From point A to point B

This is a panorama of our neighborhood, looking out from our driveway.

I just learned this morning that my 10 year old daughter won first place in a photo contest! For her winning entry, she’ll receive a $200 U.S. Savings Bond. The contest was hosted by the South Dakota National Guard Youth and Family Program. The theme of the contest was “Family and Patriotism.” My daughter came up with the concept and took the photo. The only help I gave her was getting the camera settings set up (my professional digital is a little unwieldy), and helping her convert the digital image to black and white (the black and white was her idea). It was all her own creativity that made this photo. She came up with the name of the photo: “Grandfather Salute.” The photo is of me in my dress blues, saluting the grave of my father. My dad was in the Air Force in the late 50′s and 60′s. I was born on an Air Force Base in northern Michigan. My dad is the main reason I joined the Air Force, and have served in the Air National Guard since. This is truly a proud moment!

My wife is a wonderful pianist. Every so often she treats me to a little music. Tonight she played some Billy Joel while I enjoyed a glass of wine.

This is a photo of my youngest daughter quietly, contentedly reading to herself. I was sitting next to her on the couch as she read, enjoying the sight of her in such a relaxed state of mind. It inspired me to pick up my camera, and get back into the mindset that even the small things are worth stopping for and taking notice.