on the past track ...

As of late, I am spending a lot of time trying to file and organize well over 2,000 "keeper" photographic images that I've taken over the past three years locally and in travels (mostly in my home state of NC). It is a daunting task, but is one I've needed to undertake for some time now.... It is not necessarily "fun", at least not nearly as much fun as "taking them" in the first place :-). I think that many of the photos do have tangeable value, in that they are unique observations strictly from my "points of view". My goal, I think is simple. Most of the "shots" are impersonal. That is; they are not images that require "releases" - just casual observations of nature in many forms, "things" that fascinate me visually, that "touch" me emotionally with their form, grace, and beauty - things that do not "belong to us" individually, but rather belong to us all - things that God made.... without our help. The fact is that there are millions of these "creations" in wonderful "places" that I will never get to go or "see". But I know also, that I have and will "see" an abundance of "wonder" where I am and where I will go. And I feel compelled (maybe an OCD :-) to simply "share them" with friends, family, and the "world". I don't know if this makes sense to anyone. But, it is fun, and I enjoy it so...

chasing sunsets ...

For me, sunset is a favorite time of the day (unless it is overcast and not visible)... Just about everything looks great at sunset - bathed in soft and pastel colors, and foreground objects silhouetted by the low yellow, pink, and orange glow from the sun. It is a fitting end to even the most hectic and frustrating day, because it reminds us that there is always a beautiful peace for those who will "see" it. I somehow feel obliged (to myself) to drop whatever I am doing, even if only for a moment, and acknowledge the sunset. To do otherwise makes me feel as if I just "lost" something valuable - or like falling asleep without giving thanks within a prayer. Yes, there will be another day. But, it won't be the same day.

last flight of the evening ...

Lake Crabtree is close by. And, I'm discovering that there are at least 15 herons thriving this spring on the lake. Sunset occurs around 7:30 pm and is opposite the dam side of the lake. So, it's a great place to both take in a nice sunset over water, and to see the large herons (Great Blues) making their final flights of the day.... I never cease to be amazed at the grace of these birds. As they begin their flights, they seem to be moving in "slow motion", and even I can catch them with my camera. I am lucky to find several good spots close by to end the day surrounded by nature ... It soothes the soul. Know what I mean?

wildflower days ...

Not that I don't appreciate beautiful cultured flowers, but I really love wildflowers. There is something about those wildflowers that speaks to me of "survival" of the fittest. They seem to have to compete for their places, and often without any assistance from humankind. Nature is amazing, ... like the wild daisy - it reaches out for attention from the sun and from those of us who look for them. Finding them is one of life's free and simple pleasures, and is one of the treats I give myself each spring, summer, and fall .... No apologies :-) ....

Earth Day ... shouldn't it be every day?

Because I'm such a nature lover, I'd have no excuse for not mentioning Earth Day ... I worry about whether we have the collective will to do anything about earthly and atmospheric deterioration. I see and hear alot of rhetoric ... When we, as a nation, face extremely tough issues - we typically dance a little "sidestep". The real problem seems to be that we dance to so many DIFFERENT tunes ... I think we need "divine intervention" - either that or a "swift kick". We may realize both.

really miss the coast this spring ...

For many years now, I've been making numerous sojourns to the coast. For many reasons (including high gas prices), this past year has been different. It's been a LONG time ... now. But hopefully sometime soon, I'll find a way to get back to endless horizons, the sounds of waves crashing on the beach, the steady and calming chatter of shorebirds, and perhaps most of all the uninterrupted silent "communication" with the spirits of solitude and wonder. There's something special about standing at lands edge and looking out into a seeming infinity .... From there I can see my own soul, and I am rejuvenated. Can you relate?

Secrets ... ? Not really

I think I have secrets known only to me and maybe a few others. But all "secrets" are simply my perceptions of the circumstances that existed and thus the conclusions that I may have drawn at the time. .... With my camera and eyes (or other senses), I occasionally feel a sense of discovery that captures a thought or two roaming around in the mind, then gels into a "secret" that, for a time, is mine alone ...

Isn't it amazing how the mind works? Like an unknown (or perhaps spiritual) seed really, once planted in the fertile mind may grow and become rooted - and take a form (the likes of which) I could never have imagined in advance ...

Then, are they really secrets? Are they dreams or merely recollections of my perceptions of a time now past? I only know that life would be so empty, should I fear imagining... and so empty too, should I fear remembering.

early mornings ...

Ever notice how quiet an early morning walk can be? Maybe it's because the day is so fresh. Perhaps "unspoiled" is the word I'm looking for. There just doesn't seem to be any evidence of the chaos that existed yesterday; the signs of man are gone if you focus narrowly on nature... I wonder if the subtle enjoyment I feel (when rustling up my will to get out of bed) that brings me early to a quiet place may still be available in fifty years or so.... Or, will it be very different then for others who may feel the way I do? Will there still be ice at the poles? Will our children get the same or similar oportunities? I wonder. And, I worry about that. What a shame if my grandchildren or great grandchildren are deprived in some way of the holiness and beauty I have found in nature ... Do you know what I mean?

Deadlines ... ugh!!

It's tax deadline today, and my mind is elsewhere ... I prefer the day after Tax deadline day!

Time ... It does pass so quickly

As the winter slipped away, spring burst sporadically on the scene. Now it's spring, and with the temps forecast for 87º F tomorrow - I'm beginning to wonder if spring is getting ready to rush on past.... Time passes, quickly does it not?