It is with some mixed emotions that today I am announcing the launch of my website and new blog. I have been posting here at this blog for the past three years but I have decided it's time to make my own. So if you get a chance cruise over to the new website and from there you should be able to navigate to the new blog.
www.charliejlitchfield.com
Please leave me a comment or send me an email and let me know what you think. I'm still sort of working out the bugs so if there is something egregious or out of place please let me know!
Thanks for checking in!
Charlie
Monday, February 15, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Heavy Cross To Bear
It seems like the world often works itself out in very weird little ways for me.
You see, the past few days have been a little taxing as I have made the transition from a somewhat typical five day work week to a little less common four day work week made up of four 10-hour shifts.
I have been surprised to find that starting my day two hours earlier has proved to be rather difficult. After working the same shift for three years I have settled into a routine. Now that routine has changed and it is certainly taking some getting used to.
Anyway, I tell you that to tell you this. In addition to the new schedule, I've been dealing with a mammoth amount of trepidation about the future. I tend to get worked up about who I am and where I am going from time to time (as all of us do) and today I began to crack.
That is, until I went to Caldwell to get a few shots of the construction of a new community college. On my way there I saw an unusual sight that caught my eye. There was a man walking along the side of the road carrying a ten foot wooden cross. Like many passing motorists I slowed down to take a good long look at what was going on.
I literally said, "hmm, don't see that every day" and kept driving. I thought about it for the next 10 or 15 minutes and then decided "what the heck, I'm sure he has an interesting story, why not go listen to it". So I did.
I circled back around the block from where I saw him last and found him as he was sitting down to rest for a minute.
I sat with him for about 20 minutes listening to him tell me stories from the last 20 years where he claimed to have walked thousands of miles to "remind people that the good lord died for their sins and through him they can have ever lasting life".
I wasn't inherently interested in what he had to say about his religious beliefs but the thing that I found surprising was that I actually enjoyed listening to him talk. He had some pretty interesting stories to tell of his endeavors over the years and for some reason I found his humble message pretty refreshing.
People walk for miles and miles always in a hurry to get somewhere. Today I met a guy who walked for miles and miles to go nowhere in particular. It made me realize that it's easy to get caught up in where you think you need to be or where it is you should be going but in a lot of cases worrying about it doesn't get you there any quicker.
You see, the past few days have been a little taxing as I have made the transition from a somewhat typical five day work week to a little less common four day work week made up of four 10-hour shifts.
I have been surprised to find that starting my day two hours earlier has proved to be rather difficult. After working the same shift for three years I have settled into a routine. Now that routine has changed and it is certainly taking some getting used to.
Anyway, I tell you that to tell you this. In addition to the new schedule, I've been dealing with a mammoth amount of trepidation about the future. I tend to get worked up about who I am and where I am going from time to time (as all of us do) and today I began to crack.
That is, until I went to Caldwell to get a few shots of the construction of a new community college. On my way there I saw an unusual sight that caught my eye. There was a man walking along the side of the road carrying a ten foot wooden cross. Like many passing motorists I slowed down to take a good long look at what was going on.
I literally said, "hmm, don't see that every day" and kept driving. I thought about it for the next 10 or 15 minutes and then decided "what the heck, I'm sure he has an interesting story, why not go listen to it". So I did.
I circled back around the block from where I saw him last and found him as he was sitting down to rest for a minute.
I sat with him for about 20 minutes listening to him tell me stories from the last 20 years where he claimed to have walked thousands of miles to "remind people that the good lord died for their sins and through him they can have ever lasting life".
I wasn't inherently interested in what he had to say about his religious beliefs but the thing that I found surprising was that I actually enjoyed listening to him talk. He had some pretty interesting stories to tell of his endeavors over the years and for some reason I found his humble message pretty refreshing.
People walk for miles and miles always in a hurry to get somewhere. Today I met a guy who walked for miles and miles to go nowhere in particular. It made me realize that it's easy to get caught up in where you think you need to be or where it is you should be going but in a lot of cases worrying about it doesn't get you there any quicker.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
First Few Weeks of 2010
Life over the last couple of weeks has been fairly busy on a few different fronts. I'm staying occupied at the office with happenings like the kickoff to the 2010 Idaho legislative session and with winter sports season in full swing I'm spending a good chunk of my time outside the office out in the elements.
Here are some highlights from the first few weeks of 2010...
Great Polar Bear Plunge
Renovation and reopening of the Idaho capitol building and kickoff to the 2010 legislative session.
And some random features...
On the horizon... I am getting closer to moving myself into the 21st century and laying the ground work for a website to showcase my photography. It's still a ways off but I have a really good start. If any of you web gurus out there have put together your own or come across any really nice photo websites please feel free to send me some info. I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time...
Here are some highlights from the first few weeks of 2010...
Great Polar Bear Plunge
Renovation and reopening of the Idaho capitol building and kickoff to the 2010 legislative session.
And some random features...
On the horizon... I am getting closer to moving myself into the 21st century and laying the ground work for a website to showcase my photography. It's still a ways off but I have a really good start. If any of you web gurus out there have put together your own or come across any really nice photo websites please feel free to send me some info. I'd love to hear from you.
Until next time...
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Moving the Mountain
With roughly 24,000 people holding season passes and thousands of day-use tickets issued every Saturday, the scene at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area can seem quite hectic.
But behind the hustle and bustle of skiers and snowboarders making their way up the mountain is a group of people who aim to make things move along as smoothly and as safely as possible.
"It's like directing an orchestra" snowplow operator Jim Livingston said as he made his way through the parking lot on a particularly busy Saturday afternoon. "There are a lot of moving parts."
Many of these individuals are rarely seen, but in some respects play a critical role in the safety and enjoyment of their guests. This is a look at the jobs that often go unnoticed.
Click below to see their stories...
Jim Livingston
Myron Hermon
Tanya Eckert
But behind the hustle and bustle of skiers and snowboarders making their way up the mountain is a group of people who aim to make things move along as smoothly and as safely as possible.
"It's like directing an orchestra" snowplow operator Jim Livingston said as he made his way through the parking lot on a particularly busy Saturday afternoon. "There are a lot of moving parts."
Many of these individuals are rarely seen, but in some respects play a critical role in the safety and enjoyment of their guests. This is a look at the jobs that often go unnoticed.
Click below to see their stories...
Jim Livingston
Myron Hermon
Tanya Eckert
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Think Snow!
It's nearly the middle of December and I have yet to even slip on my ski boots. We are finally starting to get some snow here in southwest Idaho but we could use A LOT more. So take this moment to do your best snow dance and help bring thoughts of powder shots to the inland northwest!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Friday, December 11, 2009
A Cold November, and December...
After yet another lengthy break away from the ole' web log I have once again returned to inundate you with stories from this small town journalist (Please, hold your applause till the end).
Over the past two months I have ebbed and flowed through the proverbial ups and downs most anyone encounters on this roller coaster called life. I have seen things that have made me smile and experienced a hand full of heart-ache along the way. Let's see... Where to start?
As I recall I last left you hanging on a happy note about how my job has been something spectacular as of late. While that largely remains the case, over the past couple of months I have taken a couple of careening detours from the yellow brick road of journalistic joyfulness.
I won't delve into the details of these aforementioned detours because I'm not here to complain. Truthfully, I don't have much to complain about. I've fought with my equipment, struggled with my horrendous hours, stressed out about my mounting credit card debt but none of this is new.
Bottom line: I can still find things to enjoy about my job and I guess that is enough for me.
So here it is. The quick and dirty run-down...
There have been a number of truly great assignments lately but I can't talk about it all - I'm not that patient and I'm sure you aren't either. Instead here are a few of my favorite photos from the past two months...
As some of you may know, I have had the opportunity to cover the Boise State Broncos all season but unfortunately I won't be making the trip down to Glendale, Ariz., for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. I am not terribly dejected about being denied the opportunity to shoot the game but I am however incredibly disappointed that I will miss the chance to see my Iowa State Cyclones line up against my second favorite school - the Minnesota Golden Gophers - in the Insight.com Bowl, which is a few days prior to the Fiesta.
Had I been selected to go down to represent my newspaper I would have no doubt had the chance to cheer on my Cyclones as they participate in their first bowl game since 2005. Big Bummer indeed but I suppose my co-worker and roommate Dave Southorn (who is from Minnesota and whose father attended Iowa State) will be down to cheer 'em on for me.
Before I go I just wanted to share one more thing that weighed heavy on my heart over the past months...
On Sunday, Nov. 15th my grandfather Charles Edward Litchfield passed away at the age of 76. I traveled back for services later that week and although I had the opportunity to reconnect with family whom I hadn't seen in years, it was with a heavy heart that I did so. As I now know him, my grandpa Charlie (or Tuna as he was affectionately referred to by many) was an extraordinary man.
For much of my trip to Iowa I tried to spend time just listening to those who knew him better than I share their stories. Quickly I came to realize that he had a bigger heart than I ever knew and cared greatly for his family, his friends and of course, his Cubs. After only a short time I was overwhelmed with feelings of regret for having never taken time to know better the man for whom I was named after. Although I have regrets I am tremendously thankful for the times we did share. I will always have a special place in my heart for bottled pop, Cubs baseball on WGN and the serpentine sounds of an old ford pickup as it picks up speed.
He was a great guy and I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the fact that he raised my father to be a great man himself. I can now see some of my grandfather's greatest traits in my father and I am more thankful than ever to be my father's son.
After he passed away my dad and I acquired the bike which was considered one of Charlie's most prized possessions...
A 1951 Schwinn Phantom.
The bike was always something I quietly admired and now knowing that it meant so much to him makes it priceless to me.
I'm also happy to report that it has now been outfitted with a new set of replica Schwinn Typhoon whitewall tires and a new fully functional horn assembly. The bike rides like a dream and as I get older I know that its importance will never fade, even if its paint job does.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
Over the past two months I have ebbed and flowed through the proverbial ups and downs most anyone encounters on this roller coaster called life. I have seen things that have made me smile and experienced a hand full of heart-ache along the way. Let's see... Where to start?
As I recall I last left you hanging on a happy note about how my job has been something spectacular as of late. While that largely remains the case, over the past couple of months I have taken a couple of careening detours from the yellow brick road of journalistic joyfulness.
I won't delve into the details of these aforementioned detours because I'm not here to complain. Truthfully, I don't have much to complain about. I've fought with my equipment, struggled with my horrendous hours, stressed out about my mounting credit card debt but none of this is new.
Bottom line: I can still find things to enjoy about my job and I guess that is enough for me.
So here it is. The quick and dirty run-down...
There have been a number of truly great assignments lately but I can't talk about it all - I'm not that patient and I'm sure you aren't either. Instead here are a few of my favorite photos from the past two months...
As some of you may know, I have had the opportunity to cover the Boise State Broncos all season but unfortunately I won't be making the trip down to Glendale, Ariz., for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. I am not terribly dejected about being denied the opportunity to shoot the game but I am however incredibly disappointed that I will miss the chance to see my Iowa State Cyclones line up against my second favorite school - the Minnesota Golden Gophers - in the Insight.com Bowl, which is a few days prior to the Fiesta.
Had I been selected to go down to represent my newspaper I would have no doubt had the chance to cheer on my Cyclones as they participate in their first bowl game since 2005. Big Bummer indeed but I suppose my co-worker and roommate Dave Southorn (who is from Minnesota and whose father attended Iowa State) will be down to cheer 'em on for me.
Before I go I just wanted to share one more thing that weighed heavy on my heart over the past months...
On Sunday, Nov. 15th my grandfather Charles Edward Litchfield passed away at the age of 76. I traveled back for services later that week and although I had the opportunity to reconnect with family whom I hadn't seen in years, it was with a heavy heart that I did so. As I now know him, my grandpa Charlie (or Tuna as he was affectionately referred to by many) was an extraordinary man.
For much of my trip to Iowa I tried to spend time just listening to those who knew him better than I share their stories. Quickly I came to realize that he had a bigger heart than I ever knew and cared greatly for his family, his friends and of course, his Cubs. After only a short time I was overwhelmed with feelings of regret for having never taken time to know better the man for whom I was named after. Although I have regrets I am tremendously thankful for the times we did share. I will always have a special place in my heart for bottled pop, Cubs baseball on WGN and the serpentine sounds of an old ford pickup as it picks up speed.
He was a great guy and I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the fact that he raised my father to be a great man himself. I can now see some of my grandfather's greatest traits in my father and I am more thankful than ever to be my father's son.
After he passed away my dad and I acquired the bike which was considered one of Charlie's most prized possessions...
A 1951 Schwinn Phantom.
The bike was always something I quietly admired and now knowing that it meant so much to him makes it priceless to me.
I'm also happy to report that it has now been outfitted with a new set of replica Schwinn Typhoon whitewall tires and a new fully functional horn assembly. The bike rides like a dream and as I get older I know that its importance will never fade, even if its paint job does.
As always, thanks for stopping by!
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