Storm Watch

Earlier this week, a series of storms rolled through the area, leaving the air crisp and charged with a quiet energy. The next morning, as I stepped outside, the sky put on a breathtaking display. Thick clouds still lingered, but where they curved and parted, slender beams of sunlight pierced through, casting a soft, ethereal glow. It was as if the sky itself was gently backlit, each cloud edged in light, creating a scene both dramatic and serene.

Seatbelts are for Safety

Wildflowers

A splash of color to brighten the day—wildflowers have a way of catching the eye and lifting the spirit. Their natural beauty offers a welcome distraction, a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the simple joys that nature provides.

The Reader

The Mary Lib Saleh Euless Public Library in Euless, TX stands out as the public library with the most monuments I’ve ever seen. Just outside its entrance, there’s a particularly touching memorial that immediately caught my attention. What makes it especially heartwarming is the inclusion of the man’s dog as part of the tribute. Even more meaningful is the fact that the dog’s head remains shiny and free of patina—clearly from the many people who have lovingly rubbed it over time. It’s a quiet, beautiful reminder of the deep bond between humans and their loyal companions.

Cypress Reflections

Cypress trees rise majestically from the still waters of the Louisiana Oxbow lakes, formed by the meandering path of the mighty Mississippi River. These ancient trees, create a hauntingly beautiful landscape that feels suspended in time. The lakes, with their calm waters and tranquil surroundings, serve as peaceful havens for both reflection and recreation. It’s a place where nature’s quiet beauty invites a sense of serenity, offering the perfect backdrop for moments of contemplation or leisurely exploration.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Maya Air

This Cessna, operated by Maya Air, sits patiently on the tarmac at BZE Airport, awaiting its next island-hopping adventure. Whether bound for a remote airstrip or a scenic coastal destination, it's ready to take to the skies once again.

Instant Sunrise

Polaroids offer a nostalgic charm—a retro aesthetic that feels both familiar and uniquely captivating. The warm hues of this sunrise and the soft textures of the clouds, frozen in time on instant film, make for a delightful contribution to Skywatch Friday. It's a fun and artistic way to share a fleeting moment of natural beauty.

 

Dapper Dude

This charming painting of a dapper cat was created by my dear friend, Dinah Kertz. With its whimsical style and personality, it stands out as one of my favorite pieces from her collection.
 

Cabin Pressure

Costa Maya

The morning sun casts a golden glow over the cruise port in Costa Maya, gently breaking through the soft veil of clouds. As its rays touch the surface, the water below shimmers in a rich, deep blue—creating a serene and picturesque start to the day.

Ring of Dolphins

This captivating statue in Cozumel features a graceful ring of dolphins, frozen mid-leap in an elegant display of motion and unity. It stands as a striking tribute to the vibrant marine life that defines and surrounds this island paradise.

Joe Pool

The waves of Joe Pool Lake, just outside of Dallas, TX, gently beat against the shore, their rhythmic motion creating a calming, almost meditative sound. The water rolls in with a quiet persistence, shaping the landscape with every ebb and flow. It’s a peaceful scene, where nature’s steady pulse contrasts with the bustling city not far away, reminding you of the quiet power of the water.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

SS Hurricane Camille

I’ve written about the SS Hurricane Camille before, but this time I decided to take a deeper look at the tug over the years. Washed ashore during Hurricane Camille in 1969, the vessel became a well-known Gulfport, Mississippi landmark, a rusting reminder of what was once thought to be a once-in-a-lifetime storm. For decades, it stood as a silent witness to the power of nature. But in 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and in the wake of that destruction, the storied tug was finally scrapped — closing the chapter on a symbol of survival and storm-battered resilience.

My grandmother, mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins stand in front of the SS Hurricane Camille in 1969.

Here is one from the Early 90's of me, my sister and parents in nearly the same location.  

Another one from the late 90s with me, my sister, mom, and a family friend.  

This one I took in the early 2000's prior to Katrina.  

One taken about 6 months after Katrina.  

Please excuse the flash — this photo of the plaque was taken before Hurricane Katrina.

This was an experimental photo series I shot in the early 2000s, with the idea of developing the film and assembling the images like a puzzle — this was the final result. 

Entering the Scene

 Descending gracefully toward DFW Airport, this UPS cargo plane makes its approach, entering the scene with purpose and precision. Its arrival marks just one moment in the constant rhythm of air traffic that keeps the nation's packages moving swiftly across the skies.

Dove

Perched quietly in a tree, nestled among a web of tangled branches, the dove regards me with quiet curiosity. Its steady gaze feels both gentle and inquisitive, as if trying to understand the presence of an unexpected observer in its peaceful world.

Ave Maria, Gratia Plena…

A Little Spirit

Pushed back from the gate and ready for departure, this Spirit Airlines flight stands poised to whisk its passengers away to destinations unknown. With engines humming and the runway in sight, the journey ahead promises adventure, whether it’s a familiar return or an exciting new chapter waiting to unfold.

USS Missouri

Constructed at the height of World War II, the USS Missouri holds a significant place in history as the site where Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945, effectively bringing the global conflict to an end. Following her pivotal role in the war, she was later transformed into a museum ship, preserving her legacy for future generations. Remarkably, the Missouri was reactivated decades later, serving once again during the Gulf War before being decommissioned for the final time. Today, she rests in honored retirement at Pearl Harbor, standing as a powerful symbol of American naval history and resilience.

Good Mom

This nostalgic photo, taken in 1994, captures my beloved childhood dog, Shadow, with her first litter of puppies. Two of those pups would go on to become cherished companions throughout my childhood, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Shadow was an incredibly attentive mother, always caring for her puppies with tenderness and devotion. Beyond that, she was a wonderful companion, bringing warmth and loyalty to our home every day.

 

Scenic Surprise

 

Scenic wonders can be found in the most unexpected places, if you take the time to look. These particular ducks, calmly gliding across a small pond tucked behind a rest area on the way to Houston, are a perfect example. It’s a quiet, serene moment that many might overlook, yet it holds its own beauty. The stillness of the water, the peaceful movement of the ducks, and the simple yet soothing scene create a reminder that nature has a way of surprising you—even in the midst of a busy journey.

 Also linked to: Sunday Best.

Geometric

When you arrive at the GeO-Deck of Reunion Tower, one of the first things you'll notice is the unique interior design—the walls are adorned with geometric shapes that are backlit and constantly shifting in color. The subtle, ever-changing glow adds a dynamic and modern touch to the space.

Though the design is relatively simple, it’s a surprisingly captivating feature that complements the futuristic feel of the landmark and enhances the overall experience.

Dallas

Reunion Tower offers an incredible vantage point of the Dallas skyline—one that feels straight out of the iconic opening sequence from the classic TV show Dallas. Standing up there, you can truly appreciate the scale and character of the city.

Although my visit happened to fall on a cloudy day, the view was still absolutely stunning. The low-hanging clouds added a dramatic, almost cinematic feel to the landscape. That said, I’d love to return on a clear day to see the skyline in all its sunlit glory.