i love snow

Oklahoma City is in the midst of it's first winter storm. Yesterday morning the ice came and coated trees, sidewalks and the streets. Overnight last night, the sleet and snow started to fall and is coming down as I type. It's beautiful.

I love snow. I love cold. I love inclement weather. I love to get outside and enjoy the elements. We as humans were made for adventure; unfortunately we have become domesticated and civilized, refusing to get out in "bad weather" because of the dangers or risk involved.



Stir-craziness got the best of me this afternoon and I decided to get out in the weather for a little snow run. I threw on my Yaktrax and headed out into the snowy urban scape. It was nice, a run full of solitude that a person rarely gets in the city. It was also a great escape into the wild, an adventure.





Thanks Nicki, for taking some shots of me in the snow!

the world is flat

I have been debating for quite some time about the validity of me posting on topics other than trip reports and photography. Is there really anyone out there that cares about my day to day life? Does anyone care about what I think? Who am I to write about politics or religion and expect someone to take time out of their day to come read about it? I originially only intended to share to "the world" my journeys and photos, however something within me wants to talk more regardless of how many are listening.

I had a good email conversation with my father yesterday regarding my thoughts. Dad is a strong writer, has thousands of followers to his site, and obviously is a big believer in the movement of blogging. I also respect the heck out of him, more than anyone I've ever known. So naturally I listen to what he says.

His written words from an email cut me deep: "You are writing well, keep it up. Isn't the Internet a great tool to express yourself to the whole wide world? I think so. Just 10 or 12 years ago it was virtually impossible to publish your thoughts without a book contract or some sort of publishing outlet, not so any more! That's why I say.....Keep blogging! Just write about life. Somebody's out there listening."

He's right. The World is Flat. We can reach people like never before through our wonderful digital world. So I'm gonna start talkin.

you are lazy

I had this long, detailed rant typed up about how lazy we are as a people. I had statistics to show, reasons why we should get off our tailbones and do something, and catchy "green" phrases to help motivate us into pedaling somewhere instead of gas guzzling.

But I deleted it all and started over. Sometimes it's just best to get to the point.

Ride your bike somewhere. Stop plopping your growing backside into the plush seats of your car and ride your bike. To the neighbor's house down the street. To the grocery store. To work. To lunch. To church. To the gym. To the game.

Do it once. See how it feels.

In rhythm

2009 has kicked me into gear.

Thanks to all who attended my little gallery this past Friday night. It was a HUGE success with over 300 people throughout the night coming through to browse my snaps. I was psyched to see a lot of familiar faces of family and friends, and many unknowns as well. Barry and Amy Johnson, owners of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, even drove the long 5 hours from Arkansas to walk through the gallery and surprise the heck out of me. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them walking in the door!

So unfortunately I did not bring my camera to the event, so no photos. However, my work will be on dispay until the 29th so stop by if you are in the area.

2008 wasn't the greatest year in the life of Andy Chasteen, but I see 09 as a rebound year. I'm psyched about getting outside, pushing the limits of physical endurance, taking a lot of photos of life, and living for the moment. Cheesy? Maybe. Who cares.

Cheers to 2009!