Back Down the Rails

Down the Rails, originally uploaded by ChronoCapture.

Is blogging right for me? I'm not really sure. I have tried several times in the past, but was unsuccessful. I think I entertained a lot of you with my rants and tangents, but did it matter? I have already proved several times that I cannot keep to a strict goal or schedule. Does anyone want to keep hearing about my boring life? No kids, same old job, married life with no kids, blah... blah... blah...

I am going to give it another go, but with no strings attached. No daily, weekly, monthly requirements. Just throw down what I can, when I can.

Also, I am going to try and blog about my photography as much as possible. I really enjoy taking pictures of stuff and want to do it more and get better at it. The problem is, I take a lot of photos, but then never share them. I intern get no feedback, compliments or criticism. I am a glutton for comments and feedback. Good, bad or neutral, I don't really care. Not sure why I care, but I do. Maybe it is what I need to motivate me to continue this hobby and take it to the next level. I already have the full support of my wife, but am looking for more fans.

I also like to write. I am not sure if I am any good at it, but it is something I enjoy. I like to make people laugh. If it is at my own expense, all the better. I just like to see people happy and living life to the fullest. If this little venture brings us both some joy, then I will keep it going.

So enough about that, please continue to follow my corner of the world. No promises, but I hope to make you laugh and give you something fun to look at, whenever I get the chance.

I told you so...

See, I told you that New Years resolutions were pointless. Okay, I did not keep my word on posting a picture everyday. I am actually already 11 days behind. Oh well. I will do my best going forward.

So, this is the new 2009 Calendar my wife bought me. What a nice wife I have. Yep, I like birds. Instead of coming up with resolutions, what about coming up with goals? My goal for this year, involving birds, is to photograph 100 different species of birds. They don’t have to be remarkable photos, just ones that I can clearly identify the bird. I already have some birds from this past weekend that will kick off my list. I am hoping this is not too lofty of a goal, but I don’t think it should be too far off.

Wish me luck.

Auld Lang Syne

Nope, I didn't forget. The crew on New Years Eve. May 2009 be a great year. Love you all and hope you had a safe and happy holiday.

Like a kid again

© Matt McQuillan 2008
Nikon D80

I hate winter! No wait, I utterly LOATH winter. I can’t stand the cold, the snow, the dark and the all around craptastic-fullness of this season. I could go on and on and have written several great rants in the past about the winter. I will spare you any further whining and share with you my new ally in the battle against this sinister beast. What is it you ask?

My new waterproof boots! Yep, boots. I don’t know what it is about having warm dry feet that makes all the difference in surviving the winter. Yeah, they may look like moon boots or galoshes for adults, but it is well worth a little bit of friendly shoe-drobe criticism. I think of them as my snow going tank treds. No longer do I fear stepping in that puddle or snow bank. The one that will get my feet wet causing countless hours of freezing misery. I have even been shrugging off wearing a coat, because these boots are so warm. No, I can’t crawl into them and warm up my whole body, but the amazing -40 below Thinsulate® lining keeps the cold from sneaking in through my feet. I also get to sing a little Mr. Rogers tune as I change my shoes when I get to work. My wife also got some. She looks a lot better in them than me.

If winter is consuming your soul (no pun intended), then I suggest a great pair of winter boots.

Mine are Kamik ® - Wausau ® (Men) and you can see some great pictures of them here.

And so it begins...

© Matt McQuillan 2008
Nikon D80 – AF-S Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8G ED
Ap Priority – f/8 – 1/60 sec. – ISO-100 (No Post Editing)

Hello one and all. It is your old friend (at least I hope we are still friends). I am trying once again to BLOG. Not just BLOG, but Photo-BLOG and of the likes I have never done before. See, I am very lazy, as many of you already know. I am looking for any excuse, going into this New Year, to get off my lazy butt and do something. I spend too much time watching TV, playing on the computer and working. My body and mind just can’t take it anymore. I also have a fairly expensive camera and a desire to better my photography skills. I am not one to make New Years resolutions and they usually do not aspire to anything. Just hanging onto a date at the beginning of the year and thinking it will carry you to self change nirvana; is not the best way to get things done. You have to want to do it. Yes good people, I want to do it. I am currently watching several friends and family members change themselves and I want to ride the same happy train to happy town. WOO-WOO!

So, without further ado, I give you The Quotidian Photo Depository. A place I can share my daily thoughts and photos. Yes, daily photos. A very tall order I know, but hey this thing (Nikon D80) cost a pretty penny and should be put to good use. It will also give me a chance to rant more, just like my past BLOGs. So, sit back and enjoy. Please freely share your thoughts, feedback and encouragement. I know I can surely use it.