The holidays are now upon us, and I'm swamped and feeling a bit under the weather. I've got three in-depth blog post halfway written that I can't seem to finish. I've taken only a few photos lately, and I've made NO progress on my latest novel or photography book. However, I have been busy traveling, showing my photography, and planning upcoming events. 

What little photography I'm currently doing is "target of opportunity" shots. I always carry a camera, and I've found a few good subjects. However, none of these are suitable for my next photography book. The shots below, and the one above, are from a condemned business in my home town. 

I had a wonderful time at the Rudd Art Center Veterans Show debut event two weeks ago. The show is ongoing through 18 November. I was really excited to sell a piece and talk to other vet-artists like me, from the Vietnam-era to today.  Please go to downtown Ozark and support local veteran artists. Find out more here. 

Please stay tuned, as next week I will be talking about my upcoming showing at the Artist Market in Montgomery. More to follow. See ya next week. 

I want to thank everyone who came out to the Piney Woods Art Festival in Enterprise, Alabama this weekend, especially those who dropped by my booth. The positive response to "Abandoned Wiregrass," as well as my prints and framed art, was overwhelming. I would especially like to thank the Coffee County Arts Alliance for hosting the event and allowing me to attend. Piney Woods has been a vital part of the community fabric in Enterprise for as long as I can remember. This was my first year participating, and I will be sure to return. 

My photo "Winter Chairs" was honored with Best In Show. This kinda blows me away, because there were some SERIOUSLY talented artists at the event. I am honored and grateful. 

It was great to see many friends drop by the booth, including old friends from college I have not seen in many years. I received an unexpected surprise when, in the festival's closing hour,  I heard a voice say "That's my shack!"  Sure enough, it was the gentleman who owns the cabin featured on the cover of Abandoned Wiregrass.  I had not seen Mr. Waters since the day I took that image. We had a great time catching up and talking about the shack's history, and other places around the local area that might be good candidates for future photos. 

I'm not sure when or where my next event will be, as the local art festival scene slows down in the summer. I'll be taking the  opportunity to keep writing my fiction novels, as well as riding the roads (on my motorcycle, of course!) looking for my next photograph.

Keep checking back for updates!

#pineywoodsartfestival #artfestival #photography #awardwinning

I traveled to Troy, Alabama over the weekend to speak to the Pike County Historical Genealogical &  Preservation Society about Abandoned Wiregrass.  It was good to get back to my old college stomping grounds, though Troy has changed quite a bit since they days when I attended Troy State University. 

The Society held their meeting at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama just off Highway 231 on the north side of Troy.  I'd like to thank Dianne Smith and the rest of the members for the opportunity to speak. As I had hoped, they were a wealth of knowledge on several of the structures featured in my book and provided valuable insights on several locations. Several members provided tips regarding old and potentially historic buildings and ruins in the Pike County area. I'm excited about further exploring many of these  places.

I'm beginning to learn there is an amazing network of historical and genealogical societies scattered across Alabama, each dedicated to preserving the histories of the places the members call home.  If you are part of a historical preservation group in the Wiregrass, or just someone who knows of an interesting old ruin, please leave a comment or contact through me Facebook. 

This was also my first visit to the  Pioneer Museum of Alabama. This place is truly a Wiregrass treasure.  I strongly recommend a visit. 
​

If your organization or civic group is looking for a guest speaker I'd love to come speak about Abandoned Wiregrass.  Please contact me below of leave a comment on my Facebook. ​ 

#abandonedwiregrass #wiregrass #historical #history #TroyAlabama #Pikecountyalabama #speaking