Mono-Monday: Tradition

Texas has a long tradition of music and Austin is considered the live music capital of the world.  It is known for numerous music festivals including South by Southwest and Austin City Blues.  You will find musicians playing at clubs, coffeehouses, bars, taquerias, auditoriums and concert halls.  Austin has more than 250 music venues. 

Those of us who aren’t from Texas often scoff and denigrate it, but I have to say after this visit, I have come away with a whole new appreciation.  It is a place that is steeped in history and pride and has a style all its own.  Sure there are lots of folks who wear cowboy boots and cowboy hats, but for some reason, it all looks very normal here.  No one was more excited than I, when I saw and interacted with real Texas Rangers at the State Capitol security check.  They couldn’t have been nicer.  And that leads me to the  most striking thing I have discovered in Texas.  The people are so extraordinarily nice and polite and that is truly a fine tradition,  not found everywhere.

Happy birthday, Mono-Monday!  I am personally grateful to Paladian who started this monochrome tradition two years ago.  I joined in shortly after I began blipping even though I was quite intimidated about posting something in black and white.  I received wonderful encouragement and I was immediately drawn into the “community” and began to get to know people.  In addition I have learned a lot about black and white photography and been inspired and entertained each week by the amazing images. I am so happy she will be picking 5 of her favorites this week too. My favorites will be posted on Weds.