If our inaugural Summer’s Sketchbook last year was any indication of what’s to come this summer, I couldn’t be more excited to see the sketches that unfold over the new few months.
Introducing Summer’s Sketchbook 2014.
virginia
Slow Moments: Week One.
On the surface, these slow moments couldn’t be more different. But at their core, I’d like to think there’s a powerful truth connecting them: that slowing down has only to do with how we’re moving.
Photographing fireworks: A very bokeh Independence Day.
The fireworks prove tricky to photograph – especially getting certain things like exposure and focus right. That’s when I decide to turn off my camera’s auto-focus, twist the lens and blur the suckers to a point beyond recognition.
Father knows best: What my dad taught me about life
“These are called suckers,” my dad tells me, pointing to a small shoot on the tomato plant growing in the fork between two branches. Strangely, the more I learn about pruning these suckers, the more I learn about the writing life.
Fireworks frenzy: A very happy New Year’s Eve!
It’s that time again: when, whether or not you have plans for the night, you can’t help but be infected by the excitement in the air. The buzz of one year coming to an end and another about to begin, the intoxicating thrill of fireworks and champagne.
Bringing London to Virginia: The top ten of Norfolk, Rare Travels-style.
“I was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, for a while, about which the less said the better, and then I was in the Mediterranean, about which the more said the better.” — Harry Matthews Brief note: this is my entry into the TBEX Blog Carnival Contest sponsored by Choice Hotels International Services Corp via Cambria Suites. … Read More
Wanna go to Mexico?
It’s been a while since I’ve made an audio slideshow, but today I came across more great examples on my favorite travel writing website, World Hum–inspiring slideshows like Abbie Kozolychk’s “The Family Jewels” and an older one I just discovered, Doug Mack’s Not-So-Flattering Views of Famous European Landmarks. I love the way the slideshows let … Read More
Let’s build a snowman: Five things today’s snowfall taught me.
“Emily: We can’t just throw him out in the snow. Walter: Why not? He loves the snow. He’s told me 15 times.” — From the film Elf 1. Never say never. “Does it snow where you’re from?” many British colleagues and friends asked me before I left London for home. I assured them I’m from Virginia … Read More