PLAY TIME...

 Just returned from a brief tour of the 'dry zone' in Sri Lanka. I'll follow up with some lovely shots of the scenic beauty, but thought for now I'd post a few people pix for a little story I want to tell. All along the way, people here are extremely photogenic, almost always in great situations and great light...a photographer's delight. If not always beautiful, they never fail at being genuine characters in a tropical wonderland setting.

We took a little side trip to a remote country school about ten miles outside Vavuniya...a hard hit war zone area in North Central Sri Lanka where everyone has been deeply affected by tragedy and most are still in a long process of patching lives back together. I'd like to say the kids here are too young to have learned to take life seriously, but that wouldn't be true. These youngsters are already survivors, unlike a lot of their friends and family members. Amazing resilience! I was impressed...

 The timing was perfect. We arrived during recess, so all the students were out of class, just milling around in the dust under a big shade tree, waiting for classes to resume...no balls, no games, just hanging out. Of course, I was an unplanned novelty. I'm a sucker for the innocence of play and somehow kids seem to have a little more of that going on, so we hit it off pretty well.  I spiced things up a bit with my camera and we all goofed around until our time was up. I remember those days...having to come down off a playground high in order to return to academia. Bummer...

 This is Principal Vijekumar. In our conversation with him, we realized how limited his resources are. We asked him what his greatest needs for the school are at this time. He said a library with books for the students to check out and read, and sports / playground equipment for them to be able to use. Hey, I thought...that's something I could possibly help with.
So, I decided to take up a little collection for the school. I'd like to at least collect enough for some balls and proper sports gear, but if possible, arrangements could be made to put up some nice playground equipment, too. 100% of what we receive will go to the school. That is a promise. I will follow up with pix and a report, so if you care to, please send (tax deductible) contributions to:

Tom Tidball

Street Kids
P.O. Box 6473
Lincoln, NE  
68506
USA


or

Community Concern
Tom Tidball
15/4 Aponsu Road
Dehiwela,
Sri Lanka


(designate for 
Vavuniya school)


I haven't used my blog for fund raising before, so please understand. I think it's a good gesture all around, and it's always nice to see kids blessed and having fun.


Thanks for helping out...
and remember to play hard till the bell rings,
Tom

WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING...

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, tis like the morn in spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter, 
You can hear the angels sing...

It's a magical place for sure. I love the awareness of being timely and appropriate...of being in the right place at the right time, taking cues in stride, walking in the way, with much to appreciate and a sure sense to cultivate...

Here are a few more shots from the Emerald Isle...

 Dunguaire Castle

Clifden

Kilkenny

             Road to Killimer Ferry

 Dingle Peninsula

Rock of Cashel

Cliffs of Moher

Dublin

 Dunguaire

 Dutch Bikers

 Irish Bikers

 Saint Patrick's Cathedral

 Tipperary

 St Mary's Kilkenny

 Sunset on the Atlantic Sea 

...you can hear the angels sing

For your smile is a part
of the love in your heart,
and it makes even sunshine
more bright...

in step,
in tune,
heart to heart,
with all blessings 
from above and within,

Tom

VIVA LA FRENCH OPEN...

Passing through Paris, Sriyani and I fortunately landed in a sweet hotel only five Metro stations from Roland Garros, home of the classic clay court championships. We spent a couple days roaming the venue and taking in as many matches as possible. It's such a great event for many reasons plus the fact, I love Paris in the springtime...

Wanting to intently watch the matches, I was determined to travel light and didn't plan on shooting much, so I only toted my puny point and shoot pocket camera. Keep in mind that these closeup shots were taken only a few feet away from the action. That's what's so cool about the French Open...totally up close and personal, just the way I like it.

This first shot is Francesca Sciavone, 2010 Women's champion and last year's runner up from Italy. If she hadn't put the brakes on her clay court slide, we were both going down together. Incredibly, Francesca hit this backhand for a crosscourt winner! What a woman!

                                                                            The French makeout anywhere...

The locals celebrate a Frenchman beating American John Isner after nearly six hours on court...

         Suzanne Lenglen...                                                            Long gone after a long day...

My new friends told me if I didn't make the draw next year, I could join their ball picking squad...

...so, I've got that going for me,
Tom