South Texas Shooters (Photography That Is!)

It’s funny how a animal, companion, a pet can make so much of a difference in a persons (my life)!

For close to two months now I have been home recovering from major surgery with a short (thankfully) set back. Besides that just prior to going into surgery I was informed that the house I have come to call home is being sold. I was told not to worry it could take up to a year before the place is sold, then BAM within two weeks of the property going on the market it was sold!

Needless to say this news and recovering from a major lifesaving operation stress became a major issue, and still is! Depression has attempted to take a hold on my heart and mind. It has at times grabbed  but with reminders around I have for the most part beat it off and will continue to beat it off. As I said I have reminders around me that help battle depression and I Thank God the Father for them! My reminders are members of the family near and far, good people that are more like family  and two animals! A cat named Cruiser and a dog named Red (you know them!) Both are rescues and I think they are recusing me during this stage of life, I feel for them because I fear that I may have to leave them if I can not find a place to  live that will allow me to bring them along. The thought brings my heart to a flutter and my mind to tears! I cannot believe that two creatures can take a persons heart so strongly but they have. Red is the first dog I have ever had and it was told to me early on the he was sent to me for a reason!!! I believe now that I know the reason!! Cruiser a kitten rescued from and engine compartment while on the job has been a very different cat, I have many over the years but he is so very different!! Each cat I have shared life with has been different, but this guy is just a winner!! He is my cat, no one else who has come into this house has had a long look at him, he always runs off to hide, but so after they leave he comes out to check on me and make me know he is there for me!

During times when I feel the depression and stress they are “Always There” doing something to remind of their presence and their commitment to me, an ole guy who looks rough and angry but who inside will give you my last bite of food, last sip of water, the shirt off his back  and my bed to rest in! The feel it and help me to maintain, I pray, I hope, I wish that this stage of life will change very soon for them and me and of the people that hold the closes place in my heart, for I want to again be me as a whole me!

Thank you to each wonderful soul who has reached out, come by, shared a call, a text a PM and thank you to Cruiser and Red for “Always Being There!”

Love You All!! Pete

Mister Red

Mister Cruiser

Been a while since I put words down here. So here goes!

The Thrills!

The past couple of weeks have held many thrills and sadly the past few days have brought forth agony.

First off I witnessed some great softball being played across the NCAA, teams and individuals played their hearts out! A lot of the time I wanted so bad to be there in person, I wanted to capture the moment in my hands, with my eye and lens. But I am so glad that I was able to see as much ball as I did!

A thrill was to watch Texas State get to a regional and battle hard, I got to see them make a Dream Become Reality! They are forever my champions!

I got to watch the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) and see history made on so many fronts for the time being I think the 2016 WCWS will stand out for many a year to come. From a catch that was made to a walk off GRAND SLAM homerun, from a historic game. And a young lady step into the batters box and give her all yet come up short, but not really, she took charge of any fear that may have been inside her and do what needed to be done. it may not have been the outcome wished for, but the heart it took and stand there and face each and every pitch was a thrill!

The Agony

In the past few days, especially the last day June 11/12 there has been too much agony, a act of terrorism in Florida was heartless, gutless and punk like. To walk into a place that is meant to be a happy place, a place to get your thing on, dance, talk, drink and just have fun became a one way battlefield. One person put an end to all the fun by beginning a war on those folks. I can only pray for the families of the ones lost and continued prayers for those wounded and fighting to stay alive. I will not forgive the person that started the war, for if you have such a beef with the USA, go back to your place and join their army and put on a uniform and take it to a battlefield where our soldiers will fire back with the same firepower and more to take you out. I am increasingly disturbed by acts of war being put upon by a few on people who don’t have a way to fight back! You want to fight a war, put on a uniform and pair of boots and walk out onto the battlefield.

I do apologize for the rant but I had to voice my two cents worth. As always I share photos on all my blogs, the photos I share today I got off of Facebook and give all credit to the talented photographers who clicked the shutter at just the right time.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe, Stay Loved!!

Pete

Thrills

Thrills

Thrills

Thrill!

A moment of agony!

They lead the way these days!!

It has been thirty days since the surgery and after some pot holes along the way, was readmitted back into the hospital to fight back dehydration and fever. Back at the house, recovering which equals a lot of slow time, some walks with Red and Cruiser and a lot of resting!

I am reminded by family, friends and doctors to rest, to let the body heal. I am reminded that the surgery was major, some 6 + hours to fix what needed to be fixed. The hard part for me is waiting, I am reminded that I’m not 30 years old anymore. although my mind still sees the world like I’m thirty, maybe I need to grow up and let the mind and the body come together in age!!! 🙂

In the middle of phase of life I was told by the landlord that they are selling the property and now it appears that  been sold and a new place must be found and moved in within a month maybe a little leeway but not much. I am a bit flustered, frustrated and plain old pissed off!

In the process of finding a new place, clean up this old place, still recover and get back to work so that I can pay for all of these things. With all of these things on my mind I may not seem as happy or helpful as before! Rest assure that this is temporary and I will rise above this phase of life and find the right road and travel and share the road with you the folks that matter!!!

Just wanted to rant a little and get some of this off my chest before it blows my guts out! Thanks for listening, you are the gems in my life!! Pete

 Ole Man and A Kid!

It has been a month since my last blog and a lot has happened in the last four weeks!

On 20 April I underwent a 6 1/2 hour abdominal aortic aneurysm repair at the Brooke Army Medical Center, was sent to the ICU for 1 week and then to a step down ward for another week. was discharged to home but after four days was readmitted for dehydration and fever. After 3 days and lots of fluids IV and oral I was again released to home to resume recovery. I am so very thankful for the surgeons, nursing staff and enlisted medical personal I was blessed to have on my team. They provided the best care anywhere and I am forever in their debt!!

During my in-patient stay I was blessed to find that I have more family than I knew was ever around!! I was blessed to have visitors come be at my side and share one of the most important gifts life has to offer, “The Gift of Time”! Their time spent with me is forever burnt into my mind and heart as the greatest gifts I’ve ever received!!!

I also am blessed that so many shared prayers, good thoughts, awesome good vibes. All of which made the difference and I am forever thankful for their friendship and love!

I am also blessed with three cousins back east that stayed in touch and where willing to put their life on a hold and come down to assist! I may have pissed them off by asking them to continue their lives back east and save a lot of money in travel to be by my side. I am sorry to have asked you all to keep moving in your life, but I sure knew you all where there and would be here in a New York minute.

I am blessed  that I have some awesome friends that have been like family and are family in every sense of the word. They took me to the hospital, stayed with me during the 6+ hours of surgery and held my hand after I came out of the OR. They have done their very best to make me comfortable as possible. I will not say that it has been all a smooth ride, for there have been more pot holes along this road to recovery and they sure as hell hurt when I hit them. But I am trying to do the best I can and remember that there are a whole bunch of people pulling and praying for me!! For me I must remember that this is not a speedy process and I must allow the body to heal at it’s rate, plus I must remember that my body is way older and takes more time to recover! Most of all I am doing it, slow and sure and I plan on making the road trip back to health!

I want to thank some very special folks, for their sharing of time and caring, compassion have forever touched my heart and for ever shall be in m heart. Thank you to Barb W, Jen R, Catherine O, Ricci W,  Jen L, Texas State Softball, Alex D, Virginia G, Don D and Mrs Ester D, Kathy B, Joe G, Ron C, Laura D, Linda D, Teresa C. For your close support made such a difference during this journey.

Although the journey is not over I am thankful and blessed for each of you and love you all deeply for all you do! God Bless You Always!!!!

Pete

BAMC/SAMMC

As the day nears for an operation which is a must do or die, my mind races about thinking of things to do and things not to do. Crazy for the mind to race about as it is, but it is. The only other time I recall that this has happened is when I in the Army and was preparing to deploy to an unknown place with many unknowns!

I guess it makes sense that this is happening again for I am going to a place that I know for a procedure that is unknown to me. The place is the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) or by its new name San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). A place that provides the best medical care in the nation, a place as a Medic I always wanted to be a part of because of all the good this place has done for countless people over the years. A place that is known around the world for patient care in many medical arenas!

The procedure has been explained and researched to/by me, but it is still a big unknown. To say that my concern is unfounded would be a lie, but I am not scared stiff, just concerned that I won’t be able to do the things that bring the most smiles to me in the simplest of ways. I will miss holding a camera in my hand for a bit, not being able to capture moments and share them with the people that I care for bugs me. I will be back with that camera in hand and capturing those moments for you and me!

I ask that you my family and friends be patient with me while I drone on and on, but I am missing some fun times ahead, sometimes spent with a group of folks that make me smile because of the hustle and heart they display each and every time they step out onto the Field Where Dreams Become Reality!

This I promise, I will do my very best to be back out there and be witness to all that LIFE has to offer.

I ask that you my family and friends extend prayers, good vibes my way and to the medical team that will be by my side and fixing the body so I can come back and share images of life with you all.

I will do my best to keep you all in the know and if I should need something (real food) and most importantly a big smile! Till the next time we meet I ask that you enjoy and go forth and make a mark in your world and someone else’s! Pass along a smile and always do your best, you deserve it and the folks that care and love you deserve it too!!

Pete

Be back with that camera in hand!

Well the day has come, I have seen the vascular surgeon and the word is in I must undergo surgery to fix a abdominal aneurism that was detected a week ago.

Let me try and explain what has occurred in the past two weeks. During a recheck of a problem that was detected three years ago and is not an immediate problem another aneurism was found on my abdomen and this one is a immediate concern to the doctor. I was referred to the vascular surgeons and a sonogram, MRI and CAT Scan were performed and the size of the aneurism is very large and life threatening if not treat soon. So after conferring with the staff my doctor has decided on a course of action. All doctors agree that I should undergo surgery, which is scheduled for April 20th. After meeting with the doctor and considering all the information provided I will undergo the operation on that date.

There is much to get done as far as getting the support team together (my own). I am thankful and blessed that I have already got a couple of close friends step forward and are ready to support me during this stage of life.

For all of you I ask that you send prayers and good vibes this way. I will keep you posted on how things are going and will fight to be back in best form for you my closest and dearest friends and for my family back in New York.

I will not tell you I am not concerned, for I am but with good support I’m gonna make it! I’m ready, your ready so let’s make this happen with hopes of the best results possible. Love you all my family and closest friends and supporters!!

Pete   

Me and the Fur Crew, always by my side!

This weekend was a tough one for Texas State Softball, swept in a series with the fourth ranked team in the nation ULL.

I got to watch the doubleheader on Saturday via ESPN and followed todays game via Live Stats, but I found myself wishing I was there to support and capture moments on the field for these amazing folks. I remembered that supporting someone can and should be done at any time and from anywhere so that in my heart I was there in mind, soul and heart!!

While watching Saturday’s games I again found myself in awe of the heart and hustle displayed on the field, never quitting, never giving up, they kept fighting, always digging in! I guess through it all I’m in it for the these folks yesterday, today and all tomorrow’s to come!

From everyone on this team, past present yet to come, you have one guy on your side, cause you’ve worked hard to get where you are and that kind of heart and hustle deserves the best support that can come your way.

To all the athletes, coach’s, SID’s, trainers and parents thank you for all the hard work, effort, hours, sweat, blood, tears and smiles! Thank you for making a “Field a place where Dreams Become Reality”! Most of all Thank You for always making me feel at home, for being around you all make me forget the numeric age and relive the age of youth!!!

It was a tough weekend for you all, my hope is that lessons where learned and lessons learned will lead to new strategies on taking on whoever comes on the field to face you! Never loose the smile that lives in your heart for that smile makes the darkest days be filled with light!! You all are my Champions!!!

Texas State Softball

Smiles, never let them fade!

Focus

Steady

Relax and take it one game at a time!

There to find them moments on The Field!

Those that know me best, know about Cruiser and Red. For the last 8 years they have been all three (companion, friend and pet) more companion and friend than pet. Most of my life I have had cats from my days in NYC and since getting out of the Army.

Both of my friends are rescues these days, each sent at a time in life when it was needed! The times have not always been a smooth road, filled with potholes, turns, ups and downs! Recently the ups far out number the downs!

In the past couple of days the bond gets stronger and my smiles grow wider with these two and with watching people interact with their companion’s and friends. This past weekend I witnessed a show of caring, kindness and love while at a ballgame. I must tell you about, so please be patient with me as I drone on!

During the game I saw a young lady that I have seen on social media but I have never talked to. From the outside look you might think she is one tough person, lots of art on her arms and hands with a no nonsense expression on her face, but at the game she had her friend with her. The pup appeared to be older but with bright eyes, a smile and a wag that won’t quit. The lady kept a ever watchful eye on her friend, making sure they had fresh water and shade. At one point in the game a foul ball entered where they were standing and she turned and checked on her friend with such speed that she could have covered a mile in less than a minute. Such caring brought a smile to my face and brought the lens around to capture the moment (sadly I didn’t get it). A few minutes later the lady crouched down to check on her friend and share some love and that moment I caught.

I thought that the outside look a person has in no sure fire indication of the inside person, for with the tough expression and body art there is a caring person there. Funny how an animal can bring out the softest side of a person! We may try to hide it from others in order to survive the craziness of this world, but how a cat or dog or other companion can bring out that caring soft side. I salute you Abbey G. for your caring, concern for your friend. I hope one day your friend and mine (Red) might meet so we can all smile and as a bonus I might capture a moment of two.

For all of us that have that furry friend you know what I’m talking about, so go and keep showing that soft side to your friend and dam what others might say, cause your friend does give unconditional love better than anyone you know!!

With each day I am thankful for my furry friends and life companion’s and for the others that bring a smile into my heart. Share that smile!!!!

Caring and whole lot of love!

Three Old Guys! Red, Me and Cruiser

Share the Smile!!

Again I was fortunate enough to be witness to more “Dreams Become Reality on The Field” To quote Ansel Adams~” Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter”

Last night Texas State Softball took on University of Texas-Austin “Longhorns” in San Marcos, it was a night to see and a night to be there in person. Witness to a fine evening, with good weather for softball. Another reason was to bring about Awareness for Children’s Cancer! Second largest crown was in attendance to be witness to the game. They were not disappointed for them athlete’s put on a display of Heart and Hustle throughout the game. Playing against the 24th ranked team in the nation in D1 NCAA softball. Bobcats chased Longhorns off the field for the first time since 2010 and it was a game which kept me going from warms ups to hand shakes.

I saw all kinds of play, this was not a perfect game, but it was a game played by people chasing to be near perfection, they made mistakes, they missed a chance here and there, but they never gave up. Their faces struck with determination and grit as they fought to regain the lead, keep the lead and fend off a challenge they walked off the field with the “W”! I saw smiles last night that would light up a two mile long runway with plenty to spare. I missed more chances to “Click the Shutter” because I was into the play on the field. I thank everyone that made this game possible and who made the few images shared here possible! Again I am blessed to have been there and to have the chance to preserve a moment in time for these athletes, coach’s and families. I felt deep down for them and for a brief moment each and everyone on that field was my “kid”, so proud of the heart and hustle, the leadership and caring that was displayed on “The Field Where Dreams Became Reality”!

Texas State Softball

The Field

Smiles

Welcome Home!

Best Homecoming Around!

Coaching and Caring

Learning from the Best!

Deep in the Heart of Texas!

It has been a bit of time from the last entry! The time between entries has been full of up’s and down’s, but then what would life be without up’s and down’s, it wouldn’t be life!!

Not going to bother you with the down’s but with the up’s! The one up that came across came today in the form of an article about twin sisters and a coach who happen to be at Texas State University. As those that follow my entries know I have a association with the school and it’s awesome softball program!! My association is not official but one of admiration for the program and the coach’s and athlete’s including parents of the program. What started as just taking a few photos has become a high point in capturing “Dreams Becoming Reality on the Field”! The prime motivation is to preserve those awesome efforts put forth on the field and to capture the smiles, frowns, tears and sweat!

Today I saw and read an article about two of the athlete’s and a coach. (click the link for the full article or copy and paste:

http://espn.go.com/espnw/sports/article/14845406/texas-state-pitcher-randi-rupp-surrounded-greatness-twin-sara-rupp-cat-osterman

As I was reading the article, I noticed that the accompanying images in the article are moments captured through my lens!! I am proud to have them used in the article to help illustrate the heart and hustle of these sisters (Randi and Sara) and their coach (Cat).

When you see the sisters on the field they faces are filled with determination and fierce focus as well as their coach who is so well know in the world of softball across the world that if you mention the first name “Cat” everyone knows who your talking about!! On the other side of these fierce focused faces are the faces with free heart warming smiles and laughs that can bring sunshine into the darkest of days!!!

I am “Blessed” in many ways, but one of the greatest is that I know these three women and many more through the “Field Where Dreams Become Real!” The photographer in me is also Blessed to have three images displayed on ESPNW accompanying the well written article. Blessed to call these gifted women friends. I always wish them and all the women I have met during my travels at The “Field” the very best in all they do “On and Off” the “Field” wherever they go and whatever they do, today, tomorrow and forever!! That’s why I feel “Blessed”!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sara

Randi

The coach and the twins

The ole guy and a “Life’s Treasure”!