Tomorrow marks my last day at All Star Directories, and today I’m prepping the rails to make a clean switch to the tracks less traveled. The past two years have been full of creativity via design and development. I’ve broadened my skill set while deepening many friendships.

All Star saw my first shot of tequila, was my employer when I married Spun, and my commute spurned my desire to shoot the last two years’ photos of the day showing off graffiti, nature, alleys, skyscapes, macro shots, and more around Seattle.

All aboard. Train leaves tomorrow.

So as one would expect, given the large raven tattoo I got earlier in the year, I’ve been actively trying to figure out how to befriend their crow brethren who frequent our neighborhood each morning and evening. They pass through in droves, from some unknown place likely in Kent or Tukwila to head north for the day, assumedly going to work.

Our commutes intersect and lately I’ve been carrying along a nut sack filled with peanuts. They love these. They’ll be cruising along and just radically change flight paths, fully tucking wings in some cases to drop down onto their free, protein rich meal. It’s really quite fun to make these silhouettes of the sky dance about.

Now if only I could get this umbrella to help me fly down to the office instead of just sheltering me from the freshly returned rain. Chim chimney.

update
Apparently the song isn’t “toppins” at all … rather it’s “tupence” which was shorthand for two pence. Thanks Bev!

There are some days where staying in bed is the one thing you want to do. Waking up in the arms of someone you love is so much better than running out to the world where crime seems to be on the rise, work always beckons and time to simply pause is all but fleeting. Then you will yourself out of bed and are rewarded with one of the best sunrises in a while.

Thank you Morning for not being overcast.

Sometimes you just have to keep on flying, knowing that your tropical oasis and reward for hard work are just over the horizon.

Keep on flying.

As I’ve been coding all day I’ve been watching a handful of hummingbirds frequent the newly refilled feeder. I find it amazing how vicious they are with each other. Swooping this way and that, always keeping their heads on a swivel. So fragile, so fierce, so colorful. The brilliant green and magenta is simply stunning when the light catches them right.

I feel like this is #1 of a handful of hummingbird shots that may be coming down the line. Our feeder is full of them … unless you want to shoot a photo, and then they’re nowhere to be found. As such, this was the best shot I could get this morning before my arm all but fell off from extending it awkwardly over my desk towards the window. I’m pretty sure the cats love these guys about as much as I do. Though I’m really not all that curious about how they taste.

Photoshop it on. Or in my case, since I just do these morning posts with my phone, use Filterstorm for iPhone. Not bad for a train ride in. Looking forward to the actual consult tonight up at Cicada Tattoo with Jason Drager. Finally this painting by Blaine Fontana will make its way to its proper home. More actual photos as it progresses.

The Canvas

The Art