I'M STILL STANDING

Uploaded: June 26, 2012 22:07:20

Description

Exif: F Number: 9, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/80 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 24.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Comments

Debbie E. Payne June 26, 2012

One of many taken this afternoon of this horrible fire. I will be very absent over the next few days. We have friends staying at our house as they have been evacuated. More later. The room they are in is my computer room so I will stop in when I can #1471468

Debbie E. Payne June 26, 2012

Two more. #10201954

Jeff E Jensen June 27, 2012

Debbie - no reason you should feel guilty about documenting this terrible fire. I'm glad you are okay and able to help your friends out. We've got it bad in Utah with the fires this year, but not this bad yet. How's Martin doing? #10202153

lisa anderson June 27, 2012

Wow! Those are powerful photos! I was on the outskirts of really big forest fires in Canada years ago. I still remember the ashes falling. #10202233

Dale Hardin June 27, 2012

Have no idea why you would feel guilty documenting this disaster. It is not of your doing. In fact your photos help others realize the need for safe practices while in the wild.

Bless you for taking in your friends in their time of need. Like Jeff, I'm concerned about how Martin is doing. #10202524

Debbie E. Payne June 27, 2012

I guess what I mean to say is that "how can something so devastating and at the same time so powerful, majestic, and just plain gorgeous from a photographic POV, be possible?

Now the Waldo Canyon fire is three times what it was before the winds started up yesterday afternoon. They are predicting even higher winds for this afternoon. This is almost funny but tonight I am going to a session at the local DeVry College on where to find the best wildflowers can be found and tips on how to photograph them -- that is if there are going to be more left to enjoy.

Michael is looking pretty good. We just got back from the surgeon for a check-up and he wants to do the procedure again on Friday. Got to leave in a few minutes for the hospital for getting the pik line so they can deliver daily meds without stabbing him each time which is a good thing.

And after that we have to take him to get his meds for the day. The good thing is that our being away from the house gives our guests some alone time. Sampson is getting along fine with the Papillion,, the fox terrier and the teacup yorkie. I am just hoping he doesn't trample them. #10202641

Dale Hardin June 27, 2012

Never heard of anyone naming their dog after a butterfly before. :o) #10202649

Teresa H. Hunt June 27, 2012

My family in Colorado has been posting pictures on FB. It looks so bad and scary. I'm glad you are safe. Take good care of your friends, they're probably really worried and scared. :) #10202688

Carla Capra Anderson June 27, 2012

The power of nature and the devistation it leaves behind. These are amazing journalistic images. They are beautiful photographically and I can understand why you'd want to capture its movement. You are very generous to open your home to your friends and I'm sure they are greatful for your safe haven. #10202698

Stephen Shoff June 27, 2012

The Colorado fire news is almost non-stop now with the changes that occurred overnight. Its good to hear that you, at least, are still safe. #10202793

Debbie E. Payne June 27, 2012

If this fire jumps the I-25 we would definitely be packing up and moving out. In between doctor appointments I have been editing photos for you all and am considering sending them into the news. #10202969

Debbie E. Payne June 27, 2012

If this fire jumps the I-25 we would definitely be packing up and moving out. In between doctor appointments I have been editing photos for you all and am considering sending them into the news. #10202970

Joan E. Hoffman June 27, 2012

Hi Debbie... just heard about this today... immediately thought of you. So glad that so far, things look good. Keeping everything crossed that it doesn't jump the highway, and you all remain safe. Not up to date with Martin.... hope nothing serious.

Great shots.... I would send them out. Awesome.

Will be thinking of you. #10203447

Debbie E. Payne June 27, 2012

So good to hear from you, Joan. We miss you. Before I send them out I have to find a watermark and try to remember how to do it. Can anyone jog my memory here? #10203495

Rita K. Connell level-classic June 27, 2012

Weird I post earlier....its out there somewhere.

Debbie, this must be pretty scarey for all of you. theses are all wonderful captures of the fire and well documented and I think I would definitely send them to the news. they are great shots, you will be glad when it is all over, that you went out and took pictures. its always creepy when the sky takes on a wierd color.

I am with joan I am not up to date about martin, but I am praying for the fires to stop and for a speedy recovery for martin. #10203499

Peter W. Marks June 27, 2012

I can't look at these images Debbie without feeling so sorry for all those affected. I am still in Cornwall and there has only been a little coverage in the national press so far. Thanks for sharing these. #10203709

Aimee C. Eisaman June 28, 2012

Wow Debbie you are right...these are so beautiful yet scary at the same time. I don't think you should feel sorry for taking them. Documenting events like this is very important and many of these images hold so much symbolism. I'm so glad to hear that you are okay and your friends are safe with you. #10204376

Beth Spencer June 28, 2012

These are amazing pictures Debbie!! I hope you and your family will stay safe and it doesn't jump I-25. I hope things will get better for Martin. What do they think happened? The PIC line will save him several sticks...
I flew into Denver on my way home yesterday, I believe I was seeing some of this from up high..
You stay safe, prayers for all of you and please keep us posted. #10205181

Peter W. Marks June 29, 2012

PICC line; a 'periphally inserted central catheter'. I am sure I wasn't the only one to have no idea what you were talking about but with my usual Googled in-depth curiosity I certainly do now. Years ago when I had colon cancer I saw folk at the oncology clinic with arm veins that were a real mess from repeated stickings. The solution for me, facing six months of chemo was a 'Porta-cath' semi permanently inserted under the skin near my collarbone. I would still have to be stuck but the needle only penetrated the skin and into the silicone rubber/titanium gadget. This was back in 1998 and the device set the buzzer off in airport security but here I am now, 14 years later, achy joints from the rather cold and decidely damp weather here in Cornwall but happy and praising my Creator and saying one for Martin and those affected by the fires.
#10205488

Sue C. Cole June 29, 2012

WoW, Debbie amazing photojournalism going on here. Sending them to the news would be wonderful. You all take care of each other in this terrifing time and I will be praying for you!! #10206427

Teresa H. Hunt July 03, 2012

These are all fantastic. But "Fire in the Sky" is just plain erie #10213138

Debbie E. Payne July 03, 2012

Thanks all! I was truly frightened whe I saw this color rush in and take hold of our entire neighborhood. I an sitting here listening to the rain and hoping it continues most of the night, it will be nice to smell nice clean air again. I was surprised to see that we are about 75 per cent contained. Much better than the original estimate had been. I NEVER want to see that color of sky again! #10213205

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