July Challenge

Hey Y'all!

Thanks for visiting the blog. I challenged myself during the month of July 2020 to do 2 things.

• Publish 30 things on this blog.
• Put my creativity (such that it is) out there for the world to see.

Why? Great question.

I used to (several years ago) write a lot. Mostly about teaching. I published often and found writing to be a great outlet for all the things in my head. Sometimes it was just random stuff. Sometimes it was thought-provoking. Either way, I enjoyed it. I felt better after writing. Things got out of my head. Being an introvert, I didn't want to sit and discuss all this stuff with anyone, I just needed to get it out.

Secondly, I love doing creative things but it all just sits. Showing it, good or bad, is a risk that I ask my students and my own kiddos to take and I thought I should do it too. This blog is a good way to put things into the world...just need to share the blog with everyone.

So.

I realized while cleaning up some digital stuff that I had this blog. I reworked it a bit. Changed the theme. Changed the style. Made a new logo. Added some categories to the stuff. Then started publishing.

I fell short of the 30 posts I was hoping for but came close. I think this post is 28.

The good part is that I published. Also, it's not just random writing. It's photos, poetry, beer, education, and some ramblings (more of that coming in August). The poetry is the biggest risk because it comes from the heart and putting your heart out there is, whoa. Especially because some of it was written years ago during some tough times. Photography is second because it's so subjective and I'm by no means and professional photographer. 

Well, I hope you like the blog. Actually...yeah, I do.  But if you don't, I still love you and I'm still happy that it's all out there.

Cheers!

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Lunch Break - People Practice

Lunch Break

Another photo from Bde Maka Ska featuring a lifeguard chair. This is an older perch and I don't think this person is a lifeguard or maybe this person is the world's worst-dressed lifeguard.

There's a lot going on in this photo for me. The background shows the skyline of Minneapolis. It also shows the wildfire haze that has descended on my hometown. I'm not sure why but there is one low building that really stands out.

A little closer, you move into the water and get a hint of the sailboats moored on the north end of the lake. Still closer, you get a sense of the swim area with the buoy markers. 

The real focus of this photo is the person in the chair. There's a complete story here that can be told. I like that you can't see the face of the person, suggesting that it could be just about anyone.

In terms of editing, not much. A little cropping and straightening and a little exposure change to really make the person stand out. Overall, the original photo was pretty accurate.

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Beach Date - People Practice

Beach Date

This might be the most difficult genre of photography for me. There are so many issues that swirl in my head while trying to get candid/street photos of people. Am I being creepy? Did they see me? Is there an expectation of privacy? Am I being creepy? Would I want this photo taken of me? Am I being creepy?

Despite all of that, I'm working on getting some good people photos. This is Bde Maka Ska in the lakes region of Minneapolis. On the beaches, there are lifeguard chairs. Some are old-school metal frame perches that look like they are going to fall over. There are also these nice wooden ones that are solid and have room for more than one person.

I don't think either of these people are lifeguards and they are simply hanging out together. I took several photos. Some zoomed out to show the whole chair and a little of the beach. A few with just the chair. And then a few of just the top of the top with the two people sitting there. 

This photo speaks to me because there is a story that can be told between the two people. It took a while to get both of them looking at each other and it appears that they both are smiling, although the person on the right is a bit more mysterious with the smile.

I also like the depth showing the water, the trees, and even a glimpse of downtown Minneapolis (contrasting the beach).

Lastly, I edited this slightly with cropping and straightening.  I also adjusted the colors a bit to better show true skin tones from what I remember in my brain.

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Rejection...

I submitted this photo to the Mn State Fair Creative Activities Competition. It was the first time I've submitted any photo, well, anything really, to a competition. This is part of my taking chances/putting myself out there/just doing it month. It was nerve racking to just submit it. I went back and forth on which image to use, how to describe it, the artist statement, and pretty much anything that could be stressed over. 

Clicking the final submit button was a challenge!

I heard a few days ago that it wasn't selected. I still think it's a good photo and has the right edits. It would have been so amazing to have my photo in the gallery at the Fair. They can only take so many and I'm guessing there are thousands of submissions. 

I'll do it again next year. I'll still take more photos. I might upgrade my equipment. I'll finish the online photo class I'm taking. I'll keep putting myself out there. Just like I tell students, don't give up. Keep doing!!!

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Words & Doubt

His words, typed insecurely.
Scared to peek around the corner of your eyeball.
To be consumed by your brain, judged for their quality or lack of.
A constant refrain paralyzing each finger as it moves on the keyboard of his brain.

The words spoken in his classroom,
Heard by growing minds forming opinions of the world.
Everyday.
Lasting a lifetime in the brains of the next generation.
Intentionally measured meanings and tones striking a hopeful lesson for all.
A constant refrain paralyzing the mind speaking his lessons.

A conversation with a friend replayed in his head a hundredth time.
Jokes misinterpreted, potentially offending.
Viewpoints expressed casting a new questioning opinion.
Stories told among the group, the relevance to the thread lost, questioned, ignored.
A constant refrain paralyzing his words and drawing him more into himself.

A thesis paper researched to death.
The paraphrasing misconstrued.
Connections to the core lost among the citations.
Conclusions drawn like a rubber band stretching the validity.
Drafts submitted, edits made, galloping farther and farther from the original.
A constant refrain paralyzing the completion of his degree.

All the words swirling in his head.
An outlet needed to dispense the thoughts.
Afraid to publish, to let the world participate in the inner workings of his mind.
Clicking the publish button and opening the door.
To the nightmare of a haunted house;
Or a dream of love embraced in a hug.
A constant refrain paralyzing his work from seeing the open door.

 

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Drekker Brewing Company, Fargo, North Dakota

The second brewery was Drekker Brewing Company. This is my second trip to Drekker but the first was during the COVID lockdown and we weren't able to sit and enjoy a beer in the taproom. We had to get beers to go and I honestly don't remember what I got.

I sat at the end of the bar and was able to watch the world go around. Several people said hi and had mini-conversations while they waited for their beer. There weren't a lot of people so the waits were short and I didn't have to do too much chit-chat. The bartenders were great. I got my beer quickly and they kept checking in to make sure I was doing well. They even recommended a liquor store where I might find a beer that was interesting but no longer on tap. It was a quality experience in the taproom.

Braaaaaaaains

Interesting beer. Smoothie sour. Kinda had a milkshake feel to it. Crossed with an Orange Julius. Definitely banana but not overpowering. Lots of strawberries. I got a little blueberry. This combo of flavors really puckers and this is truly a sour. The lactose gives the milkshake feel and feels milky and smooth. I saw a description of this beer that includes sea salt. I'm not sure about this one but it may have been lost in the mix of bigger flavors that hit you in the face.

One pint of this beer was enough. I'm not sure I could do more. It's sweet and the flavors got started to be overpowering toward the end.

Overall, enjoyable beer and great taproom.

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Fargo Brewing Company, Fargo, North Dakota

Well, I can't believe that my little kiddo is old enough but I took him on his first college visit last week.  Crazy. Granted we are getting an early start (starting his junior year) but time is really flying. The first trip was to Fargo to visit NDSU, home of the Bison.

I didn't realize that Fargo was home to so many breweries. I couldn't find time to visit all of them in our quick overnight visit. In looking at the beer lists, I found two breweries that had beers with bananas in them. I do love banana-based things - pies, cocktails, candy...

The first brewery was Fargo Brewing Company.

Slap Bracelet

This was a solid beer but I didn't get a ton of the banana. The biggest flavor is pineapple providing a fruity, almost sour feeling. Then the raspberry hits you. Not overpowering but definitely there. The flavor profile on their website says there are marshmallows but I didn't get that flavor. Maybe it was just providing the sweetness and perhaps I was expecting more of a roasty campfire flavor from this. 

I'm not sure I'd make a trip to Fargo for this beer but if I was in town, I'd add it to a flight and try a few more of the beers.

The brewery was pretty cool. The bar space was open and easy to get a beer. There was also a garage space with a band playing but, as usual, I wasn't in the mood for music blasting. I chose to sit on the patio space on the other side and it was full of green space with tables. It was relaxing. At least until the smokers came out and stood by the tables. Then three people stood right next to the table I was sitting at and I got to hear every word of their conversation. They were truly oblivious to everyone around them. That was super annoying.

The people around your beer experience definitely have an impact on your enjoyment.

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Who are you for yourself?

I want to write this post but I also don't. I also thought about changing the publish date and burying it years ago. But maybe putting it out there will help someone.

My last post was about Intentional Rest and I firmly believe in that. 

That said, I need to move beyond that. The Intentional Rest is a break from all the things that you are for other people. Remember the Disciples healing and curing? Other people. In my last post, looking back, everything I listed was about being something for someone else. 

It has nothing to do with who I am for me. 

Most of the titles that have that describe me for other people are pretty amazing and I enjoy them. I wouldn't change being a husband or a dad. I love being a teacher. I wouldn't change those but, again, they don't have much to do with who I am for me. 

(I know that some people see teaching as a calling and that is who they are above all else. Good for you. I'm excited that you have that passion. For me, as much as I love teaching, it's not a calling. It's a rewarding profession that pays me and I get to help other people. It's not who I am.)

So, let's think. Who am I for me? 

Photographer, writer, traveler, napper...

Wow, that list is way shorter and took way longer to come up with. 

This is definitely something that I need to work on for myself. 

I would bet a dollar that I'm not the only one. Especially for my teacher friends. I see you. You're pinning things on Pinterest that would be great for your classroom. You're hitting up the Dollar Store for classroom supplies. You're reading books that you might want to add to your classroom library. Or you're looking at garage sales for flexible seating (this one, yes, I'm guilty, and the garage is already full). 

Is it selfish to be something for yourself? Maybe. But it is also healthy. I'm not going to neglect who I am for other people to solely do things for myself. That wouldn't be good. There's a balance in there somewhere that leads to excellent mental health for me.

With that in mind, here's what I'm doing in July to improve who I am for myself.

• Keeping my camera (iPhone) ready when I'm out and about and looking for a quality photo. It's already paid off with these two photos.
• Keeping the bigger camera in the car so it's not forgotten if I go places that have a high probability of great photo opportunities.
• Walking more.
• Writing at least 30 blog posts this month. I'm up to 22 so far.
• Entering the MN State Fair photography contest. (Check)
• Entering the MN State Fair cookie contest (actually for next month, I guess baking is something I am for myself too.)

In the Intentional Rest post, I mentioned scrolling Tik Tok for 3 hours. I don't do that but I did come across this video that was the inspiration for this post (embedded below). I haven't had the waterworks this person talks about but I do see the need to make a space for me to work on who I am for myself.  I'm also a huge proponent of therapy. There is no shame or judgment. Take care of yourself!!!

TikTok: the_holisic_mystic

@the_holistic_mystic

#stitch with @desi_seabird it’s never too late to start being a person #therapy

♬ Night Trouble - Petit Biscuit

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Intentional Rest

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." - Mark 6:34

I'm not sure how to tag this post. It could be "Education." It might fit, strangely, into "Beer." Maybe a new tag called "Religion." Or it just might fit into a more all encompassing tag on this blog called "Life" or "Being All The Things."

This verse is part of a larger text from Mark that was preached in the church I go to.  Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56

It resonated with me. The Disciples were everything to the people that came to see them. Literally life and death. They healed and cured. Life. But it was exhausting. They didn't rest. There was always someone else who needed something. Always. Even when Jesus told them to rest and took them away to do just that, people found them and had expectations. 

This happens to us. Everyone. The Jones's? The rat race?  Sound familiar?

I feel this. 

Husband, brother, dad, son, friend, dinner making, driver, shopper, advice giver, parent (different than "dad"), care taker/giver, house fixer, money earner, cleaner, solver, teacher, colleague, committee member, church council member. 

See how quickly all those titles add up? Stop. think about your own for minute. I'm sure I missed a few of my own.

So, when Pastor Jeff talked about Intentional Rest (sure, I'll capitalize those), I gained focus. It's not easy to be all the things to all the people. I'll take this a step further and agrue that teachers have more on their plates because they are responsible for little humans for a third of their day. That's a huge responsibility. One that I don't take lightly. (Also one that I don't often complain about because there are rewards).

But what do you for this intentional rest? I told the lady at CSL plasma the other day that it's nice being a teacher because I sorta get to retire every June. It's a short retirement but it's well earned and so restful. Hmm, maybe donating plasma is a forced relaxation time for a couple hours every week too...

So, Intentional Rest.

Yes please. Once school is out. We load up and camp for a week. Then we spend a week at a resort with some friends. It's two weeks of reading books in a hammock, playing in the pool, watching people fish while crusing a lake in a boat, and sharing the meal creations with people beyond just me. 

It's amazing. The minute we roll into a the camp ground that first afternoon, everything melts away. I don't need to a responsible teacher. I don't need to be the church council member. So many more. I just get to be. 

Intentional Rest. 

Do it. Take it. Rest. Don't feel guilty. Be alone. Read a book. Spend 3 hours scrolling Tik Tok. Find a hammock. Find a trail. Sleep. Binge. Have a beer. 

No matter who you are, you need a rest. You have to be intentional about it. 

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Uteplis Brewing, Minneapolis, Mn

Last night, my wonderful and beautiful wife and I snuck away for a beer and Artepils art fair at Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis. It was a lovely night in Minneapolis and the brewery was busy. There were several artists selling canvases and prints in the garage and there was a band playing in the beer garden. I didn't realize how splendid the beer garden is and how many people can fit out there.

We grabbed our beverages, including a free one compliments of my Craftapped membership (that I've sorely not used enough...), and moved outside. We found a picnic table in the back, kinda behind the building that muted the music a bit and let us talk. It was great!

Party Water

My wife got a Party Water hard seltzer. That's the pinkish drink in the picture. She really enjoyed this. I took a sip and these are not usually my jam but it wasn't bad. The carbonation is low. The usual bubble water-type drinks she gets are carbonated like soda and not a win for me. There was definitely fruit in this and I'd guess a mixture of things. I got some grapefruit but that's the only one that stood out for me. I'm not sure I could take a whole glass but if you want to visit Utepils for a beer and need to bring along someone who doesn't really like beer, this is a good option.

Der-Die-Das

If you've been reading this blog lately, you may notice I've been on a little bit of a Dunkel/Bock kick. This one is a Munich Dunkel. I don't think it's as good as Fulton's Barrel-aged Doppelbock or Broken Clock's Bock to the Future but I wouldn't toss this one to the curb. There was plenty of malt and it was slightly sweet. It almost had an amber ale taste. Maybe a dark amber? I also got a little caramel out of it and perhaps a little raisin. I probably should have savored this one a bit more and let it warm up more. I'm pretty sure the flavor would have changed.

Cheers!

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Macro Practice or The Tale of Two Photos

Eye Catcher

On my walk this morning, this big floppy pink flower (again, I don't know flower names) covered in raindrops literally pulled my eye and feet to it. It was spectacular. The color and the shades of pink turning deeper as you get to the center were amazing. Then the water drops on the petal started to stand out in my mind. I just thought it was perfect. It's not truly macro photography but a pretty good close-up shot that was able to pull in the details. I did a little editing to crop out a couple of yucky parts of the flower. I also increased the sharpness to make the raindrops pop a little bit. I think I might have this one printed and give it to the homeowner where this beautiful flower lives.

iPhone 12 Max Pro

Crystals, Raindrops, and a Flower

Same flower. This one is really macro. The toughest part of macro with the iPhone is holding the phone still enough to get the picture. I zoomed in all the way (12x) and moved the lens as close as I could while still keeping focus. I was surprised that I was able to get it this close and have the focus. Then, I was blown away by the detail on the flower. The water drops are awesome but the crystals on the petal are wonderful. I did crop this one to try and get the drops cluster on a rule of thirds axis. I didn't do much of anything with the colors, exposure, and anything else. I did add a slight vignette to lighten the corners and give a hint of possible light around the edges.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

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Plant Photography Practice

Wild North

.     

The purple and orange flowers were photographed on the Magnetic Rock Trail outside of Grand Marais, MN, USA. They both caught my eye on the side of the trail and were a good short rest from the trail. The white flower (I don't know flower names...) is from Lutsen Mountain in Tofte, MN, USA. To get the last one, we took the gondola ride to the far side of the mountain to hike a trail. These white flowers were everywhere; maybe trying to look like snow in the summer.

I tried to get as close to the flowers as possible when taking the photos and this decreased the amount of cropping needed. There was some cropping to make them square. There is also some editing to adjust the colors to match what I think I saw with my eye that the camera didn't quite capture. Finetuning...

Overall, they turned out well. I think these may get printed on a 4x4 canvas, metal, or glass. I'm just not sure where they'll go.

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Street (Er, Water) Photography Practice

'Til Next Year

There's something about this photo that just says so much about guys hanging out. The beer in hand. Being lined up single file facing out and talking. Hands in pockets. The leg up on the post. Even the hoodies. Also, each of these is heightened when you get them around the things they love, fishing on a lake in this case. Over the course of about 3 days, these three spent a lot of time away in their boat, fishing from the dock, telling stories at their campsite, and generally just being guys. This photo is their last day at the resort and probably some sort of ritual goodbye to each other and the lake. 

This photo was taken really quickly because this type of set-up doesn't last long. There's a ton of editing in this photo, starting with cropping. Then cropping more. And then a bit more. After that, I played around with the colors in a bunch of different ways. the goal was to make the water really pop. While making those adjustments, the clothes started to pop too. Lastly, I added a little vignette around the edges to give it a little bit more focus on the guys. 

If I was to change something about this photo, well two things. First, I would have set the picture up better but time was of the essence. Second, I'd take the pole out at the end of the dock. It's distracting. It's almost as if they weren't thinking about photo opportunities when they designed the dock...

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Cabin Week

Water like glass in the bay.

The morning sun glancing off the burning fog.

Black flies taking their time, buzzing the early risers.

Me, looking up from the ink to capture a moment.

Fisher people mosey across the grass,

To their dew stained boats.

Cursing motors that won't turn.

And bait left a mess by the littles.

And lines twisted like bowls of spaghetti.

With a shot, boats race off.

Disappearing for hours.

Finding the elusive,

The one that got away.

The bay quiet, returned to glass.

Families in cabins playing games.

Splashing in pools.

Jumping on floaties.

Laying on a towel.

Reading through the stack of novels,

That never diminishes.

Sipping an afternoon cocktail of relaxation.

In a hammock between two trees,

While the rest of the world goes by.

A potluck dinner,

Dished up in the Lodge.

Everyone coming together.

Charred brats and potatoes 8 ways.

Laughter, drama, new friendships, and life-long bonds,

Cemented every year with overstuffed plates and bellies.

The sun bows behind the cabins,

Black flies give way to mosquitoes,

Friends find chairs,

With beverages,

Along the shore.

Lightning rolls across the stillness.

Laughter spills from cabin windows.

The moon closes another adventure, 

Fills the promise of more to come.

-July 4, 2021

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Skipping

Holding Mom's hand,
Walking to the city bus stop.

Just past the candy store.

Talking quietly about the world of a 4-year-old.

Full of promise and wonder.

The bus, full of strangers and experiences.

The child, full of questions.

Deposited at the library.

Storytime.

Kids.

Puppets,

Quiet.

It erupts into playtime,

Exploring nooks,

The crannies of a new space.

Being shushed by librarians,

Given books to read on the risers.

Holding hands,

Leaving the stories behind.

The bus takes us home.

Walking past the candy store.

Suddenly, a skill conquered.

Never done before.

Tried and failed, even that day.

Skipping.

Little walking jumps,

Down the sidewalk.

All the way home.

With mom close behind, smiling, clapping.

Skipping.

July 4, 2021

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Everywhere

Everywhere, every little thing, Blessings everywhere.

Here, guitars, drums, tambourines, and Amens.

Downstairs, tiny shining faces soaking up the Word.

Over there, Fellowship of His people in chocolate chip cookies.

At home, a simple table Prayer of Thanks for everything.

In the operating room, the doctors and nurses, hands guided thru Him, giving, healing.

Waiting in the toy aisle, a random and strange God bless you for a sneeze.

Before school, the music of Praise streaming in the classroom speakers.

In the silence of sleep, a happy, unconscious thought of an ever-present Angel.

A baby, too young to know, but sent and accepted by All.

In the alley, a pretty pink bike found by a new Friend for a beautiful little girl.

Between two people, simple Love and a lifelong Vow.

Everywhere,  every little thing, Blessings everywhere.

-Undated, circa 2009

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Not Ready

How do you touch her?

Doesn't matter, she touches you.

Her history, to me, not important.

Holiday issues, hers, not yours or ours.

Boxes are baggage, many ways.

A garage full of weight.

Moving on, you, not me.

Not ready.

Heartache is a purple bracelet.

Firmly wrapped around my heart.

A ruby red slipper, never worn.

A lady bug landing on my sleeve.

Not ready.

Painted eggs.

A tradition, troubled now.

Easter colors faded but vibrant in my mind.

Not ready.

Nap talks after school.

Taco Bell lunches.

Special times, 

Still longed for.

Not ready.

-Undated, circa 2005

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Family

10 years ago.

A twinkle.

A feeling.

A spell cast.

Sure to last.

Just beginning.

8 years ago.

Love grew.

Blossomed.

"I do" was said.

Happiness forever.

Just beginning.

4 years ago.

A welcome addition.

Love expanded.

Exploding everywhere.

A family grows.

Just beginning.

9 months ago.

Pink takes over.

Fireworks blast.

Love expanding.

Again.

A family complete.

-Undated, circa 2008

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Time Passes

What the clock says,

Don't know, care.

As time passes.

Six months,

Hour by hour,

Gone.

The world moves,

Stands still.

Time passes.

They come.

And go.

Family.

Friends.

Many, many others.

Time passes.

The hours exist.

But are lost.

Minutes.

A precious few.

Time passes.

Eventually.

The sun sets.

Another Angel.

Sent to watch.

Over us.

Time passes.

-Undated, circa 2005

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Conquered

He who angers you conquers you.

Years, a precious few.
At 57, gone too young. 

Deeds, definitely unsung.

What is Your plan?

There was stull so much love,

For this growing clan.

Grandkids to meet and spoil.

Staying strong despite her toil.

What is Your plan?

-Undated, circa 2005

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The Important Things

Amy, the Sunshine of my life.

Ian, the Joy of a firstborn for a proud papa.

Ella, a lasting twinkle in the eyes of a happy heart.

Dad, the quiet, my unspoken hero.

Mom, the love that left too early.

Family, the glue sticking it all together.

Friends, the system of my world.

Stillness, the calm that quiets the storms.

Walks, the sidewalk rivers that follow me.

Pets, the happy paws always in the right mood.

Health, the assurance of everything.

Memories, the tears and smiles that pass the troubled days.

-April 3, 2009

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Six Months

She is gone, up to her place.

A smile on her watching face.

Seeing the smiles and joy of a newborn boy.

I still cry.

Despite how hard I try,

To keep all my feeling inside.

My heart gets twisted and turned,

Feeling like it got burned,

By God, the all-knowing, who took her away.

I try my best not to sway,

Fall down that slippery slope.

Keep it together, my mind, trying to keep the hope.

The light flickers and tears flow.

A family dealt a horrible blow.

Being strong, doing my best,

Knowing she is gone,

Up to her place.

A smile on her watching face.

-Undated, circa 2009

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The Letter

She knew she was dying.
She knew it, we all did.

The letter was perfect,

She knew when she would be Flying.

Not addressed, not dated.

Not found until Wings were added.

The calm blue handwriting,

Sincere and heartfelt honesty.

From where all great letters and love grow.

Dad, the ever generous and romantic gentleman,

Through all the years.

Brother and I just like dad,

With our loving families.

Our sons, shining like they should.

The unspoken words, 

Everyone so desperate to hear.

Inspiration amidst the heartache, pain, and fear.

Comfort on paper.

Knowing her feelings and thoughts,

her voice in words, easy to hear.

Constant caring,

From an everpresent Angel.

-Undated, circa 2005

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Sunrise and Sunset Practice

During CABIN WEEK!™, I spent some time practicing sunrise and sunset photography. This type of photography is something that I really enjoy but really struggle with. 

Both of these pictures were taken at Northland Lodge on  Lake Winnie.

iPhone 12 Pro Max, edits in iOS Photos app.

Sunrise

I really like this sunrise picture for a couple of reasons. First, there are no sunspots. While taking this picture, I was able to adjust the framing and direction to ensure that the camera didn't pick up any green sunspots anywhere in the picture. Secondly, with a little bit of editing, I was able to really focus on the intensity of the sun and get some of the rays to poke out. Also, I captured some of the reflections of the sun on the water behind the dock. Lastly, I think the layers show the vastness. There's the green foreground of the shore, the docks and water, the tree line, and finally the sky.

Sunset

The colors of the sunset were so fantastic this night. I especially like the layers of orange in the sky and the way it reflects in the water. The clouds seem to be painted by the sunset. In editing, I was able to blackout the trees and land to pull the eye to the colors in the sky.  If I were to do retake this picture, I would frame it more on the sky and have less of the ground in the front. 

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Klockow Brewing, Grand Rapids, MN, USA

Stop #2 on the CABIN WEEK BREWERY DAY TOUR!

Klockow Brewing

For this one, it was Flight Time. Four 4 oz. beers. It's a good way to get a sample of a few beers that you think you might like.

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Rapids Brewing, Park Rapids, MN, USA

 It's was CABIN WEEK last week. 

And during cabin week there is usually one day that rainy or just a pool/lake/boat day.

That's BREWERY DAY!!!

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Broken Clock, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative

Okay, so this is a bit of a cheat. It was part of CABIN WEEK!™ but wasn't consumed at the brewery during BREWERY DAY™. I was lucky enough to find these at the Brooklyn Center, MN Muni before we left town. I'm sure that consuming them by a lake with the sun shining and a couple of good friends around only makes them better.

Beer #1: Sundial Citrus IPA
It's good. I think I'm starting to be over IPAs because I haven't really found a stand-out IPA in a while. They aren't bad, it's just there are other things I'm more interested in. That said, this is a solid IPA. The Citra hops give it a grapefruit citrus flavor and the Mosaic hops give it a balance so it's not overpowering.


Beer #2: Bock 2 the Future
Again with the bocks...This one is really good. It's sweet but not overly. Strong (8ish%) but not knock you on your butt strong. The malt is toasty and bready. There's a hint of caramel/toffee that hits just about perfectly. I'd drink this one again.

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Aerial Nights

“Aerial Nights”

Aerial Lift Bridge

Duluth, Minnesota, USA

iPhone 8+

April 7, 2021

I really love Duluth and everything North Shore. This scene jumped out at me as I was walking in Canal Park that evening. The lights on the top, the lights of the bridge, the street lights; all give the bridge a wonderful quality. The reflected light on the sidewalk has an intensity that jumps into my eye. This was also one of the first photos that I really spent some time editing in the native photo app on the iPhone. It was amazing to really tune the photo to get the lights to pop and the sky to show it's true color. 

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Fulton Barrel Aged Dopplebock

Sometimes it's the beer.
Sometimes it's the company.
Sometimes it's the location.

Trifecta!

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Google Certified Educator!!! Or Taking Risks

I've had some issues with having loads of ideas. Some good, some really bad. Really bad. The biggest issue is that the ideas stay in my head or in my notebook and they never get acted on. There is a definite aspect of failure, even with ideas that I think are pretty darn good.

Well, I decided to start acting on some ideas.

The first one was Google Educator Certification. This one is timely because I'll be searching for and interviewing for a new position this spring for the next school year.

I've looked at the training materials. I've studied. I've talked with teacher friends. But I've never moved beyond that. In fact, I spent $10 to register for the exam and then never took it. Yep, wasted money.

Well, I registered again. Then I took the test.  After a three-day wait, there was an email. I passed!!!

Then, I explored the Level 2 Certification. I decided to go for it. I spent the money and immediately registered knowing I only had 8 days to take the test.

I texted my friend @wwolfe105 and she sent me a checklist from a friend that might be covered. I also spend a couple hours with the Google training.

Then I took the test.

Then I waited.

Then I couldn't wait any longer. I logged into the certification site and it listed my exam as passed!!! A couple days later, I got the official email.

I'm so excited!!! I'm a Google Level 2 Certified Educator. I'm glad that I finally took the plunge and just did it.

Now, on to Google Certified Trainer certification...

Or my next idea from the notebook...

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