, you’ll see the Como Conservatory where I had lunch today.
Here’s the info on Carly and a link to her site:
Victory Garden
Artist Carly Schmitt
25 ‘ x 35 ‘
Victory Garden by Carly Schmitt (LINK)
_________________
Victory Roots
Monday, January 25th, 2010
St Paul, Minnesota
25/365
LikeLike
Playing it straight today. I am always sucked in by the bluest Winter sky on the planet. Took a few different shots on this -6 windchilled day. Almost went with the close up on the salt. But in the end, back to the traditional image. It’s so hard to choose only one. Also shot a few more of the January Bear Moon.
_________________
Blue From The Weight
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
St Paul, Minnesota
26/365
LikeLike
Stumblied on this vintage bowling alley sign on my travels through St. Paul. It was chained to the side of an abandoned radiator shop — Ace Radiator. Tried to find some history of the building. So far no luck. But these signs are the coolest. I can imagine this St. Paul neighborhood back when this was probably a local gas station. Why is a bowling sign chained to the side of an old radiator shop? It’s a mystery to me. There are a few more shots of Ace Radiator next to this one in my Flickr account.
______________
Vintage Food & Bowling
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
St Paul, Minnesota
27/365
LikeLike
I stopped to watch ice hockey practice on the way home from a trip to Northeast Minneapolis tonight. It was a stunning evening. Sunset in one area of the sky, moon rising in blue crispness over the old General Mills building in Nordeast. This ice skating rink is at a local park not far from where I lived for over 20 years. It was fun to stop and bask in the -3 January evening. The Full Bear Moon rose over the city. Took a series of shots, posted about 4 of them. Winter in the Twin Cities.
__________
Moon, Church, Ice Hockey
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
28/365
LikeLike
I had no idea this was a bowling alley when I turned my head on Highway 10 and saw the giant mermaid. Pulled off the side of the road and took a few shots. Haven’t found out much about the history of this Flying Mermaid or Mermaid Lanes where she is the Guardian at the Gate. But she’s sure one of a kind. There’s a series of shots in my Flickr set so you can get the perspective on how huge she is. For the BlackBerry 365 set, I chose the detail shot. Hard choice!
__________
Flying Mermaid
Friday, January 29th, 2010
Mounds View, Minnesota
29/365
LikeLike
Went into Northeast Minneapolis to shop for Liz’s presents. Was happy to see that woman-owned Dabble is still there. They suggested mixing the roses and tulips, something I had not done before. Could not have been happier with the birthday bouquet. Smells wonderful. That’s waxflower in between, not the usual baby’s breath.
__________
Birthday Bouquet
Saturday, January 30th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
30/365
LikeLike
Last day of January. I have made it for a month of posts. And am going out with a bang. Took a lot of shots of the Art Shanty Projects late this afternoon. The end of Lizzie’s birthday weekend. We had a blast. It was COLD, around zero. My hands were frozen when we left. It was all worth it.
There’s nothing like the Art Shanty Projects, art community on ice! I’ll release more photos this week. For now, getting this one out of the Ace Stellar Shanty. Was warm in there with constellations on the ceiling. Liz and I are reflected in the bubble on the outside.
__________
Walking Through The Bubble
Sunday, January 31st, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
31/365
LikeLike
Into February with this simple shot. The Psychedelic Car Wash on a snowy, cold day on the road. Amazing how that road dirt and salt pile up.
__________
Psychedelic Car Wash
Monday, February 1st, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
32/365
LikeLike
Congrats on 31 days (a months’ worth) of photos, QM! Also love you Psychedelic Car Wash. As an Octopus Car Wash customer, I don’t ride in the car any longer when I get mine washed, but I remember those days from being a kid, and how fun it was. Also like to go with Jim to the manual car wash. I don’t usually stay in the car while he washes but once in a while do, if I’m feeling lazy.
LikeLike
Thanks, yb. Can’t believe I made it a month. It’s hard to post every day! I do like the romps through the car wash. Yesterday I forgot to fold down the mirror, so had to open the window half way through the wash and bend it into the truck. 8)
Today’s post — Arby’s 10 gallon hat. Which doesn’t hold 10 gallons at all. You just don’t see signs like this anymore. Ah, I’m so tired tonight. Have to get to bed. Happy Ground Hog Day everyone. More Winter on the way.
__________
Ode To The 10 Gallon Hat
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Crystal, Minnesota
33/365
LikeLike
Ugh, hard to get a photo posted today. I was lucky to get a shot off. Driving around Lake Como when the sun broke through. It’s Winter simple: lake, snow, clouds, and sky. Me, on the other end of the camera lens.
________
Breaking Through
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
St. Paul, Minnesota
34/365
LikeLike
Didn’t have a shot at the end of the day. Then, stuck in traffic, saw an opportunity. On the rails for a few seconds, got this shot off. It’s been a hard week, busy, and difficult to concentrate on photos and writing. But when I do get a few minutes to myself, it’s such a relief to capture an image I might not have paid attention to.
________
Riding The Rails
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Osseo, Minnesota
35/365
LikeLike
Scrap metal, object of beauty. Ordinary as extraordinary.
_______
Scrap Metal Sculpture
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
36/365
LikeLike
Dinner with good friends at the French Meadow. A single chrysanthemum.
_______
Chrysanthemum
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
37/365
LikeLike
Dry, cracked hands are an everyday part of life these days. Luckily, I’ve got the farmer’s friend. Everyday objects.
_______
Burt’s Bees: A Farmer’s Friend
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
38/365
LikeLike
Slow moving on the way home in a 2-day snowstorm. Spent a lot of time sitting in traffic. Busy day and didn’t get many shots off. Best I could muster. Since there were hundreds of accidents in the Twin Cities today, I think we should all take a snow day tomorrow. Drive carefully!
_______
Red, Green, Living The Dream
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
39/365
LikeLike
My Internet connection is acting up tonight. Super-slow. Not sure what’s going on. Shoveled the driveway before work this morning. Drove for hours around the Twin Cities, saw a few accidents, but, generally, roads were better than yesterday. Ran into this telephone smiling pole at the end of my rounds. Are telephone poles a thing of the past? Hopefully, smiles are not.
_______
Smiling Telephone Pole
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Blaine, Minnesota
40/365
LikeLike
One of my favorite lunch spots on the daily rounds. I love the architecture and never tire of photographing this building.
_______
Como Conservatory
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
St. Paul, Minnesota
41/365
LikeLike
Skaters. Blade to ice.
_______
Skaters
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
New Hope, Minnesota
42/365
LikeLike
Springing up out of the Minnesota wetlands, St. Katherine Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The white stucco and copper cupolas are a combination of baroque and Byzantine architecture. I had never seen it before last week and decided to stop when I passed the building again this morning. Stunning. More history if you click on the image.
_______
St. Katherine Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Friday, February 12th, 2010
Arden Hills, Minnesota
43/365
LikeLike
Dragon mandala. Back to center.
_______
Dragon
Saturday, February 13th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
44/365
LikeLike
Spent Valentine’s Day at Franconia Sculpture Park at the crossroads of Highways 8 & 95 near Taylors Falls. Ten Minnesota artists came together to make this event a pleasure to attend. It was cold and blustery, but a good time was had by all. Took BlackBerry photos and some with the Canon point and shoot which I haven’t had time to view yet. This one’s of the hot iron. Happy Valentine’s Day! Here’s to the Arts!
_______
Valentine’s Hot Metal Pour
Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Shafer, Minnesota
45/365
LikeLike
_______
To Ski Or Not To Ski
Monday, February 15th, 2010
St. Paul, Minnesota
46/365
LikeLike
Had dinner with a friend at Pho 79 Vietnamese restaurant on Eat Street in South Minneapolis. Saw the cranes on a cool tapestry on the wall as we were leaving. Have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
_______
Cranes At Pho 79
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
47/365
LikeLike
Where is the beauty in a city? It’s all in your perspective.
_______
Bowels Of Saint Paul
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Saint Paul, Minnesota
48/365
LikeLike
Home sick, and never left the house. The world marches on. Lost my voice. Quiet shot out the window.
_______
Winter Out The Window
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
49/365
LikeLike
Hey there, QM, get better. Watch out for the throat-respiratory thing. Don’t want it to settle in real bad and turn into something worse. Night.
LikeLike
Thanks, yb. Still sick, cough is worse. But am getting by. Hope to rest this weekend. Another in the Walldog series. Spotted this in St. Paul on the run today. Oh, wanted to add that two women were out in the field at Como Park, flying a raptor, a snowy owl. It was incredible to watch them. Couldn’t get close enough with the camera phone for a good shot. Sure wish I’d had a close-up lens!
_______
Gold Medal Flour – Why Not Now?
Friday, February 19th, 2010
St.Paul, Minnesota
50/365
LikeLike
Vintage tin given to me by my mother last time I was home. From around the time I was a baby. Love the graphics. Everyday objects as art.
_______
Vintage Tin
Saturday, February 20th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
51/365
LikeLike
Tis the year for ice dams on the roof, a homeowner’s nightmare. The more sun, the better. We raked the roof of snow several times this year. But the freeze, thaw, freeze thaw cycle leads to massive ice build-up. The most we can hope for is lots of sun and an early Spring!
_______
Ice Dam
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
52/365
LikeLike
Everyday objects.
_______
Wired
Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
53/365
LikeLike
One of my favorite subjects, a second photo in this series — Mr. Stripeypants. He has kept me company when I’ve been under the weather this last week. Such an alive being filled with texture.
_______
He Who Keeps Me Company
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
54/365
LikeLike
The beauty of trees.
________
Oak & Ash
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
55/365
LikeLike
________
Moonkissed
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
56/365
LikeLike
________
A&W – The Great Root Bear
Friday, February 26th, 2010
St. Paul, Minnesota
57/365
LikeLike
________
Kiev’s Point Of View
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
58/365
LikeLike
Made it another month in this practice. Liz made bread tonight. It was at the black mark when she went to take a nap. Three hours later, bubbling over. She made a pizza from the top.
________
Bread Bubbling Over
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
59/365
LikeLike
The 60th day, March 1st, 2010. An unusual shot. I am drawn to the history of cemeteries and what has gone before us.
________
Breaking Ground
Monday, March 1st, 2010
St. Paul, Minnesota
60/365
LikeLike
[…] March 1st, 2010. Sixty days and nights have passed since I began the BlackBerry 365 Project. Day 54 landed on this shot of Mr. Stripeypants keeping me company on a less than perfect day. I […]
LikeLike
[…] the context of a whole century, the 90 days I’ve persevered with the BlackBerry 365 Project seems like a small effort. In busy human terms, it feels like forever. Some days, the photographs […]
LikeLike
I was just reading over this post and my photo project goals for 2010. I’m happy to say that I’ve stayed steady on Goals 1 & 2. And have plans to keep going on Goal 3.
1) For Art-A-Whirl, I displayed 11 completed photographs in the Writers Hands Series. At least, Phase I of the project is complete. I’m working on Phase II.
2) I’m continuing the BlackBerry 365 project every day. So far, I haven’t missed a day. It keeps me grounded and my eyes open wide to the world.
3) I need to get moving on my store for my photographs. That’s next on the list. Maybe I will get all of these goals completed by the end of 2010!
LikeLike
Mr. Stripey Pants is a favorite subject. He’s perfect for the camera. It’s almost Summer. Nearly half the year is gone. I found this photo practice helpful when I was in PA last week for an unexpected visit. Though I was dead tired at the end of the day, I stuck with the practice. It was grounding to go through the images at the end of each day.
________
Abstract: Stripes & Stripey Pants
Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st, 2010
Minneapolis, Minnesota
151/365
LikeLike
[…] In The Rain – 156/365, BlackBerry 365 Project, Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 2010, photo © 2010 by QuoinMonkey. All rights […]
LikeLike
[…] wrote in my journal, checked in with the Midwest Writing Group, worked on a mandala, completed the BlackBerry 365 practice, made plans for the New Year. It felt positive to me, this forward […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, BlackBerry 365: Things Loved, Things […]
LikeLike
[…] -related to posts: Best Of BlackBerry 365 — First Quarter SlideShow, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel […]
LikeLike
[…] posts: icicle tumbleweed (haiga) – 2/52, Best Of BlackBerry 365 — First Quarter SlideShow, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, WRITING TOPIC — TOOLS OF THE […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: Best Of BlackBerry 365 — First Quarter SlideShow, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: Best Of BlackBerry 365 — First Quarter SlideShow, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] I found this downy owl feather blowing across a parking lot. I decided to photograph it with my BlackBerry over a break. The bright sun made the shadows pop against the texture of my lunch bucket. Feathers […]
LikeLike
[…] -related to post: haiku 4 (one-a-day) meets renga 52, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel […]
LikeLike
[…] icicle tumbleweed (haiga) – 2/52, Best Of BlackBerry 365 — First Quarter SlideShow, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, haiku 4 (one-a-day) Meets renga […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: Best Of BlackBerry 365 — First Quarter SlideShow, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: Best Of BlackBerry 365 — First Quarter SlideShow, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: Best Of BlackBerry 365 — First Quarter SlideShow, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: Nesting & Resting, Pulling Out The Sun (By Day, By Night), BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] The Yogi (Cover Page) — 14/52, Nesting & Resting, Pulling Out The Sun (By Day, By Night), BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] to posts: Baby Eagles At Summer Solstice, BlackBerry 365 Project — White Winter Squirrel, Flying Solo — Dragonfly In Yellow Rain, Searching For Stillness, icicle tumbleweed (haiga) […]
LikeLike
[…] burr oaks, Southern live oaks, slithering snakes, hairy spiders, playful black bears and white winter squirrels. I am grateful that the decisions that matter most are not left in the hands of […]
LikeLike
It’s #SquirrelDay and I’m wondering what happened to this White Winter Squirrel. She kicked off one of the most creative projects I’ve taken to fruition – BlackBerry 365. Inspiration, right out the back door. I saw a white squirrel a few months ago in the woods next to our house. And one in Minneapolis a few years ago. I wonder how rare they are?
LikeLike