Abstract Illuminated Clouds Silhouetted Trees – Square

Black and white silhouettes of trees are set against a textured Illinois sky with illuminated scattered clouds. The top of the trees form a sharp contrast with the lighter sky, giving this square format image a peaceful yet abstract and dramatic quality. Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella.

Sometime we can feel a bit scattered, yet God can use this to illuminate our purpose in the journey of life, if we let Him.

When Their Eyes Look At Your Soul

A King Shepherd Dog with eyes of love towards its family. Copyright 2012 Frank J Casella.

Legacy. How do you want to be remembered?

The texture of tree bark, illuminated by the interplay of sunlight and shadows, illustrates the many years of life it takes to make a legacy. Copyright 2019 Frank J Casella

These are the words that came across my computer this week, and what I’ve been pondering since.

Many of us go through life taking for granted the short time we have on earth to make our mark, I suspect. Others of us make profound statements with our life. Most of us, I believe, carry on family for another generation.

My life mission is to share hope and God’s love in the world. That doesn’t seem to be profound on the surface of things but, if you think about it, many people today live without hope and don’t know or see how God works in our lives. People need examples of goodness and hope.

It would be great for many of us if our legacy where to build a skyscraper, or a great work of art, or invent a disease curing drug, or like Thomas Edison with the light bulb. But the more noble legacy is to get others, especially our family, to Heaven. That can have an impact three generations deep!

So, after we die there may be things we did in this world that may be remembered, but what is more important I think is the people who help others because of how we have helped them. Our name may not be on it, but it will be in God’s book of Christian service.

Enjoy your day, you won’t get it back.

Winter Red

A square artsy designed photograph of the winter sunrise sky, through the silhouetted trees, that indicates a snowy day in my hometown of Homewood, Illinois – USA. In life how transparent are we to allow others to know about the person that we are? Winter Red – Copyright 2013 Frank J Casella.

Why I Always Use a Pinch Dog Collar

Buddy the Wonder Dog, with his pinch collar and leather leash, smiling in the morning sunlight. Copyright 2012 Frank J Casella.

There are different sizes of pinch collars; for large dogs, for small dogs, miniature pinch for toy sized dogs. The reason it is called a pinch collar is because you have to pinch on the links to put the collar on and remove it from the dog.

Sometimes these are called prong collars, but that I think is the wrong word. Because the prongs on the collar, when used correctly, mimic the teeth of a mother dog in correcting her litter. Watch the mom and you know how to use the collar.

The dog harness, instead of a collar, has become popular because advocates say it works the same as a horse harness, but I say this is flawed thinking. Because with a horse you need a harness because you ride it. You don’t ride on a dog. When on a horse you are close to it’s head when you pull on the reins, no so much with a dog.

A dog collar is used for identification of a dog, not for walking or training. You can also attach a pinch collar to the dog collar as a back up in case the pinch comes loose (which only happened once to me, and it was my fault). A dog collar has some give to it, which makes it hard to lead or control the dog.

With a pinch collar, you don’t need to pull on it to use it correctly. Let the dog pull on it and make the corrections. You use hand and voice commands to lead the dog to listen and have eye contact with you. The pinch collar provides a night and day difference in the response from the dog.

This and more reasons is why I always use a pinch collar. Do an internet search on how to properly use it, and don’t listen to anyone who doesn’t use it.

Let Dogs Be Dogs

Photo: ‘Happy Fall Dog Walk – Heat Effect‘ A golden retriever goes for a neighborhood walk down a sidewalk through colorful Fall leaves in Midwest America. Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella. Note: The motion in this image is intentional. The abstract and heat effects are added for presentation

While on a recent dog walk I noticed down the sidewalk two people approaching me with their dogs. Once they spotted me they seemed to have stopped and where standing there talking with each other .. waiting.

I said to myself, “I wonder if they are waiting to see if I will be crossing the street” … “well, my dog is trained so I’m not gong anywhere”. And sure enough, as soon as I got ‘two driveways’ away from them they went and crossed the street.

Once they got across the street, they waved at me in a friendly like manner. I wanted to say to them, ‘nice way to socialize your dogs’.

This is a common thing today, and I don’t know why or what is causing it. It seems instead of dog owners making the time to lead their dogs and train them to be social with other dogs, they just simply cross the street. This is not very good for the dog. But us humans take the path of least resistance when we can.

For example when dogs sniff trees, and pee on them, it not only helps to relieve themselves, but they also communicate with, and learn about, each other by the odors in their pee .. yes, you can call it p-mail.

All of my dogs have been rescue dogs, and one even came with a form of aggression. The dog behaviorist who worked with us showed us how taking the lead with your dog on walks helps him with how well he behaves at home. It took about nine months, but we helped that dog to become a dog again.

Fall Bloom at the Prairie Water – Lomography

A wetlands beautiful day, as the overcast blue sky provides just enough illumination add a touch of contrast the the beautiful blooming colors of Fall,, at the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve in Illinois. Photo: Fall Bloom at the Prairie Water – Lomography – Copyright 2023 Frank J Casella.

Networking

I chiropractor talks with a patron at a neighborhood festival in Midwest America. Photo: Complimentary Medicine Copyright 2014 Frank J. Casella

Networking plays a crucial role in life as it generates a significant and positive impact. I utilize Fine Art America as my primary platform for networking, where engaging with a modest yet viable audience allows me to establish trust and a reputable presence. Unlike many artists who directly post pictures accompanied by sales pitches or calls to action on social media, I prefer to share blog posts or provide detailed descriptions of the subjects I photograph. Essentially, I harness the power of social media when I witness tangible results, rather than relying on it as a mere tactic to yield success.

During my tenure as the executive director of a local Chamber of Commerce, I encouraged that members who actively contributed to the organization’s mission and volunteered for committees were the ones who reaped the greatest business benefits. Instead of solely promoting their own interests, these individuals invested in building relationships and wholeheartedly engaged with their fellow community members. However, after my departure, many members ceased their participation or chose not to renew their membership. While my influence was not the sole factor, a significant portion of this decline could be attributed to a change in the Chamber Board’s approach, resulting in a diminished perception of the previously emphasized benefits.

When it comes to networking, whether in the virtual realm or offline, the most effective strategy is to selflessly give and invest in the interests of others, rather than fixating on personal gains. By nurturing genuine connections, people will truly get to know you and your talents, leading them to speak highly of you and the value you offer. Although this process may require a considerable amount of time, it surpasses the futile efforts of individuals who spend years navigating social media or attending various social functions without making any meaningful impact on their relationships or sales.

Contrasting this approach, the “big fish” dedicate their time and effort to each individual they encounter, making a positive difference in their lives and actively contributing to problem-solving.

Struggle

Fog covers city skyscrapers down Michigan Avenue during the morning commute in Chicago Illinois. Photo: ‘Chicago City Fog‘ – Square Color- Copyright 2016 Frank J Casella.

Struggling in life can help us find answers and make it all worthwhile. What difficulties are you facing? We all go through struggles, and how we respond to them makes a difference. Sometimes we experience pain in relationships, work, or friendships. But remember, even in the toughest situations, God can work things for the better. It’s important to ask ourselves if it’s worth it and how God can use these circumstances to help others. Often, our greatest struggles end up being turning points in our lives or relationships. So keep going, because God can make it all worth it.

It’s The Sauce – Wetlands Trail

The shirt says it all. A surprise I found while editing images from the Homewood Izaak Walton Wetlands Preserve in Illinois. When you experience the beauty of nature, God’s love is the secret in the sauce (at least in my book). Click here or image for more.