Days 253-255: Ten Years Ago…

This weekend everyone was talking about where they were ten years ago during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. I was sitting in junior history class when we first heard the news. The school had just installed controversial TV’s in all the classrooms, and that day was probably the most important day to have them. We still went to all of our classes that day, but we mostly stared at the TV’s in awe and shock. It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years. My heart still goes out to all of those involved. Things have definitely changed over the last ten years.

 

Ten years ago, the Kansas City Power & Light District hadn’t been built. It has really changed the feel of downtown Kansas City.

Friday evening we enjoyed a Happy Hour at Maker's Mark at the P&L District.

 

Ten years ago, this child wasn’t alive. In fact, his parents probably weren’t even dating yet.

My cousin's toddler, Izac, plays basketball during a family get-together on Saturday. We had so much fun spending the day outside & catching up.

 

Ten years ago, the people at Platte Woods United Methodist probably had very different issues on their minds.

In honor of Sept. 11, my church, along with the Methodist churches across Missouri, participated in volunteer projects all weekend long. Our church packed 240,000(!) Numana meals for the 3 million starving people in Colombia, South America.

Day 244: She may not be the President…

… but she’s still famous, at least for Kansas City! Last night we had the pleasure of watching Ida McBeth perform at the Zona Rosa Jazz on the Square concert series. Ida McBeth is a renowned performer at the Blue Room, and I can see why. She has such a strong, full voice, and she’s just full of spirit and energy! I couldn’t pick just one photo. Which is your favorite?

Ida McBeth performs at Zona Rosa Jazz on the Square, Sept. 1, 2011.
Ida McBeth and her band performs at Zona Rosa Jazz on the Square, Sept. 1, 2011.
Ida McBeth performs at Zona Rosa Jazz on the Square, Sept. 1, 2011.

By the way, I do have a friend who was lucky enough to photograph the president when he came to Joplin this spring after the tornado.

Day 241: Reflections

I love this time of year when it starts to cool off, especially when I get the chance to go outside during the work day. Jerod and I met for lunch at a downtown park yesterday, and this building was part of our view.

A building in downtown Kansas City, Mo. reflects the sky and nearby buildings.

Day 178: Rain, rain, go away

Yesterday morning started out with strong thunderstorms and eery-looking clouds, then the sun shone for just a bit, but then back to more clouds. I’m sure all this rain isn’t helping the nearby floods.

Eery clouds over downtown Kansas City.

Days 154-156: Wet ‘n Wild Weekend

Ok, ok. It may have been more wet than wild. And it may not be summer yet, but it definitely feels like it with the 90 degree temps.

Friday night we went to a Royals game and watched my Alma mater band play the Star Spangled Banner. We enjoyed the $1 peanuts and hotdogs, free fireworks display, and this lighted fountain. Actually, I think we enjoyed all of that more than watching the Royals lose.
On Saturday we walked around at the Zona Rosa shopping center for a while, but like the kid slashing in the fountain, we found it too hot to stay outside very long.
Sunday afternoon we beat the heat by going to the pool. Everyone else had the same idea too, but they were obviously having a good time.

Day 125: The Strangest Show on Earth

Last night my mom and I went to the Aluminum Show. It was so strange that it’s almost hard to explain. Actors danced and drummed using recycled industrial aluminum. It even had a storyline about a little aluminum creature that got separated from his parents and eventually found his way back. It was actually very artistic, the dancers were super talented, and there was lots of audience interaction. Unfortunately photography wasn’t allowed during the show, but they definitely provided unique photo opportunities afterward!


Canon 60d
1/60 sec., f/4.0, ISO 1600
18-200 mm lens (35 mm), ambient light

Day 113: One Step At a Time

My aunt Jill passed away from pancreatic cancer last July. So when my family heard about the first pancreatic cancer PurpleStride 5k in Kansas City, we jumped on board. We ran, walked, raised money, and volunteered at the event. It was a huge success, drawing 1100 participants and raising over $97,000! This photo is what it’s all about – the survivors. Out of 1100 people, there were only eight survivors. Eight. There have been almost no advancements in pancreatic cancer in the last 40 years, and the five-year survival rate is only 4%. Hopefully with passionate people like those we celebrated with Saturday morning, those numbers will start to change.


Canon 60d
1/400 sec., f/4.0, ISO 200
18-200 mm lens (28 mm), natural light