New Age Avoidism…
Avoidism is the new philosophy designed to save modern man from himself. The principle of Avoidism is simple. An Avoidists avoids things. He/She avoids because Nonavoinding leads to involvement, and most of mankind’s troubles have grown out of involement.
Descrates once said, “I think, therefore I am. The Avoidist says “I won’t, therefore I ain’t gonna”
Contemporary man is admittedly heading nowhere fast. This happened because man has an insatiable compulsion to prove himself as a unique and superior being.
It seems obvious that such attempts will lead to anxiety, frustration and dismay, to eventual neurosis (by far the best word in this article).
You see, Avoidism tells us we are already superior by the sheer virtue of belonging to the species of Homo Sapiens. (If you are are not such a species, please email me)
For example, think how superior we are to the common clam! Let us examine the differences between a Man and a Clam, shall we? I chose my good buddy, Harry, as a representative of a typical man and found an exceptional Nova Scotia clam who prefers to keeps remain anonymous.
After exhaustive tests, our team came to the following results, beyond all of our wildest expectations…
Harry vs Clam
Motor Ability: Harry +12 Clam +18
Sense of Humor: Harry +40 Clam +30
IQ : Harry +97 Clam +121
Physical Attractiveness: Harry: +3 Clam +12
Ability to remain under water: Harry: -53 Clam: +750
Tastes good with Horse Radish: Harry: -1 Clam: +60
Ability to keep mouth shut: Harry: -3 Clam: 100
Ping pong skills: Harry: +300 Clam: -143
These tests prove that Harry is clearly superior over the common Nova Scotia clam. (one critic, Dr. Klaus von Krusctraian, a noted expert, claimed that the differential in Harry’s favor was due entirely to the inclusion of Ping Pong, which he claimed was unfair.
…it now seems clear that any man is superior to the common Nova Scotia Clam
The Argument Against Avoidism…
Many reactionary folks will tell you that Avoidists are nothing but slobs
The Rebuttal to The Argument Against Avoidism
This is true
How to Become and Avoidist
This is not as easy easy as it first seems. Any new Avoidist should only listen to nothing. Frequently, though, you will find it necessary to take certain steps to make sure that there is nothing for you not to listen to.
Avoidist conversation should be employed immediately when someone inclines their torso towards you. The danger increases in direct proportion to the cube of the sine of the angle of inclination…calculated with MathLab!
Whenever this sort of danger happens, you may avoid by employing the Seven Tested Remarks!
The Seven Tested Remarks
- A girl I used to date is an Operator for a telephone company
- I got these socks four years ago in Thunder Bay
- I went to sleep last night at eight, but did not sleep until two
- I did not have much for Lunch today, just a Salad, pie and coffee
- My second nephew will be 8 next month, you should hear him talk
- I sure wish I had kept up with my piano lessons
- My hovercraft is full of eels
If you practice these remarks, you can avoid almost anyone!
“A new light” : The world in infrared
One of my photography mentors, Deborah Sandidige, wrote a book about Digital Infrared Photography several years ago and I read it front to back and forth many times and was inspired to attempt to take some of her very intricate techniques and put a bit of a twist on them. I converted one of my old Nikon DSLR cameras to 720nm IR. I was so excited when I received the body back from LIfepixel who executed the conversion…I immediately took a shot of a flame…hmmm LOL! (Not so good result)
Since then I have experimented, learned, failed and failed again and the process continues. I have always liked night photography and light painting. Light painting involves using a steady camera on a tripod, long exposures and illuminating the subject with incandescent light. It is a very cool technique and produces spectacular images. I then thought, why not Infrared Light Painting? I had never seen anyone do this, so time to figure it out!
With a 720nm converted sensor, one needs to find an appropriate light source for illumination. After a bit of thinking, I discovered that a 850nm light source would be perfect. In order to execute IR light painting, one must be in total darkness such that there is no light contamination from any incandescent sources (not to mention the sun). The 850nm light is barely visible to the human eye so most of the painting is done only by imagining the way the light will behave…weird, yes!
I practiced on objects in the dark, then tried some long exposure “Selfies”. I then had the cooperation of some local artists in Southern California who bought into my madness! We all had fun and learned new and exciting things that neither of us had attempted before!
In the words of a great German writer, Goethe, “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now”
Here is a link to Deborah’s website…she is an inspiration: http://www.deborahsandidge.com
Endings
One of the most difficult decisions we ever make in life is leaving a long-term relationship (…insert Marriage, Partnership) that just isn’t working. When attempts at repairing and working out issues aren’t working, it may be time to examine moving on. We are emotional creatures, and when our heartstrings are tied to those of another, separating from that person can feel like an act of courage. It is not something most of us will take lightly, and many of us will struggle with our desire to stay in a relationship that is unfulfilling simply in order to avoid that pain. We may question whether the happiness we seek even exists, and we may wonder if we might be wiser to simply settle where we are, making the best of what we have.
On the one hand, we almost relish the idea that true happiness is not out there so that we can avoid the pain of change. On the other hand, we feel within ourselves a yearning to fulfill our desire for relationships that are vital and healing. Ultimately, most of us will follow this call, because deep within ourselves we know that we deserve to be happy. We all deserve to be happy, no matter where we find ourselves in this moment, and we are all justified in moving, like plants toward the light, in the direction that leads to our greatest fulfillment. First, though, we may need to summon the courage to move on from the relationship that appears to be holding us back.
Taking the first steps will be hard, but the happiness we find when we have freed ourselves from a situation that is draining our energy will outshine any hardship we undergo to get there. Keeping our eyes trained on the horizon, we begin the work of disentangling ourselves from the relationship that no longer fits. Every step brings us closer to a relationship that will work, and the freedom we need to find the happiness we deserve.
Erik
Motion Blur Tutorial
Using a fast shutter speed will freeze motion in its tracks, and using a slow shutter speed with moving objects will spread the image over time. This creates a sense of motion. There are many methods to achieve this motion blur, such as panning on a moving object, shooting from a moving platform (train, car etc), using the zoom feature while the shutter is open, moving the camera on a still subject, or keeping the camera fixed while the subject is moving.
Here we will focus on the latter….Keeping the camera still while using a slow shutter speed will generate a blurring of the moving objects giving a sense of speed. Slowing the shutter even further may exaggerate this and tend towards the abstract. Blur is nice, but keep in mind the basics of composition for all the objects that are not in motion, such as buildings, street signs with the Rule of Thirds in mind. Remember, you are trying to convey a story and not just execute a technique. Imagine the lights as a river and compose the flow as if it were a landscape photograph. Look for low angles, and perhaps use a wide-angle lens to exaggerate the motion as the subjects pass through the frame.
I have found that traffic is a great place to start and especially in an Urban environment. Shooting just after sunset provides just the right balance between ambient light and the ability to catch the oncoming or receding lights. When it gets darker, lights become highly saturated and non-moving objects a bit more difficult to expose properly.If you have time, check out the traffic patterns before it gets dark and take a couple of test shots to check your composition. Also, try to get as close to the traffic as possible by looking for traffic islands or other vantage points. This will save some frustration later once you want to execute your shot. Look for some other vantage points as well, so you can quickly relocate if you are not satisfied with your first results.
The Set Up: You will need to have a camera that allows control over Aperture and Shutter speeds, or even better a DSLR that you can set to Manual. A good sturdy tripod will help to avoid any unintentional camera movement when the shutter is open to keep the non-moving objects crisp. You can also weight down the tripod with you camera bag hanging it from the center hook to further stabilize it. Using a remote shutter release helps as you will not even have to touch the camera, but if you donât have one, use a self timer on your camera after you have composed and see the shot emerging.Some DSLRs allow a Live View from the back LCD display. This allows you to have a bigger view, but more importantly, locks up the mirror for less shake when you trigger the shutter. If you have a lens hood, use it to avoid unwanted light intrusion.
The Camera Settings: How slow is too slow? It depends on the light and the speed of the subjects. Try a shutter speed of between 3 and 10 seconds and start with an aperture settings of f8 to f16. If you like the blur but it is too dark, open your aperture and take another shot. If the exposure is right, but not much blur, slow down the shutter and compensate with a smaller aperture. I always shoot in RAW, so I can make some adjustments later with my post processing software. Keep your ISO settings low (100) to avoid noise. Also look at the scene and try to judge the temperature of the light. Is it mostly incandescent, neon, sodium vapor and try a few test shots to adjust your White Balance. Often it can be a mix, so some experimentation might be in order.
Click on the Image to jump to our Photo Website other examples of this technique and for more Free Tutorials and cool Images for purchase or just to have a look around!
Earthly Giants
Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky
Click here to purchase a limited edition print
Mountains have always captured our imaginations, calling us to scale their heights, and to pay homage to their greatness. Mountains can be seen from hundreds of miles away, and if we are lucky enough to be on top of one, we can see great stretches of the surrounding earth. As a result, mountains symbolize vision, the ability to rise above the adjacent lowlands and see beyond our immediate vicinity. From the top of the mountain, we are able to witness life from a new perspective—cities and towns that seem so large when we are in them look tiny. We can take the whole thing in with a single glance, regaining our composure and our sense of proportion as we realize how much bigger this world is than we sometimes remember it to be.
Mountains are almost always considered holy and spiritual places, and the energy at the top of a mountain is undeniably unique. When we are on top of a mountain, it is as if we have ascended to an alternate realm, one in which the air is purer and lighter. Many a human being has climbed to the top of a mountain in order to connect with a higher source of understanding, and many have come back down feeling stronger and wiser. Whenever we are feeling trapped or limited in our vision, a trip to our nearest mountain may be just the cure we need. There’s a reason that mountain views are so highly prized in this world, and it is because, even from a distance, mountains remind us of how small we are, which often comes as a wonderful relief. Whether we have a mountain view out of our window or just a photograph of a mountain where we see it every day, we can rely on these earthly giants to provide inspiration, vision, and a daily reminder of our humble place in the grand scheme of life.
This is a shot from the top of Gate’s Pass, just outside of Tuscon, Arizona. It was a short hike to this location where we watched the sun setting and the sky slowly changing colors. Equipped with a tripod mounted Nikon D90, we were able to take some very long exposures as things became progressively darker. We lit up this cactus during one such long exposure with a quick burst from a flash. This is a common technique used for portrait shots – one exposes for the background using the normal techniques and then illuminates the subjects using off camera flash. This is very effective as not only does the background remain properly exposed in the image, but the subject tends to pop out! We have used this technique often during Family Portrait sessions on the beach in California during sunsets and invariably, the clients have loved it!
Woof…Woof
Last weekend Erik & I were exploring San Jacinto Mountain just outside of Palm Springs and Erik had some fun playing with the Macro lens… without a tripod…. it was tricky, but he did get a few interesting shots. One is this up close and personal shot of tree bark- now, if I had not told you what it is- would you have known?
Enjoy!
Solitude
For some reason after the memorial service we held for Melody, when walking past this area on the other side of the breaker wall, this just called to me. Something about all of the calm water, the rocks going out to the ocean- the site of Diamond Head through the “Vog” and the catamaran just waiting for someone to set sail. I still just really like the way this photo makes me feel- nothing all that special about it- other than the feeling it gives me.
Enjoy! KK
Waikiki revisited
One of our friends is doing training in New Jersey right now and she posted a comment about how it finally made it to 60 today… and of course how it is not at all like her home in Hawaii- Tracy was the co-chair for a very important event in my life recently and the photo tonight was taken on the very last night of that event when the student (aka Kathleen) was trying out a few things that the teacher (aka Erik) tried to teach her.
Now first of all, the lesson included “you should always use the tripod on the sunset shots”….which the student failed to remember… but the shot, even though it is not the caliber of her husbands work.. is still pretty cool. Hawaii is one of those magical places that calms the soul… I for one am always sad when I have to leave.
Enjoy!
Windmill, Windmill- every where you look there are windmills!
Erik & I spent the day this past Sunday up on San Jacinto Mountain outside Palm Springs. It was our first trip up, but won’t be our last- we found many hidden treasures everywhere we looked- one of which was captured with a macro of a cut down tree trunk. As you can see, Erik was able to capture quite a few textures and the main thing he noticed while taking the shot was how much the crack in the middle of the trunk looked like the windmills on the side of the freeway. Of course we had to take a comparison to show you… now a little about the windmills-
Wind energy development in the San Gorgonio Pass area was formally studied through the San Gorgonio Wind Resource Study EIR (1982), a joint environmental document prepared for the U S Bureau of Land Management and Riverside County. The document assessed three scenarios for wind energy development in the area, and included criteria for the development of wind energy on both a countywide basis and specifically for the San Gorgonio Pass area. Since 1982, and the approval of wind energy development in the San Gorgonio Pass, numerous wind turbines have become part of the landscape. The narrow turbines range from 80 to 160 feet in height.
The San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm is a wind farm located on the eastern slope of the San Gorgonio Pass in Riverside County, just east of White Water, CA. Developed beginning in the 1980s, it is one of three major wind farms in California.
Laying in Wait
Recently I attended a business conference for the International Association of Insurance Professionals, Region VIII in Honolulu, Hawaii. The conference was hosted by the Honolulu Association of Insurance Professionals and held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. For most of the conference I was unable to really venture out on the Waikiki beach, but that last day I took the time to stroll with some of my friends and one thing I noticed was the number of boats in this shot all lined up ready to hit the water. The sun was just starting to set- and they were ready for sunrise and the next set of tourists ready to experience Hawaii.
Living in San Diego and having the number of beautiful beaches that we do- you would think that Hawaii would not be all that different- but I have to tell you- something about the island life just takes the stress right out of your shoulders- almost as soon as the plane touches down. And the waves- totally different than anything I have ever seen along with the sunsets. Enjoy!
Farewell to a friend
This morning in Honolulu, the members of San Diego Insurance Women took flowers from their leis and used them to do a ceremonial “goodbye” to one of our own. We sent our flowers into the Ocean for Melody Hubbard whom we lost to leukemia almost a year ago. The interesting part of the ceremony is that the tide was pushing the water in waves to the shore and yet the flowers when tossed in the ocean formed a long line and went out as far as we could see. It was such a spiritual moment and very special for Melody.
Hawaii at it’s best
Continuing the Hawaii series, this morning I am reposting the sunset Erik captured on the beautiful island of Lana’i. Hawaii is known for the beautiful sunsets and in our travels to the islands, it is rare that we have not been able to enjoy one of them.
This was executed using a Nikon D7000 with a Sigma 10-20mm wide angle lens. We did not lug a tripod with us, so Erik scrambled amongst the sharp volcanic rocks to find the best composition and then find a stable place to steady the camera. Often you can capture great landscape images without a tripod (best to use one if you can) by just steady the camera with two hands against any solid perch – like a rock, stump, ledge, post etc. Always remember to take a deep breath then squeeze that shutter release slowly – kinda like shooting a Sniper Rifle!
Please enjoy the colors and the beauty of all that god has to offer.
From the Islands
So this week I am away on business in Hawaii- so far each & every day has been so filled that I have not had a single moment to take the camera out of the bag and capture the beauty of this place. I have had time to check out a few key spots for later in the week when the opportunity should be perfect- but in the meantime- I thought you all might like a replay of one of my favorite places in Maui. Erik captured this shot while the waves were crashing all around him trying to keep from falling on the rocks everywhere. For me, I was relaxing, listening to the waves- watching the sun slowly set after island hopping to Oahu and back for a pre-inspection for the conference we are at right now.
I want to extend out to the members of HAIP a simple word that wraps this entire week up so far- – “Po’okela!” Which means, Excellence!
My True North-East-West-South
To get away from the travel back in time- tonight for the most part I have been feeling like a hamster running in one of those little wheels trying to get everything done to leave for the islands tomorrow morning. As most of you know, my husband is away for a while and like many- you don’t really realize just how much involved that husband, wife or partner is in your life until they are not around for an extended period of time.
When I came across this photo that Erik took in our studio I felt it really fit for tonight. From what I can recall, this was handed down to him from his father- another very strong man.
So this photo is dedicated to my husband and the milestone birthday coming up this weekend- K
2005 Monterey, CA
Once we left the beauty of Napa, we headed down to Monterey, CA where we had booked 2 nights at the Centrella Inn- I made sure that we got a “cottage” because I wanted to have the full kitchen, living area- antique bed- you name it- I made sure it was done up nice…. BUT, one thing I did not count on was the newly married couple on the 2nd floor of our cottage using their antique squeaky bed at random hours of the day & night!! Full occupancy, no way to get out of the cottage into another room.. it was like rabbits were on the floor above us.
But all in all it was a fabulous trip- we loved the view walking from Monterey to Pacific Grove and now since that time I have done the Big Sur Half Marathon 3 times with my girlfriends- each time we run past that cottage all I can think about are the rabbits and our no sleep nights!!
Please enjoy the shots- I must have shot that tree at least 75 times just trying to get the money shot.
2005 Napa, California
Erik & I used to watch a show on TV called “Trading Spaces” and there was a designer that I was OBSESSED with! His name was Doug Wilson, and no matter what he did to me it was the perfect design. One of which I copied in our Master bedroom and to this date I really think my husband hates it!
Anyway, Doug designed a bedroom in a B&B in Napa and I seriously could not get there fast enough to sleep in this room. It was at the Old World Inn, the room was fabulous, though very small and the other people that stayed there were quite entertaining as well. We met one couple from Chicago that the guy was a Zin fanatic. Every single day he went in search of the perfect Zin at the wineries and I thought he was nuts! But, needless to say, this “White Wine” only girl ended up tasting a very nice Zin at Ledsen Winery and I was sold immediately.
We had purchased a used 500SL Mercedes a couple of months before the trip and we drove it all the way up the Coast from San Diego to Napa and back- top down, wind in our hair and never even thought about the fact that any wine we purchased would need to be packed in that small car along with our suitcases. It was quite funny because the first day we were “shopping on an empty stomach” and purchased a total of 2 cases of wine combined from several vineyards and then of course you have the 2 free tasting glasses that go with each tasting- it was not until we had to pack our suitcases back in the car that we realized our issue- but we are a team and we made it work and on the way out of town when we stopped at our last winery- we were smart enough to ship home!!
I was on a mission to get the perfect “grape” shot- so I made it home with over 500 images of grape after grape after grape- these are my favorites.
New York City
On to 2005 and the trip to New York City. This was not our first, but it was the first for our two daughters. I had lost my mother to cancer a few years earlier and always said as soon as the estate was settled I was going to do something with the money that she never would have- in this case a week in New York City with the girls doing things they always wanted to. Bracelet from Tiffany’s for Shawny- Manolo’s from Barney’s for Jaimie- Phantom of the Opera after a birthday celebration full of good food and great Champagne- you name it- we did it!
It was quite a memorable trip and following are just a few of the photos I took:
July is SO green in Central Park- I have seen this park in all four seasons now and I have got to say I think Summer is the best- flowers all over- great to jog or ride the carriage through- or better yet, just a nice stroll with someone you love.
This one always gets to me- and no longer there since the new construction of the actual memorial.
And then of course one of my favorite places to hang out while in New York- you see all kinds on this corner!
Enjoy! Kathleen
Back to Alaska-
In September of 2004 Erik & I were back in Alaska on one of those week-long Glacier Cruises aboard the cruise line Holland America. What a treat that one was- it was actually a birthday gift to me by my boss (one of those milestone birthdays) and we did it up like we were the “Hilton’s”. Other than the trip through Glacier Bay which was beyond spectacular and if the photos are shared, they pretty much all look the same (blue, white, black glacier rock- huge in size- nice Esto colors!) we also got to travel to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
The images below are the most memorable about these three cities- the first two were taken on a wilderness hike up to see the Mendenhall Glacier- we trekked through a beautiful rainforest- colors of fall were everywhere- got to learn exactly what to do in case of a bear spotting (honestly so happy we did not see one, there is no way I could just say still in a fetal position) and then near the end of the hike, we were able to see the beautiful glacier and lake below with such spectacular colors.
In Ketchikan, we boarded one of those Kayak trips where we were taken away to “Tatoosh Island” – along the way we were able to see quite a few whales (beauty in itself) and then once we arrived, we donned our somewhat waterproof gear and paddled out on our expedition. The beauty of this place is really not visible in the photo- it has such a calming effect and you could clearly see starfish on the cliff walls- Bald Eagles were flying above and the air- crystal clear.
Again spectacular memories, spectacular trip and highly recommended!
Paris in the Spring
On my birthday to our surprise Erik received his Green Card- now this might not seem like that big of a deal- but considering we had been working through the process before 9/11 and had to cancel the Paris trip we had planned when that tragedy hit, seeing that notice was just amazing. I immediately went to the computer and booked our trip again to our dream vacation.
We arrived in Paris in April of 2004 and it was just breath taking. There is truly something very magical about Paris, and I’m not sure if it is the beauty of the buildings, the incredible art everywhere you look- or just the fact that we were there together- but I must say, Paris has been one of the most memorable and beautiful places I have been in my lifetime.
Now please take into account when viewing the shots- this is very amateur photography- but beautiful city, beautiful memories.
Travel through time
So while my husband and partner Erik is away, it is up to me to carry on with his daily posts to our blog. I have thought long and hard about this over the past week and decided that the best thing for me to do is to take all of you into a travel through time showing how our work has changed over the years. We will start with 2004 when I received that first digital camera from Erik. The gift was precious to me because I could just “snap away” and not have to worry about the film cost. My first real test with this new prize came in Alaska, when I went there to run my first Marathon. My trusty wingman Darline was with me and we took a trip down to Prince William Sound (crazy time going through that tunnel) and we spent the day on a wildlife & glacier tour. We got to see bald eagles for the first time- free from the zoo cages and just how magnificent they are.
I am going to share with you my three favorite shots from that trip taken in Prince William Sound. You will note they are not quite the quality as the more recent shots- but the subject makes up for it.
Yes, Honey!
Likey my last post for a while. We have had problems with Africanized Bees here. I spent yesterday watching two well equipped guys taking care of the problem. This was inside our porch – beautiful. The speed and prescion at which Bees work is astounding.
Kindests Regards, Erik
Please contact Kathleen for any Photography related questions
Hit The Lights!
A continuation from our Salton Sea explorations! This is from a location where we are planning to shoot some recreations of “Ghosts of the 20’s and 30’s” very soon. The Salton Sea was accidentally created when the Colorado River was diverted, and filled up this basin in the desert with fresh water! It then became the playground of the Rich and Famous from the Hollywood Set. Resorts, Restaurants, Hotels popped up like mushrooms and the entire area flourished! The Great Depression, WWII and other economic factors later caused the area to lose its allure and eventually fall into decay. The Sea itself, due to the fact that it no longer has a fresh input of water became more and more salty as the hot desert sun evaporated its water, leaving only the heartiest of fish, The mighty Tilapia, behind. You may recall previous posts regarding this fish and how it lines the shores…yuck!
This image harkens a time where perhaps a band was about to come to the stage, Flappers and Gents with Spats ready to dance – the call comes to the Stage Tech – Hit The Lights… perhaps we can also create a modern-day story around as part of our Salton Sea Project? What do you think?
Thanks for the kind visit to our humble Photoblog! If you have any questions, just drop a note contact@kerstenbeck.com
Kathleen and Erik
The Old and the New
We walked many miles up and down Michegan Avenue in Chicago during our visit during our New Year. Many locals questioned our motives after we explained we are from San Diego. Sometimes Sunny and 70F get a bit boring – so we sought a Cold Wintery Chicago-Style Blast. (PS always good to have the option to return to Sunny and 70 BTW). This morning as we were exploring Michegan Ave, Kathleen was struck by these old Sewing Machines. So we unloaded the trusty Nikon D7000, put a Sigma 10-20mm on it, screwed on a Polarizing filter and executed this shot.
We attempted to contrast the Old and the New. Old being the sewing machines and gritty details, and the New being the reflections of the Chicago Skyline. Very clever Marketing as this is not a Vintage establishment at all!
AllSaints Spitalfields is a British High Street retailer, which produces clothing aimed towards a progressive/fashion-forward niche market. It sells menswair. womenswear, children’s clothing, accessories and small home decorative furnishings. Allsaints has over 70 stores in the UK and abroad. (And Chicago)
Allsaints established in 1994 as a menswear brand wholesaling to the likes of Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Barneys New York and Japan. In 1998 Womenswear was born directly out of the expanding Menswear collection. The name “Allsaints” refers in part to 60’s TV icon Simon Templar, aka The Saint – and in part to All Saints Road, in Notting Hill, notorious for its artistic and musical associations, especially its links with the Clash.
It is amazing what one kind find, if you only slow down and look! Thanks for the kind visit to our little PhotoBlog. If you would like a print or just advice on Photography, just drop an email at contact@kerstenbeck.com
Kathleen and Erik
The Fainting Goat
Some Back Porch Entertainment
The Texas Series continues with another fascinating story from Kathleen’s Adventures. While she was touring the Rusty Goodness of her Uncle Richards expansive acreage, she came across this sun bleached skull from a goat, gently placed on the seat of an old tractor. Uncle Richard had acquired this goat to do some yard work. When the goat passed away, it was buried and later exhumed because Uncle Richard just loved the strong and sweeping horns.
She also told me of the tale of another goat that one of her friends had, this was a fainting goat. A fainting goat is a breed of domestic goat whose muscles freeze for roughly 10 seconds when the goat is startled. Though painless, this generally results in the animal collapsing on its side. The characteristic is caused by a hereditary genetic disorder called myotomia congenita. When startled, younger goats will stiffen and fall over. Older goats learn to spread their legs or lean against something when startled, and often they continue to run about in an awkward, stiff-legged shuffle.
Her friends had many tales from owning a fainting goat, which still have her laughing as she tries to give me the full narrative. For more visit www.kerstenbeck.com
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