Still Working To Make A Good Photo After Years Of Trying

This is almost the photo I’ve been working to make for many years. Finally, today, I was in the almost right place, at the almost right time, with almost enough snow on the sidewalk.

I’ve been following this snow brush across the Otterbein campus for years, hoping to capture the definitive image of its operation as it clears sidewalks and walkways quickly and efficiently.

This is one of those “of” photos—an image “of” something that holds little emotional connection to the activity or the outcome. There isn’t much to get excited about except for my ongoing quest for success.

The Blue Plate Special Kitchen

On a bitterly cold winter day, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili to warm you from the inside out. This is pure comfort—a rich, hearty blend of beans, beef, and tomatoes simmered to perfection, topped with a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese and a cooling dollop of sour cream. Each spoonful is a balance of bold flavors and textures, the meal that instantly makes you feel cozy, no matter how frigid it is outside.

Beside the chili sits a pan-toasted biscuit, crisp on the outside and soft within, drizzled with hot honey for just the right amount of sweetness and heat. The combination is rustic and homey, reminiscent of family gatherings, snowy evenings by the fire, or the simple pleasure of thawing out after a long winter day.

This meal isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about the experience—the way the warmth of the chili lingers, the gentle heat from the spices, including some jalapeno slices, awakening your senses, and the comfort of familiar, satisfying flavors wrapping around you like a thick, woolen blanket. It’s a dish that brings people together, that soothes and satisfies, proving that sometimes, the best way to fight the cold is with something hot, hearty, and made with hope for a warmer day.

There’s always chili in my refrigerator.

The Good Thing That Happened To Me Today

I wanted only one item at Costco but dreaded standing in a long line behind someone pushing two carts. Instead, there wasn’t a line. I had a quick checkout. I’ll take the simple pleasures.

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My Final Photo News recommends its friends, Civic Capacity and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.