Last time I posted, I suggested that if folks were interested, I would post some chapters from the book I am writing here. I got just one enthusiastic response–no naysayers–and that’s enough for me to commit to doing it. Maybe it will help me get over my fear of looking for a publisher! I will identify each of those posts so you will be forewarned, as they will be a bit longer of a read than a usual post like this.

Also coming, I will again participate in the global phenom known as #AdventWord. Advent begins this Sunday, Dec. 3, so look for the first post then. I will do my best to do one each day, but don’t be surprised if I fall behind. Life gets in the way! This year, Forward Day by Day sought audience input in generating the list of words. I didn’t participate in that, but an interesting list came of it. Some will be a real challenge to illustrate with a photo.

Speaking of illustrating, I usually want my photos to look quite natural. I spend a lot of time editing, but my editing efforts are primarily directed toward bringing out natural beauty or a telling detail, feature or characteristic of the subject matter, whether that be nature, people, architecture or a landscape. In the case of Good News or Bad, I wanted to illustrate “crow-ness”–the jagged harshness of the call, especially–and so I manipulated the image in some pretty unnatural ways. I rather like the result and am gratified that the Jones Gallery in Kansas City, Mo. invited this piece into their December Group Art show.

Crows are fascinating birds, and the myths surrounding them are many and contradictory. For example, crows are said to be harbingers of “good news,” and also of “bad news,” hence the title of this photo. Myths aside, I really enjoy photographing them, but they are hard to get good photos of. Solid black against a pale sky challenges the best camera and photographer!

The Jones Gallery in KC is at 1717 Walnut St. in the arts/cultural district known as Crossroads. Their “First Friday” openings for each month’s group show are fun, as many of the local artists are on hand to talk about their work. I need to go again, but it won’t be this month! Too much going on at home.

Stay tuned.