Robert Payne

Lately, I have been exploring the different personalities of particular places I frequent. Here are two pictures taken in a 24-hour period along Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida. They go along with this shot of a Dolphin and Jack playing Cat and Mouse, Horses Resting, and this Bird On A Light.

Headed over the Cooper River Bridge on my way out of Charleston, SC over Memorial Day Weekend. Did you know the first Memorial Day was originally held in Charleston, SC and organized by former slaves? It was May 1, 1865, but they called it Decoration Day. On that day, former Charleston slaves started a tradition [...]

There are so many beautiful and wild areas in the state of Nevada, and yet many Americans are not aware. Fortunately, there are people who are passionate about protecting these unique areas, despite significant challenges in the form of development, water rights, and numerous other interests. Here’s a great video from the folks at Nevada [...]

Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, Dragon Boat Racing is one of mankind’s oldest organized sports. Each year there are competitions held in numerous locations around the world in celebration of the Duanwu Festival. In Tampa, there is actually a Dragon Boat Institute. They have a wonderful Vision, which among other things is [...]

On the weekends, especially in April and May, Clearwater Beach is a scene. Want solitude? Not the place. Want to see and be seen? Bingo. Top 5 Sightings: Teeny Weeny Bikinis Garish Grandmothers Buff Dudes in Banana Hammocks  Tattoos Too Many Crops of Condos Oh, and middle-aged fathers like me contending with their curious, cranky, [...]

The Port Tampa City Library is a prominent feature in the “South Side” of Tampa, Florida. It used to be the Commerce Bank Building, which was constructed by James G. Yeats in 1926 for his First Bank of Port Tampa City. I often pass it on my way to Picnic Island, and it draws my [...]

Alongside the eastbound lanes of Interstate 4 in Dover, Florida, an individual by the name of Frank Bates buried eight Airstream travel trailers nose-down. It is not far from Tampa, and I often pass it on the way to Orlando and beyond. I finally decided to pull over and take a picture of this creation [...]

I’ve always loved this picture of my father, brother, and me ambling upstream on the East Fork of the Chattooga River. Since the early 80′s it has sat steadfast upon my Dad’s bureau, and only until now have I been able to obtain a digital image of it. Having recently become a new father, this [...]

I must give it up to the illustrious, eccentric, and often times didactic deliverer of syrupy mindcakes, Miss Aunt Jemima. Your words and sewing are magical; although, Houston does look a little skeptical of the sweater you knitted him.

Life is full of regrets, and the passing of one particularly remarkable individual reminds me that time is best served trying to minimize the amount of them. I suspect Chase Ambler of the Asheville School had very few regrets, for he was motivated beyond measure to make the most out of life and was a [...]