I have had long runs at both of these wonderful galleries, this being my fourteenth show at the Principle Gallery and my twelfth at the West End.  This is sort of unusual in that it’s often difficult to have such long runs of exhibits at a single gallery without exhausting  the market for your work.  The fact that I have been able to have these long runs is something that I take great pride in because it’s a testimony to the continuing growth and evolution of the work through the years which has continually attracted  newer collectors at these established galleries.  I use this as a spur to keep pushing forward and during periods where I am experiencing the doldrums I only have to remind myself of those people who come to these shows to get my engines revving again.

We shall see what this new year brings for these shows.  The piece at the top is a smaller new painting, 6″ by 8″ on paper, called Bright Outlook.  I hope this painting’s title applies for the coming year for us all.

This past weekend we had warm weather and a breeze, which made it perfect for soaring. Normally I see Black Vultures very high in the sky and in groups, but this time I spotted a solitary vulture soaring at a a lower altitude, which permitted me to get some decent photos. The Cornell Lab notes that Black Vultures have a less well-developed sense of smell than Turkey Vultures and rely more on sight than smell to find carrion, which may be why they soar at greater heights than Turkey Vultures.

I propose that the Black Vulture become the new symbol for energy-saving practices. What do you think?

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved

I crept close to him and positioned myself for an unobstructed shot with a beautiful blue sky in the background. The only problem was that the mockingbird was facing the wrong direction and his head was in the shadows.

So I started a mental conversation with the mockingbird, imploring him to turn slightly in my direction so that the light coming from the right would put a catch light in his eye. I didn’t dare to get any closer and continued to repeat the thought, “Please turn your head toward me, but don’t look directly at me.” Without moving his body, the mockingbird slowly turned his head and offered me an almost perfect profile shot and held the pose.

I like the way his tail and his claws turned out, but most of all I like his face. I think the mockingbird would be happy with this portrait.

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved

I first encountered this beautiful bird a couple of weeks ago and was immediately smitten. Like a paparazzi photographer, I started snapping photos frantically when I saw her. I included some of those photos in a previous posting that I creatively entitled “Belted Kingfisher.”

Now I have started to hang out what I think are some of her favorite places, hoping desperately to catch a glimpse of her. She is still quite standoffish and won’t let me get close, but perhaps she will get used to having me around. Maybe she has commitment issues.

Here are a few shots from my recent encounters, including two in which I captured her as she was flying away.

For now, it is a classic case of unrequited love.

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved

Most of the time when I see Great Blue Herons, they are in the water. This one, however, seemed quite content to just stand in the shade of a tree on a slanted bank, surrounded by all kinds of roots and vines.

As I was inching my way down the slope of the opposite bank, he caught sight of me and took off immediately. Acting on instinct, I raised my camera to try to capture him in flight and lost my footing.  Sliding down the bank. I dug in my heels and managed to stop just before I reached the water.

Needless to say, I did not get any good shots of the heron’s departing flight.

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved

Jes and Tony are the bee’s knees.  Wait, that makes me sound like a grandma.  Let’s see….  If they were a sport, they’d be Calvinball.  If they were an ice cream, they’d be Blue Moo Cookie Dough.  If they were an animal, they’d be a jackalope riding a Chupacabra.  You get the idea.

The Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, VA, was a sublimely eclectic venue that perfectly suited their night wedding in the courtyard. Anyway, I hope you enjoy these poppin’-fresh photos of their awesome-sauce day.

Friends and family, don’t forget–you can view Jes and Tony’s full wedding gallery here!  Just use the bride’s maiden surname as the password (don’t forget to capitalize the first letter).

The day of service is an effort to teach Alexandria’s children the importance of giving back.

The events will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat. Jan. 19th at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, Charles Barrett Recreation Center and the T.C. Williams satellite office at Landmark Mall.

Activities include games, reading, dancing, discussing “service,” coloring and making a storyboard.

Fortunately my camera was already in my hands and the settings were about the right ones for the situation. When I started photographing birds, one of the more experienced birders whom I met recommended keeping the camera set for burst mode and that’s where I keep it most of the time now. Occasionally that means I shoot off a few extra exposures unintentionally when my trigger finger is a little heavy, but sometimes it lets me get an exposure I might not have gotten otherwise. Now, let me be clear that my almost ancient Canon Rebel XT is not a professional DSLR, so burst mode means about three frames a second, which worked out this time.

I fired off a half-dozen frames as the two ducks, a male and a female, took off from the water and I am pretty pleased with the results. It looks like the ducks get a running start on the water before they take to the air. The photo of the male duck that I featured at the start is the second one in the chronological sequence, but I thought it was the most interesting in showing the little water “explosions” as the ducks skipped across the surface. The rest are pretty much self-explanatory. I especially like the way that the heads flatten out into more aerodynamic shapes as the ducks start flying and the reflections are pretty nice. A couple of the shots are cropped to show only the male duck, because his position happened to bemore interesting than that of the female in the image (no discrimination intended).

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved

As I was looking down at the water, I was surprised when a powder blue bird flew across my field of view. It was a pretty good size bird, but I didn’t have a clue what it was. It perched on a tree across the small lake and I was able to get a couple of shots to help me identify it. I came back later in the weekend and found the bird again and was able to take some additional photos. None of the photos yet is very good, but I thought I would share some of them, because I find the bird to be exceptionally cool.

What is the bird that has me so excited? It is a female Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology article, the Belted Kingfisher is one of the few bird species in which the female is more colorful than the male.  In a couple of my photos you can see the blue and chestnut bands across the breast of the female kingfisher (the male has only the blue band).

The Belted Kingfishers eat mostly fish and you can see a fish in the mouth of the bird in a couple of my photos. I suspected that the kingfisher swallows the fish whole, but I was too far away to see it happen. The same Cornell Lab article states that the kingfisher often dives from a perch, catches a fish and returns to the perch. It then pounds the prey against the perch before swallowing it head first.

As I mentioned, these photos were heavily cropped and are not that great in quality, but I hope to be able to take some better ones in the future. In addition to the shots of the bird in the tree, I am including one in which I attempted to photograph the bird in flight.

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved

I’m still going through my photos, but this one jumped out at me. It shows two duck couples swimming in formation. What is unusual is that one of the pairs appears to me a male Mallard and a female Merganser. Oh, I know that some of you are thinking that such a relationship could never work, but true love always finds a way.

I can only imagine what their children will look like.

Mixed couple (click for higher resolution view)

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved

“Stalemate” in progress, soft pastel on sandpaper

A:  A large pastel painting with the working title, “Stalemate.”  For this one I went back and looked at some of my older 35 mm negatives.  I selected one from 2002 and made the photographic print you see above, clipped to the left side of my easel.  This piece is unusual because I’m painting the figures much larger than life size.  I like what’s happening, but it’s slow going.

The title, “Stalemate,” is one I thought of some twenty-odd years ago, when I worked on a very different pastel painting – a table top still life – by that name.  Somehow I couldn’t resolve some problems in the composition so I never finished it.  I haven’t seen it in years, but it’s probably sitting in my Alexandria basement someplace. 

Comments are welcome!

A couple weeks later, like a lamp, the idea just switched On in my head: we’ll foster a dog.  We’d always waxed and waned on getting a second dog, and there wasn’t much rationale for the idea but it made our grief “click” in an inexplicable way, and we felt, well, hope again.

As it turns out, it is a pretty rational idea: While there are financial obligations with a foster, the expensive stuff is paid by the organization, and if we need to go out of town, other fosters will help us out with doggy-sitting.  Purchases we make for the foster pups are tax deductible so that helps, too.  And since Homeward Trails has a web-list system for available foster dogs, we can move at our own pace and we don’t worry about being made to feel guilty if we need a break.

Pumpkin, a young lab, is adoptable via WARL

Firecracker, a Min Pin puppy is adoptable via Homeward Trails, currently in foster

In our fledgling work as fosters, we’ve learned that most people assume rescued or shelter dogs have been discarded because they are bad.  Maybe they are sick, or maybe they are mean and aggressive.  This has not been true.  What we realize now is that sometimes kill-shelter staff look out for the dogs that are likely to make great pets and they sometimes go out of their way and contact rescue organizations to pick them up and get them into foster homes or boarding.

In the foster home, the dogs experience some growing pains since its disorienting for a dog to move around and learn new things, but most come around to being very sweet and fun pets in a short time with a little patience, love, and training.  Dogs seemingly move on from adversity much faster than humans, for example, with the right support and exercise.

Julie and Julia, calico kitties needs fosters or adopters via Homeward Trails

As a foster parent, I show up with our foster dog to nearby Homeward Trails adoption events a couple times per month for a couple hours. I make the foster pup available to meet potential adopters when they contact the organization. I’ve met some cool people.

Speedy, a cute Terrier, is available for adoption via WARL

I think many people out there don’t realize they could gain a lot from a relatively easy “hobby” like this. People all over the country are lonely, lacking exercise, or feeling like they don’t do enough to help others. Certainly that’s a good start for a prospective foster dog parent.  It is nearly impossible to be blue when a grateful dog wags its tail and makes eyes at you, or when a new kitty purrs at you for the first time.  And then you get to write their happy ending/beginning – a new family & home.

Curry, an adoptable puppy via Homeward Trails, is currently in foster and is in need of sponsors for his special needs

If you’re not sure you’re ready, consider volunteering a few hours per week with a local organization. The best-organized rescue groups can find a number of convenient ways for you to help out (due to the nature of their work & funding, not all rescues can be well-organized, so inquire thoroughly).

Nora is an adoptable bunny rabbit via House Rabbit Society

Below are some local rescue & foster organizations, or search online for ones in your area:

Washington Animal Rescue League (WARL) in Washington, DC

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Washington, DC

City Dogs Rescue in Washington, DC

House Rabbit Society in Baltimore, MD

Last Chance Animal Rescue (LCAR) in Waldorf, MD

Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW) in Greenbelt, MD

Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter (BARCS) in Baltimore, MD

Animal Welfare League (AWL) of Frederick County, MD

Homeward Trails in Arlington, VA

Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in Arlington, VA

Fancy Cats Rescue in Herndon, VA

Bunny, Peggy and Tiny are in need of fosters via Homeward Trails

Alyssa works in multiple MOMs locations.

Four solo shows in galleries.

In June, there was A Place to Stand at the Principle Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia.  It was my  thirteenth solo show at a gallery that has meant very much to my career.

July found my show, In Rhythm, opening at the West End Gallery in Corning, New York.   I started my career at the West End and this show, my eleventh there, may have been the best of the lot.

Inward Bound opened in October at the Kada Gallery in Erie Pennsylvania.  I have  been  showing with the Kada for what will be seventeen years  in early 2013 and had a show there every two years since 2004.  This was one of my favorites there or anywhere.  There was a wonderful review in the Erie paper that I featured here.

December found me on the west coast with an opening of my show, The Waking Moment, at the Just Looking Gallery in lovely San Luis Obispo.  It was my first show with this long established California gallery with whom I began a relationship earlier in the year.  They have done an absolutely terrific job in exposing my work to folks from LA to San Francisco.  It was a pleasure meeting the collectors and staff out there I look forward to a long term partnership with them.

Of course, the biggest event this year was my first ever museum exhibit, Internal Landscapes: The Paintings of GC Myers, at the prestigious Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, New York. It opened in August and just closed this past Sunday,  A fitting end to a great year.  The show featured a group of my work from the past several years including the new The Internal Landscape , shown above, which is the largest piece I have painted and one that I featured on this blog early in the year as it was being completed.  The response exceeded my expectations in all regards and remains the high water mark  in my career to date.  It has given me a new perspective on what my work is and what it might be.  A great experience, all in all.

In between shows, there were gallery talks as well as my work being featured on the cover of a new CD, Lowe Country.  Plus, several of my paintings found their way to Uganda to hang in the US Embassy there, accompanying the new ambassador.

Along the way, I met scores of great folks who shared their stories with me.  Many thanks to everyone I encountered as well as more thanks than I can ever fully express to all of the  staff at the galleries and at the Fenimore who gave me the gift of this year.

As I said, it was year that will be hard to match.  But as soon as I am able, I will be trying to do just that. Or more.

Congratulations, Nikki & Patrick!

As a side note, this is what happens when you ask for a first date story.

First, consider the word “your”, repeated three times in the short tagline.  This business is all about our clients’ needs.  We strive to create a virtual and physical environment that is warm, welcoming, and “yours.”  When you walk into our office, we want you to feel at home.

Our staff is your staff, too.  If you call your doctor’s office in the evening, you know that it takes little  prodding to get the person on the other end to admit that they are “only a call center.”  When we take your call or greet your guest, we consider ourselves to be employees of your company for the duration of that interaction.  Our clients train us as they would an in-house receptionist, we talk in the first person, and we care deeply about creating a great experience.

I stood at the front desk one morning when a client of one of our attorneys walked in the front door, looked around, and declared, “wow, she has really grown her business.”  Of course, he did not know that his attorney occupied only one office in our suite.  During that interaction, the entire office belonged to that attorney, and we were there to help her make a great impression.

Let’s look at the other words in the tagline.  “Staff”.  Why would an office suite lead with “staff?”  Our staff is our advantage.  Our competitors are very concerned with filling 50 or more offices in their huge suites.  We focus on service.  Our staff is vital to helping our clients grow.  One typical client for us is a busy sole proprietor, trying to do it all.  We often start by answering some phone calls and transferring them to a cell phone.  But over time, we might start keeping a calendar for our busy client, answering questions about her business, doing some sales intake calls, and helping prepare some outgoing direct mail.  New clients often walk in looking for an office or a meeting space, but they walk out with a team focused on helping their business grow.

“Office” speaks for itself.  Our virtual clients come and go as they need working or meeting space.  There’s always a hot cup of coffee, a fast internet connection, and a comfortable chair waiting for them.  Their guests walk into a beautiful lobby to be greeted by friendly professionals.  The environment exudes success, and their meeting is off to a great start before they sit down.  Our full-time tenants enjoy a warm, collegial environment.  They chat with other clients in the kitchen, attend our frequent business seminars, and maybe even grab a quick workout at our building’s fitness center at lunchtime.  It’s their office.

“Success” is my favorite word in the tagline.  We always hate losing a client, but when we lose a client to success, we can live with that.  We have had clients start with us and grow so quickly that they have leased their own large offices elsewhere.  We’ve had attorneys, home improvement companies, government contractors, and therapists come to us as one-person shops and leave after their businesses had grown to several employees.  As the owner of Intelligent Office, I enjoy sitting with these other business owners and talking about how we can help them grow.  We enjoy doing our part to make that happen.

And so there you have it.  Intelligent Office:  Your staff.  Your office.  Your success.  The new tagline.  We hope you like it!

LUXURY CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION - SEDAN or SUV (for 2 people)
2 Days Full-Day Ski Lift Tickets for 2 to one of the following resorts:
Whitetail Resort, Mercersburg, PA
Liberty Mountain Resort, Carroll Valley, PA

If you Like us on Facebook anytime before January 1, 2013, you will be entered to win this Ski Getaway Giveaway! The winner will be picked at random on January 4, 2013

*Trip must be concluded between 1/5/13 and 2/28/13; Blackout dates apply
**Accommodations and other expenses not included. Trip must originate in DC Metro Area.
***Must have an active Facebook page on 1/4/13 and be 21 years of age or older
No monetary value, and the winner is responsible for any levies or taxes

This afternoon I was walking on a path along a creek when small flock of birds flew into some nearby trees. They were pretty noisy and that attracted my attention. Looking though my telephoto zoom lens, I saw that they had an interesting silhouette, so I took some shots. They sky was already really light, but when I tweaked the exposure a little it went totally white and a really cool-looking bird emerged from the shadows. Usually I am pretty bad at identifying birds, but my initial Google search on the very distinctive yellow wing tips was successful in identifying this bird as a Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum).

Cedar Waxwing on a branch

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cedar Waxwings feed on mostly fruit year-round, one of the few North American birds that specialize in eating fruit. One of the consequences of doing so, however, is that they sometimes get intoxicated from eating fermenting berries. The range map for this species suggests that they may be present year-round in this area (we are close to the northern boundary), but this is the first time that I have seen one.

This photo is more “artsy” than realistic, but I like its graphic character. It looks a bit to me like an illustration, in part, I guess, because of the white background.

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.

1. UPDATES. First and foremost, the #1 request we have of our clients is to keep us up-to-date with your schedule. The importance of status updates became even more apparent during the recent Hurricane Sandy: several businesses closed for a day or even two, and notifying us of their decision to close helped us greatly when fielding their calls; those who did not notify us, however, were left at a disadvantage because their clients could not be given accurate information. This meant that clients would leave messages expecting a call back when in fact no one was even in the office. Remember, even though we are virtual, we are a member of your staff too—so don’t forget about us!

1. KEYWORDS. When learning about your company, we take down a detailed list of keywords to ensure that your calls are directed to the correct staff member. These can range from general departments (Accounting, Human Resources, etc.) to specific call requests (ie “The John Doe case.”) Many callers will not know specific names or extensions to ask for, but as we ask questions and hear their stories, these keywords help us direct their calls more efficiently. Without knowing who handles which types of calls, we may have to try dialing staff member after staff member until we find the right person; it goes without saying that this can end up being a frustrating and time-consuming endeavor for both our team and yours (not to mention your customer!) Think of us as your in-house receptionist; train us as thoroughly as possible to ensure the best results.

1. VOICEMAIL. If we cannot assist a caller but you or your staff are unavailable, we generally ask them to leave a message in your voicemail that you can retrieve at your convenience. However, if your voicemail is full, we have nowhere to direct them! In my experience, clearing space for your messages keeps your clients satisfied and restores their confidence that their issue will be addressed, as opposed to just leaving a message with the receptionist. Also, since we frequently intercept your sales calls,

1. DIRECTIONS. One drawback of us being in a remote location is that we’ve likely never been to your actual location. Oftentimes if a client has an appointment at your office, they will become lost and call for assistance. Providing us with details such as nearby businesses (“We’re right past the Chipotle”) and available parking options allows us to seamlessly navigate your clients without letting on that we are not physically sitting in your office.

In the words of Jerry Maguire, “Help me, help you.” We here at Intelligent Office of Alexandria want nothing more than to provide the best virtual reception services in the area, and these tips can help ensure that we are able to continue offering the highest-quality support to your clients.

Written By: Christie Spalla

Some of the Uno’s Group.. TC hopes to see you there next time!!!

It is not everyday that you are afforded the opportunity to enjoy the companionship of friends over a nice meal. So much of what we do nowadays requires that we sit and enjoy our pizza, or other takeout food by the sad blue light of our computer. Tonight 16 people decided to turn off their computers for a couple hours time and enjoy old friends and meeting new ones in an effort to benefit Tristan‘s Gift of Hope Foundation Inc. Kasia organized a fundraising event in which Uno’s Pizzeria of Kingstowne would donate a percentage of our check to the Foundation. At one point it looked as though our little fundraiser would be a bust and it would be three of us sharing mozzarella sticks in a corner booth, but through Kasia’s devoted efforts and the kindness of friends we were able to get a sizable group together.

In sports every coach has some sort of underdog go get’em boys type of speech, that spurs the team to action against great odds. Our team tonight did not need such a speech, the thought of the goals of the Cavalry was enough to encourage them to tuck in tight to the table, unhinge their jaws and shovel in plate fulls of food. Some plates narrowly escaped being devoured as the hungry participants chomped at anything in view. One of our goals was to raise awareness about Tristan’s Cavalry and proton beam radiation, but as the night progressed and Sarah commenced speaking about protein bone therapy, we became more aware of our bloated stomachs and too small pants than anything else.

The conversation never ceased and the topics ranged from theology to technology, from the fundraiser to the election, but it always found its way back to food and friends. Several individuals displayed different skills throughout the evening and I would like to take a moment now to recognize them.

Josh– Was an extremely impressive eater and wonderful conversationalist; though he never stopped talking, he managed to eat the most and finish first much to the chagrin of his morsel covered neighbors.

Nicholas F.– Demonstrated that a man may be tough, well-educated, holy and passionate and that he may do it while eating a salad.

Christina– Showed everybody what it is to be cool… No way around it, she was the coolest one at all the tables. When the conversation was heating she poured ice on it. She even said that she was strongly considering doing the ride with us.. How cool would that be? To be the first female to sign up! It would be really cool…!!

Kasia– The dame of the evening whose behind the scenes work paid off in a wonderful way. Never took the credit and only contemplated ways she could make it better next time; showed what a humble person she is.

Thank you to all for coming!! We look forward to you learning more here and then spreading the word!!

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/tristanscavalry/cyclecalifornia

Unfortunately this means loads of traffic, delays and headaches — and all that before you see your family.

At Fleet Transportation, we believe that Thanksgiving should be a time for family, not frustration.

Our expert chauffeurs know the roads and the traffic reports. They know alternate routes and are aware of possible problem areas in the region. Their mission is to get you and your family to your destination safely and promptly. Considering Thanksgiving eve is also one of the biggest bar days of the year, it may be wise to have a professional driver shepherd you to your destination.

Speak with one of our experienced meeting planners to help you organize your Turkey Day trip. Choose from our impeccable stable of vehicles to get you to your holiday destination. A couple can ride in style in our sleek sedans. Small families will enjoy the journey in our SUVs. If you’re planning on moving a larger group to a more public venue, consider using our roomy and comfortable mini buses or coach buses.

Are your Thanksgiving plans taking you out-of-state or country this year? Fleet is also the best option for airport transportation. Instead of worrying about parking in the long-term lots or arranging a ride, just have one of our vehicles pick you up and deliver you to the gate. We’re a life saver when it comes to shaving time off your airport commute.

Whether you’re heading to the airport or over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, Fleet Transportation is your best bet for holiday transportation. Affordable pricing and luxury service will put everyone in the holiday spirit.

I spent over 800 hours drawing these six Pen & Ink drawings. In addition I made special frames that back-light the drawings. This is accomplished by having glass behind the paper and lights built into deep frames. This exhibit was on display at the Workhouse Arts Center during July of 2012.

I am an artist with a unique visual art form that I might call “Neoglyphic” Art. These drawings are made almost completely free-hand through a process of making small shapes or glyphs that build off of one another. These drawings are NOT made by or in a computer, you could even say that these drawings are “written by hand.” Please see my video “Speed Drawing” to see how these are made. These drawings can take as much as two hours per square inch to make.

Some of these drawings take special advantage of the back-lighting, by drawing on both the front and the back of the paper. This creates a hidden layer of the drawing that is only visible when the light is on.

My drawings are typically black and white; however, with light behind the paper it can look like black and gold or black and yellow. Sometimes it looks like I’ve drawn over-top of the black areas with gold (or white) but this is accomplished by not drawing in some areas and letting the paper – and in this case Light- shine through.

Drawings:
-The Dreamer’s Tree
-Identity, Purpose and Significance
-Desert Garden
-Character, Even Under the Shadow of Death
-The Transfiguration
-The Testing of Patience Through the Application of Simple Principles at Various Levels of Scale

Sponsors:
The Unword Dictionary; www.unwords.com
Andromeda Simulations; www.income-outcome.com
Legion Paper, fine art papers; www.legionpaper.com
Happy Square Productions; www.thelandofeyass.com

Regards,
Matthew Kiehl

Andrew Grady – Alexandria, VA WWI Registration

The list below is the African American Alexandrians with the “G” surname.

Gaddis, Albert L – born February 5, 1883
Gaddis, George Robert – born August 13, 1873
Gaddis, Henry – born June 10, 1875
Gaddis, Thomas William – born January 2, 1880
Gaines, Courtland Montgomery – born March 28, 1891
Gaines, Howard – born April 27, 1895
Gaines, James Wesley – born April 25, 1843
Galligher, Louis – born September 13, 1880
Gant, Nathaniel – born September 3, 1877
Gantt, Isadore – born December 25, 1892
Gardner, James Edward – born March 4, 1873
Garner, Edward Thomas – born 1888
Gaskins, Aaron B – born April 15, 1880
Gaskins, George – no birth date
Gee, John N – born 1886
Gibson, Abram – born November 7, 1878
Gibson, Charles – born October 14, 1881
Gibson, George Everett – born March 28, 1900
Gilbert, Henry – born February 22, 1881
Gilliam, George – born January 14, 1890
Gilliam, John W – born August 7, 1887
Gilliam, Warren Samuel – born May 22, 1897
Goldman, Fenton O – born February 1, 1896
Goldman, Harrison – born June 20, 1875
Golf, Hiawatha W – born June 17, 1896
Gore, Mason – born April 10, 1895
Grady, Andrew – born April 8, 1895
Grady, Robert Lee – born January 8, 1873
Granderson, Bernard – born October 25, 1883
Grant, James – born September 20, 1899
Grant, James M – born December 13, 1886
Gray, Charles William – born August 20, 1875
Gray, Clarence – born April 12, 1896
Gray, Clarence Alvester – born February 4, 1900
Gray, Clarence Robert – born February 1, 1874
Gray, Ira Davenport – born February 20, 1886
Gray, James H – born November 6, 1895
Gray, John – born September 3, 1888
Gray, John Hamilton – born November 5, 1891
Gray, Leonard Lucas – born September 8, 1876
Gray, Opie – born March 4, 1888
Grayson, Ludwell – born February 15, 1879
Green, Chester Calvin – born March 26, 1885
Green, Clarence – born January 22, 1892
Green, George – born May 7, 1886
Green, John – born April 20, 1884
Green, Joseph – born March 17, 1881
Green, L Augustus – born July 15, 1898
Green, Lawson – born August 31, 1882
Green, Noah – born June 1, 1882
Greene, Charles Henry – born May 26, 1874
Greene, Ernest – born April 3, 1885
Greene, Herbert Ashton – born June 2, 1888
Grey, Lewis – born October 12, 1875
Griffin, Harold Joseph – born September 22, 1872
Griffin, Webster – born August 13, 1898
Griffith, Fletcher – born May 12, 1894
Griggsby, Arthur – born 1892
Grigler, William – born August 1893
Grinege, Cornelius – born 1895
Grinnell, Charles Edward – born October 15, 1874
Grinnell, Thomas James – born August 20, 1877
Groce, Claude – born August 15, 1899
Guse, Julius – born June 5, 1893

I went to a Pumpkin Patch today after work! It was really nice and was able to take some great photos!

The Pumpkin Patch is on the grounds of the Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill which is on Seminary Road at Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA. This church is an Episcopal church committed to sharing Christ’s love through worship, welcoming, and outreach.

The pumpkins come from New Mexico by the trailer truckload. Parishioners, young and old, unload the trucks I a “bucket brigade.” The pumpkins are grown by the Navajo Indians who price the pumpkins by size for the church volunteers to sell.

Also for sale are parishioner provided breads, harvest soups, cupcakes, apple crisps, cider and other foods. Volunteers spend the thousands of hours every year to make the Patch a success.

Immanuel sell pumpkins every October, and this is their major fund-raiser for local Outreach Ministries, such as Network Preschool, Carpenter’s Shelter, ALIVE, Hopkins House, etc.

100% of Immanuel’s profits go to these local community causes. Your purchase also helps the Navajo Indians.
If you are in the area, you definitely have to check it out!

If you are in the area, you should check this place out. It’s very family friendly as well. They have little red wagons that you can put your kids in and drag them around the patch.

Here is a link to the photo album: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.429782840402827.91672.147734928607621&type=1

Fall reflection

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.

I was unable to get any clear close-up photos of these unidentified birds, but I did manage to produce this image that I really like. There is a kind of graphic quality to the photo and the light and the reflections are nice, even though it is obviously no technical masterpiece.

Wading bird at Cameron Run

© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.