Our Angel on Earth

Our Angel on Earth, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

My sister has a calming,comforting and nurturing spirit. She has the ability to reassure my father in his times of confusion and frustration. She has been an Angel to see over him and care for him.

Zita, I don't know where he, I or the rest of the family would be without you. May God Protect You All Of Your Days.

Did I mention she is an Attorney, Former Nurse(MSN) and an Ordained Minister.

John Henry turns around

John Henry turns around, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

For anyone that thinks prayers and positive energy have no influence on outcomes, needed to see my dad yesterday.

This is a picture of him feeding himself. He has the lust for life again. He is claiming his plans for his 100th Birthday Party 15 years from now.

I can't imagine those in this life that have no hope in the face of crisis and have no where to draw strength.

A Smoke for My Dad

A smoke for my Dad, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

My dad said his goodbye's today. His condition hasn't changed much. Not sure whats happening with his spirit but. he said he has made peace with the Alpha and the Omega.

He had all of his children by his side tonight. Before arriving at the hospital I stopped by the Basilica and prayed, lit a candle and got some holy water.

Before leaving the hospital I anointed his head and chest with the holy water. We joined hand in hand and prayed around his bed. My eldest sister and eldest brother lead us in prayer.

After we prayed he insisted that we anoint our hands with the water. He sent us on our way, not wanting anyone to stay with him.

My dad is not only my dad but somewhere along the way we became best friends, sharing life trials, tribulations and happiness. We talked about anything and everything openly and honestly.

So tonight pop, I smoked for you. I know you are "Jones'n" for a smoke. I had a drink from the bottle of Bushmills Malt we shared our last drink from together.

We have had a great time together. If you have heard your call home go with peace.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Nauda @ DC Social Shoot

Nauda @ DC Social Shoot
Originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel)

My first experience with producing a video led me to use the recent photos from the DC Social Shoot. There was and still is much debate on Flickr as to video degrading the site into another youtube. But I think the use of high quality photos to produce videos is just another creative expression.
(http://marrngtn.blogspot.com/2008/04/nauda-dc-social-shoot.html)

Spring 2008 Cherry Blossoms

Up Close and Personal, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

The Japanese Cherry Blossoms have come to the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. The annual flowering of the trees brings thousands of visitors and photographers out to enjoy their beauty. Since the rain of the last few days has battered the blossoms we will have to await their return next year. I thought I would share a couple of the nicest captures this year with my internet audience.

Blossoms with DOF, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

 

Tiger Shot @ DCist Photo Shoot

Tiger Shot @ DCist Photo Shoot, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

Had my first studio shoot today. Got to take some amazing pictures. This picture is all about the fun that we had today. Twenty photographers from DCist took part in the shoot with five models.

Learned and lot and had a great time.

See the work at here.

Violation of Constitutional First Amendment Rights

Violation of Constitutional First Amendment Rights, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

This evening I was going to go south bound through the Fort McHenry
Tunnel in Baltimore, Maryland. I saw the setting sun and thought what
a great Sunset.

I exited on Keith Avenue and stopped on the Exit Ramp to capture a
quick photo. I thought this is really busy right here so let me go
and find a safe location. So I went and took the Clinton Street turn
off and drove along the water and stopped to take some pictures.

Thats when a private security guard stated that I had to delete the
pictures from my camera because this was a "Foreign Trade Zone." I told
her that the street is public property and that I have a right to
photograph from the Street and that she should call the Baltimore City
Police. I photographed her ID once she showed it so that there wont
be any questions. I also got the tag number of MD 958M676 of the private security vehicle.

This country is going to hell in a hand basket. Since when do we have
guards with no police powers harassing citizens. When did the Taliban take over America. This is an outrage.

Nobody Moves Nobody Gets Hurt!

Nobody Moves Nobody Gets Hurt!, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

A true eating experience. This is a 5 topping pizza cooked in a coal fired oven @ Lombardi's in NYC. I got extra mozzarella, panceta, sweet Italian sausage, pepperoni and wild mushrooms.

Candles for Prayers

Candles and Prayers, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

This morning I went to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to pray for my family and close friends.

I find that morning meditation to be a cleansing and purifying force in my life. It is with a grateful and humble heart that I ask that my family and friends be surrounded by Angels.

The thought that was left with me after this mornings meditation was:

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:6

Ocean City and Assateague Island National Seashore

Pentax Self Portait, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

Ocean City, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

Enjoyed a full day of picture taking.

Started at 6AM This morning with a walk on the board walk.
The sunrise was MIA behind the clouds. But, I would not be
denied a day of fantastic photos.

I arrived at the inlet at about 11:30AM and began to take a
series of pictures that culminated with a trip down to
Assateague Island National Seashore.

I hope you enjoy the pictures from today as much I enjoyed taking them.

Looking Back On Good Times

Looking Back On Good Times, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

When times get ruff,
You better have some good times
To look back on.

Seated at the Bar in DC

Halloween @ Capital City Brewery, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

The more I look at this shot the more I really like the perspective. The glass and the Campari in Red are so eye catching.

My New Flickr Friend Mofo

My New Flickr Friend Mofo, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

Had a great Halloween in DC with Mo from Flickr.



Mo is a wonderful person full of life and energy, it was a real pleasure taking her on a mini tour of DC during her visit here. We went to the Vietnam and Lincoln Memorial for a photo opportunity. After some good photos we went over to the Capital City Brewery by Union Station. We ate and took some funny photos that I hope you enjoy.

World War II Memorial @ Night

 

Missing the Sunshine

 
 
 

It has been raining for the last three days, I understand that it hadn't rained for the prior 33 days, you never miss the sunshine in your life until you don't have it.

Morning Sun Shots

Morning Sun Shots, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

While caring for my dad here in JAX, I went out to energize my batteries with the morning sunrise. It was awesome.

 
I am really working to improve my night time images. I think this set is showing marked improvement. I am holding the camera a lot steadier and adjusting my aperture and shutter priority.

Music On The Square @ Fell's Point

Music On The Square @ Fell's Point, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

I’m sitting here at my desk and thinking of how great it was to be outside and listen to the music. I’m gonna get out of here shortly and do something to make me smile.

The Rays Streak Across The Sky

The Rays Streak Across The Sky, originally uploaded by marrngtn (Manuel).

Caught on 07-07-07 and thought I would share.....

Linux Newbie Guide by Stan, Peter and Marie Klimas

Linux Newbie Guide by Stan, Peter and Marie Klimas

Cool Site for Unix Newbie Information.