Tom Tidball Blog

ON A QUEST...

2012-01-24T22:25:00.000-08:00

In search of the illusive Wild Pink Dolphin...

We pulled anchor bright and early, leaving the cozy confines of Kalpitiya on the Northwest coast of Sri Lanka, and headed out into the open sea waters of the Dutch Bay. Having been promised 'thousands of pink dolphins', after two hours of bruising, bottom busting in choppy waters we gave up the search. It wasn't our day...We didn't find what we were looking for, but did not despair. We kept our hopes up and faith alive and were miraculously deposited in a garden of delight (coral that is), the impressive Bar Reef.
No dolphins this time, but we did come across a lovely Wild Pink Duwa...

Jacques le Harley the Aqua Monk

In troubled water and turbulent times, you turn to see who's still with you and still smiling...

I have nothing but affection for those who dare to sail with me...
in this till the end...
Tom

THE NOTHING MAN...

2012-01-18T23:34:00.000-08:00

I heard of a man who lived on the coast in a time when every word had meaning and none of them fell to the ground...when it did make a difference what one believed. Truth was not obscure and wasn't subject to men's opinions.
Those days it wasn't such a struggle to be alive and to find purpose in living.
He was not carefree but was free to care and he did...a lot.
One day, all the ships stopped coming in and he made it his business to do something about it...
Tom

UNFADING BEAUTY...

2012-01-11T04:43:00.000-08:00

A friend recently told me that I always seems to be around beautiful women. He was teasing of course, but I took the opportunity to tell him that beauty is in the eye (heart) of the beholder. You've gotta have an eye for it. I believe it's a gift...something about being attentive and appreciative.

I think it was Mr. Twain who said all women are beautiful, especially the older ones...

And the ones who gracefully embrace the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit...Ooo la la!!!

The most beautiful of all came to me in a dream the other night...

She approached me and took me in a deep embrace...and, I wouldn't let her go. Nothing was said, but everything was understood...and I mean EVERYTHING! I miss her so much, still here in time on this side.

There was a wise man once who said, the more the words, the less the meaning...

I tend to agree.

nuff said,

Tom

LIFE IS FOR...

2012-01-04T02:33:00.000-08:00

Sriyani and I took a New Year's jaunt down South of Colombo to see what was happening at the Hikkaduwa beach...

Hanging out with my island girl at the Drunken Monkey... Now, that's what I call...

We went for an evening walk down the beach as the sun was setting and surfers were calling it a day. We parked ourselves on the sand next to this sign which I liked a lot. It became an interesting prop and the time turned magical...

She still loves me, which is great!

My advice for 2012... Stay close to the ones who love you sincerely, especially the One from whom all blessings flow. It could be a rough ride, but He makes all things right in the end, and for now, life worth...

Hearty blessings to all for 2012,
Tom and Sriyani

THE SMILELAND...

2011-12-16T15:44:00.000-08:00

Sri Lanka has long been known as the country of smiles. Natasha is a great example and reason for many...

See you soon,
Tom

MY HOMIES...

2011-12-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

We are soon heading back to Sri Lanka to be with family for the holidays...
Looks like my homies are missing me...

See you soon, fellas...
Uncle Tom

LINCOLN TODAY...

2011-11-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

Once every year we publish this guide to good living magazine featuring the city of Lincoln in Nebraska. 2012 is the 20th edition. Here is a look at the cover and the page advertising my website.

Thanks to Sriyani. She always does a nice job...and to Rayna. Thanks also to Subha, Courtney, Standing Bear and of course, Abraham... all inspirators,
Tom

THEY SAY YOU CAN'T SHOOT THE WIND...

2011-11-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

sure you can...

At least I shoot the breeze a lot...
Here is Courtney just before she blew away.
I love it when things come together...
Here are a few pix (composites) I managed to bring together for nice effects... This is Howard Wolf surveying the herd.

...and a couple with Nadeeka advertising the business.
She always makes it sparkle!

It's all about coming together,
If you like this kind of thing, contact me to schedule a shoot...
Tom

MY HERO...

2011-10-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

...my Dad

Here is a photo of my father, John L Tidball, posing in front of the B25 bomber he piloted out of the Aleutian Islands during WW2. (I didn't shoot the picture.) Part of 'The Greatest Generation', he and many like him were responsible for the liberation of many countries and the freedoms we've enjoyed since those days. We just celebrated my Dad's 90th birthday!
We all salute you, Dad...
It's been a great ride!
Thanks again for your sacrifices and all you've done...
And, a special thanks from me for coming home...
Tom

FUN WHILE IT LASTED...

2011-09-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

...so, I sez to the kid...I sez, I don't doubt you can climb out there, but are you sure you can get back?
Kids these days! They just won't listen...
Tom

THE OUTER MAN...

2011-09-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

"...unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit." Yah Shua
One drop...
One stop...
Tom

DOES SWEET COUNT???

2011-08-31T16:58:00.000-07:00

If so, Stephanie's the winner!

Stephanie Siriwardhana is the reigning Miss Sri Lanka. She'll be competing in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the title of Miss Universe on Sept 12. She is a stunning beauty for sure, but having spent a little time with her recently, it's easy to see her beauty radiates from the inside. She is a real genuine person and a great ambassador for the island. Here are a few pix from our little photo shoot we did together. You can see what I mean...

Good Luck, Stephanie!
I hope you win it all...
Tom

WOULD YOU TAKE A CHECK?

2011-08-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Steve!!!

With an awesome stretch run finish, Steve Friesen ran away from the field, recently finishing 1st at the Nationwide Tour event, the 22nd annual Price Cutter Charity Championship in Springfield, Missouri (26 under par...not bad!).
On his whirlwind tour, Steve made a quick stop in Lincoln to celebrate with family and friends. Here he is posing with Chiho, his lovely new bride and his big check for his efforts.
See you on the big tour next summer, Steve and blessings to you and Chiho for all your days ahead. You're off to a great start!
Couldn't happen to a nicer or more well deserving guy...
Keep it rolling, Steve...
Tom

SHE'LL TAKE YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO...

2011-08-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

Rosie is the best darn tour guide in Malaysia!
She knows her stuff, knows how to get you there and back and is a whole lotta fun along the way!
That's all I'm sayin'...
Tom

YOGIC HINDOO TEMPLE MONKEY...

2011-08-09T03:18:00.000-07:00

Keep your balance and remember to always use a spotter...
Tom

OK, OK... I LOVE THE GIRLS, TOO

2011-07-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Before breaking huddle a few days ago, we put our heads together for this group pic of the family. I set the 10 sec timer and circled my way into position. Good thing we pulled it off in 10 seconds. That's probably an all-time record for us sitting this close together before the sparks start flying. I thought I'd post this as a tribute to a great family I'm so happy to be part of, and as a record of how we still seem to like each other's company.
Don't worry... I'm not turning my blog into a family photo album.
I just thought the girls should be included. Aren't they pretty! (Sriyani and Subha) And, where would we be without them?

Love's enough,
Tom

I LOVE THESE GUYS...

2011-07-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

...my three sons, Luke, Rama & Govinda

During the recent special occasion of Subha's wedding in Gallerate, I had the rare opportunity of hanging with my boys in the streets of Italy... places we'd heard of but never visited together...like Venice, Milano, Murano and Burano with spots in between (lots of others ending in 'o'). I think the guys got a bit tired of me doing the tourist thing, asking them to pose all along the way... but hey, life is short and who knows if we'll ever pass this way again. I couldn't ask for better sons or mates to ride this trail with. Here are a few of our pic stops...

A photo tip... I always consider my background first, being ever mindful of the setting and angle of light. You can always position your models or do your little dance to align things just the way you want. That's what the legs are for.

Luke just turned 21, so now we're 4 men...boys to men. At least we're working in that direction, me lagging a bit at times, but trying to keep pace...

...funny how the bullies quit kicking sand in my face at the beach!

...and then there were four. Welcome to the tribe, Matteo.
Tom

CONGRATULATIONS SUBHA e MATTEO!!!

2011-07-08T02:17:00.000-07:00

Beautiful couple, beautiful day, beautiful Italian wedding...

It was difficult for me being father of the bride and wedding photographer, but here is a quick shot I snatched of Subha and her new Italian family... Matteo with his mother and father, Ambrogina and Giuseppe Grassi, truly wonderful people. What a blessing!

Here is to many happy days together...
You are off to a good start...
Tom

SUBHA e MATTEO retreat to the beach...

2011-06-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

...to discuss details of upcoming wedding

all the best, you two...
Tom

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE MASTER...

2011-06-20T03:44:00.000-07:00

Luke generously agrees to reveal one of his secret, ancient finger tricks...

Impressive!
thanks, Luke...
Tom

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FU-UN...

2011-06-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

On the Trincomalee Beach in Sri Lanka, Jenni and Anna are considering going wild...
That's all I'm sayin'...
Tom

HUSKERS ON THE MOVE...

2011-06-08T01:38:00.000-07:00

Sriyani and I just wrapped up a wonderfilled time leading nine college students from the University of Nebraska on a three week tour of Asia, emphasizing writing and photographic skills. We blasted off Stateside, whizzed through London then invested quality time in Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Though we visited newspapers, ad agencies and tour promoters along the way, frolicking on the East Coast beaches of Sri Lanka and mingling with elephants were the consensus favorite activities. All students posted personal blogs describing their adventures. Meet our traveling partners and visit their blogsites to get a glimpse of life in Asia through their Midwestern eyes...

Paige Cornwell

http://paigecornwell.tumblr.com/

Trevor Hall

http://trevorhallproductions.tumblr.com/

Ben Kreimer

http://ferallife.wordpress.com/

Jenni Schroeder
http://jenwoohoo.tumblr.com/

Calvin Dreyhttp://calvindrey.tumblr.com/

AnnaWoita http://annawoita.tumblr.com/

Frank Wandersee http://wanderseeabroad.tumblr.com/

ChristinaRodriguez

http://seemeontheothersideofth eworld.tumblr.com/

Hillary Vrana

www.hillaryvrana.blogspot.com

Great time...

Great students...

Everything groovie...

Tom

AMERICAN WOMAN...

2011-05-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

from the heartland...Courtney Lubach, a homegrown beauty!

Courtney and I agreed to help each other out. I needed a model to test out a few of my new lighting setups, and she needed photo assistance to help put her modeling career back on the fast track. We had a great time shooting...lots of fun and great results as you can see.
Thanks also to the expert styling of Kate Stevenson who is always a pleasure to have around, Courtney was looking super the whole time...
See if you agree...

Courtney's got a lot of game, but maybe the best thing about her is her genuine love for the game of baseball...the total package!

You go girl and all the best with your modeling career,

Tom

SUBHA e MATTEO...

2011-05-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

...at the Leaning Tower of Lincoln

Ciao,
Tom

SAYING IT WITH FLOWERS...

2011-04-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

Richard...my muse

Gail and Laurie...heroes of the day!

I recently taught my Spring Shooters photography class how to use flash and slow shutter speeds for interesting effects...thought I'd try it out myself...We'll call this...

FAMILY FUNCTION FILL FLASH FOTO FUN

Tidfest indeed... a great time was had by all !!!
keeping the ball rollin' .........

Tom

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE HEART...

2011-03-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

...the light heart

No matter who is in front of the camera, the goal is always the same...to collect the best possible images under the conditions, and the greatest pleasure for any photographer is when it all 'clicks'.

As a kid I discovered exquisite joy while playing. Those days, my expression was mostly in sports and I honestly wanted to keep it rolling as long as possible.

In the intended order of things, I'm convinced that cultivating and maintaining a 'spirit of play' is one of the high priorities. And, that taking one's self too seriously is a definite deterrent to achieving desired results most of the time...more to do with being totally committed to the moment at hand than with being selfish, immature or irresponsible. After all, where else are you going to meet the great I AM?

Isn't it interesting that 'play' is mostly used referring to games, sports and music? Why can't you play photography, woodworking, plumbing, nursing and other activities as well? It comes down to what you bring to the table...the light heart.

Pardon my ramble... but, speaking about bringing plenty to the table, meet Bianca Iz, another pleasure to work with. (did I say work?)

It all comes together...

It was a good shoot, a good day...
all in the spirit of play.

Nice going Bianca... Iz it is...

If you'd like to see more of Bianca and Nadeeka, go to my website and have a scroll...

http://www.tidballphoto.com/motiongallery/latest.htm

Tom

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT...

2011-03-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

...walking in the light

Occasionally, I have the pleasure of working with top models who really know how to present themselves, confident in front of people and comfortable in the spotlight or in front of the camera.

As I've said before, there is something timeless in the graceful movements of a beautiful woman.

Say hello to Nadeeka Perera.

Oftentimes, natural beauty can be overwhelming. Understandably, in the process of 'getting the shot', certain subtleties can easily be overlooked or never dealt with properly... the quality and angle of light, the ease of the pose, the fluidity of movement and the value of a fleeting expression. For me, that's where the beauty lies. It's a dance, for sure and there is always more going on than meets the eye.

nice job, Nadeeka...

Tom

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT...

2011-01-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

With neighbors like Richard, what's not to love?

Even in times of distress...

He's a friend indeed...

You go, boy!
Here's to you, Richard...

Tom

THREE DAYS IN ITALY...

2011-01-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

Subha e Matteo in Pisa...

Subha e Matteo in Milano...

Subha e Matteo in Gallarate...

Together, you are art...

A great match...

Love makes the world spin...

Congratulations and blessings,

Tom

WATERMELON GIRL...

2010-12-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

HERE'S A SHOUT OUT TO ONE OF THE SWEETEST GIRLS I'VE EVER MET AND TO A REALLY LUCKY GUY...

DARCY AND PAUL,

BLESSINGS FROM ABOVE FOR ALL YOUR DAYS TOGETHER...

TOM

IT'S ONLY A GAME!!!

2010-11-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

I've been known to be occasionally exuberant about the good State of Nebraska, especially over the camaraderie shared by fans of the local college football team. It may look a bit strange from the outside, but that's OK... From my perspective, it has been a shared thing taught by my dad and encouraged throughout the State for generations. When people who don't even know each other are hugging, high fiving and enjoying a unified identity all year long, it just plain feels good.
I've heard many church goers say, if all those people can get so excited about football, why can't we praise God with the same enthusiasm? ...hmmmmm. I'd say if they knew Him, they certainly would. Indeed, even the rocks would cry out! That day is coming...
For now, we thank Yah Veh for all these many blessings, including this great day in the sun...

We just scored!!!

Me and my brothers...

Me and my date...

GO HUSKERS!!!

Tom

WILL WONDERS NEVER CEASE?

2010-10-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Composting the Nebraska way...

On our little road trip through the Sandhills, Sriyani and I were amazed by a not-so-natural phenomenon just outside Alliance in Northwestern Nebraska...
Was it someone's creative car parts junkyard?
Or, was it a really slow motion recycling center?

No, it was Carhenge! Built in 1987 by Jim Reinders with the help of 35 family members to honor his father who had farmed the land where it now stands. Jim's idea was to replicate the layout of the famous Stonehenge in England where he had previously lived and had opportunity to study the ancient ruins...this time using retired vehicles in place of stones. Check it out! We, along with 100,000 visitors from all over the world, were impressed.

Here I am, feeling right at home.

And, here is Sriyani...a long way from home.

We decided to stay until the sun went down, but as it got dark we heard the distant wailing horn of a 1954 Studebaker. We thought it was a good time to move on.

It's the same game...but on another level.

just passing through,

Tom

POW WOW.....

2010-09-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

For me, some of the most visually loaded and exciting events in North America are the traditional Native American Pow Wows. Packed with deep meaning and purpose, these celebrations are terrific to experience. One of the most powerful moments is the opening ceremony, the intertribal grand entry. With voices wailing over the loudspeakers and drums beating out the rhythms, everyone fills the arena in a massive overload of color and camaraderie... a wonderful display of brotherhood and unity. It is awesome to behold!

This summer we made our way to the Pow Wows in Macy and Winnebago. Here are some pix of those times and these beautiful people. To view a few more, please check my website at http://www.tidballphoto.com/motiongallery/latest.htm

Still standing, still looking up and still dancing to the beat of the drum...................

Tom

...SPEAKING OF KILLING FIELDS!!!

2010-08-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

December 29, 1890 is still remembered as one of the darkest days in American history...

At Wounded Knee, South Dakota in the bitter cold of winter, 300 native men, women and children were unnecessarily slaughtered by the US Seventh Calvary. To this day, Wounded Knee symbolizes all the wrongs inflicted on Native Americans through the years, and we continue to marvel at what inspires such cold hearted cruelty...

A solemn cemetery stands at the top of the hill... Many crosses are there also commemorating the One Great Warrior who sacrificed it all, proving that the heart of a true warrior and friend is measured in willingness to lay down his life for the good of the tribe.

At the site, a stone marker stands with the names of some of the fallen inscribed, beginning with Chief Big Foot... (for a closer look, click on the pic)

Having embraced the homeland and being fierce warriors at heart, an impressive number of Native Americans have served under the same flag which flew on that day in the hands of their slayers.

It is most humbling to witness the honor and hero's welcome those who serve in the military receive from their community.

As I was leaving, I spotted two young men on their way home from a basketball tournament. They called themselves the 'Wounded Knee Warriors', the name of their singing group...

...still singing to the beat of the drum

Hoka Hey,

Tom

...THE DARKEST OF NIGHTS

2010-07-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

Cambodia, one of the most horrific modern day examples of a people's government becoming their own worst enemy... in this case displaying the dark side of Communism, indeed the darkest side of human nature.

On April 17, 1975 the Communist Party of Kampuchea took control of Cambodia and ruled tyrannically until January, 1979. Within days of the takeover, they evacuated the entire city of Phnom Pehn, convincing over two million residents that the Americans were going to bomb the city. After being coerced to the countryside, the entire country's population underwent a forced transformation to agricultural work, depriving everyone of all basic human rights. Thousands died who couldn't keep up. Anyone who resisted or in any way represented a threat to the movement was killed. The Khmer Rouge implemented their radical Maoist-Leninist program at this time. They abolished money, free markets, normal schooling, private property, foreign clothes, religious practices and traditional Khmer culture. People were forbidden to show the slightest affection, humor or pity. Nearly, two million people died during the reign of terror by the Khmer Rouge.

We have a hard time comprehending how anyone could exercise such brutality on their own countrymen. Cambodians are still trying to understand just how it all came down and deal with heartache, memories and personal loss.

On our recent trip through the country, we visited the infamous 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Pehn. I asked our guide why they open these sites up to visitors and was told it was to honor those who died here, to serve as a reminder and hopefully deter it from ever happening again. I am sorry for the graphic pictures, but I post them in hope of serving a good purpose...

Choeung Ek Genocidal Center (one of the many 'Killing Fields' in Cambodia) where more than 10,000 were put to death...

One of the few pictures remaining of Pol Pot...

Signs posted on the grounds describing the gruesome events which occurred here...

(click on the pic for a larger version to read the inscriptions)

Here is Sok, one of the grounds keepers speaking to our group. He was part of the crew which initially discovered this particular killing field and excavated the proof. In 1973 he lost part of his right arm in a Khmer Rouge bombing attack in Northern Cambodia.

Bone fragments, teeth and clothing still rise to the surface after heavy rains...

This is Eng Veng, our gracious and informative guide. As a 3 year old boy, he ate rats which his father trapped at night in order to stay alive!

Here he is explaining the layout of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, S-21... A converted high school, it served as a detention-torture prison, the last stop for all prisoners before either a torturous death or being shipped to the killing fields for extermination.

Many pictures of the unfortunate inmates and files were left behind when the authorities had to flee abruptly in 1979...

For he who avenges blood remembers;

he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted...

Ps. 9:12

Tom

OH CAMBODIA.....

2010-07-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Like the wind, we were only passing through...and like a brief wind, probably made little impression, but the people we came across had a profound effect on all of us. Totally unpretentious, these charming natives reflected not only the land they occupy, but the recent history which they've painfully grown out of. Though, in my eyes, they are organically beautiful, humble and unassuming to an extreme, essentially they are survivors. If you detect a hint of sadness in the eyes of these people, it is for good reason which I will share in my next blog post. For now, please enjoy these shots of Cambodian people, and if you would like to see more, please go to my website for a closer look... http://www.tidballphoto.com/motiongallery/latest.htm

They can break your heart and win it at the same time...

God willing, we'll be back,

Tom

CORNHUSKERS IN CAMBODIA...

2010-06-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my last blog, Sriyani and I led a very talented group of students from the University of Nebraska on a recent trip to SE Asia. The emphasis of the trip was on writing and photography. We kicked off our adventure with a short visit to Singapore and finished up in Indonesia, but most of our time was spent touring Cambodia. It was remarkable to see what people notice, how perceptions differ, and how we are all affected once outside our comfort zones... I must say our little band was impressive in nimbly meeting every challenge and going with the flow, never quite knowing what was around the next corner. They remained humble and sensitive all the way... no 'ugly Americans' this time...
One of the assignments was for each student to document their trip through a personalized blog.
Let me introduce our students, encourage you to click on their blog sites, and enjoy the ride...

Tricia Dodson
http://triciadodson.tumblr.com/

Tyler Thomas
http://tyler-a-thomas.tumblr.com/

Paige Cornwell
http://paigecornwell.tumblr.com/

Tawny Burmood
http://tawnyburmood.tumblr.com/

Calli Cain
http://ccain.tumblr.com/

Hillary Winter
http://hilarywinter.tumblr.com/

Bridget Lewis
http://texastoasia.blogspot.com

Janelle Keeler
janellekeeler.tumblr.com

Chelsea Coli
http://chelseacoli.tumblr.com/

Here is Sriyani and some of our troops posing inside a tree just outside the Ta Prohm temple grounds where some may remember Angelina Jolie romping as Laura Croft in 'Tomb Raider'...

and here I am coming out of the trees with a few new friends on the Sambor Prei Kuk temple grounds in Kompong Thom...

more to come...
In the meantime, check out my students' blogs,

Tom

BOTANICALIZED...

2010-06-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sriyani and I just wrapped up a stint leading a group of University students through an intense photo and writing tour of mostly Cambodia. More to come on that when I find a more reliable internet connection...

Once we touched down our first stop was in Singapore, a misleading representation of SE Asia for newcomers to the region, but impressive in its own futuristic way. As we got acquainted with the city in our brief time there, we happened upon the Singapore Botanical Gardens. Though I'd been to Singapore many times before, I had never visited these gardens featuring a truly awesome display of orchids. The tropical conditions there are uniquely perfect for these colorful beauties to thrive, somewhat like the conditions back in Nebraska ideally suiting my present crop of dandelions...

It must be my time for botanical adventures...

Here are a few of my favorite pix from our whirlwind tour of the Orchid Gardens in Singapore...

saying it with flowers,

Tom

ARIZONA ROCKS!!!

2010-05-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

I recently went down to inspect the wall on the Arizona-Mexico border and had a chance to visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix with some dear friends before returning to more temperate climes. Though I haven't spent much time there, I love the desert, so I had a ball dancing around the amazing variety of succulents on display. I got a feeling reminiscent of hovering underwater, viewing close-up the live coral growths on tropical seabed reefs. Here are a few of my favorites... Thanks Kathy!

Once again, ain't nature grand?

Tom

ONE OF A KIND...

2010-05-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Here's to the best mother in the world and the love of my life...

Happy Mothers Day, Sriyani...

Tom

IN THE LONG RUN...

2010-05-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I headed down to the UNL campus to see what was going on... Wow! 8,000 people all lining up to race around the city for the next few hours. It was a beautiful spring morning and everyone was excited about the Marathon event held annually in Lincoln. According to officials, this year's turnout was a record setter. With so many early entries, some good runners missed getting entered before the limit was filled. But, the day was wonderful... I got caught up in the fun of it all and chased the runners around the city with my camera as they wove through the neighborhoods of Lincoln.

hamming it up passing the State Capitol...

some came more for the fun than the run...

...this year's men's champion, Matt Hoyt from Vermillion, South Dakota

Here's James Bresette looking fresh at the 20 mile mark running with Ann Marie Chappell, the women's winner from St. Joseph, Missouri...

This year's finish was at the 50 yard line of Memorial Stadium, the scene of many other great finishes...

the family that runs together...

fresh as a daisy girlfriends from Kansas after the run...

a great time was had by all....

a tip of the hat to all the runners,

Tom

JUST PASSING THROUGH...

2010-04-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here's Luke viewing Sandhill Cranes from the blind on the South Platte River.

Well, we journeyed down to the Platte again this year to watch the cranes arise from their night spent in the shallow waters of the river. We crept down in the early morning darkness to a blind at the Rowe Sanctuary and watched thousands of them take off to feed in the local fields for the day. It seems they hang around the neighborhood long enough to rest and fatten up before launching off toward the north to do that crane thing they do up there in the summertime.

This time our journey was a family affair... making up crane jokes, crane puns and singing crane songs along the way... like 'Uncrane My Heart' by Ray Charles, 'Driving That Train, High on Cocrane', and my personal favorite, Aretha Franklin's 'Crane of Fools'.

We were all acting like a bunch of craniacs and by the end of it, I had a splitting micrane.

Ain't nature grand?

Happy landings, cranes...

Tom

THE STUMBLING STONE...

2010-03-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few works of art I shot in European galleries and Cathedrals, all depicting pieces of the life of a man called Jesus.

During this 'Holy Week' when people worldwide solemnly recall his last days on earth, the dilemma of the 'one from whom men hide their faces' remains...

Is he...

...a mere religious figure out of the past or the risen king of all creation?

...a selfish schemer and masterful manipulator or the purest expression of love?

...irrelevant today or the ultimate way of life?

Were his words the preposterous statements of a raving lunatic or timely, well spoken truth?

Was his death a pitiful end or with unfathomable purpose?

Was his life a case of hope deferred or the consummate fulfillment of promise?

The ball's in our court...

In the words of Mavis Staples... Lord, forgive me for forgetting, without your giving, nothing would be mine...

Here's to the One from whom all blessings flow...

Shalom

REMEMBERING SIR ARTHUR...

2010-03-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

Sir Arthur C. Clarke loved Sri Lanka. He was fascinated by the sea and once he settled down there, he spent as much time as possible on the beach... and scuba diving in his younger days.

I was fortunate to know Sir Arthur for many years, meeting up with him regularly at the Otters Aquatic Club where I swam and he came to satisfy his daily ping pong addiction.

I remember one afternoon being entertained by Arthur. While he waited for his table tennis match time, I joined a group of enamored pool attendants, swim coaches and a few other club members, gathered around while he was proudly sharing the news about his recent house guest, Walter Cronkite... Arthur rambled on and on about Walter and the various sites he was going to show him on their upcoming trip around the island. After we'd heard plenty about Walter and their plans, Arthur was finally called to the ping pong table... As we were beginning to break from our little huddle, I heard the pool boy in front of me whisper to his buddy, "Who's Walter Cronkite?"

Great! I might have been the only one in the bunch who'd ever heard of the famous news man. I loved it!

I think the relative anonymity he enjoyed in Sri Lanka was one of the reasons Sir Arthur called Sri Lanka home... that, and the beautifully enticing 'other worldly' nature of the place.

Here is a selection of shots I know Sir Arthur would have enjoyed. He was a great guy and a whole lot of fun!

And always it is the same;

the slender palm trees leaning over the white sand,

the warm sun sparkling on the waves

as they break on the inshore reef,

the outrigger fishing boats drawn up high on the beach.

This alone is real;

the rest is but a dream from which I shall presently awake.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke

from 'The Treasure of the Great Reef'

IT BOGGLES THE MIND........

2010-01-27T05:47:00.001-08:00

WHY ARE THESE PEOPLE SMILING?

another Kingdom paradox.......

When Janis Joplin sang about her days on the road with Bobby Magee, she said 'freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose'.... I think she was on to something.... If so, these folks are definitely on Freedom Road!

One of the earliest groups of people Community Concern Society (http://www.communityconcernsociety.com/) got involved with were 33 Malayalam families – Gypsies who originated from India but had migrated to Sri Lanka years ago. They traditionally stick together as a community and wound up in the sea beach shanties in our little kingdom on the outskirts of Colombo. The most marginalized of the poor, these people continue to endure racial prejudice wherever they go. On Dec. 26, 2004 every one of them survived, but their huts and all their meager possessions were swept away with the tsunami waves. They, along with all the other shoreline dwellers, wound up in refugee camps, living in conditions not fit for a dog. They stayed there for 3 years, waiting for the houses promised to all victims of the tsunami. CCS finished building 33 homes for our unique friends in Dankotuwa, Sri Lanka in Dec. 2007. Just as all were preparing for the big move to their new homes, the local community, led by their religious leaders in Dankotuwa, rose up in protest against their new neighbors and threatened to kill them all if they dared to move in. Imagine that! The decision was made to give the homes to more acceptable Sinhalese refugees instead, so it was back to the camp for the wandering Gypsies. Nearly two years later, we are happy to say our resilient friends have finally moved into new homes in Kolonnawa provided through the good joint efforts of CCS and Habitat for Humanity. Still struggling to survive, their attitude and gratitude continues to impress and humble all of us.

Here are a few more pix of our overcoming friends, the Gypsies of Kolonnawa......

Here is Sriyani enjoying a moment with some of her buddies...

.....happy for sure to be finally living in a decent home, but happier by far to connect and share their joy....

the last shall be first.....

go figure,

Tom

DIVA REVIVAL......

2010-01-06T01:55:00.001-08:00

Sri Lanka is a land of exquisite natural beauty. In spite of this, it is still struggling to find it's way in the modern world. Though blessed with extremely talented people, being a developing island, the opportunities for aspiring artists to 'make it big' are limited. Nevertheless, locally it is a feast of beauty and artistic expression. The unique nature of the place is surely reflected in the attractive people and promotes itself in all kinds of subtle sensitivities.
Here are a selection of lovely ladies I shot for a local calendar recently. Movie stars, recording artists, catwalk queens, popular models and beauty contest champions all agreed to contribute their time and images to raise awareness and funds for women who are victims of abuse.
Enjoy.......

Shiyani

Bianca

Piorina

Rozelle

Natasha

Ann

Sachini

Rozanne

Chula

Geraldine

Nadeeka

Danielle

I thought this would be a pleasant way to ease into the New Year...
God Bless each and every one and here's to walking on the bright side all year long...

Tom

I LOVE A PARADE...

2009-12-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

In spite of economic hard times and frigid temperatures, the 25th annual Star City Holiday Parade in Lincoln, Nebraska was a smashing success this year. Organized by the 'Updowntowners', the festive event held yearly in early December enjoyed a record turnout. A crowd of 100,000 lined the streets ten deep in downtown Lincoln to celebrate the day and share holiday cheer all around...

Here I am enjoying the good life a couple days later... They say if you don't like the weather in Nebraska, just wait a few minutes... it's bound to change. No parade this week.

I might get a little exuberant at times over my appreciation of Nebraska, but like they say, 'There's no place like home!' Good honest people, good friends, good times...

My homies know what I mean...

There is no place like Nebraska!

Tom

POETRY IN MOTION...

2009-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

Serendipity...the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.

'Serendib' is one of the ancient names of modern Sri Lanka. In the West the offshoot word senendipity became common in the 18th century due to English man of letters, Horace Walpole. He coined the word, having been inspired by a Persian fairy tale, 'The Three Princes of Senendib' whose heroes often made discoveries by chance. To this day in Sri Lanka, senendipitous occurrences are common and often acknowledged ... like this one...

The 'Monk' (affectionate nickname for my son) and I were lolling around in the afternoon shade of the 'Drunken Monkey', one of our favorite Hikkaduwa surf beach spots. As we occasionally glanced seaward keeping an eye out for action in the surf or on the beach, our glance became a gaze when we spotted the graceful tandem moves of an apparently foreign couple frolicking on the shore. The more we watched the more we became caught up in their highly professional skills and mutual understanding executed adeptly on the edge of the lapping waves. After some time, the handsome couple headed our way and we couldn't help commenting on their beauty and what a treat is was to watch them in action. We introduced ourselves and became friendly in no time, which is common in that laid back setting. We learned they were indeed professional dancers from Paris, France and were on a short holiday in Sri Lanka, having recently performed in Colombo. Being quite humble and very accommodating, they agreed to meet me and my camera a little later in the day for a repeat performance down by the waterside. What a treat!...the best impromptu shoot ever!!!

Let me introduce Tamara Fernando and Kirikoo and share with you a few pix from our little time on the beach in Hikkaduwa...

We even had a serendipitous rainbow show up during our short time together...

Keep your balance... you never know what's coming your way...

A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn...

Tom

WHEN THE MAN COMES AROUND...

2009-11-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

I recently met up with Dr. Tom Osborne, Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska, to get a shot for our upcoming 2010 issue of 'Lincoln Today' magazine. Coach Osborne was warmly welcomed back at the University in 2008 as AD to right the ship in Huskerville and restore traditions dear of the people of Nebraska... traditions envied by knowledgeable sports fans everywhere.

Considered one of the all-time best coaches in college football, Tom Osborne is a legend. Peerless as an offensive mastermind and fiercely competitive, he is most respected as a gentleman of principle and high moral character, who not only knows how to win but how people tick, as well.

In every sport, coaches are always looking for playmakers, impact players who rise to the occasion and make the difference in competition. But, no matter how talented the players, a winning team always needs 'a straw to stir the drink'...a phrase coined describing Reggie Jackson, 'Mister October', baseball superstar of World Series fame. Reggie once said, "I'll tell you what makes a great manager; a great manager has a knack for making ball-players think they are better than they are. He forces you to have a good opinion of yourself. He lets you know he believes in you. He makes you get more out of yourself. And, once you learn how good you really are, you'll never settle for playing anything less than your very best."

Coach Osborne had that knack.

Here are a few shots from the glory days when Coach Tom roamed the sidelines...

Coach Osborne always said the game was won by how you prepared in practice, and he always practiced what he preached...

... I should know since he was my Sunday school teacher when I was just a kid.

It's been a good run,

Tom

TALK ABOUT COOL...

2009-10-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

...these guys have got it goin' on!!!

I may be a little biased about my boy, Luke, but Wynton Marsalis, one of the finest jazz musicians of all time, definitely walks away with the prize.

He kicked off his superb performance with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska with his rendition of 'Old MacDonald Had a Farm'. He cretainly knew his audience and won lots of hearts right off.

After the show, Wynton cordially agreed to mix backstage with several admirers. He and Luke hit it off and shared a few moments of mutual affection which was cool and fun to be a part of. But, what was most impressive to see, was Wynton's personal touch on display. Being an award winning artist of international acclaim he could have easily basked in the lingering applause from his encore performance and considered his evening's work to be over. Instead, he chose to stick around and make some friends. Carrying with him the love and genuine respect shared between the boys in the band onstage, he entered the room and made a beeline to the wheelchaired fellow he spotted in the far corner. Kneeling down, he talked warmly for some time and sincerely thanked the man for coming out to hear him play. Then, as he mingled and showed personal interest in the rest of the fans, he came to a young kid who exuberantly proclaimed, 'Hey, I play the trumpet, too!' Wynton said, 'Go, get your horn', and spent the next hour giving the kid the time and lesson of his life.

Now, that's cool!

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing...

Tom

OPIUM FOR THE MASSES...

2009-10-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

...And, man, this is pretty good stuff!!!

Outsiders may snicker about Nebraska with its predominately rural population and its 'a little rough around the edges' down home ways. But, there is more going on around here than often meets the eye. Sometimes, it shines through and hearts are revealed... events seeming to bring out the best in folks all around. In this case it just happens to be the statewide tradition of supporting the beloved University of Nebraska football team.

Last weekend, the whole state celebrated one of the most amazing records in the modern era of sports... the 300th consecutive sellout of Memorial Stadium for home games in Lincoln, Nebraska!

Yes, you may say it's just a game and there are certainly more pressing matters in the world today, but for insiders, you know what 'There's no place like Nebraska' means... For the rest of you, please click on these two links and you'll get an idea of what makes us proud to be Cornhuskers in Nebraska and what all the shouting is really about...

http://www.espn1420.com/Default.aspx?tabid=3710&EntryID=6695

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8707247

Go Big Red!!!

Tom

AS SWEET AS THEY COME...

2009-09-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

In all of creation there is no beauty surpassing what can be seen with the eye in nature. And in nature, there is nothing more exquisitely fair than a graceful woman.

It has been my good fortune to spend considerable time in Asian cultures where women have not been 'liberated' to the point of losing the allure of true femininity...where much of the time, more is conveyed through the eyes, expression, posture and movement than through words.

In the understanding of the ancients, heavenly wisdom was assigned a female identity. Hence, the poise and attraction of classic beauty always corresponded and reflected a higher, more subtle and spiritual source.

Recently, I had the great pleasure of doing a promotional shoot with two of the top models in Sri Lanka... Natasha Rathnayake and Piorina (Peachy) Fernando – two of the nicest people around – obviously pretty on the outside but just as beautiful within. Peachy is one of the queens of the catwalk and Natasha is a genuine recording and performing star. Check out her website at...www.natasharathnayake.com

Needless to say, we had a great shoot and lots of fun. If you want to see more pix from our afternoon in the studio go to my website...

http://www.tidballphoto.com/motiongallery/latest.htm

Here are a few for now...

Peachy

Natasha

in appreciation of beauty all around,

here's hoping all your connections are true...

Tom

I DON'T DO WEDDINGS... part 2

2009-08-19T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well, here I go again...me and my trusty little pocket camera. It served me well on the beach in Sri Lanka. Thought I'd give it another whirl at the wedding of my only sister's only daughter, pretty Jobie Zeman in New Caanan, Connecticut. I still don't do weddings, but this was another fun event made easy to shoot with my slick little friend. Great people, great weather, great time...

Talk about fun! Any wedding that includes water basketball on the agenda has gotta be good...and for the record, I DEMAND A REMATCH!!!

We have a great family and it's always a blast when we get together. Talented in a lot of areas, especially in athletics, so the competitive juices always flow... no fist fights this time.

I had a wonderful time reconnecting with family members I don't get to see nearly as much as I'd like. For the most part all are keeping it together... quality family people loving each other, fervently prizing their kids and raising them with truth as the standard... a pretty good bunch to be connected to.

Here are just a few pix from the extravaganza. I'll be posting more on my website if you want to see more of what my little friend can do... check it out at

http://www.tidballphoto.com/index.htm

Click on 'Latest' below the homepage picture.

Jobie Lane (I love that name!) and Brian...welcome to the family!

pretty maids all in a row...

my dad, John 'the Big Dog' and Sriyani

lovely Erin and Sarah...

my brother's kids...everyone a winner!

the awesome Bidrman's...

rising star, Jessie Tidball

we cleaned up pretty well this time...

Happy Feet, Al Zeman with sweet Tara

Here's to Jobie and Brian...

to a level path with all blessings from above,

Love's enough,

Uncle Tom

I DON'T DO WEDDINGS...

2009-08-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

...but, I did take my trusty little pocket camera to this one and had a lot of fun recording some of the festivities of the day...just to show (and prove to myself) you don't need a lot of bulky equipment to snap off some pretty good shots. Though I did probably miss a few pix a little faster setup would have captured and a little higher resolution is always nice, the effort was still worth it.

Lovely Audrey (former Sri Lankan beauty queen) and lucky Sanjay tied the knot in the morning on the beach and celebrated in style at the famous Mt. Lavinia Hotel in the evening.

The nice thing about toting a camera to weddings is that everyone there is pretty spiffed up. Asian women in colorful sariis are hard to beat! Every single one is a queen, and expects to have their picture taken, so certain liberties are enjoyed by all photographers.

Here are a few pix from the day. I'll be posting a few more on my website at

http://www.tidballphoto.com/motiongallery/latest.htm

so, keep an eye out for those...

Oh, yeah...another advantage of shooting with a small camera is it keeps your hands free for other things...like hugging the bride.

Here's to Audrey and Sanjay and to many, many years of marital bliss.

God Bless...

Tom

mmmMighty Tastee....

2009-07-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

I think there is something to Mrs. Gump's philosophical outlook relating life and boxes of chocolate. To the 'never knowing what you're gonna get' list I would have to add, shooting with a camera in this part of the world. I've strapped myself in and shot hanging out of helicoptors, shot creatures of the deep under water, behemoths and stalking cats of the jungle... I've shot presidents in office, athletes in action, butterflies in bushes (yesterday) and desperate people in slum life squalor...war zone activities and never forgetting to mention pretty maidens in tropical settings.
A few days ago it was back to the tabletop. I had the pleasure of working on images for a project with master chef, Welshman, Adam Gaunt-Evans. Adam is a true Michael Jordan of the culinary art. Actually, unlike Michael, Adam has to score every time he pulls the trigger. That's real pressure! Preparing world class gourmet dishes in posh six star settings for the likes of Madonna, Brad Pitt, Roger Moore and Nelson Mandela is no easy task. We all know what picky eaters they are...

Here is Adam warming up before taking the court and flying into action...

For this shoot we decided to use natural light and were blessed with two perfect days, weather wise. Using reflectors and subtle angles to the light, we had lots of fun dancing around the place and setting up each arrangement. Here are a few of Adam's masterpieces in our artistic settings.

Still smiling after two long days...my assistants, the ever-lovely Avisha and Subha with Chef Adam. Good work, team!

And the proof was in the tasting at the end of the day... Somebody had to do it and let me tell you, Adam's got it going on!

bon appetit,

Tom

FLORENCE FLASHBACK

2009-07-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Apparently, Michelangelo’s dad didn’t think much of his young son’s passion for stonecutting. No future in that he said, but Michey hammered on against all odds.

Florence, Italy is another one of those places with a personality which oozes expressive response in the people.

The Russian composer, Tchaikovsky, was lured to Florence by its literature and inspirational atmosphere. Though they never met face to face, a wealthy widow living there bankrolled his endeavors and freed him up to do his musical thing. She also paid for his villa overlooking the city. I came to find out that right across the street lived another noteworthy Italian a few centuries before, the Catholic bad boy by the name of Galileo…talk about Homies!

The place is most definitely a tourist attraction today, but what a neat city!

I was inspired…

I’ll be posting more shots of Italy on my website shortly.

For now, here are some pix from my few days there…

just passing through…

Tom

ZAPPED!!!

2009-07-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

Very sorry for the silence, but I have a good excuse this time...
While out of town, a massive thunderstorm moved through our area and blasted the phone lines...
It's been a while getting things patched up. My computer took it in the shorts, but I'm hobbling back into the ring. I should be up and operational by tomorrow, so I will be posting...

Thanks for checking in and for being patient...that's a virtue

Tom

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS...

2009-06-29T02:08:00.000-07:00

One thing I have found through the years of being on the shooting end of the camera is that you tend to feel safe or at least somehow removed from the reality of what’s happening right in front of you.

Last week I was on an extensive shoot for an environmental organization which took me all around the island of Sri Lanka. It was a treat once again to see the raw beauty and diversity of the country since mobility has been limited for many years due to the civil war.

On one stretch of road carved out of dense jungle a thin wire had been erected along one side to keep the elephants off the road and away from the sparse settlements on the other side. The locals said they put an electric charge through the fence at night and the pachyderms had learned to keep a little distance from it. As we drove down the road, I spotted elephants right inside the wire and immediately ordered the driver to stop! We eased our way to a stationary position and tried not to spook the ele’s. But, our caution had been unnecessary. They stayed put and didn’t seem bothered by our presence. These guys were as wild as can be but must have been attracted by the action along the road as a form of entertainment unavailable in the bush. Or, maybe they had scored an occasional treat from the homo sapiens who ventured to stop and were waiting for another handout.

Well, I not only ventured to stop but, encouraged by their inviting demeanor, beat a quick path to the fence, trusting the mammoth had fresh memory of a recent zapping and trusting someone had remembered to turn off the juice.

I didn’t want to see any fence in my wildlife shots, so I poked my head and camera through the wires and began shooting with delight. Sriyani and the others stayed in the van and screamed blood curdling encouragement each time a big one would make a move.

We made three such stops and I was in my elephant element!

The last guy was the kicker, though… I noticed he was all alone and seemed a little feisty (the neighbors called him ferocious!). I couldn’t resist a beautiful open vista behind him and had to stop one more time. Brimming with confidence, I assumed my newly acquired elephant dance mode and began shooting this Goliath through the wire with a wide angle lens just a few meters away… This big fella wasn’t as cordial and began making gestures which I’ve since learned mean ‘get the #!!*%!# outta here or I’ll kick your little skinny white *%+#!’ Still trusting my wire protector I diligently shot on until the inevitable happened… The high pitched screaming sounds of excitment coming from the van finally spooked the big guy and he just couldn’t take anymore.

He made a surprisingly quick and athletic lunging move in my direction! Amazing!!! Being a creature of instinct myself, I spun and began my own sprint to safety. Not having previously calculated the 2 foot anthill right behind me, I went flying and so did my camera and glasses (which came up missing after an inventory check of body parts after limping to the van).

On reflection, he could have had me if he wanted me, but probably got a big kick just seeing me scramble.

Camera was OK. I was a bit bruised, but WOW! What a thrill! ...a face to face, personal encounter with the amazing, wild King of the island and coming up with some great shots was a bonus!

humbling along and still happy to be here...

I love this place!

Tom

WHEN IN ROME...

2009-06-18T01:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, the streets of Rome are filled with rubble…ancient footsteps everywhere… At least that was Bob Dylan’s take on the city. So much history to the place. I’ve always felt cities and specific areas in the world have ruling spiritual authorities over them which tend to define their personality and direct their priorities and activities through the years. Dominance and the quest for worldly power have been the obvious historical theme of the ancient Roman Empire, and with the continuing religious nerve center of the Catholic Church locating in the Vatican City, the beat goes on. Impressions of grandeur and systematic control keep the people connected with ‘something bigger than themselves’ and in awe of their handlers…
Nevertheless, people come and go and leave not just their footprints, but works of artistic expressions everywhere… In addition, these folks know how to make a pretty good pizza!
Here are a few impressions from our recent whirlwind tour…

I'll be out for a few days, but will be posting more pix of Rome on the website next week...

till then,
God Bless and Happy Birthday to Sriyani, today!!!
She is my blessing every day!

Tom

ON THE WAY WITH LUKE...

2009-06-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

As Sriyani and I worked our way from the States over to Sri Lanka, we took a rare detour for a couple weeks. It was my great pleasure to have young Luke along for a few days at the start. He is a great guy! I would go anywhere with him. It’s so neat to watch… wherever he goes people naturally are drawn to him and he reciprocates with kind and genuine interest. He’s a great friend and I don’t think he realizes what a gift he has for making friends and being a such a good one. He takes it all in stride…pretty cool….
I’m sure he got a little tired of posing for Dad, but hey…when he’s flipping through his family album with his grand kids, he’ll have something to talk about.
In the meantime, let me introduce Luke…..

...in O'Hare Airport Chicago

...leaving the States

...with Mom at the Vatican City

...1st day in Rome

...a striking similarity!

...checking out works of the Masters

...in the Sistine Chapel

...at the Pantheon

...in the Colosseum of Rome

If you want to see some more pix of Luke check them out at http://www.tidballphoto.com/motiongallery/latest.htm

...a friend indeed,

Tom

WE FINALLY MADE IT...

2009-06-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

…to Center Court at the French Open, that is.

Sriyani and I looking a little wiped out here. That’s because we were. After several days on the road and an especially long one the day before, we timed our moves to be in Paris during the French Open and realize a dream of seeing the matches at Roland Garros. We were a bit too assuming though, thinking we could just show up, stand in line and purchase our tickets at the gate. Well, it seems our chosen day was also the day for several thousand other fans with the same idea in mind. So, to our huge disappointment we arrived in the morning greeted by the news of ‘All Sold Out!’ No Way!!!… If I was a crybaby that would have been my cue. I came REAL close...

Deciding not to accept defeat, we returned for the evening session and not only made it through the gate, but slipped into one of the smaller court venues, saw a great match and had a wonderful time. The Annex Courts as they call them surround the bigger main stage courts, and are the exquisitely manicured, intimate atmospheres for epic battles for the up and coming stars and seasoned veterans.
Fortunately, we settled into a great 5 set match between an Italian and a Russian player, Igor and Fabio…I’ll let you figure which one was from where.
I had my little pocket camera with me and snapped off a few pix while we were there….

I have started a new feature on my website called ‘Latest’ (separate from ‘Greatest’) just below the picture on the home page. www.tidballphoto.com There I will be featuring shots of whatever I’m shooting or working on at the moment. Most of the time I’ll make reference on this blog, then have more pix of the same subject over there.

See you over there. Till then, I will be…

painting the lines,

Tom………..oh, yeah, Igor won 7-5 in the 5th

MIGHTY NEIGHBORLY...

2009-05-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

If you follow a longitudinal line from my home in Nebraska over the North Pole and keep going, it will eventually bisect Sriyani’s native homeland of Sri Lanka. The two places couldn’t be farther apart. It is there, however, we have a little ‘spot in the country’ on this beautiful island outside the craziness of Colombo, the capital city. Since I have been introducing my neighbors, I thought I would share a shot of this Sri Lankan fella, whom I will be seeing shortly. We dodge him almost every day on the road where he herds his water buffalo to pasture near our abode.
He obviously stays cool as a cucumber in his tropical attire and if the weather heats up in Nebraska this summer, I will be introducing Richard (May 11 post) to that practical and sporty look.

…………on the road

Stay Cool,

Tom

SPEAKING OF NEIGHBORS

2009-05-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

Meet the Nelson’s… Gary and Jenifer who live on our street are about the finest neighbors a man could ask for. They love God. They love their country and proudly fly the flag. They love each other and they love their dog, Marley. Here they are taking Marley for a drive in Gary’s customized 1957 GMC pickup truck (which is for sale, by the way, if you are interested). They all love to travel together and when the weather is fine they hit the road to customized car shows around the country.

Being homies we enjoy hanging out in the hood and Gary has kindly agreed to water my garden when I’m gone……..Keep an eye on those tomatoes, Gary……

See you soon,

Tom

HOWDY, NEIGHBOR

2009-05-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

I like color. I like shooting colorful things. My friend Richard is one of the most colorful people I know. He accommodated me the other day for a little photo shoot/dance around his house. Though he lives in the heart of the city, he certainly doesn't act like it. Richard is a landscape artist and a master collector of amazing pieces of unusual art...mostly nature crafted. He has a sharp eye for the unique. As you can probably see, stepping into Richard's world is like entering another dimension. Richard is a throwback to simpler days. He is helpful to a fault, always ready to share what he has and willing to lend a hand in any project. He knows all his neighbors, their kids and relatives, and genuinely stays in touch with all his friends. Richard wears no watch, and has never owned a computer nor a cellphone. He burns wood to stay warm in the winter and never shows up empty handed... and, if he sits you down, he'll tell you a thing or two.

Ahhh, Nebraska....the good life...

Here's to you, Richard......

You go, Boy!!!!!!

Tom

THE WINDY CITY.....

2009-05-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it didn't seem so windy while we were there, but it was definitely a whirlwind tour for us! Sriyani was required to make a personal appearance in Chicago with all her necessary paperwork in order to satisfy the French Embassy officials for a temporary tourist visa to Europe. So, we drove 1,000 miles out and back in 3 days, starting in Nebraska, just to hand over the papers to the lady behind the glass window on the 37th floor...hmmmm. Her job was to act officially stern and hassle applicants over some remote detail, apparently hoping to see us grovel a bit. I'm pretty sure Sri Lankans are in some red flagged category due to their shared crafty nature and recent homeland insecurity. I don't know if Sriyani fits the profile, but she is definitely in the category.

No worries, though. We had beautiful weather for driving and had a super day on Sunday! The highlight was unexpected. Right next door to our hotel, a major art event was taking place. Nearly 300 booths were occupied by art galleries from around the globe displaying the best of their wares. It was a real treat for those interested in visual arts. Later in the day we trotted on down to Millenium Park. I'd never been there before...really cool!!! It was great to see everybody out and about with family, friends, and lovers all enjoying the beautiful spring weather together.

Here are a few more shots of Chicago, from just the other day.......a nice place to visit indeed.......

.....but, like Dorothy said, 'There's no place like home!'

SNAKE EYES!

2009-04-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

As my mates and I were recently approaching the Hindu temple at Goa Gajah on the island of Bali in Indonesia, we went into instant 'Red Alert!' To our horror, we spotted this fellow all wrapped up in the clutches of a huge Python constrictor! What to do? No Red Cross or disaster relief training had prepared us for this particular challenge. But, as we drew near, the assumed victim didn't seem to be in as much trouble as we had presumed. Whew! To our amazement this guy not only was OK being entwined by the reptile, he actually enjoyed it and began rambling on about his 'friend' and their symbiotic relationship. He explained how his 'seeing eye snake' would line up with his bad eye and when perfect alignment was achieved, he could actually use snake vision on the right side which was transmitted through bodily contact allowing him to see perfectly well....Amazing! He went on and on about this and we were enthralled... Well, we were pretty sure that's what he said. Our Balinese isn't very good......

Some details could have been lost in translation,

Tom

LIKE A LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER...

2009-04-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

What! No Easter Carols?

I was just remembering how in Sri Lanka for at least a month after Christmas you can hear carols being sung and played in public places, and that's a Buddhist country! This year I was in Indonesia in January and noticed in that Muslim country, they were playing Christmas carols up until the Chinese New Year in late Jan...

I'm not aware of many Easter carols, but as the dust settles on yet another public and religious holiday, I've been reminded once again of how there is always more than meets the eye, especially in this case! The dynamics and significance of the terror and subsequent victory on Calvary has little to do with tradition or religion. It is written that 'had the rulers of this world known the secret wisdom of Elohim (Almighty God), they wouldn't have crucified Adonay (the Lord of Glory).' But, the purposeful plan was revealed and is still being worked out in our midst. This truth is indeed stranger and more marvelous than any fiction.

As rebellion requires recompense, those with 'eyes to see' marvel at the restoration of all things! Today, we see men scrambling, taking issue and taking sides, as everything which can be shaken is at least wobbling and I have a feeling we haven't see anything, yet...signs of the times.

So, a few take the advice and kiss the Son, choosing to get with the program and walk in His light...

...as angels sing in joyful assembly

...every day's a holiday in the Kingdom of God...

.......till all His enemies are under His feet!

Shalom,

Tom

SHIYANI'S GETTING MARRIED!

2009-04-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Here we are sending Shiyani Refuge blessings for a wonderful day on Saturday, the 18th and sweet marital bliss for all her days ahead with Ben. Sorry I can't be there in Sri Lanka for the event, but I'm sure it'll be a great time for everyone. Ben's a lucky guy! Shiyani is a true beauty inside and out and has always been a joy to work with and to be around...a great friend! She lights it up wherever she goes. Here are a couple pix of Shiyani, and she just happens to be my homepage cover girl at the moment. http://www.tidballphoto.com/

God Bless,

Tom

FIELD OF DREAMS

2009-04-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Play ball! I drove down to Kansas City on Saturday with a few baseball headed friends, to see fellow Lincolnite, Joba Chamberlain, pitch for the Yankees. To our disappointment, Joba, who was scheduled to throw, didn't take the mound until the next day, so we were relegated to staying warm as the evening chill set in and finding other ways of justifying our trip. I must say the newly renovated Kauffman Stadium, the KC Royals Ball Park, is a gem. What a beautifully manicured field and stadium! Seems Derek Jeter even liked it a lot. I hope the Royals give the KC homies something to shout about this year. Speaking of fandom, my mates and I all agreed how million dollar contracts, free agency, constant trading and commercialization have made it hard to be fan these days of any one team unless you are from that city. And what has happened to the hard-nosed hustle and lively character of the baseball we grew up on. Speaking of characters, how about these names which came up on our round tripper... Dizzy Dean, Pee Wee Reese, Nellie Fox, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Hammerin' Hank Aaron, Duke Snider, Willie Mays... Those were the days!

touch 'em all,

Tom

It's in the genes!

2009-04-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

All my life I've heard about the amazing Sandhill Cranes who have been migrating through central Nebraska's Platte River valley this time of year for centuries. Last week I went to check them out. Sure enough, there they were! Amazing!...nearly 80,000 of them flocking up and down a small stretch of river where they roost for the night, rest up and refuel for a month before resuming their epic journey north to vast breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia. These big birds funnel into Nebraska from far-flung wintering grounds in northern Mexico, Texas and New Mexico. The arrival of Sandhill Cranes on the Platte River along with millions of other migratory birds that visit each spring is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent!

In the fall of each year, over 80,000 Big Red football fans flock instinctively on home game days to Memorial Stadium in the SE Nebraskan city of Lincoln. This spectacle is one of national admiration drawing fans and curious observers from the far reaches of the globe. To this Football Mecca they reliably return every year, where they're able to satisfy their football fix before returning to their natural breeding grounds. It's in their blood...

Go Big Red!

Now, now...

2009-03-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

I got up this morning with time on my mind. Sriyani joined me with another cup of her kicker coffee fit for a king and entered into my train of thought. I didn't give her much of a choice. (By the way, this is a shot of her romping on the beach in Sri Lanka a few moons ago...a lovely lady and a true Asian beauty!) Seems Albert Einstein weighed in heavily on the subject of time, saying, "The distinction between the past, present and future is only an illusion, however persistent. The future exists simultaneously with the past." hmmm...

That threw us back to the burning bush where the One speaking revealed Himself as "I AM" to Moses who wanted to know his name. Ahhh, the ever present now One!

And that's one of the things I like so much about still photography - a totally unique visual phenomenon in the realm of the senses... capturing frozen moments, time snippets. Wow!

What's in this coffee?

Well, that's all for NOW...

Remember Mrs. Lot

Don't look back,

Tom

If you start me up...

2009-03-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

Let's get this show on the road. I am going to be offering occasional images and posts of what I'm working on, looking at and thinking about...hopefully connecting with the specific interests of my fellow bloggers. So, stay tuned and do feel free to write. I'm working on a little ebook entitled "How to Shoot People" and I'll notify you with a link on this blog and my website once it is finished. In the meantime, check out my website at www.tidballphoto.com.

Keep looking up...... Tom