Project 365 d-158

     Went on a wild goose chase these evening trying to get my youngest to her softball game. On the way there; I spied many interesting things that would make great subject matter for today's photo. It was a road that I had not been down in a very long time, and I was excited at the thought of fresh photo opportunities. When my Father, my daughter and me pulled into the parking lot next to the diamond, we found it pull of boys. There weren't any girls to be found. "They must have made a mistake on the schedule." , I said out loud. My little athlete began to whimper and was getting anxious about being late. "I don't want to be the last one there Daddy!" , she protested. "We'll figure it out sweetheart, not to worry." , I reassured her. I began to make phone calls to try and determine what was going on. but was unable to reach anyone that could tell me for sure where her game really was. Not wanting to sit there much longer, we decided to go back the way we came and check the only other places we thought it might be.

     The sky began to look like angry and brooding as we drove. Just as we got to the next town; I saw this wonderful silo standing erect against the gray late afternoon sky. When we figured out where the game was I knew that I would be back to get up close and photograph it. With a quick stop at the next ball diamond, we discovered it wasn't there either, so back on the road we went. There was only one more place that it could be, and I hoped it would soon be settled as I needed to get to that silo before it was too late. Pulling into the last little town, I was relieved to see familiar uniforms moving around the on the field. As we came to a stop in the parking lot my daughter bolted from her seat toward her team-mates with her gear in tow. I explained to my Father that I needed to photograph for about a half hour. He said OK, and headed for the bleachers to watch the game.

     As fast as I could go, I willed myself to get back to that silo and photograph it with the moody sky above it. It was my turn to bolt from the vehicle and I did just that. It looked even more amazing up close and I immediately began to photograph it. It could just have well have been a remnant of a Medieval castle still standing after many battles. Though scarred, and broken it was still determined to stand against in spite all that had been thrown against it. This was a moment to cherish. It was quiet, and I could feel that secret place inside of my soul that gets its nourishment from art filling up. Just being there in front of the right subject at the right time is a priceless feeling. I took some courage and strength from this tower. After all, I was still standing too. A bit broken, with some scars, but still standing none the less. As for the many days of photographing left to complete my project; I will remember this silo, and I will continue to stand till the end.

Happy Shooting.