Jim Stahr has a Different Year

This is a rambling note to myself in hopes that I remember how to use this lens. You have been warned! Enamored of the Lensbaby Spark, I've bought accessories, including tele and wide adapters, a double glass f/2.0 optic and the aperture creative kit. I inserted this optic and a starburst aperture and performed some initial tests. .6x wide adapter should make this a 30mm lens - the equivalent of a 45mm on my APS-C sensor.   The sweet spot of the Lensbaby is correspondingly smaller. One can see a bit of the starburst aperture's effect on bokeh in the upper corner of this shot - it becomes more pronounced with higher contrast. For instance: This is purposefully unfocused to create a photo that is only bokeh - the trick to using this lense is to relegate everything to bokeh except a subject - the sharpness of the subject is created by that contrast rather than any optical clarity. With no adapter, the 50mm (75mm eq) f/2 double glass optic allows more light than the

 A quick walk in the garden. A new add on lens.  A reason to get VERY close.   A way to see the lives that thrive   on even our tiniest plants.

I had fun with Gama and Nonnie today. We gardened,   went on a nature walk, and played.  We visited a neighbor   and sat for dinner and a chat.  I hope to see you and my new brother soon!

In 1984 I saw the Grateful Dead on City Island.  A friend unknowingly dropped his shirt.  A stranger grabbed it and ran  to catch up to him and return it.    My friend was stunned and surprised by this action. I was not.   I believe that difference is why we drifted apart. I dropped my keys at the Jerry Bear Picnic yesterday.  The audience had a grateful giggle when asked "has anyone seen any keys?" and waved their own keychains in the air. It was funny, even to me.    Later that evening, I was called by a park Ranger. He informed me my keys were indeed turned in, and I have since picked them up. That such a family,  dog, and child friendly event can still happen  renews my faith in humanity. Feel free to download and share these photos and this blog. For full resolution or prints, go here .

The Stomping Ground in Putnam is an eccentric place. Emmett and Seamus.  Art and music are the raison d'etre. Concentrated Seamus. Local celebrities grab the stage most weekdays and create a neighborhood  jam. Yet another McMullan Brother.  Bohemians gather to discuss the times  with intensity, vigor, and great emotion.  Dragon by Shaun Rock .  Local art climbs the walls Man and swing by Emmett McMullan . and dangles from the ceiling. It is a gathering of artistic minds, and original ideas are often sighted. It is a good way to end the day. 

The US Flag Code, a federal law, states: The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. I am proud of the service I performed for a country that understands some laws are not enforceable. We personify that value and wrap our heroes in athletic advertising costumes made of flags. Heroes that are embraced by the people and endorsed by their government.