JOHN DALLAS BOWERS: A LOOK AT MY STORY

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Click here or on the screenshot above
to watch a fun video of kids immersed in love and learning.

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Three hours after three years: it was an easy and instant reconnection
with Anne Blair Brown over a delicious and lingering lunch
at the White Dog Café in Wayne on a sunny Friday, May 10, 2013.
She was in town for the Plein Air Festival at the Wayne Art Center,
the event where we met in May 2010. You should check out her work.
Beautiful interpretations of life. Click here to go to her website.

Click here to watch a video I shot while she worked on location.

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Click here to see photos and my video of a very special day:
the wedding of Tamara McCalla and Alexander Begg.

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With birthdays just three days apart, Quintin shared a
festive celebration at the Merion Cricket Club.
CLICK HERE to see some candid photos of the evening.

Thanks to my cousin Bill, who was kind enough to scan the 72-year-old negative,
I now have another great photo of my much-missed grandfather (aka Grandpop Hallahan).
Here is his in 1941 (age 58), casting for trout and landlocked salmon on Lake Kennebago,
just outside Rangeley, Maine. Within a decade, I was following in his footsteps,
and continued to visit Grant's Camps well into adulthood, even taking
Jennifer and her mom late in the 1970s. I hope to return someday soon.

Click here to see what Grant's looks like today.

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Stillness and beauty at 8 a.m. when I went out to the patio to refill the bird feeder.
No alteration of the photograph: this is exactly how it looked. (Sunday, January 6, 2012)
Click here to read my reflections on the moment on Radnor Patch.

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Our final morning in Kennebunkport

Sunday, July 15, 2012
Click here to see more photos and a brief video of the Cape Arundel Inn.
Click here to see photos and a video from our cruise on the schooner Eleanor.

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Another fun family gathering, this one on Easter at Overbrook Golf Club.
Click here for more information and an adorable shot of my grandniece.

Welcome To My World
John Dallas Bowers

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My 16-millimeter Memory series

For about a decade beginning in 1938, my father took 16mm movies
of our family, some black and white, but most in color (unusual for the day).
Early in the 1980s, he had the deteriorating film transferred to VHS tape.
With concern for its durability, I decided to transfer those silent images
to a digital format, editing them and adding music and captions.

I've begun to upload these short clips on YouTube.

Click here to begin your journey back in time.

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FREEDOM

Through the grace of God
and the sacrifice of our citizens

Join the NRA

Click here to defend your right to bear arms.

The Second Amendment:
IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!

(Click on the pistol image for a closer look
at the Smith & Wesson 442 snub-nose revolver)

nra life member patch

Click here to visit my NRA Page

Please continue to scroll down to see more of my story

Click here to see assorted video clips of moments in my life.

Click here to visit my Facebook profile page

Click here to follow my blog on Radnor Patch

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* * *

Among the many places online and elsewhere to buy inkjet and laser printer cartridges,
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Click here -- or on their logo above -- to visit their website. Feel free to use me as a reference.

Face-to-face: happiness is snuggling with my grandnephew
(Thomas Newton Ward, IV - Thanksgiving 2001)

jdb & thomas, xmas 2007
Side-by-side: Thomas and I reconnect at Christmas 2007.
It turns out we both love pistols and the piano. Genes rule!

A LOOK AT MY STORY

jdb-1942 jdb-1945 jdb in 1952 jdb-1954
The early years (l to r): Drexel Park, ca. 1942; Ocean City, NJ, ca. 1945; Drexel Hill School, 1952 & 1954

Welcome to my website.

To reach the page of choice, simply click on the link provided.

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Click here (or on the logo above)
to visit my professional website

Click here
to visit my blog, which is in its infancy

Here's what it looks like around my home about now

The Barn -- Warm weather has returned to Villanova!

Articles of mine published in The Suburban & Wayne Times

"A Different World" (1986) -- So far, yet so near
"Passages: the long good-bye" (1988) -- My daughter goes off to college
"Home...er, here...for the holidays" (1989) -- Jennifer returns home for Thanksgiving vacation
"Star Found Dead in Local Aquarium" (1990) -- Thoughts on the departure of a long-time companion
"So Long, Dad...and thanks." (1992) -- I wrote this Father's Day piece shortly after my Dad's death

Other stories I think you'll enjoy...

"An evening at the Waldorf" (Gourmet, 1978) -- A great hotel plays a key role in a touching tale of love and courtship

"The amazing grace of Christmas morn" (The Washington Times) -- Wesley Pruden's great piece on John Newton

EPIC (John Eldredge) -- "There is a larger story, and you have a crucial role to play"

My Kinsman, Major Molineux (1832) -- Historical realism and hair-raising suspense penned by Nathaniel Hawthorne (author's biography and downloadable pdf of the short story)

And now, in no particular order, the rest of my online story...

John Dallas Bowers, LLC -- This is where you'll learn what I do for a living

Cousin George (1792 - 1864) -- A bit of history on my estimable cousin, George Mifflin Dallas

Spring Garden Soup Society (1852) -- One of the volunteer venues in which I serve

The Graduate (1858) -- My great-grandfather's diploma from Philadelphia's prestigious Central High School

Abraham Lincoln: The Final Photograph (1865) -- It was a windy afternoon on the White House south portico

The Bowers Family (ca. 1906) -- My great-grandparents and their children sit for a formal family portrait

Continental Mills (ca. 1930) -- A lithograph and brief history of my father's company

Marjorie Hallahan Bowers (1910 - 2003) -- Words from Mom's funeral service, December 10, 2003

My Myers Briggs Profile (2002) -- Learn more about what it means to be this ENFP

Crozer Keystone Health System -- My involvement as a volunteer in health care began in 1986

Tammy & Alex Tie the Knot (2013) -- Photos and a video from this heart-touching celebration

Co-celebrants at the Cricket Club (2013) -- Quintin and I were fêted at Merion in honor of our birthdays
Saying Goodbye to Susan and Mike (2013) -- The Goldeners hosted a lovely dinner for departing neighbors
Carrie Baxter's Farewell Lunch (2013) -- After 4+ years as our hospice volunteer coördinator, Carrie moves on
First Cousins Celebrate Their Birthdays (2013) -- Barbara and Susan fêted at the Merion Cricket Club
Stan Celebrates a Birthday (2013) -- The family gathered at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Thanksgiving Sampler (1981) -- Family recipes on a poster I produced for a local radio station
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Club (2012) -- Family and friends gathered at Merion Cricket
Romney Victory Rally (2012) -- Mitt speaks to an overflow crowd at Valley Forge Military Academy
Cape Arundel Inn (2012) -- Jennifer and I returned to this lovely spot after a hiatus of more than 25 years
The Schooner Eleanor (2012) -- A farewell cruise on the last day of our Kennebunkport vacation
Radnor-Chester Road's West Side Soirée (2012) -- Photos and a video of our lovely neighborhood party
2012 Pack 110 Campfire -- Thomas Ward "crosses over" from Cub to Boy Scout
Tee Ball on a Saturday Afternoon (2012) -- Quintin acquitted himself quite well
Easter Dinner at Overbrook (2012) -- A wonderful time with the family
Boston 2012 -- The best birthday present ever: visiting Jennifer in her new home
2012 Pinewood Derby -- Thomas distinguishes himself on St. Patrick's Day
Jamie Grace -- My buddy, Karl, brought this gifted young singer to my attention
"Queen's Tears"(2012) -- My favorite bromeliad blooms once a year
Movie Music -- Listen to some of my favorite songs from movie soundtracks (a work in progress)
Night Shot (2012) -- A winter night's view facing south from my patio
Welcoming the New Year (2012) -- Our small band of brothers gathers at the barn
Class Cooking (2011) -- Watch renowned local chef Susan Winokur prepare a delicious dinner
Adam Carolla Dissects the OWS Entitlement Mentality -- The language is rough; the reasoning is impeccable
Michael & Erica Vadasz Get Married (2011) -- It was a lovely wedding and reception
September 17, 2011: What a Night! -- A birthday dinner and an NLE Division championship
CKHS Hospice Volunteers (2011) -- Group photo taken after the Volunteer Appreciation lunch at Drexelbrook
Pistols & Table Trap at DCF&S (2011) -- Caroline rocked the range in her firearms debut
2011 "Men in His Image" Beach Retreat -- A dozen guys gather to share their stories and love of Jesus
My Grandnephews at Little League (2011) -- Watch several short, sweet videos of Thomas and Quintin
Thomas Ward IV at the Pinewood Derby (2011) -- My grandnephew acquits himself quite well
John Dallas Hallahan, M.D. (1917 - 2010) -- My beloved Uncle Jack's obituary
Christmas Day 2010 -- The entire family gathers at my brother's home for a lovely evening of reconnection and celebration (video)
Christmas Eve 2010 -- Jennifer and Susan join me for dinner and games in front of the fire (video)
Thanksgiving 2010 -- Jennifer joins us for wonderful day with friends and family
"Remember in November!" (2010) -- Thousands of Tea Party patriots come to the Capitol on 9/12; millions more expressed themselves on election day
Celebrating Jennifer's Birthday (2010) -- I spent a delightful weekend in DC with my daughter
"Restoring Honor" Rally (2010) -- More than 500,000 Americans gather in Washington, DC on 8/28
Bridget's First Birthday Party (2010) -- My grandniece celebrates with family and friends at the Merion Cricket Club
Father's Day with Jennifer (2010) -- The Cleopatra exhibit followed by dinner at FISH
2010 "Men in His Image" Beach Retreats -- Examining (and sharing) our stories in a beautiful setting
Christmas at the Barn (2009) -- A video and a lovely evening in the spirit of the holiday
Bridget's Baptism (2009) -- Photos and a video of my grandniece's baptism and reception
2009 "Men in His Image" Beach Retreats -- Lives explored and shared in a beautiful setting
My NRA Page -- My appreciation and enjoyment of firearms started early and flourishes today thanks to the NRA
Celebrating My Birthday With Jennifer (2009) -- A trip to Mount Vernon and a delicious dinner in the best possible company
Christmas Scenes (2008) -- Various moments from my favorite season
2008 Taste of Radnor Photography Competition -- I didn't win a prize this time around, but here's who did
The McCain/Palin Rally (2008) -- 15,000 excited supporters welcomed the candidates to Media
2008 "Men in His Image" Beach Retreat -- Friends gathered for an excellent weekend of fellowship, reflection, and fun
Trapshooting on Easter Saturday (2008) -- It was a gorgeous day for pulverizing clay targets with friends
"Cardiac Cath?" "No Thanks, Just Had One" (2008) -- The rabbit trail that led to an excellent experience
My Beretta AL391 Urika Trap Shotgun (2007) -- This renowned 12-gauge semi-automatic will maximize my modest skills
Visiting the Wards at Christmas (2007) -- It was great reconnecting with my niece and her family
Christmas Dinner at Home (1957) -- A family gathering at 463 Eaton Road, Drexel Park, PA
Christmas Day (2007) -- Photos and video clips from a wonderful day of celebration
The Christmas Table (2007) -- Waterloo Gardens had just the treats to create a festive atmosphere
FOR SALE: 10-gauge Black Powder shells (2007) -- Jon discovered his shotgun is actually a 12-gauge. Oops.
I've Just Seen Jesus (2007) -- This soaring duet by Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris is simply amazing
A Majestic Ash Bites the Dust (2007) -- Mortally wounded, this beautiful tree needed to come down -- fast!
2007 Taste of Radnor Photo Contest -- The winning photos highlighted in a full-page story in the Suburban (188 kb pdf)
Pride and Prejudice (2007) -- Julia Warner delivers a boffo performance as Elizabeth Bennet
Denny Gilbert -- In Memoriam (2007) -- My dear friend and brother in Christ is now with the Lord
Taste of Radnor Photo Contest (2007) -- These are my entries for this second annual event held at the Wayne Art Center
Pistol Practice at French Creek (2007) -- Jon Weaver and I spent several enjoyable hours perforating targets at 25 yards (see the video)
Radnor High School Homecoming (2007) -- It was a beautiful night for football; too bad Radnor lost
Pistol-Packin'' Pals Shoot-em Up at DCF&S (2007) -- Jon Weaver and I take to the target range (and amaze ourselves)
Save the Radnor-St. Davids Post Office (2007) -- A local treasure may soon be gone forever
Ruth Ann's Commencement Celebration (2007) -- Friends and family fete Ruth Ann Batstone on her life transition
Lee Hewitt Celebrates 60 (2007) -- Dozens of friends and family gather at the Claypool's lovely home in Devon
My Father's Day Dinner at Blackfish (2007) -- Jennifer and I had read a tantalizing review and couldn't resist
Our Night at Arnold's (2007) -- The boys tear up the track at Arnold's Go-Karts
Main Line Jazz & Food Festival (2007) -- The rain held off just long enough
Christmas Night (2006) -- I join Jennifer and her mom for a delightful evening
'Twas the Night Before Christmas (2006) -- And Santa was good to his word
"Nightlight" (2006) -- Suddenly, the northeastern sky turned silvery-white
"Taste of Radnor" Photo Competition (2006) -- Newspaper coverage of the winning entries (621kb pdf)
The Warner's Multiple-Birthday Celebration (2006) -- My neighbors invite me to join the festivities
A Sunday Drive to DC (2006) -- Celebrating Jennifer's birthday with dim sum and a movie
FIRE! (2006) -- Neighbors escape injury as flames destroy their home in less than an hour
UK 2006 -- Photographic memories of my time with Jennifer in London and the Highlands of Scotland
An Afternoon's Delight (2006) -- A surprisingly extended visit with an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Radnor Fire Company Marks its 100th (2006) -- A century of service celebrated on May 6, 2006
Snow-foolin' (2006) -- Lots of white stuff on Lincoln's Birthday
Christmas Night 2005 -- The barn was made for this glorious season
Lunch at the Hallahans (2005) -- Visiting with my adored Aunt Marion and Uncle Jack
Lunch with the DeGraws (2005) -- Ron and I were classmates and good friends at Upper Darby High School
Happy Birthday, Jack! (2005) -- The irrepressible Jack Tompkins celebrates his first birthday
The Stokes' 25th Wedding Anniversary (2005) -- Liza, Ben, and Will surprise their parents
Thanksgiving Dinner (2005) -- We gathered at Susan's for an evening of food and fun
Reconnecting with the Fabers (2005) -- A delightful day with old and dear friends
The Old Order Changeth (2005) -- After 28 years of stellar service, it was time for an equipment upgrade
Uncle Jack's 88th Birthday (2005) -- John Dallas Hallahan celebrates with his family
UDHS Reunion - Part Deux (2005) -- Reconnecting with Grace Manwiller Hay after 45 years
Father's Day 2005 -- Another delightful day with my daughter in Washington, DC
Scenes from my 45th Reunion (2005) -- Upper Darby High School's Class of 1960 reunites at the Airport Hilton
January 23, 2005 -- Shoveling out from a big snow on the day the Eagles clinch the NFC title
Christmas Day (2004) -- Reprising a timeless and treasured tradition with my daughter
Fall's Finale (2004) -- Contrasting maples against a deep blue Hallowe'en sky
Election 2004 -- Buoyed by a vote of of historic proportions, George W. Bush is elected to a second term
The Rehearsal Dinner (2004) -- Stan and Jennifer celebrate the night before their wedding
The Wedding (2004) -- Stan and Jennifer commit their hearts and lives to each other
The Reception (2004) -- Warm words, wonderful food, and lots of dancing
Political Speech Writ Large (2004) -- Disappearing lawn signs led me to step it up a notch
Dinner at Patou (2004) -- Jennifer and I celebrate her birthday with a delicious dinner downtown
Royals Reunite (2004) -- Lunch reconnections with fellow alums from UDHS (aka The Royals)
The Birthday Boy (2004) -- Friends and family gather to help Ross celebrate his 65th
Fly Fishing in Idaho (2004) -- Jennifer and I make more lifetime memories (five pages of photos)
Pitcher Perfect (2004) -- A catch-up lunch with Stacie and her baseball-loving daughter
My New Neighbor (2004) -- It's nice to have a snake around the place
Baseball with the boys (2004) -- A night of baseball and bonding at the Reading Phillies (two pages of photos)
Memorial Day Memories (2004) -- Watching this Wayne tradition with good friends (two pages of photos)
Confirmation (2004) -- A three-page photo album celebrating the next step in Jennifer's spiritual journey
Friends (2004) -- These guys are an important piece of my life
Hair today, gone tomorrow (2004) -- David has been cutting my hair for over fifteen years
The barn in spring - #1 (2004) -- Azaleas and ferns
The barn in spring - #2 (2004) -- Lilies of the valley, wild phlox, and silla
The barn in spring - #3 (2004) -- Pieris japonica and flowering dogwood
The barn in spring - #4 (2004) -- Leather leaf hydrangea and Solomon's Seal
Barbara and Barbara (2004) -- Two wonderful gals in my life
April at the barn -- The delicate delights of spring
Reconnecting at Wynnewood Park (2003) -- Mom gets a visit from her brother and family
My trip to Washington (2003) -- John, Jennifer, Elena & Keith dine in the White House mess
My trip to Washington (2003) -- John & Jennifer visit the Anne Frank exhibit
My trip to Washington (2003) -- A rare, private, after-hours tour of the West Wing
My trip to Washington (2003) -- John takes the podium in the White House press briefing room
My trip to Washington (2003) -- Marvelous mementos of a perfect day
Dinner dance at the White House (2001) -- Jennifer joins the Bushes for a lovely holiday evening
Christmas day (2001) -- And the best present was time with my daughter
Christmas eve at the Halls (2001) -- The lobster fest tradition continues
Fall at the barn (2001) -- So proud to be an American
The Wedding of the Year (2001) -- Click here to begin a photo tour of Elena & Bob's big day
One grand nephew, one terrific day (2001) -- The dedication of Thomas Newton Ward, IV
One grand nephew, one terrific day (2001) -- More scenes from the post-baptismal festivities
September 11, 2001 -- Terrorists attack and destroy the twin towers of New York City's World Trade Center
Summer reunion (2001) -- Up from DC, Jennifer and Elena help Mom and me reprise a wonderful tradition
Summer reunion (2001) -- The Carlsons join us for a delightful day of reconnection
Summer reunion (2001) -- Hangin' out and catchin' the rays
Summer reunion (2001) -- First looks, final good-byes
Daytrip to DC (2001) -- Mom and I visit Jennifer in her new home
Mom celebrates her 91st (2001) -- Stan and Barbara join Mom and me for dinner in my home
Cross-country skiing (2001) -- Jon and Janet invite me to join them in the Poconos
Christmas dinner (2000) -- The family comes together at my brother's home
Scenes from my fortieth reunion (2000) -- Upper Darby High School's class of 1960 reunites at Drexelbrook
Lisa & Matt's wedding weekend (2000) -- The daughter of long-time friends ties the knot in Chestertown
Lisa & Matt's wedding weekend (2000) -- Scenes from the rehearsal dinner and reception
Lisa & Matt's wedding weekend (2000) -- Chestertown snapshots
Girls gotta have fun (1983) -- Just hangin' out on the boards in OC for Jennifer's 13th birthday weekend
Friends in from Utah (1999) -- Sharing the season and historic Philadelphia with Terry, Pat & Kristen
Chelsea Place Flowers -- Pinks and purples abound in the summer of 2000
Ocean City 2000 -- Jennifer and Elena join Mom and me over Labor Day weekend
Road to the White House (2000) -- Sharing the GOP Convention with my daughter and her friends
And the rockets red glare (2000) -- More Convention celebrations following GW's acceptance speech
A final Convention week memory (2000) -- Lunch with John McLaughlin
Tying the knot (2000) --Whitney and Chad plight their troth before family and friends
A tale of two Aprils (2000) -- What a difference a week can make!
A beautiful fall finale (2000) -- Crisp days and frosty nights provide a delightful prelude to winter
Winter wonderland (2000) -- Let it snow, let it blow, let it melt
Mom celebrates a milestone (2000) -- Before H.M.S. Titanic, there was Mom
Summer fun with the Inglenookers (1999) -- Good food, good sports, good friends
More Inglenook summer fun (1999) -- Refreshment and reminiscing with old friends
Christmas Eve in Broomall (1999) -- Lobsters, laughter and loving friends
A New Years reconnection (2000) -- Three generations meet in Media
Christmas dinner (1999) -- A family gathering at my brother's home
'Tis the season (1999) -- This is the tree that was
Thanksgiving dinner (1999) -- Turkey and all the fixin's with the family at my place
Connecting at Christmas (1998) -- Selected moments on Christmas Day
Grandpop (1945) -- The inestimable impact of an early mentor
Cousins -- Then and (nearly) now
Summer reunion in Media (1990) -- Close connections with extended family
Never far from nature (1968) -- Jack & Marion; Marjorie & Bill at Skunk Cabin
The cabin in Vermont (1994) -- Vacationing with loved ones
Mothers and daughters (1913 & 1972) -- Elizabeth & Marjorie; Susan & Jennifer
Travels with my daughter (1998) -- Gorgeous memories of Villefranche-sur-Mer
Jennifer's Sweet Sixteen Birthday Video (1986) -- A fun weekend in Ocean City
Camp Kehonka (1985) -- Jennifer remembers her summers there as the high point of her youth
Camp Oneka (1981) -- By all accounts, Jennifer loved her first overnight camp experience
Buddies (1971) -- Jennifer and Mac in the gatehouse
Beachin' through the years (1903-1986) -- "Down-the-shore" in Ocean City, NJ
My First Job (1960) -- Counselor at Friends' Central Day Camp
Upper Darby Senior High School's "All School Show" (1958) -- I played "Tea for Two"
Pomp and Circumstance (1954) -- Class photo at graduation, Drexel Hill Elementary
Camp Mitigwa (1956) -- Memories of Camp Mitigwa in Rangeley, ME
Oh baby baby (1942 & 1970) -- A collage of cuties (father & daughter)
Dance, ballerina, dance! (ca. 1975) -- It may have been the outfits
Stanleys through the years -- Four generations and lots of similarities
Mom and Dad (1933 & 1973) -- Lansdowne to Drexel Park: one mile, forty years
Friends over at Christmas (ca. 1985) -- Michael & Lisa with Michael & Lisa

My journey and vision

Delta Discipleship Men's Retreat (2005) -- A weekend in rustic surroundings examining and pursuing the hearts of men
Men in the East 2001 -- The official class photo
Men in the East 2001 -- What's better on a sweltering day than volley ball
Men in the East 2001 -- Team building with the mid-week ropes course
Men in the East 2001 -- Carpet squares and swaying cables
Men in the East 2001 -- Ample food and excellent conversation
Men in the East 2001 -- Elena: always ready with a smile and more decaf
Men in the East 2001 -- Final moments in a wonderful week
Blinker BeachAway III (2001) -- A Brother Link weekend in Ocean City
A New Millennium Moment (2001) -- A New Years Imager reunion at Tad's home
Men in the East 2000 -- The official class photo
Men in the East 2000 -- Assorted images from a wonderful week
Men in the East 2000 -- An afternoon of team-building at Sandy Cove
Men in the East 2000 -- Wall-climbing: the pinnacle of my personal challenge at Sandy Cove
My friend, Denny (2000) -- A partner at Sandy Cove, a great buddy in life
A New Years reunion (2000) -- Getting together at Ben's place
A Cornerstone Christmas (1999) -- Celebrating with heart-mates and mission partners
Baptism: a journey begins (1942) -- A commitment made by loving and godly parents
Men in the East (1999) -- A group of brothers gathers at Sandy Cove

Encouraging words are always welcome at
johndallasbowers@verizon.net

I'm not relaxing...I'm thinking.