Build a man a fire and he’ll be warm for the night. Set a man on fire and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life. ~ Terry Prachett
I spent last week warming up in Austin TX. My husband took part in an ‘Editors Retreat’ learning all of the latest & greatest for TV, film & web video production. The retreat included meals & activities from breakfast till after midnight most days. When I join him on business trips, he will try to take an afternoon off and we usually eat dinner together, this trip was so wonderfully different. He was like a kid in a candy store with 60 other ‘kids’ so excited to be together sharing their obsessions & expertise. I hardly saw him, but when I did he was so happy.
When he creates TV shows he often directs, produces, shoots and edits, if I had to choose, I feel like editing is his expertise. I think he is one of best in the business. He got back late the first night and talked about how exciting it was to be around so many editors who knew so much more than him! He loved the class on 3D editing.
On the second night they had a poker tournament, when he rushed out to join the group he said “I’m going to win this thing” I said “How? you don’t play poker” He looked at me with a big smile and said “I read people”. I think I rolled my eyes a bit and said “Have fun”. He got back to the hotel room about 1:00 am carrying the $2000.00 grand prize…. some fancy brand new video storage device that he and all the other editors treated like royalty.
The retreat set him on fire!
I did not mind having lots of time to myself. I found the greenbelt and went on wonderful hikes. Beside all the birds that let me get so close, I found two turtles sunning! I was tempted to crawl on the warm rocks and relax in the sun with them.
Look how close this guy let me get! That pattern on his neck is beautiful.
This guy was a little more reserved.
I jumped across a few rocks and found these bubbles on top of some green gooey stuff in the water… hmmmm??
I ran into so many friendly locals, two asked me to join them on their hikes, later in the day, a group of dog owners let me play with their dogs in the water. The vibe in Austin is so relaxed & friendly, I could live there. I was warned about how terribly hot and long the summers are but when I have a choice, I prefer sweating over shivering. What do you prefer?
I was so happy to be out of the cold wandering and finding all kinds of new things to photograph. I love the shape of these seedpods, they look like skirts dangling with mini bowling balls ready to drop.
The sun sparkeled after a brief rainstorm, I think getting caught in a warm rain is one of my favorite things.
It was such a good trip. We both came home fully refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Have you been on any retreats with peers that inspired you?
christine m young ✻ artist 
#1 by Hilary on February 9, 2012 - 11:22 pm
It’s hard to tell who enjoyed this trip more.. you or your hubby. I’m glad you found things to occupy your time and that it resulted in beautiful images to share. I love those turtles.. wonderful shots. And since you asked, I FAR prefer a sweltering summer over an icy winter. As long as I have my air conditioning, that is. 😉
#2 by ladyfi on February 10, 2012 - 2:51 am
Oh my – more magical shots!
#3 by Amy on February 10, 2012 - 8:01 am
love these photos, looks like you were embraced by the plant and animal kingdoms
#4 by Shea on February 10, 2012 - 9:18 am
i see fairies everywhere!
go zorro!
#5 by sandy on February 10, 2012 - 9:56 am
Yep, you found some neat things to photograph!
It is so nice to hear someone come back from a vacation full of vim and vigor.
#6 by Barbara on February 10, 2012 - 1:23 pm
Oh, I wish I had known you were going to be in Austin! I live less than an hour from downtown and would have loved to stroll around with you and our cameras! If you get the chance to come again, let me know!
#7 by jeanie on February 10, 2012 - 6:54 pm
Good for both of you! I can see that excitement! My cousin lives in Austin — she loves it. Says the people are the best. Rick visited recently and concurred! Well, you have the photos to show for it! Nice!
#8 by JillsyGirl Studio on February 10, 2012 - 7:05 pm
I see that Barbara commented. She was the first person I thought of when I read you were in Austin. The photos are wonderful, but the experience sounds absolutely refreshing!!
#9 by Marcie on February 11, 2012 - 7:52 am
Looks and sounds like a great time was had by all. I – too – have heard wonderful things about Austin (except – of course – their hot summers!!). Love the turtle images…so sweet!
#10 by pattisj on February 12, 2012 - 5:18 pm
I prefer sweating to shivering any day! I don’t know if I’d like it as hot as it gets in parts of TX. Interesting bubbles, and enjoyed the scenery you found.