Days 316-317: Night of Hope, Day of Renewal

This weekend finally arrived … and passed too quickly. I was so looking forward to the Night of Hope – a Pancreatic Cancer Action Network gala – 1) because it was our first time attending a gala, and 2) the cause is close to my heart. My aunt passed away from pancreatic cancer last July, just 8 months after being diagnosed. Since then I’ve met so many people who have been affected by this horrible disease. It was a roller coaster of emotions; it was fun to dress up and get a fancy hotel room, but it was also incredibly touching to witness the Vigil for Hope, where everyone lit purple lights in memory of their loved ones.

A view of Liberty Memorial from our hotel room before the gala.
As my aunt’s name appeared on the screen, the entire venue was lit in purple for the Vigil of Hope.
The day after the gala we walked around Liberty Memorial and Union Station. We even laid down on the lawn for a while, just to relax!

Day 305: Go Chiefs?

I may not be a huge football fan, but I am proud of the Kansas City Chiefs after their Monday Night Football win against the Chargers, ranking them first in the division. I think I got that right. I guess someone (or lots of someones) was even more excited than I was – this downtown building was lit up in Chiefs colors Tuesday morning.

Red and yellow lights shine atop a Kansas City building; maybe they’re Chiefs fans?

Day 290: NEXT Worship Service

Yesterday our church, Platte Woods United Methodist, launched a new contemporary evening worship service. I’ve always enjoyed the organ and traditional hymns since that’s what I grew up with, but the rock band went above and beyond my expectations. This service is going to be a great place for believers, doubters, and everyone in between to come together to discuss and celebrate Christ. If you live in North KC and are looking for a church home, I invite you to give this service a try.

Guitarist and singer Micah leads the NEXT worship community in song.

Day 288-289: “Your feet only hurt cause you’re kickin’ so much butt”

The last couple of days I didn’t have a lot of time for creative photography, but I didn’t forget to take photos. Yesterday evening we went to a Health Expo to pick up our packets for the KC Marathon. And this morning, Jerod, his brother Jacob, and I ran our first half marathon. I was overwhelmed with all the support along the route – cheering spectators, encouraging signs, and an array of bands. One of my favorite signs read, “Your feet only hurt ’cause you’re kickin’ so much butt!”

Hundreds of headbands and other running gear was for sale yesterday at the Health Expo.
Jerod and Jacob still look cheerful even after 13.1 miles.

Day 282: Love Is In The Air

Here are a few sneak peek photos from Saturday’s engagement photo shoot with Jennifer & Brian at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I’ve known Jennifer since 5th grade, but it was great to finally meet Brian and see how happy they are together. And despite what they may say, they’re so photogenic!

Brian and Jennifer on the steps of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Jennifer and Brian standing outside the Block Building.
Sitting at the fountain outside the Nelson-Atkins.
Inside one of the famous shuttlecocks at the Nelson-Atkins.
Goofing around just outside the entrance of the Nelson-Atkins.

(For those who don’t know, I do portraits in the Kansas City area. First-time customers can get the sitting fee and a high-res CD for $99.)

Day 273: Grunauer Self-Portrait

Yesterday my parents dropped off a large plant at my office (another blog post on that later) and took me out to eat at Grunauer, a German restaurant in Kansas City. The space was so cool – old hardwood floors, antique furniture, and huge distressed-looking mirrors. (Not sure if I got the terminology right on that one.) I shot a few photos of the space, but I think this self-portrait is the most unique.

A self-portrait at Grunauer restaurant in Kansas City.

Day 271: The Wall

I went on my own personal photo walk during lunch yesterday … which basically means I walked around and took pictures of random things while people looked at me funny. I found out that contrary to popular belief, you can get good photos midday! I ended up with several keepers, but this was one of my favorites.

A vine-covered wall close to my office building in downtown Kansas City.

 

Day 268: A trip to the zoo!

I have friends who are on a mission trip in Mozambique, Africa. When they first arrived a few days ago, they got to go on an African Safari where they saw all kinds of wild animals. As much as I’d love to be with them, this is the closest I’ll get for now – a trip to “Africa” and other part of the world at the Kansas City Zoo. Here are my top five favorite photos of the day. Which one is your favorite?

An elephant marches toward its food.
A lazy gorilla basks in the sunlight.
A lemur poses perfectly for my photo.
Two baboons look on at something with interest.
This bird, maybe some kind of parrot(?), nibbles at a clover.