Keeping The Lights On

Color Photography

Hello Friends!Tonight’s feature image is titled “Barges And Coal” and is available for purchase by using the instructions at the bottom of the article.

On the far shore of the Kanawha River the grumbling growl of diesel engines shakes the earth. The bulldozers and loaders shift black mountains from the yard to boats. It’s believed that our world runs on coal but that’s a mistake.

Our world runs on the energy of men and women who keep the coal moving.

Our world is powered by afternoons covered with sweat and grit and diesel fuel.

Our world runs on the turn of the wrench that replaces another hydraulic hose.

Our world is powered by bonding and laughter in the downtime.

Our world is kept lit by the heavy equipment operator who knows the difference between arrogance and confidence as he moves a multi ton machine up the gob pile to dress it.

And at the end of the day when the sun sinks low all of that sweat and effort welcomes them home as a light in windows and a hot shower before dinner. All wrapped up in the arms of a loving family.

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Casting Off

black and white photography

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “Anchor Point 1” and is available for purchase by following the instructions at the bottom of the page.

The river never stops. Even when it’s cold enough to freeze the ice slides forward on a thin layer of liquid water beneath. There are times when it rages and sweeps away everything in its path and times when it laps gently at the shore delivering life to the landscape. But it never stops.

Time flows like a river. Our perception can give us the impression of time flying as when visiting with an old friend or we can slow time to a crawl as when that cup of coffee is knocked off of the table and seems to hover in mid air for a moment. But it never really stops. Time erodes the world. It carries away the opportunities of the moment and changes our personal landscape. One way that this happens is by living in the past. It’s good to have a sense of nostalgia especially if it gives us a sense of peace but if it blinds us to the present it can be a problem. I’m guilty of this. I think it’s human nature to hold onto things that bring us happiness. But if we miss today’s opportunity we’re going to miss tomorrow’s happiness as we watch yesterday’s joy fade away into the past. I chose tonight’s feature image to represent holding onto yesterday because it is an anchor point. It’s purpose is to hold the boat in one place while the river flows by. It’s that stability that gives us the ability to board the boat and navigate through the river but at some point have to cast off. Casting off requires letting go of the anchor point that is weathered and worn. Here then is the paradox, letting go of the anchor exposes us to the hazards of the current but without letting go we may as well not be in the boat in the first place. What will we do in the river of time? Will we go boldly into current and build the future or will we hold onto the anchor point until the river swells and sweeps it away? Certainly there’s a place for nostalgia in our lives. But it should be more of an aid to navigation than a anchor the prevents travel beyond the starting point. It’s place in our lives should be where we can visit and resupply for the next journey but never the place where we are stuck.

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Curiosity About The Life Of A Towboat Crew

Color Photography

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “Towboat 31219” and is available for purchase by following the instructions at the bottom of the page.

The morning sun is climbing high as I stopped by the Kanawha River for a few minutes of peaceful contemplation. Above me the large trucks are shifting gears as they slow down for the stoplight on the Chelyan bridge. I stopped here for two reasons. One, to catch a few breaths on the water’s edge and to look for a photo op. It wasn’t long before one of the Towboats came powering upstream. For me time on the river is a way of getting out of the office chair and enjoying life as God intended. But for the crew of a towboat the river is their office. It’s kinda surprising to me that I never considered a job as a deckhand since I like being on the river. I have to admit that I don’t really know much about the job. I presume there’s much more to it than waiting to reach the delivery point. As I understand it the boat is their home and that they’re on duty for long hours. I’m told that it’s as dangerous as being an underground miner. Not only is there a danger of falling into swift current but there’s stories about people slipping into a void in the payload of coal and being burried alive. However I do find the idea of traveling down the Kanawha River to the Ohio River and beyond interesting. Aside from the actual work that goes along the river jobs the views they have of spots seldom seen from the highway must be amazing if they have time to see them.

As the towboat maneuvers itself into position to accomplish the task at hand I am thankful for the work ethic of people in the coal industry. The fuel they provide not only keeps the lights on but also becomes the steel and aluminum in our infrastructure.

I’m also interested in the stories that a towboat crew might have. So if you’re reading this and happen to work on one these boats I’d love to hear about your memories in the comments section below.

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On Thought Patterns And External Influences

Color Photography, Thoughts and Musing

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “Awakening On The Mountain “and is available for purchase by following the instructions at the bottom of the page.

The early morning hours seem to be the best time seek out a quiet place where I can find my center. I like to get out away from the house for this when I can. A lot of times when I stay in I’m tempted to turn on the news or I’m distracted by the to do list. It’s impossible for me to pursue a moment of peace when the rest of the world is whispering a list of problems into my ear. Sometimes I turn on some music and sometimes I have a podcast playing but mostly I shut off all stimulation just for a while. The point of the exercise is to let go of the outside world and rest my mind so I prioritize my day or search for inspiration. The outside world has so many voices vying for your attention that your own voice can be lost in the crowd. I remember singing”Oh Be Careful Little Eyes” in Sunday school class as a very small child. We would learn the lesson by song and as young children but did we comprehend it? I’m not really able to go into a lot of detail without the post becoming unbearably long but those things that humans are exposed to by what we see and hear can become a part of our self identity. If you notice the first two verses are passive actions. Namely watching and listening. The rest of song is proactive. Those actions are speaking, doing, going and thinking. When taken as a whole we see that what the children ( in the song) see and hear influences what they do. This is a real phenomenon that’s not limited to children. It’s more pronounced in children but adults do it as well. And think about all the negative thoughts that we’re exposed to on a daily basis. Angry voices in the news, in music, on T.V. shows and in the movies and now on social media. All this anger becomes normalized and internalized to the observer. It’s like a parasite of the spirit. But there’s good news as well. Positive thoughts can take the same route and become internalized as well. And by taking a few minutes every day to break the negative cycle and weaken that pattern it becomes less prominent in our subconscious easier to overcome.

I’m not always able to get out and find those quiet places. In fact it’s actually a challenge. So when I am able I use my camera to bottle that moment and tuck it away for later. I pull out the photo and recall that moment of peace whenever I need that boost of solitude.

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I have new way for you purchase photos!

I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simply message me on Facebook or use the contact form on my website and tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.

Clicking on the photo takes you tohttps://www.zazzle.com/lloydslensphotos?rf=238248269630914251

Lastly, all of the photos are my original work unless otherwise specified and are not to be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission from the photographer.

Thank you again for your support of my page! 😊

This Moment Is Mine

Color Photography

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “Peaceful Resolution” and is available for purchase by using theinstructions at the bottom of the page.

The big blue truck veers from the highway and comes to an abrupt halt on the berm. The rain clouds have dissipated and the roads are clear of debris. It’s time to sit by the Kanawha River for a few minutes and recharge in the fresh air and warm sun. Down river Glen Ferris basks in the Sun beneath the dormant kudzu. The trees are still sleeping but the soil is starting to come to life deep beneath leaf litter. And the frogs are awake! Even though it’s broad daylight the forest is alive with the croaking and chirping of the males singing for a mate. I can also hear a cardinal high in a treetop declaring his love for his lifelong mate. The sun is at just the right angle to produce a nice reflection of the Methodist Church in the distance on the water. The breeze blows just enough to feel fresh but not enough to chill. I take a deep breaths and savor the atmosphere. There’s no rush today and the big blue truck ism going anywhere else for a while. Today is mine and I will take full advantage of each moment while it’s available because those moments when a person can clear away the mental clutter is just as important to health as diet and exercise.

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