Freaky picture to share

Freaky, originally uploaded by Michael Shattuck.

Still at work here in the garage studio (I sound like one of those guys going through mid-life crisis who starts a garage band) and really like this shot. Don't think I'm self-centered with the several self-portraits...just a shortage of folks around here that want to have their picture taken.

Also wanted to let you know that my dad is home again. He is doing "alright"...all the time telling everyone how great he is feeling. I really want to believe him. I want him to be feeling that good. But you see a somewhat different story in his eyes. We say so much through our eyes.

Winter has come to St. Louis. The high today was in the mid-40s with lows in the 20s. I actually love it...I've been waiting for winter. I love the crisp air smacking you in the face when you go outside. I took the dogs out last night and kept my shoes off just so I could really feel the cold (thankfully I didn't "get" a cold at the same time!). It's nice.

We're heading out of town this weekend for a few days at our friends' lake house...the same one we were at back during Labor Day weekend. This time, though, it will just be with our "immediate" family (us, my mom, and my sister and her family). We thought it would be nice to spend some time together. I'm looking forward to cold mornings on the patio with a hot cup of coffee...beautiful views through my camera's viewfinder...and a nice time with everyone.

Things have been slow here lately thus not many updates. I put my application in today to become a substitute teacher in our kids' district so that "slowness" thing could change here shortly. We thought it would be nice to have a little financial breathing room...so hopefully I'll be approved and can get started 2-3 days a week. You might pray with me on that...that I would be wise with my time...that I would be sensitive to God's direction in this...and that if I do go ahead with this, that I will be able to juggle everything well.