Time runs away

So much for "time flies." That may be a more appropriate phrase, but I keep seeing the end of each day arrive and see more things that need to be done with each minute stretching out -- but not nearly enough. It's like my life is a clock in one of Salvador Dali's paintings.

October and November were busy months -- the Texaco Country Showdown local and regional finals, photo processing, computer issues, meetings, sickness and Thanksgiving -- and with the Christmas holidays nearly here, December looks to be similar. Whew. How does one find time to have fun?

I've decided today is the day. I'm going to do some photo shooting just for fun. Shore Acres State Park, south of Charleston, Ore., has its holiday lights up and it's a beautiful (and cold) day to do some shooting and play with lights. The park adds a new element every year and I totally missed it in 2010, so I should be in for a double surprise this year.

This photo was taken a few years ago and is one of the few left I could easily find while on the road and working from WiFi hotspots. Still, I like it -- reminds me of the fun I had taking it and that I will have more fun this afternoon.

Shore Acres is lovely any time of year, whether it's during a storm when waves are breaking against the cliffs, or in the spring and summer when the formal garden is in full bloom, or during the holidays, when the lights turn the garden into a lighted version of a winter wonderland. It's just magic.

And maybe, for just a couple hours today, time will stand still.

Happy holidays!