The Soul Patch

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

stranded.

Woke up one morning to find this shrimp boat stranded on our beach.

The shrimper was bored and waiting to be towed. My lens was fogged when I first pulled it out but I kinda like how it turned out.

Friday, May 22, 2009

"Look! It's Santa Claus Momma!" yells a young girl starring at Cap'n. Without missing a beat, he responds smirking "that's right, so you better be good." Although Cap'n is not the real Santa, he does sport the same white beard and has an interesting story to match...

Encountering large numbers of people on a regular basis, it is real easy overlook the individual and say the same robotic lines that you have been programmed to say without giving giving them a second look. However, through my encounters with individuals like Cap'n Gene Schwantes, I am reminded that everybody has a story. Some are long. Some are colorful. Some are exciting. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, you have a story.

Simply called Cap'n at the park, he is known for his work ethic by posting 200+ hours a month volunteering (over 40 hours a week). A former home designer/ insurance saleman/ Yacht Captain - he, like everybody else, became who he is through life experiences. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, Gene Schwantes became Cap'n.

In a recent sit down, Cap'n shared this story...

I was the Cap'n of a Yacht that provided chartering services for special events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, weddings and funerals. Each occasion produced many stories. However, one of the most memorable and sadly comical events was a funeral for the mother of a sailboat owner in our fleet.

The family chose to have the cremated remains cast into the sea to commemorate her life’s enjoyment of the water. A poignantly appropriate day to match the sadness of the occasion; cloudy,windy, gloomy, gave a solemn meaning to the event. Casting off with the family aboard, we headed to the open water to cast the remains to Neptune’s Door.

Arriving at an appropriate location for the ceremony, I attempted to position the boat such that the wind and the waves could best be tolerated. An almost impossible task. Each Family member was able to cast a portion of the ashes, that were carefully and tearfully held by the Widowed father. The wind chose to do its own thing by dispersing the ashes everywhere.

As we returned to the dock and almost all the Family had left the area. The Grieving Father said to his son, “Do You think we could get a hose and wash Mama off the Deck?”

We did !

Everybody has a story that is made up of great stories like this one. If you get a second, take the time to listen to somebody's elses especially if they resemble Santa Claus.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

ants outlook.

College Station, Texas

Monday, April 27, 2009

Our friend, Mr. Alligator.

Alligators are our friends. In fact, they make very good friends because....

1. They swim.

2. They eat fish.

3. They never disagree with your opinion.

4. They make great postcards.

5. They don't tattle tail.

6. They won't steal your dessert in your lunch box.

7. They look like dinosaurs.

However, they don't make very good best friends because...they can eat you.

Here are pictures of my very good friend (but not my best friend).

Friday, April 17, 2009

high on a bluff.

I recently attended Certified Interpretive Guide Training at Parrie Haynes Ranch (North of Austin). To sum up the happenings, they taught us how to plan, prepare, and initiate environmental programs in a relevant and provocative way. Provocative meaning thought or action provoking. However, this is the second time I've received this training so I didn't learn anything new. For me, this was an opportunity to enjoy the Texas Hill Country.

I was told by several people that had been to Parrie Haynes to bring my bike, basketball, and hiking shoes. And of course, I did. This made me the envy of party because none of my compadres came as prepared as me. I was able to get good use out of the trails and the basketball court because of the free-time given.

Throughout the week, I put our little 'point and shoot' camera (Canon G10) to good use. I wanted to post several pics of the week.

At Parrie Haynes, there is a large pavilion that sits high on a bluff overlooking the Lampasas River. This quickly became one of my all time favorite places because of the view and the temperatures (mid-70s). In the evenings when nothing was going on, I would always make my way to the pavilion to play with the camera. In addition, there was a massive tree that they estimate to be 700 years old. I was able to climb all over it to pass the time making Dev very proud.

Much love. Enjoy.