Pictures and Words, a Blog: June 2023

Monday, June 26, 2023

A Record of My Living

June 26 - Through the Years:

I write this blog for my own amusement. Which is fine as sometimes it seems that I am the only one who reads it. Even so, some weeks it is difficult to come up with a topic that would be of interest even to me. This was going to be one of those. Then I recalled something I wrote not too far back - "My photography is a record of my living, for anyone who really sees."

So, I decided to see what the record was for the date of June 26, relying on the years I was working on Photo a Day (PaD) projects.

2005

Toy Loan: photo by Cliff Hutson

My wife and I had a house full of pets in 2005. One afternoon, Buster (a Samoyed), for reasons known only to himself, walked over and dropped his bear so Pumpkin could nap with it. The cat, having already appreciated the Orvis dog bed, did not do anything to show his appreciation for the loan of the toy.

2006

World Cup: photo by Cliff Hutson

It seems that I was watching as much of the FIFA 2006 World Cup as I could.

2009

Korean Omelet: photo by Cliff Hutson

There was a sandwich place called "The Tummy Stuffer" within walking distance of where I was headquartered in 2009. The posted menu featured 26 sandwiches (counting burritos). However, there was also a secret menu and one afternoon the owner said I could try this omelet. It was delicious.

2010

Pepper Tree Litter: photo by Cliff Hutson

The year 2010 was my first full year of retirement and several days a week my terrier-mix Holly and I would take walks along the Thomson Creek Trail. I usually had a camera with me and would photograph anything that caught my eye. This day it what had fallen to the ground underneath a California pepper tree (Schinus molle).

Monday, June 19, 2023

Juneteenth 2023

Independence Day

On Juneteenth: photo by Cliff Hutson

For many African Americans, June 19 is considered as independence day (we were not free in 1776). It commonly referred to as Juneteenth. It marks the date in 1865 when Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order Number 3, which ended the enslavement of Black people in Texas — a full 2½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Long celebrated in Texas, and some other Black communities across the country, the day became a federal holiday in 2021, and is observed with offices and schools closing.

I have to admit that I am surprised that all 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, recognize Juneteenth as “a holiday or observance.” There is, of course, some push back from that sizable element of American society that I characterize as being ashamed enough of our history that they do not want it taught in school. Observing Juneteenth just adds to their discomfort. But, I was a bit taken aback when I read that some Black Texans feel that having the day as a nationwide event cheapens it for them. While I agree that the crass commercialization of the holiday is dead wrong, I feel that the increased awareness is a good thing and honors our culture.

Although born and raised in California, I feel that I have a more than legitimate claim to Juneteenth as my mother was a Texas native. My family never made a really big deal out of the day, but would mark it with a meal of Southern dishes such as fried chicken, potato salad, macaroni & cheese, and greens. And, yes, watermelon.

Fried Chicken Dinner: photo by Cliff Hutson

Monday, June 12, 2023

International Falafel Day

International Falafel Day - June 12

Falafel + Tahini: photo by Cliff Hutson

Falafel is a deep-fried ball, or patty-shaped fritter, made from ground chickpeas. I see that some say falafel may be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.