Posted on by Anne Sandler · 38 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #399: Stuck in Place

When I’m carrying my camera, I never feel like I’m stuck in one place. There is so much to photograph–even though you’re truly not interested in the subject. Egidio challenges us to find photographic opportunities in a small area. Today, being Memorial Day here in the U. S., I dug through my archives to find the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial ~ Capitol Park in Sacramento

This is of special significance to me since my husband served in the Army during the Vietnam war. It took a long time for this Nation to honor our Vietnam Vets. I didn’t have to take many steps to photograph these sculptures, but it was like I was walking miles.

It was a long year of waiting, watching the war on television and talking with my husband, Richard, who was caring a radio on his back through the jungle and wounded twice. Thank heavens for Ham Radio Operators around the world. Richard returned home, but not without emotional scars.

So, while you are celebrating with friends and family today, take a moment to remember those who didn’t make it home or made it home with physical and emotional injuries.

I’m sure Egidio didn’t mean for this challenge to be a somber one, but I didn’t mean for this post to be so difficult. You just never know what will happen when you start typing. Next week Tina will take us in another direction with a new challenge. Thanks to Ritva for last week’s colorful challenge.

Take care everyone, stay safe and be resilient.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 2 Comments

Sacramento Music Festival: a Memorial Weekend tradition

It was HOT! During the entire Memorial weekend at the Sacramento Music Festival (sponsored by the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society) mother nature turned on the furnace. I’m sure it could have been worse; but then, it could have been better. The heat did put a damper on our weekend of listening to wonderful music, but we handled it. Well, I handled it until Monday morning when I realized that I was suffering from some form of heat stroke. We did not go to the Festival that day to listen to bands, but to just help tear down our youth venue. I rested and slept most of Monday.

The sets we attended were great. Our favorites did not let us down. I kept wondering how the performers were handling the heat. I guess they give it their all no matter what. We also enjoyed seeing bands we haven’t listened to before. One stand out was a band from Poland. In addition to being great musicians, they were funny and entertaining.

The standout was Dave Bennett. For the past two years he has appeared with the Memphis Boys, doing Jerry Lee Lewis style rock and roll, and some country. He plays the piano like Lewis, uses Lewis’ style and does the vocals. However, he also plays the clarinet, and this year he did two “Tribute to Benny Goodman” sets. He was amazing–so much talent.

Now, in the past, I’ve posted mostly photos of the various groups we’ve enjoyed. This year, I decided to focus on street photography and show you what the Festival looks like outside of the venues. I only brought my camera in one day. I hope you enjoy them. I’ll put them in two posts. Today you’ll see most of the parade. More to come tomorrow.

Oh, today (the Tuesday after the Festival) the temperature was in the ’80s and a nice cooling breeze was blowing. Talk about bad luck!