The Showdown

The Gamesman, originally uploaded by Breathe in Digital.

These are two more shots from the family get-together on Saturday. Noah, my oldest nephew, is above, and Hannah, my second oldest niece, is below. They were locked in battle using the time honored tradition of checkers as their means for dominance.

The Trap, originally uploaded by Breathe in Digital.

The Billiards Phantom

The Billiars Phantom, originally uploaded by Breathe in Digital.

I think it was my brother, Nathan, who first really taught me to play pool. I remember going to UofM for siblings weekend in 4th or 5th grade, heading to the pool hall at the student union, and learning about angles how not to destroy the ball every time I went for a shot.

So I was at my parents' house this past weekend because my grandma was back in town. As is the habit during just about every get-together at this house, most of the time is spent by the males playing billiards in the basement. So many years later, one thing is apparent: my brother isn't really that good. He's better than me, mind you, but . . . well, my dad (in the background of this shot) is the real shark. Take a closer look at this picture. Notice how the cue ball is in the air (all the way on the right)? That was not intentional.

At least you don't have to be good at pool to look cool playing it.

Shark, originally uploaded by Breathe in Digital.