Imagist Blog

The Little Free Library movement started in 2009, when Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a one room schoolhouse and filled it with books. You can read more of this history here. You can also find a map of all the “registered” Little Libraries; plans to build one; ready mades; et al. While cycling, and/or driving, I notice these libraries; and recently have stopped to photograph them. This of course feels more convenient when cycling. Here’s some that I’ve found within 10 miles of my home.

(click photograph for larger view)

Eugene, who built this one, with the owl painted on the side by his son, and a “dog treat box” and a “chalk box board with chalk box” was not aware of the The Little Free Library organization and website. So if you see a Little Library, you may wish to let the “librarian” know about the organization. Eugene seemed delighted to know when I told him about it.

Leica M8, 40 mm Summicron with B+W 93 Infrared Filter

Leica M Monochrom, 50 mm Summilux Asph

Last evening I pedaled into Cedarburg and North on the InterUrban trail. About 6 miles into the ride, along the bike trail, I found EDEN and LAuren set up and vending their “RaNDOM Things.” Of course I had to stop and browse their selections and ended up purchasing the bracelet and multicolored pen; which you see at the front of the table.

(click photograph for larger view)

Leica M Monochrom, 50 mm Summilux Asph

Just recently I’ve begun listening to music while cycling at sunset. Up until now I’ve enjoyed being in “tune” with the sounds of the environment; along with the sights and smells of the farms, wild flowers, new mowed hay and all. I can now appreciate “where those other riders and walkers and joggers ‘are at’ as they move along in rhythm with their ear buds.” It certainly provides a different level of experience; and/or pleasure. Below you’ll find a selection of  images from my recent, musically accompanied sunset rides.

Leica M Monochrom, 50 mm Summilux Asph

Leica M8, 40 mm Summicron with B+W 93 Infrared Filter

The pace of walking and cycling encourages us to take in the sights, sounds and smells around us.
This deeper encounter with our environment provides one of the many pleasures
of biking, walking, canoeing and kayaking.

(click photograph for larger view)

Last Tuesday I took a new route/road on the bike.
The way the corn rows appeared in the distance gave me a good excuse to stop and hydrate;
as well as pull out the Leica M8, 40 mm Summicron with B+W 93 Infrared filter.

I keep dragging my journal along on these little cycling jaunts;
thinking I’ll stop ant catch up on their pages; or do a little drawing along with the photography.
Though the journal has never come out of the bag; until last Wednesday.
I took it out of the bag and sat on a chiseled stone bench near the Milwaukee River,
in the courtyard of a church, in Cedarburg.
And while I journaled I saw other photographs to make.
But I didn’t make them. Seems like either / or. One or the other gets slighted.

Yet the Leica M Monochrom and 50 mm Summilux Asph also came out of the bag
just to record the sunlight, falling through the trees, on to the journal.

Quiet sounds of water passing through rocks, the occasional fish jumping for insects,
children and people in the distance, ducks quacking and preening.
Remarkably complex combinations of smells.

 Nature’s call had me up and heading for the public restroom at Cedar Creek Park.
Here the water offers more intense sounds as it falls a bit while winding through the park.
This gentleman had more than a little to say about the fishing here. Past. And current.
Apparently you can still catch some good sized Rock Bass. Though not “like it was.”

Thursday’s ride to Grafton had me stopping to photograph the Cedarburg Fire Department Fountain.
A little boy told me I should photograph it on Wednesday. Though it was dry and not running.

As well as a view of the Bike Path Bridge from the East side of the Milwaukee River.
These last three with the Leica M Monochrom and 50 mm Summilux Asph

Saturday had me back at Cedar Creek Park to check out the Wisconsin Women Cycling Event.
Hauled the Leica M, along with Monochrome and M8/IR;
as I expected to see hundreds of bright colored jerseys; and all kinds of bikes.
Though at 3:30 in the afternoon there was not much to see; at all.
There were a few of us with bikes in the park.
Though none of the 100+ “women cyclists” who staged there for the ride to Holy Hill; earlier in the day.
They hired The Rhythm Kings to play for the [non existent] crowds. I enjoyed the music for one set.
Bought and ate a spinach, egg and feta crepe; and 4 dark chocolate turtles for Ann.
Made some photographs; and headed back home.

Tak’n a break.
The Crowd

Sunday morning I drove to Pewaukee
to make some Architectural Photographs for a Real Estate Management Company.
Between AM East Side photography and PM West Side photography I hung out at the Lake.

Stalking plastic owls with the 350 Telyt-R w 2x Apo

Observing Jace and his navigator, Kylee

Then rode the bike trail around the lake. Killer hills; at least for these old legs, lungs and heart.
Looking at 15 miles around the lake. I made it out 5 miles and turned around. Still had work to do.

…determines what we see, hear, taste, feel, and yes, think.
Shift your point of view and everything changes.
Photographers, artists, writers, poets… know this.
Change the filters, look from above, or below. Stand in another’s spot. Look through their eyes.
Get out of your car. Take a walk. Sit on the ground. Ride a bike. Go to the roof. Paddle a kayak or canoe.
Yesterday afternoon I biked the 5 miles to Cedarburg; with journal, pen case and cameras.
I intended to sit somewhere along the river and catch up in my journal.
The journal never came out of the bag. Though the camera did.
These days I feel enchanted by the IR filtered renderings of my surroundings.
They mirror my feelings during these hot summer days;
compelled, as I am, to pedal through time and space.
As I am.

(click photograph for larger view)

Leica M8, 40 mm Summicron w/ B+W 93 Infrared Filter

…since I’ve ridden 20 miles on a bicycle. I rode 30 miles a few years ago; when I rode over to Tanya’s Coop Farm Food drop off point; and took food to her fridge and some back to mine. Before that… probably close to 40 years since doing those sorts of distances within a couple hours. Yesterday I bicycled 4 miles East to the InterUrban Trail; then 6 miles North on the Trail; then home. 88 degrees F. Weather says, “Feels like 96.” SportLine says, “1645 Calories” Did stop a few minutes at the Milwaukee River to watch the Herons and Ducks at the “Hot Spot;” and grab some photo memories. The last few rides I made it a point to say, “good morning.” Or “good day.” Or “good afternoon.” To all other riders, walkers and runners on the trail. It amazes me how few respond with even so little as a nod. It seems the afternoon and evening users of the trail show slightly more congeniality.

(click photograph for larger view)

Leica M8, 40 mm Summicron w/ B+W 93 Infrared Filter

After hours of discussion
on awakenings, and spiral dynamics, and tribes, and commitment, and communities…
Under a full moon, without artificial light, surrounded by fireflies, or lightening bugs,
I bicycled 4 miles of the Inter Urban Trail; through the cool midnight air.
Black velvet shadows cast across the path.
So quiet. So strange. So trusting of this 70 year old body. So enchanting.