Tears Of The Rose

This is one of my favorite photos. 

You May Kiss The Bride

Do you have photos from your wedding day?

Palm Springs Waterfall

I love Palm Springs in the Fall.  It is truly something amazing.  You can see all the leaves turn orange and the waterfalls are usually a little active.

Beauty In The Desert

I love reading about the desert and how it has so many living things within it.  Last week I shared a post with you about how Diane Foulks was sharing some desert photos with you.  I knew I had some photos of some Joshua Trees but I couldn’t find them until today. 

Looking For A Few Good…

Comm GODS Hard At Work

Cotton Field

I was on my way to work on Friday when I had noticed the sunrise and some cotton fields were looking amazing.  I brought my camera this time and snapped these photos of the beautiful landscape.

A Mine Or A Nice Way To Store Items In A Rock?

I know it has been a while since I updated you all with something new.  I have been busy with some projects around the house and at work.  If you are visiting my Journal Page you will see that I recently updated both my computer at work and at home to Windows 7.  I love it!  There are still so many cool things I have yet to discover and so far everything has been pretty cool. 

The photo above was taken just above Huntington Lake on my way to Edison Lake. 

That’s all for today!

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Photos Of The Dos Palos High School Fire

Last week I had a student from Dos Palos High School find me on flickr and ask me if he could have copies of all my photos from the Dos Palos High School fire that took place last December that wiped out all of the FFA, Wood Shop, Auto, and the Cisco Programs.  At first I thought he might have wanted the photos for some other purpose until I asked around and realized that he actually needs the photos for his photography class.  I was glad to help out the cause and made him a copy of a DVD with all of the photos from the fire as well as all the photos from the construction to rebuild the new section that will temporarily house the programs until the section that burned down is rebuilt. 

It was funny because I also got a request from our District Secretary to the Superintendent to bring her a copy of all the photos I had from the fire as well as the construction.  I thought wow people are going to start seeing more of my work so I knew I needed to clean up the Watermark and make sure everyone sees how to get to my website.  I mean, I really love all the views I am getting and as of today I have about 8 subscribers via feedBurner but its funny to see how the numbers go up and then down.  Trying to find content and keep it fresh is sometimes hard but I know I can do it.

I would love to get some help on the page by opening up to some Guest Bloggers.  If you have a story that pertains to photography and would like to share it with us please email it to me by using the Comment Form  or send me an email.  I will review the story and post it.  If you have some really good information I will gladly post it and also create a user account for you with Contributor rights so that you can be a user with access to share all your information with others.  If you have a site and want to share it with us then please send me your info and I will add a link to it in the post. 

I want to work with other photographers and people in the Digital Design field so that we can all build a community that works together.

That’s all for today!

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Dream Of Weddings To Come

I had a dream this morning that one of the girls from my church was getting married…well she had a dress and was practicing to wear it but wasn’t sure when the wedding was.  I was walking through the neighborhood and passed by and heard all the laughing and giggling from inside.  I walked up and knocked on the door and they let me in.  It was a lot of friends and family of hers and they were watching her get dressed.  They asked me to take some photos and I gladly jumped at the opportunity.  I thought it was so amazing how she looked in her dress.  We began taking photos and it was great.  We got all the perfect shots.  Then I woke up.

I just hope I get the opportunity to really take her wedding photos.  I know she is going to look so beautiful. 

Not much going on this weekend.  I have some work to do in the back yard and around the house and then just try to relax.  I still cant get used to sleeping in on the weekends.  I am used to waking up at 4:50am every morning because I have been working out.  I went from 240lbs to 218lbs.  A lot of hard work and dedication really pays off.  I feel great about my body but still know I need more work.

That’s all for today.

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Did I Mention LEGO’s were fun?

My cousin came to me with this brand new LEGO toy of Woody from Toy Story and he asked if I would put it together for him.  I told him sure.  He doubted that I would be able to put it together but I tried to reassure him that I had LEGO’s when I was younger and I loved playing with them and building all kinds of different things.  I had the toy built in about 10 minutes. 

I recall using my LEGO’s to build a trap for mice so that they wouldn’t die but just get caught in a maze that I made until I took the mouse out to the country to release it.  I remember when it failed one time…..it was disgusting.  I even used some LEGO’s to build what I called the most indestructible car.  I built it using the smallest pieces so that the car was virtually indestructible, at least with throwing or dropping. 

LEGO’s is a great way to build children’s development and engineering skills.  My visit to LEGOLAND was great.  The whole family went and we really enjoyed it…okay maybe I enjoyed more than some others but it was cool how they have so many things all made out of LEGO’s.  If you haven't been you definitely have to go.

If you have any photos of your LEGO pieces please share them with us or if you have been to LEGOLAND and have some photos or would like to tell us about your experience please do.

That’s all for today!

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Tree In A Rock

I thought this photo was already up here but when I did yesterday’s post I realized it wasn’t.  The photo was taken while we went to the Grand Canyon back in 2003.  I took this photo with my Minolta Dimage 5.  I also have a copy of this photo for sale in my Gallery. 

That’s all for today!

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Gas, Gas, Gas

This is a photo of a United States Marine manning the radio wearing full Mission Oriented Protective Posture Gear.  This was my last exercise in Okinawa, Japan before finishing my tour.  I was with 1st Stinger Battery from Camp Futenma.  This Marine and I were on Radio Watch when we got the siren to go to MOPP Level 4.  The command is Gas, Gas, Gas and it is nothing to ignore.  Manning the radio can be tough with all this gear on because you can barely hear anything through the mask.  I remember going through Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare School and we had to play basketball with all this gear on.  Luckily it wasn't too hot only about 80 something degrees. 

That's all I have for today and thank you for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Simple Life

Today is the second day of our trip through Guanajuato, Mexico.  Today I will take you through some of the villages that we visited while we were there and share with you some of the photos that enjoyed taking like the one on the left that I photographed.  This photo was taken with my Minolta Dimage 5.  We visited the village that my mother-in-law grew up in and it was an amazing experience.  The photo in the left contains the donkey looking at us as we walked through the village.  The farmer had some hay burning in the background and it just seemed amazing.  I converted the photo to Black & White using Adobe Photoshop.

  The photo on the right is of some dried corn that I got down on the floor to take this photo.  The village has a lot of things that just seem to be lying around on the floor.  I guess the corn is for the rats and chickens to eat.  Not sure but we did come across a dead mouse.  No photo of that here but I do have it if you would like to see it.  Just let me know.

 

This photo to the left  is of one of the houses my mother-in-law grew up in.  In the backyard they had an old structure that looked like a small home.  It appeared to be run down now and the roof caved in, but the light was shining through this doorway and the flowers were just amazing. 

That is all the photos I have for today but stay tuned for tomorrow as we continue our tour through Guanajuato, Mexico.

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Photos From Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico

Today is our last day to share my experience of Guanajuato, Mexico with you.  I am going to share some photos of Leon, Guanajuato, which is a very large city that has a lot of things to do.  Food at almost every corner sold by local street vendors. 

Tacos al Vapor were just one of my favorites.  My wife has a cousin that sells every morning on one of the popular street corners.  They have a large variety of tacos.  From chorizo to beans and on one of the last days I was there I had him invent something he still sells today.  A torta de tacos.  We went and bought a couple of bollilos (bread rolls) and opened them up to reveal something like a sandwich.  Then we laid a couple of tacos inside the bread and added some cheese and chile and closed it up and it was heaven. 

There is just so many different things to see in Leon.  From El Centro (Like the City Mall) to the parks and just the streets.  Over on the left you can see a house that has a motorcycle hanging over their front doorway.  Interesting.  There is even a hill that you can drive up to and see the whole city.  It kind of reminds me of Los Angeles.

  The local vendors have so many ways to make things work and improvise in ways that I wouldn't have thought of.  On the right you can see a photo of a vendor that rides a horse and carriage with rubber tires selling fruits and vegetables.  They carry a horn speaker and microphone to let people know they are coming. 

I still remember the propane sellers.  They have these large trucks that race through the streets yelling on the horns announcing, “El Gas!”.  Since there aren't any gas lines in the homes they have to purchase propane tanks and the salesman go through the neighborhoods announcing their presence.  People that need gas run out to stop them and get their refill.

I also remember a scene that I don't have here but it is still in my mind.  The scene of dogs eating crunchy tortillas lying on the floor.  I guess since Dog Food is probably too expensive so they just get the leftover tortillas and throw them on the floor for the dogs to eat. 

Mexico has a lot of culture.  One that I miss very much and cant wait to go again.  I love getting up early in the morning and heading over to the market to get a fresh milkshake or “liquado” with all kinds of delicious fresh fruit and all the good nutrients a grown boy needs. 

The market has so many fresh produces.  From freshly cut pigs to fresh fruits and vegetables.  The market is the place to be, unless you are a pig or other type of animal.  Over on the left you can see a photo from inside the market looking down at some fresh cut pork.  They skin the pork to make pork grinds. 

That is all from my trip to Leon and Guanajuato.  Next week I plan to share some more of my photos from other trips.  Remember, if you have photos of your favorite Mexican hangout please share them with us and let us know what you love most about Mexico.

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Barn Owl

Ok, I know you guys are probably going to think I am going crazy because I am taking photos of dead animals but trust me I am not.  I was reading an article last week that discussed that California actually developed a website to track the deadliest roads for animals. 

The California Roadkill Observation System is a system that is allowing volunteers to enter in observations of when they come across a Roadkill!  It is very simple to do and it cost nothing to get started.  The observation entry form can be a little tricky when it comes to picking the exact location of the observation but if they had an iPhone app for it I am sure it would be popular. 

 

I actually have entered in two observations in two days.  I came across two different Barn Owls that seemed to have been struck by something.

This one doesn't look too bad but it is very shocking to see all the different areas that are being tracked on the map.  I looked at Highway 33 which is one that I travel along everyday on my way to work and I didn't see any entries so I figured I need to do my part and start helping scientists to find a reason why all these animals keep getting killed.

If you would like to do your part and enter observations for Roadkills then visit their site today and get signed up.

That's all for today!

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Campeche

This is a photo of a street sign from Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.  I took this photo back a couple of years ago when my family went to Mexico to visit some family.  The street we used to visit is the Boulevard Campeche Col. Chapalita.  It is a very nice place.  I haven't been there in such a long time that I wonder how things are going with all the crime and drug wars going on. 

I thought of a way to get you readers involved on this one and would like for you guys to send me a photo of the street sign that you like to visit when you go on vacation.  If you like you can post them here or if you are not interested then please let me know.

Next week I plan to do a week about Mexico and include some photos from my trips to the area.  If you have any great photos from Mexico and would like to share them then please feel free to let me share them with our readers.

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Castillo De San Felipe - Guatemala

A sign marking the “Torreon De Bustamante” dedicated or created in the year 1595.  This photo was taken at the Castillo De San Felipe just in the middle of Lake Izabal or Lago Izabal which feeds out to the Gulf through the Rio Dulce.

The Tower where the canons are still in place.  This is a very beautiful place to see if you are ever in Guatemala. 

From Destruction Comes Change

Last November, a fire erupted from within the Dos Palos High School burning down the Auto Shop, the Future Farmers of America classrooms, along with the Wood shop.  Because of the asbestos in the room and the smoke, they also declared the Cisco Network Lab unusable.  They destroyed everything. 

They are working to rebuild the classrooms but not fast enough.  So the school has decided to build or actually bring in pre-fabricated classrooms in another designated area where the classes can continue until the final phase of construction process is complete.  Below you will see a photo of the crane dropping in some of the buildings. 

I plan to keep you posted on the different phases of the construction process but we will see how long it takes to get these classrooms ready.  I know they will not be ready by the time school starts. 

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis!

Manuel Perez

Purple Jellyfish

These are some photos of the Purple Jellyfish that are located at the aquarium inside the Academy of Science Museum in San Francisco, CA.  These creatures are beautiful.

 

 

 

 

I came across another photo of the purple critter on flickr from user cdubya1971.

Thanks for reading.

Sincerely,

Manuel Perez

Columbia

I have been pretty busy and haven't had a chance to post on the blog.  Things have been crazy.  I tried applying for a job closer to home but didn't have much luck with that!  I will have to keep trying.  I have a couple of things that are on my plate at the moment.  I had a wedding Saturday that I did and plan to upload some photos from that just as soon as I can.  Last week I went on a field trip with my daughter’s class to Columbia in California.  It was a nice place and a lot of history.  I heard the teachers say how glad they were the weather was cooler than it usually is because it could have gotten hot. 

Here is a photo of the old school house at the top of the hill.  I threw it in Photoshop to add some effects to it.  I had this other shot in mind but there were some people in the way and the rest of our group was leaving me behind. 

That all for today.  Thanks for reading.

Manuel Perez

Architecture of Guanajuato

This is a photo of a set of buildings.  I took this shot while I was in Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.  We had just finished seeing a lot of the city and were getting ready to call it a day.  I took this photo with my Minolta Dimage 5.

Central America

Our church is making another Central America trip this weekend and I will not be attending.  Our pastor, his wife, son and their sons friend will be visiting Honduras for a couple of days to do some mission work.  They will then go and visit El Salvador for a couple of days and then go to Guatemala for the last few days. 

Back in 2006 I got to go on this Central American Mission which I thought was amazing.  I loved all the culture and the scenery.  I did however catch some awful flu that made me ill for a couple of days.  When I went we did not go to El Salvador.  The church is making this stop to visit their daughter's in-laws. 

While I was there we got to experience the area by encountering some river riding along the Rio Dulce in Guatemala.  We also visited some villages with many people that live poorly.  We hosted a three night church revival which got the attention of many believers and some non-believers.  It caused a couple of issues with the locals but it wasn't that bad. 

We also saw a baptism that took place in probably one of the coolest looking rivers in Honduras.  We drove into the jungle for a while and pulled over and hiked down into a stream and witnessed the baptism.

To hear how the people enjoyed our visit is great.  I recall the children’s expressions as the church bought a bunch of pizzas and allowed all the children in one village to come and eat.  It flew by very quickly. 

I cant say I will go to Central America again soon but I know it is something I plan to do again in my lifetime.  I just hope that with the way things are in the United States that it doesn't make it harder to visit these other countries and work with them.

Thanks for reading!

Manuel Perez

Self Portrait In Kuwait

I was going through some old photos and found this one of me while I was in Kuwait back in 1998.  We were there for an exercise and we were in some really hot weather.  I must say that after being inside the belly of an M1A1 that I have more respect for tankers!  God Bless them!  This photo of me is me manning the Tank Commander and the 50 Caliber.  While in Kuwait we experienced temperatures at about 120 degrees and the driver passed out.  They needed someone to man the driver’s seat so they put me in it.  I stripped down to my skivvies because it was so hot in there.  All I remember was a pool of sweat after we got done.  I think I lost some weight while I was over there.  I should go back so I can lose some more.