OK, folks. Typically, my blogs are about photography, but this one takes a slightly different turn. I bring you.....thoughts on lawn mowing.

"Why lawn mowing?" you may ask. So glad you did. Here's why.

Since Nashville FINALLY received a little rain yesterday (just over one inch, the most at one time since May 2007), our lawn decided, to my joy, to turn a lovely shade of green from it's previous brown state. We just moved to our new house almost a month ago, but the drought we're experiencing has relieved me of the need to mow our new lawn, rather, the new playground for our furry girl Sundae.

Having lived in apartments then a townhouse, both with lawn care contracts, I have had no need for lawn mower since I left home for college many, many moons ago. So, here I am with grass to mow and no lawn mower. Obviously, it's time to procure a lawn mower, but I don't want the expense and upkeep of a fossil fuel powered noise-maker spewing toxic exhaust into our quaint little neighborhood (remember, we're in a DROUGHT....an inconvenient drought, which, I believe, is nature's response in part to human consumption and exhaust).

So I mentioned to some friends that I wanted to try a reel mower, the rather unknown term for the motorless mowers that your grandfather used on his post-World War II lawn. The kind with twisted blades that cut grass like scissors as the wheels roll across the lawn, pictured here.

People-powered machine for clean air gardening and lawn care. One friend suggested I contact another couple of friends who had a reel mower that he thought I'd be able to borrow. Picked up the reel mower last night and curiously awaited today's lawn mowing event to see how it would work.

As a former competitive cyclist, I'm a big fan of people-powered machinery. I'd greatly prefer to watch the Tour de France over a Nascar race any day. ANY day. Less pollution, less noise, and power that is way more impressive. Gotta tell you, now that I sit at my laptop with layers of sweat crusting all over me and a drip-drying T-shirt, this reel mower is great. What a workout. Haven't had a two-hour workout like this in a long time, and our lawn looks great in our new neighborhood.

Curious to know now many calories I burned on this lawn care outing. Next time, I'll wear my trusty heart rate monitor and share the green results. No fumes. No loud noise. No getting fat while sitting atop a riding mower. No additional expense or need for buying even more gasoline. No oil changes to make in the other kind of lawn mower. And an opportunity to exercise while keeping our new home looking crisp.

Looking back, it was actually kinda fun to swim upstream from the typical American love affair with engines. I've got my own internal motor and carbo-loaded fuel to keep things going. Makes this morning's cinnamon roll have a purpose. 8)

Just thought I'd share the experience and encourage you to get reel with your mowing. Give it a whirl.

In conclusion, and getting back to photography.....start thinking now about updating your photographs. The holidays will be here before long, and photo session slots are booking now. Whether you're a parent/family needing annual portraits, a dog lover needing portraits of your pooch, or a model looking update your portfolio for upcoming go-sees and casting calls, I want to make your new photographs. Drop me a note for more information. Special thanks to those I have photographed recently, and I look forward to shooting those of you who have booked upcoming shoots. We'll have a blast. Until next time..... -gregory byerline