“...I'm innocent still -inside me are stained glass windows that have never been broken- and when I see your light it stains my soul with color ...”

― John Geddes, A Familiar Rain

I attended the Celebration of Life of a man who lived to see 98 years + 102 days of good living. I grew up with 6 of his 7 children. My connection with the family strengthened even more when one the granddaughter’s was in a summer program I was the Director for with the federal government. I always admired the love and closeness of this family. Beautiful family, so full of love. This stained glass window caught my eye as my heart was feeling sorrow for the pain the family was feeling. They were blessed to have had him around in relatively good health for majority of his 98 years. Today, I hugged my parents and little bit tighter. I know each day I have them here is a blessing I don’t take for granted. {Random Thought 2.24.17}

Recently shattered — I'm strong but still easily broken. So broken that I couldn't even focus anymore...

#Blackandwhite #Blackandwhitephotography #Blackandwhitephoto #Blackandwhiteonly #Bnw

#Bnw_life #Bnw_captures #Blackwhite #Blackwhitephoto

#Bw_crew #Photograph #Bnw_society #Photographer #Blacknwhite #Blacknwhite_perfection #Instablackandwhite #bw #Insta_bw #barceloneta #barcelona #catalunya #españa #nudism #nus #pelados #naked #beach #plaza #platja #opalamy #sunnybeach #beauty #iloveit #holidaysome #statement #positivelife #thinkdifferent #bedifferent #staypositive #randomthoughts #meaningoflife #yinyang #lovewhoyouare #headsup #djlife #onesmileadaykeepsthedoctoraway #sunset #theskyisthelimit

protect it

preserve it

contain it

conceal it

stuff it

save it

store it

hide it

harbor it

feel it

free it

why do YOU lock it up?

Oh Marilyn, Marilyn. So proudly did she stand for a year in the popular Pioneer Court on Michigan Avenue. Thousands of tourists stood next to her snapping photos. Then one day she got dismantled. Before people were able to look up her skirt, but now they were able to look up inside her!

These are all screenshots from a video I took giving you an private look inside Marilyn Monroe! Check her out at Secret look inside the Marilyn Monroe statue in Chicago. I literally crawl inside her in the video!

Flickr rates this photo as my 8th most interesting photo of 2012. Get my insight into the ten most interesting photos of 2012.

In honor of Chicago releasing the redesign of their Olympic bid logo, I'm posting another photo taken from the streets of Chicago when they had all the older torch logs featured in ads across the downtown loop. This one is on State Street and features good ol' Marshall Field's flagship store in the background (now Macy's but whatever, it's still Fields in the hearts of Chicagoans). I really like how you can see the Marshall Fields clocks by Pierce Anderson in the background.

Higher-resolution print of this photograph available at: www.deviantart.com/print/1767702/

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About the posters:

Chicago is making a bid to host the Olympics in 2016. Billboards and posters went up in the Loop area of downtown Chicago the weekend before the U.S. Olympic Committee came to visit Chicago to evaluate Chicago's venues and plans for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. The posters say, "Stir the Soul."

"Stir the Soul" comes from the famous Daniel Burnham quote, "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence."

-Daniel Burnham, 1910

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Thanks to my twin brother, Erik, for instant messaging his idea to me that I shoot these posters.

A small boy, mischievous to the imp degree.

-- Rea Murtha

watched this lil fella at a high school football game. He had so much energy and was so full of life with a beautiful laugh. Such a busy body, doing this and that. His mother constantly letting him know what his boundaries were. It was as if it was a game to him. I could not get a clear shot of him laughing, probably because I was focusing so much on how much he was just enjoying life. When his mom corrected him he listened but shortly thereafter he would do something else. Life is for the living. Shouldn't we all be like that from time to time? {Random Thought 10.1.11}

I'm listening to this beautiful yet so touching punjabi nazm (poem) by Anwar Masood. Clickety for the soulful delight.

apologies from non-punjabi viewers :)

Life is like a game of chance. At times, it can even be sort of like rolling the dice and seeing what happens next. I have Implemented a new game plan for myself. The stakes are higher because I am the priority. Now, it’s about taking calculated risks, having more control in this game of life. Making sure the odds are more in my favor. Knowing when to say when. So far, so good. I am enjoying being me in 2011. {Random Thoughts 1.24.11}

Sacramento Alumnae Chapter-Delta Sigma Theta Casino Royale Event Fundraiser

Event Photographer

The top 150 words used by Barack Obama and John McCain in the Presidential debate hosted by Bob Schieffer of CBS on October 15, 2008 from Hofstra University

View hi-res version of this word cloud

View word chart of Obama and McCain's first debate.

View word chart of Obama and McCain's second debate.

View word chart of Obama and McCain's third debate.

View word chart of Biden and Palin's debate.

Or View all the word clouds on one page.

The local post office on a rainy Christmas afternoon.

BTW, after the surrounding condos were built residents demanded that the Post Office be closed because they did not like the middle of the night mail deliveries. The Post Office carefully considered this and said no.

ღ "For someone who hates my guts, you sure talk about me a lot! Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession...Here's a tip...Get a life and stop talking about mine...."ღ

ヅ

-Author Unknown

Photograph & Edited by Raissa Gillesania Colon

*my own version of this concept ;)

"Hey guys! let's cross the Michigan Avenue bridge!"

10,000 Pink Flamingos Flock to Downtown Chicago, for more about this visit my blog post at:

www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/3986_0_3_0_C/

photo-0003536-640

"sometimes, it's good to appreciate things even though we don't know what it is...

what's important is that we appreciate its beauty & that's enough..."

"... a blessing is the moment you are happy from whatever you're experiencing now... regardless of anything... no ifs & buts... "

At the Gale River

As a African American female former law enforcement officer now Social Services Worker I see both sides of the issue.

Definition of Defund The Police:

"Defund the police" is an American slogan that supports divesting funds from police departments and reallocating them to non-policing forms of public safety and community support, such as social services, youth services, housing, education, healthcare and other community resources.

More funding is definitely needed in social programs.

{Random Thought 7.11.2020}

Random Thoughts

by: Hunter Allen

The beard is growing back too fast!!!!!

Yellow is my most despised color.

I have lots of homework to do today. =(

I'm trying to make a video tonight to upload to Flickr.

I love hearing YOUR sexy voice on the phone at night.

This picture is kind of crap. O well. Deal with it.

Watch the music video linked below, it's cool.

I want to go to Europe now. PLEASE!

I might go to London.

How could you live without a microwave? My friend does not have one.

This photo needs more blue color in it. I feel strange.

I saw the movie Vicky Christina Barcelona tonight. I liked it. Yay! Threesomes.

I've been sleeping too much lately. Trying to escape life.

Whisper sweet nothings into my ears and buy me flowers please.

I'm eating a banana right now...

Grapes are delicious. Like God's candy. Only Green though.

I smoked for the first time ever. I didn't really like it. Not again. ever.

It's F$#%ing hot outside now. Damn desert. Hace calor!

Take me in your arms. tu es mignon.

I'm in love with two people right now.

I'm such a tease.

the end.

[Oren Lavie - Her Morning Elegance]

BONEYARD PIC posting pics that were never processed

I remember where I was and why I took this picture. the first year was the hardest year but i got through it. Being with family (the girls) helped immensely. I still cried myself to sleep each night but each day I smiled enjoying time with my nieces. I miss you every second of each minute. Continue to watch over us. Always on my mind, forever in my heart. #Cash {Random Thought 11.6.19}

I like how all these are facing the same direction.

10,000 Pink Flamingos Flock to Downtown Chicago, for more about this visit my blog post at:

www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/3986_0_3_0_C/

photo-0003530-640

#Blackandwhite #Blackandwhitephotography #Blackandwhitephoto #Blackandwhiteonly #Bnw

#Bnw_life #Bnw_captures #Blackwhite #Blackwhitephoto

#Bw_crew #Photograph #Bnw_society #Photographer #Blacknwhite #Blacknwhite_perfection #Instablackandwhite #bw #Insta_bw #barceloneta #barcelona #catalunya #españa #nudism #nus #pelados #naked #beach #plaza #platja #opalamy #sunnybeach #beauty #iloveit #holidaysome #statement #positivelife #thinkdifferent #bedifferent #staypositive #randomthoughts #meaningoflife #yinyang #lovewhoyouare #headsup #djlife #onesmileadaykeepsthedoctoraway #sunset #theskyisthelimit

"...patience is not mastered overnight, sometimes we need start the training by waiting for a long time..."

from „Random Thoughts“, more on my website

One of the cool things about people's reactions was that they totally understood. A giant turkey leg in front of Buckingham fountain. People walked by and gave encouraging words, "Oh man! That's gonna be a totally cool photo!" It was rather nice.

I'll often take photos of kinda different things in public. I just go about shooting even if I feel a tinge bit of oddness. But as an artist, I have the confidence to do what I wish despite what people think.

However, it is nice when people give you encouraging words, even if what you are doing seems odd.

In my head the photo was going to be more majestic. Perhaps if I was at the Taste of Chicago the day before with all the crazy clouds.

Read about the turkey leg mission on my blog at: www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/5425_0_3_0_C/

A swirl of clouds gather around the Tribune Tower.

I like how no other buildings are visible in this shot. It looks like it could have been taken in the 1920s, but oh I guess the flag would look different then. ;-)

Higher resolution print available at: www.deviantart.com/print/1713448/

This photo is featured as a button on Facebook's Pieces of Flair application. Check it out at: www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/4702_0_3_0_C/

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. {Inspirational Thought for Today, 7.8.20}

Are people using the diagonal crosswalks in Chicago? Find out at www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/5811_0_3_0_C/

Mentally draining day at work - trying to help a client that is headstrong on doing things his way even though his way is not getting him the results he desire. I had to walk away and take a break. When I looked up as I was walking around the building to clear my head I saw this beautiful view. After my walk I went back into my office and my client was still sitting in the chair. I sat down and when we looked at each other he said, "let's try it your way". Moments like these is what reaffirms my faith in God and tells me he is STILL in the blessing business. {Random Thought 2.16.17}

I often wonder why after they have purchased a car seat, the owner will leave the tag on it when it clearly it can be removed by the consumer. Perhaps they don't realize the "purchaser" of said item IS the "consumer" {Random Thought 11.8.18}

Who can paint flowers white? Why it's... For those up late, super sneak-preview into the exclusive interview with the great White-out Monster: www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/5930_0_3_0_...

This photo had some initial buzz on flickr when I first posted it. The top rating it got was as high as #159 for August 29, 2012. Pretty impressive that an image created for a blog post would be the 159th most popular image on flickr.

On my digital publishing blog I wrote about how I geek out with my iPad using it more to take notes on pdfs than other exciting things like playing video games or learning recipes in the kitchen. I truly like writing marginalia on my ipad. It saves so much paper and makes filing my articles so easy! Read more about geeking out with iPads at my blog post, Are you an egghead iPad user like me?

Flickr rates this photo as my 7th most interesting photo of 2012. Get my insight into the ten most interesting photos of 2012.

I made a blog post about how claw games suck you in at: www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/3727_0_3_0_C/

I made a blog post about how claw games suck you in at: www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/3727_0_3_0_C/

178,482 items / 1,396,469 views

Sometimes I wonder what pulls beggars to me , why are they dawn to the karmic consciousness of my camera lens..he came to my workplace I gave him something he asked for some more , I told him to go to the mosque for more substantial or adequate help.. he gave me mocking smile and simply because though Allah is benevolent kind merciful his custodians most of them are worse than this beggar..they are beggars a notch higher than him , beneath the mosque beggars are the madrsa beggars who come with mini trucks and blaring loudspeakers wake the entire locality with their sales spiel.

And begging is an integral part of Moslem society embedded in the soul of its religiosity ...I cannot escape beggars as much as some who cant escape me and I remember when I first joined Flickr and posted Muslim beggar all Mosems from the Far East were gunning for my poetic pedantic pedestrian ass.

The Arabs of the Middle East have no issue with beggars they always thought the rest of the Asian Moslem world is where the beggars live..today the Arab world is changing evolving trying to come out free from shackles of hate and slavery.

I think in India the Moslem is much happier and much closer to the reality of peace hope and humanity than anywhere else.. because culturally the Moslem in India is more Indian bound to humility and hospitality and the brotherhood of Man.

I find and this is my personal view arrogance in the Moslem enters the soul through Tablik where he thinks only he is Gods chosen one and the rest are second class citizens ..

Being good or bad as a Moslem is more to do with your parentage and your surroundings my parents made me cosmopolitan, I became a better Moslem simply because I was made to respect all religiosity by my parents , we were Maharashtrians our caretaker as kids was a Marathi lady we called Aiee .or Mother.And she was like our mother keeping us alive with stories of Shivaji Maharaj and Marathi Asmita.

So my thoughts now at the age of 58 reflect her teachings her upbringing , and that is visible in the pictures I shoot of all faith including the Hijras.

And I don't blame Facebook friends even Shias from my community who knock me of from their Friends list the day I post too many hijra links as my wall posts..

And I have a Naga Sadu Guru , I have a Hijra Guru I have a Sufi Guru I have a Christian Guru..and I never needed a Shia Guru because I follow Imam Ali from the time I entered my mothers womb.

And so back to beggars and this bearded Moslem beggar in particular he told me his son was a beggar too.. in bad shape and God save them both.

Beggary in mot cases is a profitable option of survival, I once politely told a Moslem beggar lady why she did not do domestic chores she looked at me as though I was insane and told me she made more money as a beggar and was happy in more ways than one.

And than this morning I shot the creative works of children bought up in a AIDS environment , some of them are HIV positive , some are here where I shot their work because their parents are HIV positive and I would have never shot them anyway , as the stigma attached to AIDS ..they were so excited seeing me in my fancy dress rings etc, they kept touching me as though I was some apparition or ghost, and they saw me shooting their works on the wall, not one of them said Uncle take my picture..a foreboding thought even as a poet.

They were Moslems Hindus Christians among these kids but they were human , they seemed happy because they were flocked with their own.. this is one photo shoot I will never forget in my life..and when actors get their pictures taken with the cancer kids I think it is the greatest insult to Humanity ...

So as a blogger a mere picture of a Moslem beggar can take you from one layer to the next , from one thread of thought to another...yes I shoot beggars because as poet I am a beggar too their karmic existence connecting with my own..

And I dont sell my pictures forget hijra pictures or beggar pictures.

Happy {Heavenly} Birthday Dad. photo taken 2018

As I look at this photo of us, These thoughts come to mind,

Daddy, you left me some very beautiful memories to remind me of how much you loved me and loved our family. I am reminding myself today especially to let that love and those memories be my guide today, tomorrow and always because you are no longer here. Although I cannot see you or physically touch you, I feel your presence and know that you are always by my side. {Random Thought 1.17.25)

This is a photo used to accompany a blog post entitled, "Hanging files just simply crush manilla files" on my blog at: www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/4000_0_3_0_C/

I made a blog post about how claw games suck you in at: www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/3727_0_3_0_C/

Read about all the stories inside this photo at www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/5909_0_3_0_...

What did I write to Walgreens about this ICEE/H1N1 dispenser? Read my blog post to find out: www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/5239_0_3_0_C/

"... there's always a purpose and reason why we work, need an income, we need to be happy, spread our love & joy, or whatever your goal is... that's motivation in our own special way... "

how cool it would have been to know the friends you have NOW back when you were a kid?

today i spent the day w/ 2 of my very good friends, going through lots of old stuff....toys, dolls, albums....

and i can't stop thinking how awesome it would have been if i could have known them when we were all kids. i mean--jeez! my barbies would have been so much more fun w/ "Gloria" in the mix....however, rhonda, i would not have appreciated your brother biting off my barbie's feet.

thanks for a great day C and R. love you 2. xo

Discover the story behind this revelation at www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/5872_0_3_0_...

Looking out at the Chicago skyline. You can see the Hancock and Trump Tower. I also like how he has a nice sparkle reflection on his left leg.

How did wireguy fall off the swing? Find out at www.spudart.org/blogs/randomthoughts_comments/5441_0_3_0_C/