The Art Show: One More Artist

As we were getting ready to leave the art show, the woman below walked in.  I knew instantly I would ask to photograph her.  

Meet Arlene!  She had a style that was just fun!  When I asked her to pose for a portrait, she didn't think twice about it.  She walked to a blank wall and assumed THIS pose!

That is a good pose!  There was no uncertainty.  There was no hesitation.  She has done this before!    She looked amazing for being in her later 60's!   She was vibrant and everyone enjoyed her company.

She was kind enough to give me one of her cards.  So, if you need help with numerology or tarot cards, she is the person to see in St. Louis!

Thanks Arlene!

The Art Show: More Artists

Meet Jim and Elizabeth.

Jim is an artist who works with pencil, watercolor, acrylics, oils, mixed media and sculpture!  I probably left something out!  He worked in advertising for many years and now devotes himself to his art, music, and writing. 

Thanks Jim!

And, wandering with him was Elizabeth who works with glass!

Elizabeth said she didn't like having her photograph taken.  But, I believe she photographs very well!

My thanks to you both!

The Art Show: The Trio!

These three lovely ladies were FUN!  First, they were intrigued about what I was up to.  But, once they found out, they were very willing to be photographed and tell a bit of their story.

Meet Kathy, Mary, and Melinda!  I have no idea which one is which. But, these three have been friends for 20 years.  They are all working moms and they were having a night out.

My sincere thanks for letting me share just a moment of your evening!

The Art Show: Part 1

Heading out for dinner with a few friends at the close of the NRA convention on Saturday, we walked by a small art gallery that had an opening.  We just had to go in!

First, there was wine tasting!

Meet Scott (I hope this is Scott!) and..(I forgot and can't find my notes!) a beautiful Cardinals fan from Eleven Eleven Mississippi.  I have actually eaten at eleven eleven once and the food an ambiance were wonderful!

And, meet Tony.  He is a tasting host for St. James Winery.   He's has a beautiful wife (Kacie) and a son.   And, he keeps in shape spelunking!  I know, we had a long conversation!

My thanks to all of you.  And, thank you for the generous pours!

NRA St. Louis: Part 9

As I was waiting for Oleg to finish a conversation with someone, I spotted this gentleman about 3 aisles away walking toward me.  I actually first noticed his hat.  I like hats.  But, I don't have one like this!  I didn't realize he was wearing a kilt until he got closer!

I waited for him to finish a conversation with someone and asked whether I could take his photograph.  He was very cordial and very willing to take time out of his own day to give me a few minutes.

First, this is a chauffeur's hat from the 1880's.  I commented that it was a conductor's hat.  But, he corrected me.  He had looked a long time for it and he was sporting it in style!  The coat is a tuxedo jacket.  And, the kilt is a Utili Kilt .  This was probably the most unique outfit I saw at the convention.  And, it was pretty cool!  We had a great time chatting about it. He is actually a knife maker from VA and he was with a team of people at a booth. Check out his website here!  The quality of his work is amazing!  I can't believe how intricate the engraving is!  Edmund is clearly an artist. 

It was a sincere pleasure meeting such a gentleman.  And sir, your craftsmanship is amazing.

Thanks!

NRA St. Louis, Part 8 (one more after this!)

Meet John from Advanced Armament.  For some reason, I am liking the bald/beard look.  I wonder why?  The truth is that it is hitting close to home! 

John was a wealth of information about suppressors.  Since Minnesota doesn't permit them yet, I was just passing through.  But he informed me that AA is working with an industry group to have suppressor's legalized.  Makes sense to me!  After all, cars have mufflers!  And, we should be concerned about hearing protection!  If they ever are, I will be calling you John!   

Thanks John!

NRA St. Louis: Part 7 (Not many more, I promise)

Crossing paths with Oleg was one of the main reasons I went to the NRA convention.   I caught him with Dennis, from Dragon Works.   We had a great conversation about custom made holsters!  I may need to ping him soon about something I need.  Let's see, how about a holster for a bowling ball cannon!!! 

Thanks for the conversation Dennis!  It was a pleasure.  And Oleg, as always, it was wonderful seeing you again!

Thanks guys!

NRA St. Louis Part 6 (is this getting boring yet?)

Cowboy hat theme!

Meet, Ted Nugent!  OK, I didn't chat with him.  But, I got close enough for a photo!  This was the third attempt.  The guy closes his eyes a lot!

And meet Ole!   You've got a like a guy named Ole!   Oleg and I were walking and Ole stopped Oleg to introduce himself.  It helps to wear a big Media badge with your name on it!  It turns out that he lives about 60 miles from me!  So, I am hoping to pay a visit to his farm and do both some camera shooting and .....other...shooting!

It was great meeting you Ole!

NRA St. Louis, Part 5

As mentioned in some of my earlier posts from the RSA conference, vendors often bring in something special in order to get people to stop at the booth and chat.  The NRA convention was no exception.  

The woman below was hired by Remington to hand out the camo sticker samples that can be used to wrap rifle and shotgun stocks or, in this case, ones skin.  If you have grandsons, you can give them "camo" tattoos!  The Big J is sporting his today!  By the way, it is much classier than the Chiquita banana sticker I put on his arm yesterday.  He wore that ALL day!

After I took her photo, I gave her my card.  She proceeded to give me her card!  Since beautiful women giving me THEIR cards NEVER happens to me, I was a bit surprised!  It turns out that she is model from out of state that was hired for this event.   I introduced her to Oleg.  She is geographically MUCH closer to him than to me.  So, hopefully they will be able to schedule a shoot!

The lovely young lady below was sitting quietly in a booth.  She was working on something but graciously let me photograph her.  I couldn't help but think:  Tactical Formal Wear.  I tried a couple of different photos and had a heck of a time with the lighting throwing the weird shadow.  I really could have used a large reflector to the upper left! 

My sincere thanks to you both!

NRA St. Louis, Part 4

I continue to be impressed with the efforts many 2A supportors bring to keep wounded warriors, and others who have been handicapped in some way, in the woods, prairie, etc. 

I saw this while wandering the exhibition floor and had to capture it.

Think ATV wheelchair!  This little device can go nearly anywhere. 

For more on this amazing product, check out the YouTube videos below

The beginning of the story. 

Grant and the Action TrackChair.

I was thrilled to see this is built in my home state!

Well done, Action Manufacturing!

NRA St. Louis Part 3

Continuing with my 40 years of wandering through the exhibition hall, I met the following two gentlemen.

First, Harvey was a veritable encyclopedia of information about AR's.  I asked him having the .223 reliably reach out 600 yards.  He had some excellent suggestions.

Meet Harvey from Windham Weaponry!

A bit later, I was standing waiting for my friend Oleg to finish a conversation with someone (I do a lot of that) when this gentleman walked by.  I HAD to get a photo of that stache!

Meet Jeff from Illinois!  I didn't realize it but I caught the shadow of the mustache on the right side of his face (left side of the photo).  I need to remember that for next time!
 

 Thanks guys!

NRA St. Louis Part 2

I discovered that I tend to wander convention floors.  If I am in a hurry, I can lay out a grid pattern and get through pretty quickly.  But I wasn't in a hurry walking the exhibition hall.  So, I did the 40 years of wandering through the wilderness approach.

After I left the Colt booth, I stopped at Ruger to meet Kelly Glenn-Kimbro.  Kelly has been a professional hunting guide and cattle rancher in SE Arizona for many years.  She started guiding with her grandfather on the family homestead.  She has been an avid Ruger fan for a LONG time and has represented Ruger for over 24 years. 

She was gracious enough to autograph the Ruger sponsored photographs.

I asked her whether she followed any bloggers and I chuckled at her response, "Oh no.  I am too busy to do anything but keep working!"

She was most delightful.  She is a strong, independent woman that fits the role she has taken in life. 

Meet Kelly.

And her daughter, Mackenzie!

My thanks to you both!

NRA St. Louis Part 1

The exhibition floor opened at 9:00 AM on Saturday and it was CROWDED!  My neighbor works with the marketing people for Federal.   I thought I would see if she made the trip!   A very helpful person directed me to Erika.  She let me know that Tammie was not at the show.  But, she sits next to her and would mention that I stopped by! 

Meet Erika!   Erika, please mention to Tammie that YOU made it into the blog before SHE did! 

It was a very short walk from there over to the Colt display where I saw this gentleman.  

Meet Jerry, a Range Master for Colt!  We chatted about the nickle finish on a certain Python a certain someone owns.

Thanks Erika and Jerry!

The Millennium: Blogger meeting continued

It was very fun to meet some of the other bloggers out there. It was a bit chaotic and I didn't get every one's name.  So a special  thanks to Jay G for helping me put the names with the faces!

BLOGGERS:

Meet Jason from NUGUN!

And John (Only Guns and Money)  and Kelly (Ambulance Driver)

BLOG READERS! 

Meet Hank.  I had a great visit with Hank discussing careers, politics, and some of the bloggers I knew and that he followed. He was having a wonderful time getting to meet some of his favorite bloggers.   He was gracious enough to point me to a local range where I could take the Big S (my daughter).  He was also gracious enough to keep a keen eye out for my stuff as I met a few folks and took a few pics!   

Thanks all!

Bloggers Meeting!

I happened to be in St. Louis this week at the same time as the NRA convention.  I follow a number of blogs of fun, creative, and insightful people.  It just so happens that many of these folks are attending the NRA convention!

I was very excited to get to meet Jay G.  I have not met Jay before.  But, I have read some of his blog.  My very good friend Oleg made sure I was aware of the open invitation to bloggers and blog readers at the Millenium Hotel.

I walked into the hotel, spotted the bar, and walked in.  A crowd was gathered around Jay.   I introduced myself.  And, to my surprise, a mutual friend had warned him about me!  He was hilarious and gracious in spite of the pre-warning!

Meet Jay G the camera buff!

And, Jay G the...well...the....the....object of.... of.....ahhhh...affection?????   I can attest that Jay was sober!  However, I am not certain of Ambulance Driver!

A wonderful time was had by all. It was great getting a chance to meet such creative and fun guys.  Sorry I had to leave early.   But, I have a long day tomorrow.

Thanks guys!

The Bug Store

Near the Custard Station, is the Bug Store. 

Where you can purchase one of these!   But, I have no idea why.

OK, I know this isn't a portrait. But think of it as a really skinny person.  It sort of works.  Sort of.  Maybe.

Generations

After a great dinner of a lean buffalo burger with a fried egg  (MMMMMMMMMM), and the Big and Little J's wearing us out, we decided that dessert was in order.  It was about a two minute walk to the Custard Station!  Custard is...VERY...VERY...GOOD!

I kept busy wiping chocolate from very happy faces.  I also discovered that it takes just a moment for an 23 month old to turn into you and smear chocolate everywhere you don't want it.   But, that is why they make washing machines!

I look up to see these folks.  And, I was struck by the generational similarity.  So, I asked whether I could take their photograph.  They agreed.

Meet Beth, Emily, and Lily (5 months).

My sincere thanks to you all.

Glasses in the Window

As I walked from Bar Louie to meet S, A, and the Big J and Little J for dinner, I walked by a store front and noticed this woman in the window, arranging merchandise.  I liked her glasses!

I stopped, introduced myself, and she was gracious enough to let me take her photograph.

Meet Sue of E.L. Riley!

 I rather like the t-shirt!

Thanks Sue!

Bar Louie

I had planned to make the trip to St. Louis to visit my daughter (S) and her husband (A) this week.  But, with the Big J and Little J both sick, and S and A both swamped with work and school contraints, I made the trip last Friday.  Nothing like Papa to help wipe noses, change diapers, clean the kitchen, dust, cut the grass, etc AND sit with the grandkids so S and A can get caught up with other things.

Saturday was nice.  After being with the J's for most of the day, I did get out to Bar Louie.  I sat on the patio, enjoying the sun, and people watched!

Meet Dave!  He had this infectious smile and was having a great time.  

And, one more!

Thanks Dave!

Love, Age, Beauty, and Hope

I was rushing to the office last Thursday morning and stopped to grab a quick cup of coffee on the way.  I often see the usual cast of characters.  There is something nice about seeing life continuing in some normal ebb and flow.

But, that morning, someone  new was there.  And, the contrast caught my eye.  I didn't have my camera with me.  So, I simply noticed it, got my coffee and headed to the car.  But, I had to go back.

I put the coffee cup in the car and walked back to introduce myself.

Meet Ava (age 11 months) and her Grandpa.    These two were holding one another and Grandpa was gentle, strong, and beyond beaming.   I asked Ava's mother if they would be back on Friday morning so that I could a photo for the blog.  And, she was kind enough to agree!

So, here they are!  Ava and her proud Grandpa.    I saw age, compassion, love, gentleness, the melting pot, and hope for the future.

I can't think of a better Easter post than this.  Thanks Ava, Grandpa, and Ava's mother.

Peeps

Even superman has kryptonite.

I can't help it.  I can't.  I really can't.

Camera Club

I joined the local camera club somewhat over a year ago to get more exposure (pun intended!!) to others with this hobby and to get out and shoot more.

I don't often get to go to events.  But, the "walk about" caught my eye.   Participants were supposed to meet at a Dunn Bros coffee shop.  So, I was there 5 minutes early.   As was Tom.

Meet Tom!

The event was "full" so by the time I got there, I assumed it would be easy to see 40 people standing around with cameras.  But, there was just Tom...and me.    I checked the meeting details again and realized that great minds do work alike and that Tom and I were at the wrong DB.  We were south.  The correct DB was north.   NEARLY the same street address, just that little difference.  Tom was gracious enough to give me a lift the 6 blocks to the correct location.  And, we had a great time getting to know one another.  He has a managed and owned a couple of galleries around the area.  So, I am hoping to get a chance to visit one soon.



Meet Diane!  Diane is the club president.   This was the first time I had met her and she really loves photography!   We had a great chat about legal aspects of photography and the possibility of arranging a "Meet-Up" with an attorney to talk about common legal issues facing photographers, especially around street photography.  More on that as it develops  (Yes..pun intended AGAIN!)

Thanks Tom and Diane!

Top Priority: A Few More

Scott is one of the most versatile players I have ever met.     He seems equally at home playing in a country rock band as playing solo fingerstyle and classical.   If you want to hear him solo, check out Day Dream Believ'n  and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.  I find them absolutely beautiful.

And, I had never met Brandon before.  But, when I saw him I knew I had to ask whether I could take his photograph.  He asked if I would include this young lady with him.  

Thanks Brandon!  

Top Priority: The Crowd

Top Priority played the Legion.  I haven't been in a Legion for a couple of years.  In fact, the last time I was in this Legion was to hear Scott play.  

I had forgotten how much fun the crowd can be.

Leading off:  Meet Arlene.  I noticed Arlene immediately.  The dance floor wasn't too crowded.  But, this woman can MOVE!  She was fantastic.  The guys were having a hard time keeping up with her. By the way, she's 84! 

I didn't get both names of these young ladies.  But, they were having a GREAT time dancing.  I am not sure they sat down the entire time I was there.  And, I believe they had a steady line of gentlemen asking them to dance!



Finally, it's nice to see a family gathered for a good time!  Meet Jean, Mary, and Marilyn.   Ahhh.  the actual order is, left to right, Marilyn, Jean, and Mary.  Jean and Scott are married!

Thanks to all who let me take their photo!  Arlene...you were smok'n out there!

A Band: Top Priority: Part 1

I don't often get the chance to get out and listen to a band.  But, my former guitar teacher plays in a number of groups.   So, I was happy when he called to let me know he was playing nearby.   I dropped in to see him and Top Priority.   These guys are GOOD!

Meet Cocktail Stevey  (I LOVE that name)
Brandon (white jacket)
Scott (up front)
Bobby (the drummer: partially hidden behind Scott)

Cocktail Stevey has played in casino's all over the Midwest.  I hadn't met Brandon before.  But, he clearly knew what he was doing.  

 

The pic below has a better view of  Bobby.   Extra points for anyone who can tell me what chord Brandon is playing!

Great sound guys!  I hope to catch you again.