Pennsic War 46 is Coming!

In just a few days the 46th Annual Pennsic War will begin. @coopers_lake_campground will swell from a population of a handful of folks to over 10,000 people from ALL over the world. This is not a renfair where tourists can come in to stroll around and have fun. Nope, this is an event where EVERYONE on site is part of the culture that forms there as a whole. Historical re-enactors from a wide range of "Periods," from the 16th Century back to days of Before the Common Era, all come together in one place. Just some of the things to do is to attend classes on a variety of historical subjects, mingle with friends from around the globe with similar interests, partake in a very WIDE variety of "historical entertainments," and of course, bash each other with blunted weapons while wearing armor and competing in contests that test their skill at arms.

#Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #pennsiciscoming #reenachtment #medieval #medievalreenactment #societyofcreativeanachronism #archery #medievalarchery #crossbow #missileweapon #crossbowmen #crossbowman

Guru Puja with Tsok - 07-23-2017

As an artist it seems I have found myself really doing more meaningful work this year than at any point in my career. I cherish my days at the natural history museum working on educational displays intended to teach about the wonders of our world. It is now the wonders of the human spirit I am just beginning to explore. Yesterday I was invited to photograph and document the special Guru Puja with Tsok (a ceremonial cake) to commemorate the passing of Deer Park Buddhist Center's founding teacher, and spiritual guide Geshe Lhundub Sopa Rinpoche. As I write this I am trying to define my own sense of wonderment, confusion and desire at trying to learn this spiritual path of compassion. I am still at the very beginning. I am still struggling with my own sense of internal darkness. In learning about the Eight Fold Path I have cast a light into the blackest aspects of my very being. There are times that in drawing those recesses into the light I almost become smothered in grayness. As I moved through the Temple, trying to get the best shots, listening to the songs of prayer and meditation, I could also feel the grief of those who loved Geshe Sopa. Their mourning touched me and added a sense of earnestness to my efforts. I only wish I could have met him in person. I feel that I have met him in spirit through the interactions I am now having with those he taught. I am so fortunate to have found my way to this opportunity to learn about myself.

#Bodhicitta #Bodhi #Citta #Mahayana #dharma #buddhist #buddhism #learningthedharma #meditation #puja #soulsearching #monastery #meditation #holyplace #holy #buddha #driftlessregion #driftlessarea #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #thedriftless #driftlessart #deerpark #deerparkbuddhistcenter #madisonwi #madisonwisconsin #geshesopa #geshe #tsok #temple

Mt Horeb's Art Walk

I picked up an interesting photo assignment for the local Tourism/Chamber of Commerce a few days ago. Last night was the town's Art Walk, an event aimed at kicking off our annual Art Fair weekend. Local businesses invited artists to display their work and offered refreshments. I was tasked with capturing "crowds" having fun enjoying an evening out on the town. The time frame was a two hour window. In order to eliminate the biggest variable, namely the "crowd," I decided to create my own group of "tourists." I invited a few folks I knew dressed well and were comely to meet for cocktails, and then basically we had ourselves an enjoyable "night out." There's something to be said for real experiences, and instead of posed shots we basically took a tour of a few of the gallery spaces and had fun. For instance, while checking out the needle felted wool masks created by Gwyn Padden-Lechten at the Cat & Crow they got to wear them. As they tied up their masks I quickly set up my lighting scheme. It was super simple, only one flash off camera bounced off the ceiling and gelled to color match the lighting. The group sort of fell in place with just a touch of direction from me, and then they just acted normally, like you do when you're wearing an animal mask. So while I didn't get to every single location, which was simply impossible, I did manage to capture some signature images that can be used for advertising this event next year. I was so wound up from the creative process I then couldn't sleep, only finally dozing off around 4AM!

#driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsin #wisconsinart #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #fineart #finaeartphotography #contemporaryart #art #modernart #ig_mood #featuredpalette #artlovers #artlover #thedriftless #driftlessart #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #mounthoreb #mounthorearts #mthoreb #mthorebarts #mthorebartists #danecounty #adulttime #animalmask #romanticgetaway #artwalk

The Sounds of Pennsic

Once more it will be time for instruments almost lost to antiquity will once again play. Music that is steeped in ancient ways will sooth hearts.

#Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #pennsiciscoming #reenachtment #medieval #medievalreenactment #societyofcreativeanachronism #medievalmusic #wolgemut

Dating on the Prairie

Teri's been home for the summer holiday and after a week together we ended with an amazingly fun "date weekend." A friend of the kid invited her to an overnight stay last night, and today my Mother In Law was able to keep on eye on her while the two of us when for a scenic drive. All I can say is, thank goodness I train so hard and keep in shape. I don't how I'd've kept up to such a dynamic woman otherwise. So remember, eat your Wheaties, take your vitamins, and drinks lots of water...

#driftlessregion #driftless #driftlessarea #wisconsin #wisconsinart #wisconsinlife #discoverwisconsin #fineart #finaeartphotography #contemporaryart #art #modernart #ig_mood #featuredpalette #artlovers #artlover #thedriftless #driftlessart #wisconsinphotographer #travelwisconsin #mounthoreb #mounthorearts #mthoreb #mthorebarts #mthorebartists #danecounty #adulttime #dateday #romanticgetaway

Pennsic is Coming!

#Pennsic #Pennsicwar #Pennsicwar46 #Pennsic46 #sca #pennsiciscoming #reenachtment #medieval #medievalreenactment #societyofcreativeanachronism #armsarmor #arms&armor #rattan #armor #knight #knights #heavycombat #heavyfighter #melee

Anne Bonny was a pirate lass

When a merchant galleon they would spy,
They’d chase her down the tide;
As the cannons’ roared, they’d try to board;


The grappling hooks flew wide." #theballadofannebonny #johnblivenmorin #annebonny #canoe #canoeing #wisconsin #wisconsinlife #midwest #travelwi #travelwisconsin #sugarriver #danecountyparks #naturalarea #natural #oaksavannah #grassland #midwestmoment #themidwestival #discoverwisconsin #conquer_wi #wildlifearea #getoutdoors #wisconsinphotographer #driflessedge #driftlessarea #thedriftless