Atlanta

Atlanta had many beautiful experiences to offer: My first business trip with DRIP, getting to see The Blue Man Group in the Fox Theater, helping Mariko facilitate Master Classes at the Core Dance Studio. That entire trip was absolutely wonderful in many different ways.

One of our adventures in Atlanta involved going to the aquarium. I brought my camera and allowed my inner observationalist to step into the light.

This image is of a tank that is actually on the ceiling and wraps around the room. Sunlight was able to streak through the water creating an elegant shift from blue to gold. 

The Atlanta Aquarium is home to two albino alligators. Its white skin cuts through the dark landscape like a knife. Its stillness betrays its danger. 

The other alligator was much closer to the glass and I was able to get a better look. Something about the skin being so light made the texture stand out even more. 

This little girl's name was Ruth. I was sitting in that dark window looking at the piranhas when she crawled up next to me. She asked me some questions about my camera and then asked me to take a picture of her in front of the glass, which I did. We finished chatting and I crawled out of the space to go to the next exhibit. When I turned around I saw her curled up in the little nook gazing intently at the fish. I loved the way the light from the tank made her visible in the dark. I think this one came out better than the original one she asked me to take.

When I came up to the Beluga exhibit they were very active. They were swimming around each other and kept interacting in a way that felt like they were in a heated conversation. I took several photos of them, but this one was my favorite. Their playfulness and graceful curves really give this photograph a unique character.

In this tropical tank full of color I was able to spot one tiny, isolated sea horse. 

Jelly Fish don't even look like they should be alive, and yet they move with their own undeniable pulse. Pushing up slow and steady to reach for the light or drifting almost motionless with the current, they move with a grace that is uniquely theirs. The Pacific Sea Nettle is extremely toxic, yet in the the light of the tank manages to live in a kind of angelic awe. 

The Atlanta Aquarium is the only aquarium outside of Asia to house Whale Sharks. They have two males and two females each about 30 feet in length. I didn't know that they were going to be in that exhibit until I saw them drift over me like rain clouds. They actually block out the light from above. 

Two people enjoying the effortless gliding of a manta ray. 

One of Atlanta's office buildings. I love the form and shape of the structure as you look up at it from such a close perspective. 

I liked the look of this tree in front of a building disappearing in the January fog. 

Mariko on the subway to one of her Master Classes. She was taking notes and preparing for her students.

The Road to Greater Things

I was driving up to Atlanta on my first DRIP business trip with Jen and Mariko. I had been up early that morning so I spent most of the ride up sleeping in the back seat. The combination of being a light sleeper and being excited about the trip only allowed me to sleep in spurts. Most of the scenery was forests or flat pastures, but at one point I woke up to a large cityscape.

"What city is this?" I asked sleepily
"Welcome to Jacksonville!" Mariko replied cheerfully

I looked out the window at the rolling landscape of twisted highways, concrete, and glass. The heavy fog from the rain hung thick in the air.  I've never been to Jacksonville before. I sat up and tried to take in everything I could from the car. The architecture, the streets, the overall look of the city. My eyes darting back and forth as we zip across the interstate.

We move on to Atlanta and leave Jacksonville behind. My eyes start to get heavy again. I pull my jacket up over me like a blanket and snuggle back into the seat. I listen to Jen and Mariko discuss upcoming DRIP business. I think about us taking this big step forward to expand our horizons and teach classes in Atlanta. New roads, new cities, new adventures. These women make me feel like driving eight hours in the rain is just one more path on the road to success.

I watch the trees and the rain droplets move across my window like a shower of shooting stars. I can't wait to see what Atlanta holds for us.

Red Light, Green Light

Another example of my photography skills behind the wheel.

I was stopped at a red light in the Thornton Park area and I noticed the tree across the street. I thought it would make an interesting picture. I still had my camera out when the light turned green and I snapped another photograph. It is interesting how a small change in color can affect the mood of the image. A sign of brighter days ahead I suppose.

Ice Sculptures

So, there I was in the kitchen getting myself a drink. I put some ice in a cup, poured some water in, and went into the living room. I took a sip, then walked into my bedroom. When I came back a few minutes later I couldn't help but notice the way the ice cubes had aligned themselves in the glass. Along with the condensation and the light coming through the blinds I thought it made a lovely picture. 

I few months later I was fixing another glass of water for myself.  The ice cubes were stuck together and I ended up grabbing more than I had intended. 

They created this motionless wave creeping up to the rim of the glass. I couldn't help enjoying how unique that moment was, so I took a picture. 

Even the simplest of things can be beautiful. Enjoy the view more often.