American Cancer Society's Race for the Cure: 5

These were all set by the same person.

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life: 4

At the beginning of the walk, people gather together for a few words from an organizer.  This is a very moving moment.  As the walk begins, participants are asked to walk in silence for 10 minutes.   These images  were taken during that time.

Imagine 300 people walking, remembering, hoping, and fighting, all in silence.

It was a privilege being there.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life: 3

Sometimes the messages were sad.

And...some filled with the knowledge of lives that were touched, if even briefly.

Well said.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life: 2

Some of the luminaries.  The first two were taken with a flash and that wiped out the yellow glow of the candles.

This last image was taken with the natural light.   I like it better.   And, I liked this persons spirit.

Well done. 

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life: 1

I was pleased again to be able to attend the American Cancer Society Relay for Life walk-a-thon.   If you don't know, people come as individuals or small groups and walk to raise funds for cancer research and to remember those who have dealt with cancer in their lives....or the lives of a loved one.

The bags are luminaries with messages printed on them.  

The bags line the walking path.   And, they light way forward through the night.  

It is a somber and moving time.

Northern Spark: Images on the Grain Silos

I didn't think I had any images of people that were being projected on the grain silos.  I was very pleased to see one that was half-ways decent.  

These project roughly 500' away.   Nicely engineered!   And, this was taken about 10:30 PM...maybe a bit later from about 300' away.

Northern Spark: The Bridge

This is the re-built 35W bridge that collapsed on Aug 1, 2007.  With that collapse, at an evening rush hour, 13 people were killed and 145 were injured.

This re-built structure is beautifully lit at night.   This was taken free-holding the camera at 11:00 PM. 

Northern Spark: Participants

This couple was sitting together and chatting quietly in a dark corner of the ruins.   It was still crowded, but they managed to find a place that was at least a little quiet and people weren't shoulder to shoulder.

I almost hated to interrupt them.  But, they were good sports. 

My sincere thanks!

Northern Spark: Spectators

What a great beard!

My sincere thanks!

Northern Spark: Music in the Night

This was an exhibit where performers could play some pieces and they would be blended together.

It was interesting.

And, it was fun getting close to the performers!

Northern Spark: The Artful Man

I rather liked this in the book store at the St. Paul Depot!

Northern Spark: The River

A photo, taken without a tripod, at about 11:00 PM

This is of the stone arch bridge, taken from the 9th floor balcony of an architectural firm.   What a lovely view!

Northern Spark: In the Dark

I don't know this persons name.  But, she was standing in the dark, with a very small projected light on her face.   She wasn't a model for the exhibit.  All kinds of people were walking through it.

But, I liked the look.  The room was very dark and this was taken with what light there was.  

I like it!

Northern Spark: Taking a Coffee Break!

Meet Meg and Steve!

I had taken a break and found a local coffee shop.  It was time to sit and relax a bit.   They were sitting next to me and were having a great time chatting. 

Meg is, by her own admission, a rambunctious and over zealous hyper maniac

Steve is the Ying to her Yang. He is older and a lot laid back.

They were working an exhibit together and had also taken a break.

My sincere thanks to you both!

Northern Spark: The Shadows

This was a fun little exhibit.   Against the limestone cliffs were lights and people could create shadows projected against the rock.

These kids were having a great time!

My sincere thanks to the kids and their parents who also liked the images!

Sept 11th

There is no photo to post today.   It is a day to remember the innocent.  And, to remind one another that you cannot make deals with those who desire your death.  No matter how you spin it, their hatred will emerge.

Northern Spark: Friends!

Meet the two Rebecca's!

They were waiting for the library exhibit to open.   And, they obviously were close friends.  Friends since 8th grade!    So close that they finish one another's sentences.  They are both now 22 and into their respective careers.  And, they remain close friends!

Well done!  And, my sincere thanks for letting me take your photo!  

Norhern Spark: Image Projecting

Meet Luke!

His art was to project images of people who would lay against a backdrop on to the old grain silos.

Yes...THOSE grain silos.

We were a bit early to see the project get underway.  It was still a bit to bright.  But, later in the evening, we could see images that were 40' tall projected on the different silos.


Thanks Luke!

Northern Spark: The Library Part 5

OK...I am not exactly sure how these three fit into the theme.  Perhaps it was the 60's generation.  That would go with the big hair and disco clothing.

And, it sort of matched some of the images on the walls in this room.

All the images are of people reading.  Perhaps the message is, "get your nose out of Facebook and into a classic!".    I could certainly be wrong.   But, these three were having a wonderful time and were very delightful.

Northern Spark: The Library Part 6

The Stephanie, the super hero librarian!

I like this image a lot.   The hair color matches the background.  It is sharp.   I will need to check on what to do with shadows from glasses.  I think they sort of add to the image.  But, I could be wrong.   Thoughts?

My sincere thanks!

Northern Spark: The Library Part 4

SHUSH!!

We don't want to be talking.  That might disturb or offend someone.

I actually love this quote.  It addresses bias.  And, I am convinced that bias is a huge problem in how we talk to one another.  It is very challenging to understand our own bias (except for me, of course).  It colors how we interpret the world, what we believe, and what we see and hear.

So, if I expect that I will hear things I don't want to hear, I will be right.  And, I will never learn.....except for me, of course.

Northern Spark: The Libary Part 3

The stern librarian below was ensuring no one spoke.  Interesting messages on the wall behind her.

And..in short....doubt and question everything.

Northern Spark: The Library Part 2

Meet Joseph!

 I saw him getting ready as part of the Library team.  This was taken just 10 minutes or so before the exhibit opened.   His message, of course, is that we should hate and not permit intellectual freedom and freedom of speech.   Heaven's to Betsy, someone might be offended!

I am going to take it upon myself to get copies of most of the books that were "banned" in the US and Canada.  I don't expect much from the rest of the world.  But, I do from those countries.  I want to ensure my grand kids have read them and know how to think for themselves.

Thanks Joseph!

Northern Spark: The Library

The Northern Spark was officially open for business at about 8:00 PM.   The first exhibit was the Library.  It was a series of passages (no roof, this was outside) depicted to look  like a library.  

Meet Amy, Christina, and Erin:  The Library Staff.

I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibit.  They didn't say much about what it was.  You needed to find out for yourself as you went through it.

It had to do with their protest of censorship.   So, the hallways (more of a maze) were filled with messages and the spying eyes below.

 An interesting quote from Mark Twain in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

My sincere thanks to Amy, Christina, and Erin.