Road Trips and Rest Stops

Being originally from the flattest of flat portions of this country of ours, I tend to get really excited upon encountering hills. (If you didn't grow up in the Midwest/Planes states, you just won't understand.) This past weekend's road trip through the Appalachians offered 7 hours of mountain geeking out thrills. A quick stop at the Sideling Hill rest stop and a fall photo shoot ensued. A beautiful drive through beautiful country at the most beautiful time of year.

An East Coast Autumn

Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and hay bales. Oh my!

Or in the case of these photos, mill pond and chicken coop.

My first taste of an Atlantic coast fall came hand and hand with pumpkin picking in a Maryland field; it just reminded me of home.

Every Photo Blog Needs Some

Always more breathtaking than what you're able to capture in pixels but it's worth a try. Right? These are from my trip to St. Augustine, Florida this past April and even though the red isn't as vibrant, the warmth is replaced by computer fans and the glow is entirely lost on a screen, it's still a good end to a wonderful weekend. Happy end of summer everyone. Let fall begin.

A Late Summer Chill

The rain that recently filled these cracks of my driveway has since evaporated into the cool summer air; lucky I ventured out when I did. Some last moments of hometown beauty in a typical American suburb before fall and big city moves take center stage.

Tween Fads for One and All

As a 20-something, I see no purpose for the newest fad of Silly Bandz. On my 6 year old cousin, sure, but people my age? Absolutely not. Or at least this is what I thought before a friend of mine impulse bought a Disney Princess set at the local dollar store. Now I know there is a purpose for that ridiculous tangle of rubber; to distinguish your martini from among the masses. Yes ladies and gentlemen, like window clings, these stretchy strings attach to perspiring glasses of the beverage of your choice. (Wine glass charms are a thing of the past.) So thank you creators of Silly Bandz, you kept my drink clearly labeled, safe from swiping, and the center of jovial conversation.

Cheers!

Love and Honor

It seems appropriate on this, the first day of classes for those who were lucky enough to not graduate this past May, to pay homage to my alma mater. For all its twists and turns, I wouldn't change it for the world. After all, there is no more beautiful place in my mind or in my heart.

To think in such a place, I lived such a life.

Love and Honor.

Shanghai 2010 World Expo

We bring my China posts to a close with the Shanghai World Expo aka the Epcot of life, only a million times more amazing. Here are a couple of shots from inside the fraction of country pavilions I made it to during my two days there.

This small city of international celebration was too large for even a person, such as myself, armed with good walking shoes and a Performers' Pass (aka cut to the front of most lines) to get through it all. If you're in the Shanghai area between now and the end of October, I highly recommend going. Prepare to have you mind blown and spirits soar.

Above: Vietnam Pavilion
Right: Italy Pavilion
Above: Germany Pavilion

Above: Morocco Pavilion

Above: Czech Republic Pavilion

Above: Russia Pavilion

Above: UAE Pavilion