Rick Beato Photo

Finally! Look Closely!

2012-02-18T09:54:00.001-06:00

Finally, one eagle was spotted. Across the river, sitting still in a tree. As long as I stayed, he was intent on the same. And so I had to leave, and he still was there, still as a statue. I will have to settle for the mini-picture this visit.

Dam and Goose

2012-02-17T00:25:00.002-06:00

On the search for the Eagles in Elgin, I saw a goose standing on thin ice . . . and the dam. Are there any eagles out here?

See Any Eagles?

2012-02-16T09:12:00.002-06:00

News reports this week showed that eagles have returned to Elgin; one report showed three of the majestic raptors soaring over the Fox River this week. On they way to a photo shoot, I headed out to the area near the library, just north of the dam, and looked. I saw a wonderfully strong tree, naked of leaves. I saw the usual several gulls. At first, I saw no eagles.

Patience

2012-02-15T08:40:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day Poster

2012-02-14T23:13:00.000-06:00

Tools

2012-02-14T00:09:00.001-06:00

Tables filled with tools at the Military History Fest, whether for setting up and maintaining a campsite or whether a weapon, the things of war can be extremely photogenic.

Military's Necessities

2012-02-13T08:33:00.001-06:00

We return to the items needed by members of the military when far from home. They could be binoculars and flashlights, which would be obvious needs . . . or they could be polished soup ladles, equally needed to feed the troops. Here they shine in peaceful splendor.

Today's Worship Service

2012-02-12T22:07:00.003-06:00

Today's excellent Church Service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles had my mind thinking about photos. Above we have the lyrics I really enjoyed as we sang one of the hymns, backed by a photo of the Island of Patmos, where John wrote Revelation. Below an Old Testament quote and the subject of the sermon, the cleansing of the leper in the muddy Jordan River. This man was praying and immersing himself when we visited the Jordan last July. A thoughtful morning, relived in these posters.

SUNDAY POSTERS

2012-02-12T00:33:00.001-06:00

Stuff

2012-02-11T00:02:00.000-06:00

As we have seen, the people at the Military History Fest were in full uniform, whether in a scene or just present at the event. But the great photos were also there in looking at equipment, items of use in a scene or for sale at the vendor's table, or really anywhere I looked. Here we see a cot and a compass.

Full Regalia

2012-02-10T09:01:00.001-06:00

Some of the most impressive people at Military History Fest, of course, are in full uniform. But not all of the uniforms are as impressive as the ones these leaders were sporting.

Ladies' Day

2012-02-09T12:23:00.002-06:00

While women are still not common in combat roles, several women enjoy the support roles they have in Re-enacting. Here we see two women at the Military History Fest last weekend. One is seen working at a desk, the second is posing for pictures movie-star style on a tank.

Faces

2012-02-08T08:27:00.004-06:00

Within the life-sized dioramas and outside them, acting their parts or just visiting, the faces seen at the Military History Fest were of great interest and certainly the stars of the show.

Military History Fest

2012-02-07T07:59:00.002-06:00

Military History Fest at Pheasant Run was a wonderful pictorial surprise. Set up for those interested in the topic, it mainly draws Re-Enactors, men and women who become experts in various historical campaigns and battles and who spend much of the summer in large or small demonstrations of their knowledge. All are most excellent for photographers. Here we see scenes as wide-spread as Valley Forge and Stalingrad.

Sunset

2012-02-06T08:39:00.002-06:00

After a side trip for a few errands, I returned to Mallard Lake for another look . . . specifically looking for a sunset. Overall I was pleased with the images I collected with my handy pocket camera inside the iPhone. It will never replace the Nikon but it does give me an alternative that will be with me pretty much everywhere.

SUNDAY POSTERS

2012-02-05T00:35:00.000-06:00

Shapes of Things

2012-02-04T10:09:00.002-06:00

Loved the directional arrow painted on the asphalt at Mallard Lake, and then I looked up at very non-wintry, springlike clouds. I saw a snowy egret in flight; I hope you do, too.

Two Roads

2012-02-03T00:03:00.001-06:00

Two roads diverged in a wood . . . No, that is a line from a poem. Two images of roads, pathways at Mallard Lake to be specific, and one just begged to have the black-and-white effect put onto it.

Biking or Hiking

2012-02-02T00:02:00.000-06:00

Even the Bike Trail symbol on the asphalt can be a great graphic image. Mallard Lake is well equipped for hiking or for biking on the trails, and this winter the trees and plants are surprisingly strong and beautiful.

Mallard Lake

2012-02-01T23:41:00.002-06:00

Another unseasonably warm winter day and another chance to walk and enjoy the weather. This time I experimented by leaving the Nikons at home and using my smaller, new camera . . . by Apple. These photos were taken on my iPhone and I think they turned out pretty well.

Weeds and Wildflowers

2012-01-31T00:05:00.002-06:00

Interesting stems and seedpods are one thing, but seeing bright red berries still on the plant in January is interesting. Are they poisonous? Is there a shortage of hungry birds in St. Charles? Several clusters of these hung like lost Christmas ornaments as I headed for the exit and the road home.

Colors of Winter

2012-01-30T08:34:00.002-06:00

Near the Fox River some interesting colors of winter were evident on a recent photo outing. Warm colors and cool, there are usually sights worth seeing in the area.

SUNDAY POSTER

2012-01-29T00:28:00.000-06:00

A mosaic inside the Church at the Garden of Gethsemane.

Wintry Sunset

2012-01-28T00:27:00.001-06:00

Every direction but one had a cold cast to the eye. Only looking into the sun kissed the scene with color.

Over the Dam

2012-01-27T00:03:00.001-06:00

Water flows freely over the dam in St. Charles and a gull soars above, looking for a meal.

On the Fox

2012-01-26T00:08:00.002-06:00

A recent foray along the Fox River in St. Charles yielded some winter photos from this strange winter, with higher temperatures than normal and a small amount of snowfall. We begin right in town with the statue honoring Native Americans from the area, ever watchful along the Fox.

Skyline From the West

2012-01-25T00:31:00.000-06:00

Chicago

2012-01-24T23:29:00.000-06:00

Help Those Lemons

2012-01-23T07:44:00.002-06:00

Sign on a Lemonade container at a recent children's party. Wonder how much help the lemons need?
Our posts over the past several weeks have worked on a backlog of posters. Today we return to the usual structure of postering on the weekends and looking into other photos all week long. Enjoy!

SUNDAY POSTER

2012-01-22T00:22:00.003-06:00

I found this quote, from Albert Schweitzer no less, in a search for a quotable definition of the word "ethics." Needed it for an upcoming project.

Count The Spoons

2012-01-21T23:20:00.000-06:00

Gentle Whisper

2012-01-20T08:50:00.000-06:00

First You Jump

2012-01-19T14:58:00.000-06:00

Live By Them

2012-01-18T09:48:00.001-06:00

A poster with a quote that should be attached to each and every other 'poster with a quote' that I or anyone else publishes. Live by them: it is tougher than just to speak words.

Darkness & Hate

2012-01-17T08:38:00.000-06:00

Hope

2012-01-16T08:40:00.000-06:00

SUNDAY POSTER

2012-01-15T00:45:00.002-06:00

Does the sentiment surprise you? Sound like odd advice, coming from a famed religious figure? Think again, asking yourself if Martin Luther believed in the Old Testment God of vengeance . . . or in the New Testament God of Jesus, the Redeemer and Savior. I like the confidence he expresses here.

Practice Compassion

2012-01-14T09:28:00.000-06:00

A New Command

2012-01-13T08:47:00.000-06:00

To Live in Hearts

2012-01-12T15:03:00.001-06:00

Just found this poetic quote and had to find the right background picture. These heavenly clouds were in the sky above Paris in 2009.

Smile Back!

2012-01-12T00:09:00.001-06:00

An awesome, wonderful viewpoint on God. Every time I read the words, I smile, both at this thought and . . . . back toward God.

Teach Me Your Paths

2012-01-11T07:58:00.002-06:00

Studying through the Psalms in memory of my Mom, who loved that book, and found this verse that matched well a photo I took over 35 years ago. It was just waiting for the right quote!

Lesson in Love

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Wherever You Go

2012-01-09T07:51:00.001-06:00

Still catching up with a backlog of posters completed over the holidays.

SUNDAY POSTER

2012-01-08T19:48:00.000-06:00

Cecilia Angela Mezner

2012-01-07T11:21:00.000-06:00

To my mind, a new saint, happy and safe in heaven. Here is my Mom, as we danced at my niece's wedding in May, 2005. Pretty in pink as always.

The Love You Make

2012-01-06T22:49:00.000-06:00

I have run this poster before, but I run it again in honor of my mother, Cecilia Angela Beato, who created so much love that she is lifted to heaven on the power of it.

Condolence

2012-01-05T19:04:00.002-06:00

I wrote and illustrated this poem a bit over a year ago in expressing to condolence for a death in the family of a friend. Today as I prepare for the visitation and funeral of my dear mother, I have looked up to see Mom's star. It must be located near the North Star, the one that never rises or sets, but is always right where you can find her.

Love To Mom

2012-01-04T07:45:00.002-06:00

This poster is posted in memory of Cecilia Beato, my loving mother, who passed away peacefully yesterday and is now with the Lord . . . and with Dad. Mom is the person I think of when I read this verse, so seriously pointing out that actions, not empty words, build lives. Thanks for being the wonderful person that we all love, Mom.

Thomas Jefferson

2012-01-03T08:28:00.001-06:00

On the third day of the year, a wonderful quote from the third President of the United States.

Travel Poster

2012-01-03T08:26:00.000-06:00

New Year Blessing

2012-01-02T08:46:00.000-06:00

A poster with my favorite verse from the Torah.

From Ephesus

2012-01-01T23:32:00.001-06:00

The quote from Ephesians needed my photo from the theater in Ephesus for its background.

Another New Year Thought

2011-12-31T08:34:00.002-06:00

A thought for the New Year with a photo from our visit to Israel this year.

New Year Wish Poster

2011-12-31T08:33:00.002-06:00

A poster with a thought for the New Year.

Einstein

2011-12-30T23:12:00.001-06:00

An autumn look at New Years might be out of time, but the quote is always in time.

Ansel Adams

2011-12-29T08:45:00.001-06:00

A photo from a trip to Alaska combined with a quote from the most famed of photographers.

Two Posters

2011-12-28T08:53:00.001-06:00

The first is a 'found poster,' one which needed no inscription added. I like it as a commentary on other posters, including the second one seen here.

2011-12-27T00:22:00.001-06:00

Susan Sontag's great quote . . . on one of my photos. And yes, 'everywhere' is on my list and boy am I hard at work at that!

HOLIDAY POSTER

2011-12-26T23:17:00.003-06:00

This final week of the year I am posting more of the photo posters with quotes I have collected. Many new posters have been done in recent weeks.

Silent Night, Holy Night

2011-12-25T00:35:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles for the stained glass window . . . and for singing Silent Night by candlelight on Christmas Eve.

2011-12-24T10:07:00.000-06:00

On Christmas Eve so long ago a baby was born in Bethlehem. He would grow into a man capable of rewriting countless pages of ancient law into just two Commandments. He taught us to love God and love one another. Let us honor Christmas in that manner, and try to keep it all the year, just as the reformed Ebenezer Scrooge did.

CHRISTMAS POSTER

2011-12-23T00:05:00.000-06:00

Another memorable quote from THE POLAR EXPRESS. All aboard!

Leaving the Lights

2011-12-22T09:02:00.003-06:00

Leaving the Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights, one of the more intriguing photos came from the five birds heading into flight. I assume that long before next year's holiday season, that image will be backing a poster of one sort or another on this blog.

CHRISTMAS POSTER

2011-12-21T23:04:00.000-06:00

Peacock and Dinosaur

2011-12-21T01:53:00.001-06:00

More lights from Festival of Lights at Cosley Zoo, Wheaton.

Lights and Trees

2011-12-20T08:42:00.001-06:00

Just outside the main building at Cosley Zoo, designed in the guise of a railroad station, a large collection of fresh trees is for sale. The aroma is outstanding!

Festival of Lights

2011-12-19T08:50:00.001-06:00

Three zoos in the Chicago area feature multiple sets of Christmas lights in the evenings during December. I saw Lincoln Park a couple of years ago, and plan to see Brookfield next week. In the meantime, I stopped by tiny Cosley Zoo in Wheaton and found some nice festive shots. Here are a pair of them.

HOLIDAY CARD

2011-12-18T09:36:00.002-06:00

For the second year, a holiday card with warm Merry Christmas wishes, intended for my friends at LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva. Cancer fighters everywhere, a joyous Christmas and the wish to keep up the fight until the disease is defeated!

SUNDAY POSTER

2011-12-18T09:34:00.000-06:00

SATURDAY POSTER

2011-12-17T00:20:00.001-06:00

A Facebook friend posted the Kerouac quote and I just had to check my collection of poster backgrounds waiting to be wed to a quote. The Alaska Railroad seemed pretty excellent to me and I hope you agree.

Bridges

2011-12-16T12:18:00.000-06:00

Our last post in a week's look at Chicago Architecture includes a pair of bridges near the downtown area, neither one in use but each with a particular eye appeal.

Saw a Man Who Danced with his Wife

2011-12-15T00:20:00.002-06:00

Two more Chicago architecture shots.

Billy Sunday Could Not Shut It Down

2011-12-14T00:02:00.000-06:00

Up and down, we see the John Hancock center from the street and then from atop Big John we see the iconic Water Tower.

Let Me Show You Around

2011-12-13T00:00:00.002-06:00

Love the sundial outside Adler Planetarium.

That Toddlin' Town

2011-12-12T08:51:00.001-06:00

Chicago, Chicago, that toddlin' town . . . this week we will post some views of Chicago architecture as collected over several years.

SUNDAY POSTER #1

2011-12-11T01:21:00.004-06:00

SUNDAY POSTER #2

2011-12-11T01:21:00.003-06:00

SATURDAY POSTER #2

2011-12-10T09:47:00.000-06:00

SATURDAY POSTER #1

2011-12-10T09:45:00.003-06:00

Catching up on recently-produced posters. Enjoy!

More Bear Shots

2011-12-09T00:09:00.001-06:00

Check the size of that paw! Anyone have a taste for a Bear Claw?

Polar Bears

2011-12-08T16:27:00.001-06:00

Some of the biggest stars of the Brookfield Zoo look very much at home in wintry weather, don't they?

Real Bears

2011-12-07T00:37:00.002-06:00

These Brookfield Zoo Bears are the real Chicago Bears, seen here relaxing in their water feature area. The two brown bears have three polar bear neighbors, to be seen in the next post.

Monkey, Orang Revisit

2011-12-06T07:51:00.001-06:00

Back to the Monkey/Gorilla House at Brookfield Zoo.

Poster for Eleven Hundred

2011-12-05T08:41:00.003-06:00

Had to get right off the 1,099 post total and get number 1,100 online, especially with the rather large number of new posters i have been working on. Saw this quote Saturday night in a Sunday paper on the big crossword puzzle page. Had to graphic it!

Roosters

2011-12-05T08:37:00.002-06:00

With bright color and interesting patterns, roosters are generally quite photogenic. But they also bring a smile to my face as a reminder to another of the memorable SEINFELD episodes, featuring Frank Costanza. "Who's having sex with the rooster?" Remember the Schnitzer's Rye, a feature of that episode.

SUNDAY POSTER #3

2011-12-04T00:02:00.000-06:00

SUNDAY POSTER #2

2011-12-03T23:23:00.000-06:00

SUNDAY POSTER #1

2011-12-03T23:21:00.000-06:00

Gorilla House

2011-12-02T08:41:00.001-06:00

Keep walking through the monkey house area and you are bound to find the Brookfield Zoo gorillas in a very interesting environment. You are up in the tops of the tree limbs and looking right at them.

Monkeys

2011-12-01T00:35:00.000-06:00

Brookfield Zoo has dozens of location to watch various animals, each visit generating great photo opportunities. Here we recall a visit to the monkey house.

Small Animals

2011-11-30T23:31:00.002-06:00

Looking through some animal photo collections, I found this pair of images of raccoons. He certainly found himself "up a tree" here!

Five Bucks

2011-11-29T00:57:00.001-06:00

The herd at Cedar Park had at least five stags when I was there. That was the first time I saw five bucks without a photo of Lincoln!

Deer Closeup

2011-11-28T07:46:00.001-06:00

Yes, the deer at Cedar Park Cemetery are indeed this tame in terms of not spooking with a person quite near. I did move gently and non-threateningly, but these are not superlong telephotos. I really was able to get up close to both does and stags.

SUNDAY POSTER

2011-11-27T00:49:00.001-06:00

Good advice from Mark Twain, a famous world traveler.

Poster: Light Trumps Darkness

2011-11-26T00:15:00.000-06:00

Thanks for Facebook friend Ana Ward, who posted this fine quote yesterday, I have a brand new poster that really goes to the feelings of the season.

Friendship Poster

2011-11-25T21:58:00.001-06:00

In honor of the holiday weekend, we are posting special new posters each day. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Prayer

2011-11-24T00:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. This card was developed for LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva. I wrote the poem a year ago and took this picture several weeks ago. Enjoy!

More Deer

2011-11-23T00:53:00.000-06:00

The tame deer at Cedar Park almost seemed to be posing for me.

Thanksgiving Poster

2011-11-22T09:21:00.002-06:00

We must always remember that Thanksgiving is certainly about Thanks . . . but it is also certainly about Giving!