Day 2, the drainage.

The day after the mindboggling brainstorming, the eye looks much better, more color, but less swelling. If you are thinking about purchasing a pony for someone special, research the hell out of the animal first because that special someone might not be special for very long if you get the wrong pony.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

-Lone Wolf

Horses -1, Stephenie - 0

This morning Stephenie went out to feed the horses, as she does every morning, except today got a tad bit western. One of our horses, Check Ride Clyde, aka "Checker", is extremely enthusiastic about eating. He has to sample what everyone else is getting, even though they all get the same feed, of course he is the low man on the totem pole and gets bumped from everyone else's feed bowls. It's kind of like watching musical chairs. This morning however my lovely bride got a little too close to the action. I'm sitting inside thinking about making coffee and all of sudden I hear not so lady like language coming from outside. I open the door and see buckets flying, dogs scattering, horses rearing up, Stephenie screaming and crying, TOTAL CHAOS!!

Well you can see the end result. This gives new meaning to the phrase putting your heads together. Amidst the "musical chair" portion of breakfast while Steph was throwing feed, Checker raised his ugly head too fast for Steph, ...BOO-YA!!! Click on the images to experience the full impact.

I hope you guys have a better day.

-Lone Wolf

Not much to say.

Sorry all that I have not been more frequent on my posts, but there hasn't been a whole hell of a lot going on around here. The weather is the only interesting subject worth talking about. Gees, I feel like one of the locals here that only comments on the weather and how it relates to the "Farmer's Almanac." It seems like the only thing to do this time of year is to report on the weather and to taste micro-beers from around the country. It's really mind boggling that we don't have any descent places to eat here, but we can get any kind of beer we want. Coincidence, I think not. Starting Monday my Mother is coming for a visit, (for SEVEN DAYS). I think it'll be FUN. Of course there is NOTHING TO DO HERE!!! Oh well, it will be good to spend time with her.

Politically speaking, I have lost all faith in the Democratic Party (in Texas). I received a call 10 days ago to shoot some photos of a candidate running for Texas Railroad Commissioner. "Send an invoice " the consultant said, so I did. I called him to check up and ask if he received the images on the ftp site. Has Mr. Jackass consultant called back, returned emails? Hell no!!! I'm just about ready to place an anti-ad in every daily paper across the state if Mr. Jew boy Leibowitz doesn't pay up!!! Then I'll send Guido to pay him a visit!! Happy Hanuka jackass!! I'm not a happy camper about the present political happenings, country or state.

happy, happy.

Lone Wolf

Now that we are home.

Strange things are afoot here at Loco Lobos Ranch when you have the deer playing chase with one of your dogs for fun. That's just crazy talk. I have proof. We had a great sunset last night, something I never get tired of seeing.

Here at the ranch we have quite a mixture of wildlife and domestic life comingling everyday. Somehow I think Daisy is playing the type of game Woody is playing. Silly dog, tricks are for deer.

-Lone Wolf

New things to bitch about!!

This past weekend we spent in Jackson Mississippi, which was a great one money wise, but it took its' toll on the profit margin with the price per gallon we had to pay for diesel. Damn you WOOLLY BUSH!!!

On a lighter ,more intellectual level, I saw a bumper-sticker that read, "If you ain't Redneck, you ain't shit!" Hum, let's contemplate that shall we. (playing the Jeopardy theme in your head) Does it mean that if you ARE a redneck you're shit. Help me out here, but why would you want to be shit? I don't get it. Is being a redneck THAT important, and why is being SHIT that important? Someone please help me understand. Wait, on second thought, I really do not care.

Happy Happy-

Lone Wolf

Thinking of being Thankful

Since we are in the week of Thanks I thought I would share some thoughts of thankfulness. The American flag for example, I'm very thankful of that, thankful that my grandparents and great-grandparents fought for it. I'm thankful for the opportunity to express my thoughts and concerns about the world today. I'm thankful for the freedom to photograph what I want, when I want. I'm thankful for the right to VOTE, and tell the world my opinion! I'm thankful for my friends and family who accept me for who I am, especially my friends in Portland, OR. Y.i.t.B. and C to the B.:~) I'm thankful for the adventures I've been on, and the adventures yet to come. Most of all I'm thankful for someone who understands and appreciates me, whom I live everyday, every minute and every second with, my lovely wife Stephenie. I hope you all appreciate the gifts you are given and the number of days to live it. Take nothing for granted because you don't know when the music will end.

Have a great Thanksgiving and tell your loved-ones you Love them.

Gobble-gobble!!

-Lone Wolf

A day in the life.

Well my friends today was a tad-bit more interesting than the day before. Structure fire followed by a girls basketball game. The fire was the highlight of my day!! It was so sad, the guys house that burned had two dogs, one got out as the firefighters sprayed water on the house. Unfortunately, the second canine did not, poor guy. It seems that 90% of all catastrophes happen in and around Kempner, my freaking town!!!! Makes me a tad bit nervous about leaving town. I thought you guys could relate.

Here are some photos that will probably make Fridays paper. If they aren't too controversial:~)

Carpe Diem!!

-Lone Wolf

p.s. I get to shoot a first round 6-man football game Friday night. It should be hilarious. Stay tuned.

-L.W.

Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day!!

I know it's Veterans Day observed, but I hope you guys called your Veteran and told them "thank you." I know personally that I am very proud of my Vets, James Montgomery and Bryant E. Wolf Sr. Thank you for your service so that your kids and grand kids can enjoy the freedoms of today. We should also keep in mind the Vets of the present war and give them the same respect that we give our grandparents. We might not agree with the reason that they are there, and they might not understand why they are there, but they are putting themselves in harms way for the freedoms we enjoy, doing the job in which WE do not agree with. I don't know what the nation is becoming, but with the recent chain of events, stock market, and overall economy, the upcoming year frightens me. With everything our parents and grandparents fought for it seems our "Fearless Leader" has sold us out. Personally I feel we are headed for another depression. Sorry G-pa and Papa, you have to go through it again.

Thank you guys for your sacrifice and your service.

Much Love and Thanks!!

-Lone Wolf

The Perfect Season?

Well kids it's Friday night and the hometown football squad just ended their perfect season. Oh, my bad, the perfect LOSING season. Yeah, I hate to say it but the Badgers went 0 and 10 for the year. What an accomplishment. In all my years of playing sports I don't think I have ever seen or heard of any team in any sport having an 0-fer season. However, I'm am pleased with tonight's game, it was actually a close one. 21-28. I thought we might pull it out in the end. It was a fun one to cover. I think we scored more points tonight than we have in the previous 5 games. GEES!!

Oh well, as the town's motto, "There's always next year." At least our head coach still has a job.

-Lone Wolf

Your response is overwhelming

Thanks to everyone who responded to my inquiry as to what they thought might make a good photo essay and/or project. No responding POS's. If I ask you for your input, dammit I expect some feed back!!! Don't take the time to checkout the BLOG and not comment. C'mon now. I respect your opinion and comments.

Thanks,

-Lone Wolf

p.s. Congrats to UGA for beating Florida today b/c the extended family that lives in Florida never would let the immediate family in Georgia live it down. I was hoping Florida would win though.

Vols suck Gamecock!!!!

I cannot believe the game I just saw between the Tennessee Vols and South Carolina Gamecocks!!! UT should be ashamed of themselves, allowing their opponent to score 21 pts. in the second half to tie the game up and force an OT. What the hell is the the matter with coach fuller, probably can't find his ass with both hands. I think it might be time for retirement. The biggest mistake S.Carolina made is trying to run against the UT defense. Not possible. Kudos to Mitchell, S.Carolina's QB, AWESOME 2nd half!!! Too bad your placekicker wasn't up to the challenge.

The SEC is by-far the greatest conference in the country, even though coach fuller is still in it. I have an analogy for you;

Coach Fuller is to the SEC as President WoolyBush is to ....

Have a GREAT rest of the weekend!!! GO HOGS and GO COWBOYS.

Peace - Lone Wolf

Yesterday's road trip

I got the pleasure of shooting one our PRCA Cowboy clients yesterday. Team Roping shot my way. I like it when I get to do that. The location is just over a hour from our house, unfortunately I had to pass up the opportunity to stuff my face with the best bar-b-que in the world, that's no TALL TALE either. The place for which I speak is none other than COOPER'S. If we had eaten there prior to our move to Lampasas, we would not be living in Lampasas. Oh well, I had a good time shooting yesterday and left with some good stuff.

I'm looking for a photo project to submerse myself in and I'm open to ideas. If anyone has something in mind please share. Thanks.

-Lone Wolf

Something I saw going to a shoot

Yesterday while packing the truck for a shoot I noticed the tailgate had a cool pattern from the rain, yes RAIN, we received the night before. Interesting what road base dust and rain can form, ART!!

Thought I would share that with you guys. TA-TA.

-Lone Wolf

More about the past weekend

Two of the assignments I shot this weekend, non sports related thank goodness, were kind of fun. The Herb and Art Fest, which is only a day-long "fest." I'm not quite sure if it qualifies it as a Festival, is there a time limit in order to be considered a Festival? If anybody has knowledge about this kind of thing please let me know. I also cruised on down to one of our MANY churches to photograph the pumpkin arrival. I love pumpkins, they're so cool. Did you know they are also known as a "winter squash?"

During the Herb and Art "Fest" I got to see just about the whole town, I think I just about visited with everyone I know, I barely had enough time to get the thing shot, but It's nice to be appreciated. There are some very interesting and hospitable individuals here, it makes living here tolerable. One person that caught my eye was a guy who was working the local Lions Club booth, Bob Richardson and his 11year old African Grey parrot named "Lucky." One of the other older gentleman working the both almost got slapped more than once because of Lucky's male-like behavior, he was whistling at all the pretty ladies as they passed by the booth. Those guys probably got tired of blaming it on the bird, kinda like blaming the dog for a room-clearing odor. You guys know what I mean.

The pumpkin thing was cool as well, the youth group kids didn't seem to think so since they had to help unload everything off a semi tractor trailer. The younger kids had a blast, the older group acted like they had better things to do. Welcome to the real world, THERE ARE ALWAYS BETTER THINGS TO DO!!!

Overall it was a very busy and productive weekend, can't wait for the next one.

Adios-

Lone Wolf

The past weekend

Well since it's Tuesday I thought that would give y'all an update from the weekend in "Big Beautiful" Lampasas. The weekend started very early on Friday with an invitational Cross Country meet hosted by our high school CC team. They actually performed better than our football team. No surprise there. From there I had to head over to one of our elementary schools for an assignment, not exciting enough to include a photo. I had just enough time get home transmit photos to the paper, recharge batteries (and myself), and get back to the paper so my sports editor and I could drive an hour and half to watch our football team make a pathetic attempt to play the game. Got home about 12:30, downloaded, and got to bed about 2am, and up again at 6 to tackle two more assignments that ended around 1pm. Talk about wrecked!!! I think I slept the rest of the afternoon, I think. Sunday was good, slept in, had an assignment midday and fin'e.

Great weekend, but too much driving. Yea, I do tons of driving anyway, but that's different. Hope all is well with everyone.

Take care.

-Lone Wolf

Buffalo BLOWS!!!

Update from the previous post, I just got off the phone with the Buffalo News wanting a comment about tonight's game, after a few choice words from the other end there was a CLICK and then silence. Rude Sons of B's. The Buffalo News can _______!!!! I just won't lower myself to the guttural standards of New Yorkers, stupid yankees. We can't help it if they can't close the deal. The Bills are just like the Baltimore Orioles, they have always sucked, and will continue to suck, so get used to it! Buffalo is and will always be nothing but bottom of the barrel never amounting to anything. Too bad, so sad.

-Lone Wolf

I have so much to say.

I just realized that I have not written on Nanny's 80th, or our trip to Cheyenne. Crap , what was I thinking? Oh, I know, I'm living in HEE-HAW HELL and for got to give a shit!! I hate living among the "Bubbas" of the world, that's code for white-trash.

About Nanny's 80th, cool, no problems at all. I actually had a great time. I always enjoy spending time in Dallas when I can. I have included a few photos of my family. And the road home. YEE-HAW!!

Good times, good times!!

-Lone Wolf

Our Football squad sucks!!!!

I apologize for updating more frequently, but when you live in "Mayberry RFD" you don't have much to write about. HOWEVER; last night our Badger football squad put up 21 points against our neighbor to the south Burnet, and only got beat 21-48. OOH, what an accomplishment! I wanted to leave at halftime and drink myself into a catatonic state. But I wouldn't have captured this "icing on the cake" shot of the Badgers' last TD. WHOOPEE!! This town needs a clue!!

cheers,

Gabe

p.s. I'm home for six weeks, so get ready for LOTS of hometown crap!!

Love to all-

Gabe

A new perspective

Forgive me if this post rambles. This weekend was a educational one. My mother gave me, my Dad and my nanny a DVD of "The Wolfs, the early years, 1969-1983." WOW, I can't stop crying, and wondering how our lives would have turned out if they had stayed together. Damn that hindsight!! While I was watching the DVD for the 4th time in a 48 hour period with my wife Stephenie, it reminded me of how much Steph and I are like my parents from back in the day. Steph sees it too. It breaks my heart that my parents couldn't see past the present and work things out. I can remember looking at photo album after photo album of my mom and dad when they were young adults and wanting to know more about who they were and what they were all about. Movies , even though they are silent, give you so much more information. Since watching this DVD for the 5th time in 48hrs it has reconnected me with my mom and dad. I guess I have fallen in love with them all over again. It makes me wish they had worked through their issues and thought more about the future. I know it is all in the past and it all should stay there, but there will always be that little glimmer of what could have been. THANKS MOM!!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS !!! Your number one son,

Gabe

Cool assignment

This morning I met the coolest guy, Gladden Corbin. He's a photographer who used to shoot all kinds of things including assignments for the Dispatch Record. He has also been collecting cameras for the past 50 years. He now photographs landscapes and he wife paints the photos. We talked for about 2 1/2 hours about how things have changed over the years, cameras he wishes he had not sold or traded, but overall no regrets. I felt sorry for our reporter who went along to interview Gladden, he barely got the interview

I hope if I make it to Gladden's age I will have a similar perspective and I'm able to look back on my career and smile.

-Lone Wolf

The end of a GREAT weekend

Sorry I have not updated in a few days, but I've been trying to readjust to regular hours. I could really use a week more of sleep, but as the saying goes,"places to be , people to meet." I figure I'll get all the sleep I need when I'm dead. I've been contemplating how I will wrap up this past weekend of documenting this historic event, and the only thing I can say WHOA! I feel sorry for my wife Stephenie for having to put up with me after shooting an assignment like this. You have to understand that I hate the area where we live, our property is very, very nice, but some , if not the majority of the population here are IDIOTS!! Mostly right wing, religious right types. It is very frustrating to be around and photograph free-spirited, loving life type of individuals and then come back to "HEE-HAW HELL!!" Culture shock in the worst way. This weekend was just such a liberating event, great music, people who accept you for who you are. AWESOME. Don't get me wrong I missed my family terribly, but I didn't miss being here.

I really want to thank the GMS staff, hopefully we will work together again, also the staff at George's for making me feel right at home. Last but not least my step-mother Laura who got me this gig. THANK YOU!!

The shot I decided to post, which was very difficult to decide, pretty much says it all. It was taken towards the end of Cross Canadian Ragweed's show, F@$#ING AWESOME!!

Enough for now, I'm off this weekend to celebrate my Nanny's 80th birthday with the family, sparks could fly. Can't wait.

Live today as if it were your last, you just never know.

-Lone Wolf

Deadheads galore

Man oh man!!! Last night was,...well, it was. I think of myself as pretty liberal, but next to the group of concert goers that attended last nights festivities, I looked like a freaking Right Wing Conservative fresh off the farm. I've never seen so many acid-dropping, pot-smoking, free-spirited individuals all under one roof in my entire life. IT WAS THE COOLEST FREAK SHOW EVER.

The one thing this whole weekend has been about is bringing awesome musicians from the past and present together to celebrate an establishments 80th anniversary, and also to raise money for Children's House. I thought for this post I would put something human in that happened last night while I was waiting for the show to start.

The Garden, which is the covered patio stage at George's, has windows that look east. Beyond the windows a railroad track runs. (approx. five to six feet form the building) Just as I walked into the Garden a train passed by traveling about 10mph. I noticed a guy gazing out the open window, mesmerized by this Union Pacific. I took a few frames before he noticed me. We struck up a conversation, he told me how fascinated he was by these huge creations. Later I discovered he was the drummer for the warm-up act, "Rev. Peyton's Big Damn Band." They were great by the way, they impressed me so much, I had to buy a CD, "Big Damnation." This kid who plays the drums is also the Reverends brother, Jamie. Part of his set includes a 5 gallon bucket. What the hell is that all about. This weekend has been a blast, it has also been an education.

Tonight is the last night of the festival which will feature Mountain of Venus, Outformation( made up of some members of Widespread Panic), Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett of "Little Feat," and more of Steve Kimock and crew (Grateful Dead).

It's been real and it's been fun, but it ain't been real fun. Can't wait to get home. Ya know, this is probably the only time I will ever see these people, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to see these Legends, who are the best at what they do. It has been a pleasure.

Until tomorrow, or whenever.

-Lone Wolf

Oldtimers night-out

I hope no one takes offense to the title of this post, it just seems fitting. Last night was more of the same just a more "experienced" crowd of music enthusiasts. It was also an eye-opener for me in that being in my mid-thirties I kinda feel like a man without a country. You don't, or can't, relate to the twenty-somethings because you've been there and done that, and you can't connect with the fifty plus crowd either, because you aren't there and haven't done that yet. I guess the fifty plus looks at the thirty-somethings kinda the way the thirty-somethings look at the twenty-somethings. It's all relative I guess. I did have a better time last night than the night before. I was trying to get a certain shot last night when an older couple, late fifties:), suggested that I stand on one of their chairs. I did get the shot, heard a couple of cheers to my left, looked over and received a few thumbs up, I guess they thought it was a good shot but during happy-hour it's amazing how many "good" shots you seem to get. When I got off the chair I looked at the guys wife, giggled and shook my head and she said, "You know we all think of you as our grandson." I have never seen this these people before in my life. I suppose that's what makes George's seem like a different world, it doesn't matter what you look like, what you believe in, if your a local or an outta-town er, everyone treats you like they have known you all your life. Good-times, good-times.

Until tomorrow.

-Lone Wolf

George's 80th Music Festival

Made it to Fayetteville (Arkansas) yesterday safe and sound. On the way I borrowed some "driving tunes" from my dad one of which is "The legend of Johnny Cash." Great album and PERFECT on a road trip, he might not get this one back. I have come here to photograph George's Majestic Lounges 80th birthday. About 20 single acts and bands, mostly local, are occupying both stages for four days. Last night kicked off the festival in "high" gear. The headliner, Cross Canadian Ragweed finished the evening with a nothing less than AWESOME show. It was a true rock concert loud, sweaty, and the smell of reefer filled the air. I swear I probably lost half my hearing last night. The fun continues tonight with Crowne/Hutchison, Nace Brothers, Anthony Gomes, Jimmy Thackery, and a Cate Brothers reunion. Should be an interesting evening.

Stay tuned.....

-Lone Wolf

Lunarcy

Good Morning-

What a day it has been already. I received an email yesterday informing me of a lunar eclipse taking place around 4 am this morning. You know, once you wake up and have been photographing an event like this for a couple hours, it seems pretty pointless to crawl back in bed. Here it is 6:30 am and I'm contemplating that very thought. The image captured this morning was not exactly what I had hoped for, but word around the campfire is there will be another opportunity in late February 2008,...stay tuned.

-Lone Wolf

Intresting thought.

Just curious to what everyone thought about the following question, Do you think "the united states of america" is turning into a communist state? Let me know what you think, please don't be scared to voice your opinion. Freedom of Speech and all.

Take care,

Gabe

Nice!!

I won't say much, but I love seeing sunsets like this. A perfect ending to a so-so day. I'm just glad I'm able to witness these things.

Take care of yourselves.

-Gabe

The Life

I swear when I die I want to come back as one of our animals. (refer to photo) Blondie, lab, and Bratt never do this. I guess they just felt lazy at the same time. Must be rough. We have the strangest pets. I guess it makes life intresting.

Happy trails until we meet again.

-Gabe

Home again, home again

Mile by mile you count 'em down, not wanting to stop town after town. You just can't wait to be home again. Damn, sounds like the next verse to a C/W song. It about sums up this yo-yo of a life Steph and I lead, but you know what, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

We just got back from "big beautiful" Andrews, Texas this morning and what a boring place that is. If you don't know where Andrews is, I'll tell you. It is somewhere between Timbuk 2 and middle of nowhere, just follow the smell of petroleum. Not much happened this past weekend, so maybe that means I have something to look forward to this week.

Take care, talk to ya'll soon.

-Gabe

Cool stuff too

Now the positive-

Yes I had my chance to display my dislike of things here, but now, if you go to the LDR website, http/www.lampasasdispatchrecord.com you will find the access I'm allowed here, very thankful. I realize every pro must have a con, sucks, but that is how life works for the majority. If you don't feel like, or too lazy to go to the LDR website, here is a preview.

Love to all,

Gabe

p.s. Maybe tomorrow I'll tell you guys about our trip to Hereford,...maybe.

see-ya

Review

You know after reading the last post, it was just a way to vent to the injustice our local paper does to our community, forcing their horrible right-wing conservative views upon the citizens of Lampasas. What NAZIS'!! The Religious Right is not a good thing for this country!!

Goodnight-
Gabe

I HATE BEING EDITED!!!

Hello all-

What a week I've had. Very busy, shooting alot, and being edited on a photo because "it was not family oriented." What is so "family oriented" about guys dressing up as girls to participate in a "Homegirl Beauty Pageant?" hilarious I know, but take it for what it is. I guess I was not meant to live anywhere in or close to the Bible Belt. The people that know me know how I feel about organized religion, it has no place in business or government, PERIOD!!! I guess being raised as a free-thinker has its' ups and downs. The term "family" has different meanings according to where you live. I hope you don't live in Lampasas County. There are two phrases that I can't stand,.."That's good enough," and "That's the we've always done it." If I hear those phrases again I'll have to kick the ass of the ignorant S.O.B. that said it, probably a southern Baptist. Oh well, he probably had it coming.

You guys probably have no idea to what I'm raving about. This pageant was in support of the American Cancer Societies' Relay for Life walk, in which I'm in favor of. I have several friends and family die of this terrible illness. We need to find a cure, but it takes time and lots of $$$, unfortinately. I hope each one of you who read this blog support you local chapter.

I am off my soapbox for now, but beware of tomorrow.

Take care of yours. Much love.

Gabe

p.s. Would you see a photo like this in your local paper? Let me know. THX.

Good News

Hello-

Today started very early, so forgive me if there are some typos. I'm a staff photographer for the local paper here,"Lampasas Dispatch Record," and when Stehenie and I are not on the raod working I shoot assignments around town. This morning after shooting an assignment I dropped by the office to check in with my editor and he informs me that congrats are in order. I looked at him with some confusion and replied with a , "thanks?" Our paper enters yearly contests, Texas Press Association(TPA), West Texas Press Association(WTPA) and so on. Anyway, my editor, Jim, could tell I was a little clueless to what he was congradulating me for so he proceeded to tell me that I placed 3rd for Photographer of the Year in the WTPA entries. I thought he was joking but if you know Jim he never jokes when comes to the paper. I don't personally Know the two photographers who placed 1st and 2nd, but I know their work, it's AWESOME!!! I'm pretty flattered. The photo I have included is from an assignment I covered last year. It was from a new class added to Lampasas High School teaching Sign Language. That assignment is on my top 10 list of favorites.

In closing I just want to say THANKS to everyone who has supported me on this adventure, I could not have done without you guys. Your kind words of encouragement are greatly appreciated. THANK YOU.

We are off to Hereford in the morning, YEEEHAW.

Adios,

Gabe

Welcome

Hey Kids-
Just wanted to say hey. I'm a fulltime photographer with my wife Stephenie, the boss, who actually runs the business. Over the past few months we have substantial rainfall, not that I'm complaining, but damn, enough is enoough. This time of year is slow for us so I will have plenty of time to share my adventures with all. Not much happening today, being Sunday and all, so not much to say. I am very excited about some news I recieved yesterday from my best friend and fraternity brother that he and his wife are having a baby. Way cool, I can't even believe it. We are headed to Hereford, Texas next week to photograph, so hopefully I will have some intesting things to share, and photos too.

Thanks for visiting. Ciao.

Gabe