February

I really don't mine this month compared to other months on a general basis, this year, however, it just seems to be dragging it's heel's. I don't really know what it is, but let's get it over already. It may be a bit of cabin fever, Janet and I have been getting out a bit, but it always end's up at a store or mall. We need some warmer weather. Could really have used that winter vacation this year I guess.

We will be heading to 'The Rock' this summer, which should be a blast. The photo ops and music will be fantastic, looking forward to that. The farthest East of Saskatoon I've been is Hull, QC. Fly and rent a car for a week then over to Nova Scotia for a few days, drive to Monton, NB and catch a flight home. Should be fun!

Signed up for a photo class that's making it's rounds through the country. 'Shoot it right - by Booth Photographic Ltd' The class is held on the 20th of March, for the full day. My good friend and photog buddy, Sandy Lockhart is going so I figured I would give it a go. It's a seminar, so they don't want you to bring your camera. It's has a bit of everything, so although I don't have a studio at this point, the future may be different.....

Janet and I, or more Janet decided that we should make our own valentine cards this year. We never buy anything for each other on Feb 14, because of the expense and the silliness of it all. So with a 2 days to figure something out, I came up with this image and a card.... no noodles we're used

The card she gave me was fantastic and well done. after about 32 years of mucking about with each other, it's a new adventure almost everyday. Happy Day Janet :)

That's all for now, I hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day, but don't sweat it, it's just like any other day.

Bruce

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Retail Pt 2

As you read earlier, I used to work in retail for many years. If you've worked in that industry you'll know what I'm talking about. In my current employment situation, the same thing's happen, but no where near as crazy.
The Head / Home office visit!

So the district / regional / area manager or some other type of 'suit' is coming to your store to check it out.  I never got excited about this very much and here is why..

Store cleanliness -  The people that pay the bill's are the people that come in everyday or so, the regulars as it were. Is your place clean and welcoming? It should be because those are the people that really count. Your establishment should be clean for them, not the guy that stops by once a year. If you feel it's good enough for your everyday customers, then it should be good enough for the 'suit'.
It always drove me bonkers the managers that would bring in extra staff and run around cleaning every nook & cranny just for this person. Suits don't pay the bills!!

My retail rant, next time 'Customers'  hahahaha

Image Making - The Boys & Girls Club of Saskatoon are holding their 32ND Annual Sask. artists show and sale on November 13 & 14th.   This will be held at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. The show is open 10:30AM -8:00PM on the 13th and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the 14th, located in the Saskatchewan Hall. I will have 3 images for sale and the club gets 50% of the sale price of my prints. Its a great cause and I hope to raise some money for them, please stop by to see some fantastic artists work.

Janet and I will also have a display @ The Center Mall , Jade Gallery from Nov. 23rd to Jan 2. I hope you can all stop and have a look and even order a print for Christmas. (Toys cost money!!)

Other stuff -  Each time I write, I'm going to try and include a site, podcast or blog that I have come across that I enjoy and think that you may too. Whether it has to do with photography, Halloween or the matting rituals of Pheasants, if it's interesting, I'll pass it along.


I got an email form a co-worker telling me to check Clark's site out. WOW, WOW and then I said WOW 40 more times. It always amazes me what lengths photogs will go to get that shot. (I know, I (with Henry James) have put myself in some crazy places) These are fantastic, take some time and watch the video as well.

http://bit.ly/bsv6EC

So that's all for now, have a great few days and remember comments are always welcome. Don't forget to check out my 'flickr' feed at the bottom of the blog as well.

Thanks

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I don't miss the set-up

Nov. 2, 2010.
I worked in retail for more years than I care to count. Most of the time was with Woolco - Wal-Mart and then some smaller chains. As usual, several thing's amazed me, which I will try to explain to you now...
No order, they all seemed to be #1 at some point.

Christmas set-up.

Up until the 2000's it was November 1st, this never changed, you knew this was the day, the lights went up, the decorations were hung and the dreaded songs on the PA system would start. I remember the first Xmas I worked on the sales floor in sporting goods @ Woolco. I was so excited, Angela had just figured out the big fat man in red brings cool stuff to play with. It was fun to sit on Santa's knee with her, I was so into Christmas!! 
50 days later I could have killed the next jerk that wished me a "Merry f'in Christmas". The week before the big day, I was not a happy elf. Between the music ALL day long, the 'happy and resonable' customer's and the ad's that broke a week before the stock arrived, I could have been 'Santa the serial Slayer'.  That was a big lesson in the world of retail, the store is 2 months, at least, ahead of reality...   Just because you put out the bikini's and tents today, does not change the fact that you still have to walk across a snowy and frozen parking lot with your 10lb jacket and toque.

Seems to be now, some of the stores are trying to start even earlier than Nov. 1st. The chase for the buck is alive and well, which really, is good for all of us.........

I will have another in the next few days  (The Head office visit!)


Image Making -
I hope everyone is getting out to shoot some of the great fall colours, Janet and I did get out a bit and were happy with the trips we took. Were looking at the new Nikon D7000 (OK, not really looking, buying as soon as I can crunch the numbers so Janet will not crunch me  LOL) it has some very cool features that I think will take our photography up a notch. I have yet to touch one and the Saskatoon price my be a bit high, here is a great site for camera gear price comparision.

The next 'clinic' at the SCC is 'junked' My first thought is along the car or house kind of thing, I have a 2nd thought that would work very well but very hard to shoot ... damm. Any ideas for 'junked', please pass them along.

Have a great after Halloween week, DONT LISTEN TO THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC  (yet) and all will be good,

Bruce

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