golden opportunity

Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday. Be a self-starter. Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day. Today will never happen again. Don't waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail. 
--Og Mandino (1923-1996) American Author and Psychologist. 

Above: Grain silos and historic clock tower in Downtown Kingsport, TN.

I was up in Kingsport last night for a car show put on by the Kingsport Antique and Rod Club at the old train depot downtown. My guess is that there were two hundred or so antique and vintage cars and trucks on display, with money raised going to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. For a comprehensive list of upcoming local and regional car show events, click here.

These photos were taken during the golden hour (also called the magic hour) -- the time of day prized by photographers for its warm light and long shadows. It occurs in the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, when the light from the sun passes through more of the earth's atmosphere, softening the light and making it appear warmer. The term 'hour' is misleading -- it sometimes lasts only a few minutes, but can last longer, depending on your location and time of year.

There are various golden hour apps out there to help you identify or remember when the magic hour is happening.  This is the one I use -- it's very simple and straightforward -- and free (iPhone only). Just a good reminder that I should be out taking photos during that time!