Through the Lens of LPW

The Domes - Milwaukee

2010-05-17T22:14:00.001-05:00

A Superior View

2010-02-22T20:01:00.003-06:00

I took these photos on a recent work trip to Bayfield County.

Look...it's the moon

2010-01-04T08:26:00.000-06:00

Fall...holding on for dear life

2009-11-02T17:20:00.003-06:00

On the first day of November I wanted to take a couple of shots of the remaining reminder of the beauty of fall.

Life and Death - Fall in Wisconsin

2009-10-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

My day job

2009-10-05T23:01:00.002-05:00

I've got a pretty cool job. I get to work with youth who are changing the world. Not bad, eh?

Julie and Jake's Wedding

2009-09-13T22:17:00.002-05:00

Viva Peru

2009-09-09T19:55:00.001-05:00

Be Wonder-Ful!

2009-08-19T07:55:00.000-05:00

It's one of those days...

2009-08-13T12:11:00.002-05:00

Waiting for a rocket to come...

2009-08-12T23:55:00.003-05:00

Under a full sky of stars I gazed, with tired eyes, up into the night waiting for a glimpse of a meteor. While I was patiently waiting, I set up my camera on my tripod opened the shutter for ten minutes and was surprised to capture this gem.

Dear Milwaukee...

2009-08-11T14:13:00.005-05:00

You certainly aren't my favorite city in Wisconsin. Maybe it's because I've always been scared of you. Your towering buildings, endless web of highways and your sulfur smell never gave me that welcome vibe I get from your younger sister Madison. However, you are growing on me. Maybe it's your diversity or the fact that you've stood strong and kept your own identity even as Chicago creeps closer and closer. Just last weekend you and I shared a moment. It was near 7:30pm, we were hanging out at one of your many lakeside parks and you showed me a sky that stopped me in my tracks. I think it was an olive branch to let me know that although you aren't the Mad City, you still have a lot to offer. I see a future, you and me, Milwaukee, and it's a bright one.

Cheers,

Luke

Big crowds for Big Voices

2009-07-26T18:59:00.003-05:00

Under a Madison night sky filled with puffy sun-kissed clouds I was entertained by the operatic sounds of the Madison Opera accompanied by the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

6,800 felt like freedom

2009-07-23T00:02:00.002-05:00

Here's my month of June seen "Through the Lens of LPW."

Wedding

2009-07-17T17:24:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to my cousin Todd and his wife Kathleen.

~13 miles from it all

2009-07-15T12:10:00.002-05:00

Here's a shot from Pope Farms Park in Middleton...about 13 miles away from the Capitol Building (which you can see right under the moon).

In the shadows

2009-07-06T12:53:00.002-05:00

It was a particularly foggy night in Willowbrook, IL. My friend Kyle and I were at a mutual friend's wedding when we stepped outside to take a break from the celebration. We never expected to find the conditions the way we did. We both immediately thought this was a good night for photography. These are the images I captured.

Spring is here...

2009-05-19T09:48:00.002-05:00

The proof is in the photo

Smoke-Free Air Bill Becomes a LAW!

2009-05-19T09:44:00.002-05:00

It's official...

The smoke-free air bill is now a LAW! A big thanks goes to the Wisconsin State Legislature, Gov. Jim Doyle and the thousands of colleagues around WI that made this possible! I

Smoke-Free WI

2009-05-14T09:34:00.003-05:00

Last night the WI state legislature passed the smoke-free WI bill! It was a HUGE day for me and my colleagues that have been fighting this battle for years. I think Gov. Doyle said it best in his official statement that he released today.

“I have worked throughout my career in public life to help prevent Wisconsin children from starting to smoke and help motivate adults in our state to quit smoking. Today, Wisconsin is taking an important step to save lives and protect our kids and citizens from the scourge of tobacco.

“I wish the ban would be implemented sooner, but I am proud the state is embracing the healthy direction the world is going. Making Wisconsin smoke free will save money in health care costs, improve public health across the state and save lives.”

Now I'm counting the days until the day of implementation, 7.5.10!

Texture

2009-05-07T14:58:00.002-05:00

Found in a parking ramp...

Hidden in the Ceiling

2009-04-06T21:36:00.004-05:00

Can you see what I see hidden in the ceiling at the Memorial Union Theater?

Fighting for FACT

2009-03-25T17:16:00.003-05:00

Months of preparation and training are finally paying off as FACT groups across the state are mobilizing and testifying in support of three huge tobacco prevention initiatives in WI (increase in the cigarette tax, smoke-free WI and continued funding for the tobacco prevention and control program). The youth are testifying at a series of 6 Joint Finance Committee hearings that are taking place across the state. The Joint Finance Committee is taking public testimony on the Governor's proposed state budget.

Milwaukee played host to today's hearing as 27 FACT youth were in attendance. 8 of the 27 gave spoken testimony while the remaining submitted written testimony. Below are some photos of the youth that made a difference today!

The youth even made the paper: http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/41838372.html

The entire group outside of the Tommy Thompson Youth Center in West Allis

Youth from Milwaukee testifying

The Joint Finance Committee

I won't stop...

2009-03-22T22:43:00.002-05:00

until it's finally warm for good around here.

A sure sign of summer

2009-03-18T22:22:00.003-05:00

Rich colors don't "pop" like this during Wisconsin winters. Spring is on it's way...

Smoke-Free Middleton...Finally!

2009-03-17T08:32:00.003-05:00

Message on the signs, from the youth I work with are holding, is clear, Middleton is now smoke-free. Next stop...the entire state of Wisconsin!

Everything looked dead today

2009-03-10T19:12:00.004-05:00

On a gloomy day outside of Montfort, I was drawn to this cemetery for no particular reason but to capture the mood that was set by the dense fog. It looked like a scene out of a horror movie. There was a point when I was walking around, that I thought I felt something grab my foot. If anything, this minor detour, was a reason to take a step back and think about my own mortality.

Dress rehersal for the big day

2009-02-25T14:37:00.003-06:00

Here's to another winning year for the Brew Crew!

How does Mother Nature do it?

2009-02-23T19:24:00.004-06:00

Just as I was crossing over Lake Wisconsin into Sauk City on my way to Cadott, I saw one of the most beautiful works of art from Mother Nature. Take a look and tell me if you agree.

Hodag Country!

2009-02-12T00:24:00.003-06:00

What's a Hodag you ask? Find out here.

A city on the lake

2009-02-10T22:48:00.005-06:00

With 45 degree temps you would NOT find me out on a lake, but these hearty folks were fearless.

Up nort...ya know?

2009-02-10T22:42:00.001-06:00

Some of the prettiest stretches of road you'll find in WI.

All this driving is making me LOONEY!

2009-02-10T22:36:00.004-06:00

I've driven 2000 miles in the past 10 days for work. This enormous statue in Mercer says it all.

Holy Shit!

2009-02-09T23:00:00.004-06:00

Half-way to Canada...but still in Wisconsin

2009-02-07T15:48:00.007-06:00

My job takes me all over the great state of Wisconsin. Right now I'm right in the middle of another EPIC road trip providing workshops for 16 of our current 32 FACT groups. My co-worker Amanda has the other 16. My groups are geographically spread out throughout Western and Northern Wisconsin. On February 1st I set out on the first of three legs of my road trip with the goal to train 7 groups in 6 days. 1400 miles later I'm back in Madison gearing up for next week's journey to Hurley, Rhinelander and Eagle River. I'm also thinking of the amazing trip I had this past week.

From the driftless region of the state, to the Mississippi River and Lake Superior. I really got my money's worth as far as naturally beauty in the America's Dairyland. One place in particular that amazed me with it's beauty was Bayfield.

This sleepy little town is nestled on the Southwestern shore of Lake Superior. Although I spent only one night there, I was able to talk with some locals who tipped me off on some great photo opportunities. Let me first start with the motel I stayed at...The Seagull Bay Motel. On their website they promise rooms with a view. They delivered on that promise. Here's the sunset I saw within an hour of checking in.

After checking in and talking with one of the owners, I was told to eat at Maggie's. I would eat twice at this restaurant. Needless to say, it was good.

Rather than drive the 1/2 mile to Maggie's I opted to take the path that connected my motel to the downtown area. This provided me the opportunity to get some interesting photos under the light of the 3/4 moon that night.

The next day a special deliver met me as I opened the blinds...a beautiful sunrise.

I spent the next 4 hours in the workshop and lunch meeting (back at Maggie's). When my job responsibilities were complete I made the decision to make two special stops to grab some more photos. First stop was the ice road that connects Madeline Island to Bayfield. The ice is thick enough (2 feet) for a few months during the year to allow cars to drive the 2.5 miles from Madeline Island to Bayfield. I had never been on an ice road before, so I decided I was going to drive my car across Lake Superior to Madeline Island and back for no special reason but to say I did it. Here's proof...
My final destination were the Ice Caves on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This was a last minute choice for me since before last week I had no idea they even were there. In the end, seeing these amazing ice structures, was the right decision to make...even if it took me 2 hours of hiking to get there and back. Here are the best of the best photos from the Ice Caves.

With more travel on my calendar over the next two weeks you can be sure there will be more photos that I'll post on my blog. Until then, enjoy the winter beauty of Wisconsin (yea...I said winter beauty...funny, for those that know me...I know).

Utahans Rule...

2009-01-26T23:33:00.005-06:00

especially this one, my friend Andrea...hands down THE best tour guide/host I've ever had!

Thanks Andrea for making my first trip to Utah one I'll never forget. Here's just a taste of what these two eyes saw on my 6 day adventure of this great state!

More than just another paycheck...Endurance House

2008-12-28T21:16:00.002-06:00

Can't you just smell the Christmas Spirit?

2008-12-28T21:13:00.003-06:00

Thanks Mom for the holiday vest!

Let's shake dice...how about 6-5-4?

2008-12-28T21:09:00.002-06:00

Careful...you'll poke your eye out

2008-12-28T21:05:00.003-06:00

Mix of 25 inches of snow, rain and warm temps

2008-12-28T20:17:00.003-06:00

Take a left on KP just before Mazo

2008-11-30T20:38:00.003-06:00

...and you'll find this...

A plate full of family

2008-11-30T11:00:00.003-06:00

My plate runneth over...

Blowing in the wind

2008-11-16T13:10:00.005-06:00

Here are a couple of photos I took on a cold and windy November evening.

Meet Erin and Gino

2008-11-10T20:33:00.005-06:00

Many of you know that I've been slowly developing my photo taking skills. Step one was to actually buy a camera. That part was easy, expensive but easy. Next, I needed the skills to be able to work it properly. The nice people over at the Camera Company taught me the basics in a way that was easy to understand. I'll put it this way...I'm not a guy who reads owners manuals so when I found out they were teaching a class on how to use the camera I bought, I signed up right away. After the class I was empowered with the skills necessary to take some great photographs. I've spent the last 5 months, taking photo after photo...some good, some bad.

Then out of the blue I got an email from friend of mine, Jen. She had heard I was getting into photography, seen some of my photos and recommended me to a friend of her's. Jen explained her friend, Erin, was getting married in a couple of months and needed some pictures taken of her and her horse to use on one of the reception tables. Each table would be themed based on things that are important in the bride and groom's lives. Erin has always loved horses so it was a no brainer for her to dedicate a table top photo collage of her and her horse Gino. Erin contacted me and asked if I would take the photos. I said yes and we set up a date/time to do the shoot.

I quickly did some internet searching for suggestions on how to take photos of horses. I found a lot of great info that eventually came in handy on the day of the shoot (Sunday, November 9th). With plenty of layers on, I drove out to meet Erin and Gino. I couldn't have asked for better subjects. Erin welcomed me, answered all of my questions and was real relaxed as I was taking the 100+ photos of her and Gino. Shooting photos of Gino proved to be more of a challenge than both Erin and I expected. Gino is three years old and full of energy. Erin did a great job calming him down so I could sneak in a photo here and there. In the end, I was able to get some quality photos for Erin to use during her wedding and for her to have to always remember Gino. Thanks Erin for making my first "requested" photo shoot an enjoyable one.

Here are the some of my favorite photos from the shoot. Enjoy!

4.5 hours to another world

2008-10-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

I just found these photos from a work trip I took up to Crandon during the summer. I was an invited guest of the Forest County Potawatomi. Personally, I'm fascinated with the traditions of Native Americans. This short trip gave me a glimpse into their way of life. I was honored to be asked to present to their youth. I have so much to learn and I look forward to more experiences like this in the future.

Drum circle

Drumstick workshop led by tribal elders

Inside the FCP Community Executive Building

Outside shot of the FCP Community Executive Building

The sign that greeted me as I approached the FCP Executive Building

On the road...between Pepin and Durand

2008-10-22T22:20:00.003-05:00

I just had to stop and capture the barn in the foreground and the changing leaves in the background. BEAUTIFUL!

Slowing down in a speeded up world

2008-10-22T22:14:00.003-05:00

Beautiful Pepin, WI

2008-10-22T21:59:00.003-05:00

This week my work travels took me to Pepin, WI. Nestled next to the Mighty Mississippi just off of Highway 35, this sleepy little town offered me a chance to see what Mark Twain raved about in some of his books. As I waited for the sun to set, I thought about the history of this river and the importance it has played in the states it passes through. I was moved by it's size and power potential.

Painting the town pink

2008-10-21T19:09:00.004-05:00

This post is dedicated to all of the women who have looked breast cancer in the face and said, "I will beat you." And to the women who have lost their battle to this disease, you live on in our hearts.

Who's there?

2008-09-30T20:21:00.001-05:00

This isn't a post to scare the crap out of you with the thoughts that someone is actually watching your every move. This post was written to make you think about how much Corporate America wants to know about you. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked, at the check out counter, my phone number, zip code, email address and the list goes on and on. Although I work at a retail store and have to ask the same questions of the guests that come into the store, I really wonder when this got way out of control. I mean, does it really matter what my zip code is if I'm getting an oven mitt, an extra pillow case and some gum? Really, is it that important?

This really is a passive aggressive blog posting since I'm the dope that keeps giving my personal information out and then a week later wondering why I get so much junk mail. In the end, is there really a solution besides declining all of the requests for personal information including my favorite one "to save 20% on my purchases by applying for a Target charge card?" I know the information is being used to track my purchases to better help inform the store of my shopping habits and the habits of the hundreds of thousands that shop there.

Until I actually leave the retail world, I guess I'll go on giving my personal information and when I ask a guest that comes in the store I work at hopefully she'll return the favor back to me.

Have you ever thanked a farmer?

2008-09-24T21:36:00.000-05:00

Monday, September 15 marked what's classically known as the night of the "Harvest Moon." It gets it's name from the period of fullness that is nearest to the autumnal equinox (thanks Wikipedia). This past summer I had a chance to tour a working dairy/crop farm in Cambridge. I also watched a wonderful documentary called King Corn. Because of my visit and this movie I've been more aware of the plight of farmers and the food I eat.

Being a farmer is a thankless job. How many times have you gone to the store and expected to find all of the foods you've come to expect? What if the food you wanted to pick up wasn't available or was now $5 more expensive than before? I bet that scenario would force you to think more about where it came from. Farmers are the first to get up in the morning and often times one of the last to go to bed. Farming is their life and if you ever meet a farmer they'll tell you they love every minute of it.

So the next time you meet a farmer tell them thanks for producing the foods we eat!

Did someone fart?

2008-09-24T09:24:00.000-05:00

Got your attention didn't I? I just wanted to see if you were paying attention. Now that you are, enjoy this picture of a paper mill just outside of Wausau (in Rothschild to be exact).

A new day is begun

2008-09-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

My job affords me the opportunity to see some of the most amazing vistas this side of the Mississippi. This is no exception. On a warm summer day back in July I took this photo as the sun was rising and I was headed up to Crandon for a youth training. I had never seen the sky in that shade of pink before, so I quickly grabbed my camera and took this photograph.

What's really important

2008-09-20T18:30:00.001-05:00

"You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down." Know what movie that's from? It's probably right on the tip of your tongue. Click here for the answer.

I remember seeing that movie in 6th grade during an all school assembly on the last day before our class would go on break for the holidays. At the time, the meaning of the movie wasn't clear. To be honest with you, I saw the movie as an excuse to break from the monotony of 8 hour lesson in focus called school.

Fast forward to my adult years and this movie reentered my life in the form of a holiday tradition in Laura's family. Her family would assemble up in the north woods for a weekend of cheer. It was a time to eat delectables only prepared once a year. It was also a time to get caught up on relative gossip, marvel at the growth of the little tykes and just "be together."

Every year, like clock-work, after the dishes were done and those under 4 years old were in bed, Laura's Dad, Dave, would reach for the VHS copy of It's a Wonderful Life. For the next 3 hours we'd watch the adventures of George Bailey as he would figure out what really mattered in life. For those three hours and the days that past, our lives would be filled with the hope that we could see through all of the fuzz that cloud our minds and truly live for what's really important...friends and family.

Back up north...Turtle Lake

2008-09-17T07:53:00.003-05:00

Work took me back up to Northwest Wisconsin earlier this week. I stayed at Canyon Road Inn, a wonderful Bed and Breakfast in Turtle Lake. I'd highly recommend you staying there if you find yourself in the area. The innkeepers, Judy and Ken will treat you like family. The rooms are uniquely themed, clean and spacious. While I didn't take any pictures of the B&B I did take a few pictures facing the lake it sits on.

Sun, sweat and satisfaction

2008-09-14T17:44:00.004-05:00

Meet Pat and Michelle...they just completed the 140.6 mile Ironman Wisconsin on Sunday, September 7th. Amazing, right? Well, that's not the whole story. Both Pat and Michelle couldn't swim more than a length in a pool a year ago. After a year of training, they both made it and now are Ironmen. How'd they do it, you might ask? First and foremost it was because of their unbreakable spirit and motivation to finish this race of endurance.

Secondly, it was because of the Endurance House's Becoming An Ironman Team. Endurance House is where I work part-time to earn a few more bucks to afford my triathlon/endurance lifestyle. Last year, Endurance House formed a team of like minded individuals who wanted the guidance and support to successfully finish an Ironman. Following a training plan, provided by the team coach, these athletes trained day in and day out to improve their swimming, biking and running.

This story has a happening ending as each of the team members who started the race finished it. I was out on the course the entire day cheering all of them to the finish line. My camera followed me and I took these pictures. Enjoy!!

The day of the race also marked the three year anniversary of this moment. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Congratulations to all of the Endurance House Team Members on their Ironman finish! You truly are an inspiration.

Here's Michelle starting her second loop of the 26.2 mile run portion of the Ironman

With a look of determination, Pat runs by at mile 6 of his marathon
It is the Iron-Man after all!

Sunrise over Lake Monona just before the canon started the race at 7am

What's commonly referred to as the Ironman washing machine...you can see why

This sign got the most looks as athletes went by...I wonder why

It wouldn't be the Ironman if there wasn't a little perspiration

To see the rest of the photos I took that magical day check out this link.

Smoke on the water...

2008-09-11T23:03:00.005-05:00

Fire in the sky!

Somewhere over the rainbow

2008-09-11T22:51:00.004-05:00

It's been a long time since I've seen one of Mother Nature's wonders. I was driving through Hazelhurst on my way to Lac du Flambeau for a training when I look out the passenger window and see this...

Cycropia Aerial Dance

2008-09-01T10:01:00.002-05:00

On a muggy Friday in August, while standing on a folding chair, I was entertained by Cycropia Aerial Dance. Orton Park hosted their annual neighborhood festival. I went for the food and music but stayed because of these aerial dance performers. It was an all ages show with hundreds of others, sitting on the ground, circling the performer's stage. The show as a combination of juggling, joke telling and aerial dance. For having a much smaller budget than Cirque du Soleil, they had a charming way about them. Rather than putting on a show in a controlled theater, Cycropia performed right in the park. Their equipment fashioned to a large tree and the performers using the park as their stage. I was entertained but the beauty of the aerial dance and the overwhelming sense of community that I felt in this near east side Madison community.

Kenosha...the gateway to Illinois

2008-08-19T22:54:00.005-05:00

This past week I've been back and forth to the American Lung Association office in Brookfield conducting interviews for a newly created position (FACT Field Specialist) with the Movement I work for, FACT. Yesterday, I met my good friend Nicole and her cousin Dave for dinner at Mangia in Kenosha. Here are some of the photos from that brief trip.

Fountain in the kid's play area

Nicole with her birthday piece of Tiramisu

Me and the birthday girl

Rich people's boats in the Kenosha harbor

Pull back of the rich people's boats

A lot of rocks

Practice using my camera remote

Aloha Wisconsin

2008-08-13T18:31:00.002-05:00

If you were hosting a friend from Hawaii where would you take her? Did a dairy farm come to mind? Well...it did for me. That's the first place I thought of when I knew my friend Nicole would be making a visit to Madison, for a few days, before her and I attended a work conference in Chicago. You see, Nicole and I have the same job (managing a statewide youth movement), except she gets to do her work on a beautiful island. We met at a nationwide youth event four years ago and have been friends ever since.

Back to the farm festivities. After she landed we quickly loaded up her luggage and headed to Cambridge for a guided tour of a working dairy farm. There we were taken on a three hour journey into "another world." A world that many urban dwellers, like Nicole and I, don't get to see and often take for granted. Tina, our tour guide, opened our eyes to what it's like to be a dairy farmer in 2008. From living off the land, to extreme debt, to balancing family life, the ups and downs of this profession and lifestyle is what being a farmer is all about.

In the end we both were glad we took the tour and now have an appreciation for the dairy industry and the plight of local farmers. Along the way, I snapped some photos to capture the moments on the farm and around town. To see all of the shots from the weekend click here.

Here's Nicole getting close and personal with a dairy cow

Some of the female cows hanging out in a cool-indoor climate

Sharing the Hawaiian spirit on State Street

Fun with a OPTRIXX lens attachment

All of that touring and siteseeing wore Nicole out

The boys of summer

2008-08-05T20:49:00.006-05:00

From an early age, those who knew Kevin Sullivan knew he was destined for sporting glory. Kevin started out playing the typical myriad of sports we all grow up playing (or at least some of us played). He was the star running back on the football team and the point guard on our high school basketball team. But there was one sport that Kevin excelled in, baseball. There was something about baseball that combined all of the elements of Kevin's superior athletic ability and meshed them into one sport. It was plain to all of his friends and to a couple of major league baseball teams that Kevin had what it took to make it to the "Bigs."

Drafted out of high school Kevin deferred this chance to play Major League Baseball and instead took some time to develop his craft and get a degree from Carthage College in Kenosha. With his diploma in hand and four more year of practice, Kevin was now ready for his dream to come true. However, chasing this dream proved a much more difficult road than anticipated.

After a handful of years being bounced around different farm clubs, Kevin was faced with a choice. Continue to pursue baseball or "settle down" and start a career outside of the diamond. For Kevin it was an easy choice, he chose to keep playing baseball and keep doing what he loved to do.

This year Kevin is the starting catcher for the St. Paul Saints, a member of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. Not knowing how long Kevin would be playing pro ball, some high school classmates and I took a road trip to see "Sully" play.

After seeing Kevin play and hearing firsthand accounts about what baseball means to him, I'm convinced Kevin is doing exactly what he should be doing in life. In Kevin I see a man who isn't afraid to fight, day in and day out, to accomplish his dream. In today's world that a rarity. Often we give up too soon when the going gets tough. For Kevin, who plays over 90 games in a 5 month period from St. Paul all the way down to Shreveport, LA, he hasn't lost that fire. Whether or not he ever sees a Big League game, Kevin will have remained true to himself and to the sport that has given so much to him. He's an inspiration to many, including me. I'm proud to call him my friend!

Here's Kevin warming up before the game

Warming up his throwing arm

Kevin, behind the plate "earning a living"

Kevin, locked and loaded ready to unleash that energy on the ball

My high school friends (from left to right): Nick, Dan, Kevin and me

Check out more photos from the game by clicking on this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58716515@N00/sets/72157606559312513/

Can you hear it?

2008-07-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

Can you hear it? I can...it's the sound of my life's calling. Well, to be honest I didn't hear it at first. On January 14, 2002 I became the FACT Field Guru for the FACT Movement. FACT is Wisconsin't youth led movement empowering Wisconsin teens to use their voice and take a stand against corporate tobacco. FACT took a risk and hired a 23 year old "kid" straight out of college to "run" this statewide Movement. What they got was a loyal, hard working and sometimes quarky guy from Stevens Point named Luke. What I got was way more than the job description indicated.

I got a fresh look at a new generation. Today's teens are fearless and ready to take on corporate America. They are passionate about the things they believe and can convince any adult when they set their mind to it. As some things have changed since I was a teenager (which is now over 11 years ago) many things remain the same. Teens still quesiton athority. The very athority that rule their lives. Most teens are willing to learn and are open to new things. On the other hand, their willingness to learn is dependent on the concept of WIIFM..."What's In It For Me."

Most teens, at one time or another, make poor choices. For example, one teen that I worked with a few years back decided it would be a great idea to hold onto another teen's passport. We were half way to the airport when I got a call from that teen's chaperone asking if my teen had her passport. I asked and he said no, then a long pause..........yes he has it. So, back we went (1 hour out of our way) to return the passport. This caused a series of events that almost made us miss our flight home. See what I mean?

For all of the times where I swear I'm going prematurely grey, I get back 10 fold in an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment when I sit back and reflect on the impact I've made on the lives of these teens. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is when I hear that one of the teens I've worked with has chosen a field related to their experience they gained in FACT. The very first generation of FACT members have now graduated from college and some are still in contact with me on a regular basis.

For all of the long hours I work, the sleepless nights and even the grey hairs, I wouldn't trade my experience with FACT for any other job. There will be a time where I won't be the FACT Field Guru, but when that day comes, I'll look back and think of the positive mark I've made on the Movement and on hundreds of teen's lives. I can finally hear it...it's my calling.

Innovation

2008-07-27T17:30:00.000-05:00

We've all heard of the saying, "think outside of the box," but how many of us actually put it into practice? What happens to the "inner 3 year old" that asks the question why 100 times a day? Why can't we be more like the guy in the photo (picture taken by LJR)? He took an idea and turned it into reality. The problem, transporting his bike on his motorcycle. The solution, well...I think you can see it. It's called innovation.

There is still hatred in 2008

2008-07-26T17:00:00.001-05:00

As much as I'd like to believe that racism is a thing of the past, it reared it's ugly face recently when I saw a man with tattoo markings of the Third Reich. I passed this man and thought nothing of it, since I saw him from the front. When I saw him again, his back was towards me and there it was in black ink...markings of hate. He was with his wife and was holding a baby. The only thing I could think of at that time was the hatred that man has will continue on another generation with his child.

When I got home and kept thinking about that man and his tattoos and what they meant, something hit me. Maybe, those tattoos marked a stage in his life he now regrets. One that was filled with hate, a needed sense of belonging through those difficult teenage years. A stage where he found a "brotherhood" to substitute what he wasn't getting from his family. After thinking about this for a while, I realized he knew darn well, he was going to be around a lot of people of all different races. If those markings were from a transformed past, wouldn't he find a way to cover them up and not have them out on display? Instead he made a conscious descision to go shirtless so his tattoos could be seen. I not longer could give him the benefit of a doubt.

There I was...stuck with these feelings that "we" have a long way to go towards acceptance right here in our backyard. I still wonder about the motivation behind those tattoos. You can't judge a book by its cover, but in this instance it's hard not to.

Hurry up...and wait

2008-07-24T21:00:00.002-05:00

There are some people in this world that want nothing more than to grow up as fast as they can. Teens, for example, want to be older so the life they "can't" have, as a teen, will be theirs. Some teens want to move away and be on their own, while others just want to be done with high school so they can "move on." I was one of those pimply faced kids who wanted the 20 something life I saw on TV. It was a life filled with friends, fun and no one telling you what to do or how to do it. I wanted to be my own boss and call the shots.

Something happens along the way, for me it was at the age of 23. The newness of being on your own fades and life happens. There I was one night paying bills and wondering why I wanted so desperately to grow up so quickly. Ironically, I'm now at that stage of my life where I again want my life to speed up so I can hit my retirement and really enjoy my life. Depending on how my retirement planning goes that day is at best still 29 years away. Well, at least I'm half way there.

Note: the picture I posted was taken at night with the shutter open for 30 seconds to capture the lights from passing cars (yellow, red and white lights), a plane flying across the sky (white line in the middle of the picture) and the steady glow of distant stars and not so distant homes in the newly developed subdivision across the street from my apartment complex.

From "triathlete" to "roadie"

2008-07-23T15:00:00.003-05:00

What happens when the sport that has given you so much, stops giving you what you need? I've been asking myself this question over and over this past year. It all started when I injured my foot back in the fall of 2007. I successfully trained and finished the Whistle Stop Marathon in October. Two weeks later, when I was out for a three mile run, my foot "didn't feel right." A month earlier I had signed up for the 2008 Ironman Wisconsin triathlon. Knowing the preparation needed to complete a race like the Ironman, I quickly sought out medical help to help me diagnosis the foot injury. Everything looked like it would be healed up and ready to go just in time for my training to kick into high gear.

Fast forward 9 months and I'm still at a place where my foot hurts on a daily basis and the treatments I received haven't given me the relief needed to fully commit to the training needed to finish an Ironman. I was at a crossroad where in one direction would lead me to my second Ironman finish, but at what price? The other road would take away this possibility and force me to really figure out the root of this injury, get the proper treatment and "lick" this once and for all. By now I'm sure you can guess what road I took. Well, I should say that I sort of paved my own road. I'm not doing Ironman. I'm also not really doing that much to figure out this foot problem. What I've done is found a new sport that I've been thinking about trying for a while.

I've become a "roadie." No, not the kind that supports a band while on tour, but a road biker. It all started when I had this bright idea to build a new bike. Well, that idea is tabled for now. Instead I'm working on improving my "engine" or also known as my cardiovascular system this season and reward myself with a new bike for 2009. My first mission, sign up and complete my very first bike race. I picked the Blue Mounds Classic as my first race. One look at the elevation and some would think I've completely lost it. It's a valid argument but most of my family would say I lost it a long time ago. So, with a screw loose, I completed my first bike race and finished near the middle of the field. Not bad for a guy riding a bike built the same year I graduated from high school (if you do the math the bike is 12 years old).

I'm hooked and my next race is coming up on September 6th in Fort Atkinson. This one is more flat than the Blue Mounds Classic, so I'll be interested to see how I fair when "hammering on the flats." Until then, I'll be logging plenty of miles on my "old school" bike gearing up for September 6th. Oh yea...I couldn't do my first race without bringing my camera to document everything. Enjoy!

I'm with the band

2008-07-21T22:07:00.001-05:00

Yea, I'm with the band. I'm beginning to think I should start saying that. Maybe it's because I'm going to small town festivals and fairs, but a lot of people that I talk with think I'm either a newspaper photographer or I'm with the band. Is it because of my camera or something else? I've had a handful of times where if I would have been dishonest I could have "weaseled" my way back stage to meet the band. Darn Catholic school upbringing and their whole "honesty" teachings.

Enough about my dishonest thoughts and more about photography. Here are some pictures of Hootie and the Blowfish (mainly Darius Rucker - the lead singer) and some of the things Laura and I saw at the Waukesha County Fair. They were performing at the Fair and we made the hour trip to eat some Fair food, see some farm animals and sing our hearts out to some catchy tunes. To see all of the photos I took check out this website. Enjoy!

To the Point

2008-07-14T17:27:00.001-05:00

Recently, I made the 110 mile trek back to my home town of Stevens Point. The city of wonderful water. Hey, I'm not making that up, it's true. Anyways, I was in town to see some family and friends all during different parts of the day. I started off the day with a bike ride with the Heartland Bike Club. My friend John has been a long time member and biking with him is a great time to catch up on each other's lives. This photo was taken by my Mom (MAP).

After our ride, lunch and a smoothie from Emy J's, I visited with my Mom. Nothing planned...just sitting out in the backyard talking. Here's a shot from the "Lens of MAP" of some flowers in her backyard .

I waited and waited to get this shot...check out the drop of water just about to hit the ground.

I also took some time to explore Point this time seeing it through my camera lens. This is my favorite photo I took of a mural down on the "square."

Here's one from a famous Stevens Point landmark, the Stevens Point Brewery.

Here's one of my old high school...

Then to top off my evening I had a nice dinner and visit with my friend Luke. He was speaking at the National Wellness Conference. He and I rapped about his latest video project and photography.

I'm glad I got to the Point!

Time flies when you are having fun...

2008-07-11T15:13:00.001-05:00

While this isn't necessarily about the quality of the photo but more of the two people in it. One of my good friends Toby made a special trip to see me in Madison. He was making his way to the airport to fly back to CA where he's a teacher. Toby has been a good friend of mine since high school. Toby went out of state for college and then relocated in California to teach science in Pasadena. About twice a year Toby makes the 3000 mile trek back home to Stevens Point where we always make time to see each other and catch up. This time was no different as we spent about an hour and a half shooting the breeze, mostly about what we've been up to since we last saw each other. Toby will always be a dear friend to me. Although we are different we have a bond that is special and rooted in history. This picture marks our 30th year on this planet. I know we'll both look back in 30 years and wonder what the heck were we wearing and look at all of our hair, we have so much and it's our natural color. Thanks for the visit Toby, I look forward to our next one.

The waiting game...a lesson in patience

2008-07-11T07:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I learned a valuable lesson in photography, you can't force a shot. In my limited experience I had thought it was as easy as going up to a *thing* and taking a picture. This way heavily relies on the camera to do the work with very little responsibility on the shoulders of the photographer. A big storm rolled through Madison yesterday. With my exersize plans foiled by the weather I decided to take advantage of the developing conditions to get some, what I thought would be great, photos. Well, Mother Nature had a plan of her own and before I had a chance to take one photo the sky turned an ugly shade of grey, the wind picked up and it began to downpour. I missed my window of opportunity, until right before I went to bed. Another system rolled into the area, this time about 30 miles north. From the safety of my 2nd floor deck I witnessed lightning illuminating the sky what seemed like every 10 seconds. I quickly grabbed my camera and cursed my lack of knowledge and the fact I hadn't read the entire manual yet. It was night time, extremely dark and I had no clue how to keep the shutter open long enough to caputre nature's fireworks in the sky. Finally after 10 minutes of messing around with the settings I found the option I was looking for. Here's the end result...

Like my Mom would say...patience is a virtue. Thanks Mom, I finally get it.

Celebrating our independence in Illinois?

2008-07-05T08:22:00.000-05:00

Why would this Wisconsin boy drive through three automobile tolls and head into the "Land of Lincoln?" The answer is Josh Kelley. He's a singer/songwriter from Georgia with hits such as Amazing and Almost Honest. He's one of those musicains that keeps putting out great album after great album dispite a lack of radio stations playing his music. The closest his tour came to Wisconsin was Crystal Lake, IL. On July 4th I gathered up $7.40 in change (for tolls) and drove to the Crystal Lake Gala Festival. For $5 I got to witness another community's way to celebrate the 4th and see Josh Kelley perform. I got there early to take pictures of the festival-goers. When Josh started playing my full attention was on enjoying the concert and, of course, taking photos.

I kept the photo above in it's highest resolution so you can click on it and check out the expression on the rider's faces. They are priceless.

A stroll downtown with family

2008-07-03T22:33:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like family. So when my Mom and my Aunt Patty decided to Thelma and Louise themselves down to Madison for the day I grabbed my camera and played tour guide.

I can't take credit the photo above...it was my Mom's vision that captured this photo.

Xmas in July?

2008-07-02T21:30:00.000-05:00

For the last couple of days I've been noticing this "tree" in the driveway of my apartment complex. It looks like a Chirstmas Tree. The first few times I saw it, I thought it was one of those plastic Christmas Trees people buy to put on countertops. But why is it in the driveway and why in July? Today, I put all of the speculation to rest as I approached it and realized it was an enormous weed that just so happens to be shaped like a Christmas Tree. Weird. While I had my camera out, I took some shots of the contrast between the green of the side of the road foliage and the brown of the crops growing in the field across the street. Enjoy.

Fore

2008-07-02T21:11:00.000-05:00

My friend Matthew and I grabbed our golf clubs and met up at a local driving range. It's been over a year since I've swung a golf club. I was a bit rusty and Matthew...well, he's just learning. Thank god there were protective dividers between us, otherwise I'd be bruised and welted up by errant shots. Here are FORE pictures from our golf adventures.

Storm Warning

2008-07-02T10:40:00.000-05:00

Within an hour the skies in Madison went from sunshine to darkness. A short lasting thunderstorm rolled through Madison today and I took the chance to take some photos of the approaching storm and the rain that accompanied it.

More inside inspiration

2008-07-02T10:11:00.000-05:00

I had the best of intentions to take my camera to Summerfest with me to take pictures of the "scenery" (i.e. people, the grounds, stuff) but after I read they weren't allowed I didn't bring it with me. When I get there I see hundreds of people with their cameras taking pictures, videos, etc. If I would have taken my camera it would have made for a great post. Instead it's more apartment inspired photographs.

Finally Some Light

2008-06-30T00:58:00.000-05:00

I packed up my camera and headed down the road to Pope Farms Park in Middleton. From the road it just simply looks like a trail, but once you park and start to explore you'll find a park full of open fields, rolling hills and lots of beautiful scenery worthy of capturing with a camera.

Shoot #1: Late Night Newness

2008-06-29T23:13:00.000-05:00

The first night I got my camera, I was taking as many pictures as possible...the only problem was that I didn't have any daylight to take pictures outside. My inspiration came in the form of things I had laying around my apartment.

Purpose...direction

2008-06-29T22:23:00.000-05:00

Since 1994 I've been fasinated by photography. Whether it's a simple portrait or a dynamic landscape, photography is real. It may be altered with processing techniques or computer programs, but what the camera captures is life, through the eyes of the photographer. Some pictures evoke feelings of sadness while others joy. Pictures can bring people together or tare people apart. It's 1 part vision coupled with 1 part interpretation that make photography something that moves people.

It's been a while since I've had the desire to make an interest into a hobby. There is only so much one can do with a point and shoot digital camera. A month or so before my 30th birthday I realized my liking for photography should be explored. Recently I've been inspired by some friends who are great photographers: Nic, Ty and Luke. I knew it was time for me to purchase a camera that would allow me to take the pictures I wanted to take. Believe me, I'm no Ansel Adams, but this camera gets me closer to feeling like and producing great pictures.

This blog is dedicated to what I see through the lens of my Nikon D60 SLR Camera.

Enjoy!