Charles Cushman

I heard a fascinating story today on NPR about amateur photographer Charles Cushman.  Charles was an Indiana native who loved to travel and take color photos- in the 1940's!  He was an ardent user of Kodachrome, one of the world's first color films, which at the time was extremely expensive and hard to come by.  His 14,500 (!) photograph slides were bequeathed to the college from which he graduated, Indiana University, upon his death in 1972.  An excerpt from Mail Online about his New York City photos reads:  

He went around the city taking photos of architecture such as the Brooklyn Bridge and other parts of the Manhattan skyline - and it’s hard to believe they were taken while World War Two was going on. But what is even more intriguing are the street scenes and daily life Cushman documented in his photos, showing 1940s New Yorkers going about their daily business.  The images are even more significant at a time when Americans are remembering the fallen World Trade Center, showing that a city ultimately transcends its buildings.

Here are some of my favorites: Enjoy!

Plus, a story about photographer Steve McCurry: he heard Kodak was going to discontinue Kodachrome, and asked for the last roll of film.  They gave it to him, and you can read about his trip east and see the photos here. 

All the Wild Horses

The other day I obtained the newest copy of Cowboys and Indians Magazine at Half Price Books for the gritty and wild pictures of old west living contained within.  This particular issue focuses on an annual photo contest, along with several photo essays about living and working on the other side of the Mississippi.  I have a particular love for the homestead lifestyle, though I admit it may be a grass-is-greener situation.  Either way, I wanted to share my absolute favorite photo with you. I love that these horses are so strong and beautiful and yet look rougher than a well-kept horse.

Prairie Warriors by Mike Jackson

Aren't they amazing?  You can tell that they have such spirit.

All the wild horses
All the wild horses
Tethered with tears in their eyes
May no man's touch ever tame
May no man's reigns ever chain you
And may no man's weight ever defrayed your soul
And as for the clouds
Just let them roll
Roll away
Roll away
As for the clouds
Just let them roll
Roll away
Roll away  ~Ray Lamontagne~

(1. Red Desert Files  2. Scraps  3. Mr. Physics  4. Enjoy Art)

Winter Birds

Hearing some friendly crows cawing out my window today left me imagining what they may be saying to each other.  Here are some gorgeous crow photos (and a book!) for your perusal, complete with artist's links if you feel so inclined.

Carl Christensen

Gothicrow

Gothicrow again:)

Katja

Lisa Fleming and Anne Marie Dominik-Harris

This is a children's book based on the popular video about Cassie and Moses!  You can check out my post on the video here.  I can't wait to get a copy to share with the little ones in my life.