Taking a photograph towards the end of the day is likely to be the last thing on my mind. Until I looked out the window …
Posts Tagged ‘photography’
The Moon and the Ice
Posted in Art, Inspiration, Nature, Photography, tagged ice, icicles, magical, moon, nature, night sky, photography, Winter, Winter night on February 22, 2021| 14 Comments »
A Momentary Thaw
Posted in Art, Creativity, Design, Inspiration, Nature, Photography, Reflections, tagged ice, nature, nature photography, photography, Winter, winter thaw on February 6, 2019| 10 Comments »
Lately it’s been a bit of a challenge to settle down to write a post. Whether due to lack of time or lack of brain, I have been remiss. But yesterday, I couldn’t help but be inspired.
When I went out to get my mail, my friend across the street was coming out as well. We stopped and chatted for a while in the road, both amazed at the sunny, balmy 56˚ weather. But alas, there was work on my desk and I needed to go back in, balmy or not. At my computer, I looked out the window at the sun streaming onto my back porch. Certainly going a mere 15′ from my Mac wouldn’t really be absconding from work, would it?
I looked down, over the porch railing, and saw an array of amazing textures and light. Just last week, it had been -1˚ in the morning, and these warm temps were resulting in a momentary thaw and so many abstract visions. I grabbed my camera and took some photos because … well, I needed to.
Melting ice was beginning to stream into the yard, and there were a few bright berries left on the bushes.
The twisted base of one of the hydrangeas defied a sense of scale; I could be looking down into a canyon …
or watching a snowy river rush by.
The intricate patterns of nature are stunning even in their most dormant stages. Sometimes even more so.
And then I really needed to get back to work.
Vision
Posted in Animals, Cats, Creativity, food, Inspiration, Life, Nature, Photography, Reflections, tagged artists, Grounds for Sculpture, perception, photographers, photography, sculpture, seeing, Seward Johnson, vision, worldview on September 13, 2018| 8 Comments »
A blogging friend across the pond at Harvesting Hecate took up a writing challenge, and in turn, Andrea chose three fellow bloggers to carry on the torch. I am honored to be one of the people she chose, and though I am woefully behind time-wise, I do have a few thoughts on this subject. The challenge entails writing about the chosen word and including two quotes, then passing on the challenge to three others. Her word was “joy” and the link above will take you to her thoughts about it. The word Andrea suggested is `Vision.’
As an artist, vision is pretty much everything to me. Over a lifetime I came to understand that people do not all see the same. For much of my life, I always thought that what I saw, you saw. I simply wasn’t aware of my “vision” as unique and my own miraculous gift. Now I know differently. Below are examples of how I perceive the world – my vision – through my photographs. So yes, some writing, and two quotes I’m loving right now, and my interpretation of the word vision.
Our vision takes us far and into realms of exquisite color …
It gives us a sense of scale …
finds us dreaming in the mist …
or thinking ahead.
Our vision brings us close and aware of texture …
and down roads familiar and well-remembered.
It reminds us that we eat with our eyes first!
Vision brings us back to childhood memories.
Vision takes us places in and around where we live …
and allows us to see through the eyes of others.
It reminds us of the never-ending wonders and beauty of nature.
“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.”
―
Vision riles up our tastebuds …
and makes us curious about our world.
Vision reminds us of life’s most wonderful small joys …
“If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.” ~ Emily Dickinson
and to be thankful for all we have.
And then there’s the vision of what we hold within … what forms our dreams, our feelings, our aspirations and inspirations. And what better way to guide us on our inner path than light?
And now I pass on the challenge to 3 more bloggers – Cynthia at cynthiasreyes.com, Pam at roughwighting, and Lavinia at Salmon Brook Farms. If you choose to accept this challenge, your word is `wonder’.
The Modest Photographer
Posted in Animals, Creativity, Inspiration, Nature, Photography, Wildlife, tagged AHS/Popcorn Park, animals, Associated Humane Societies, exotics, farm animals, John Bergmann, photography, Popcorn Park, Popcorn Park Refuge, rescued animals, Wildlife on August 26, 2018| 10 Comments »
At a certain point in life we figure we’ve heard just about all the clever phrases there are, right? Well, I recently learned differently.
The photos here will illustrate a point. All these gorgeous photographs were taken by John Bergmann, the General Manager of Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, aka Popcorn Park.
I know John for a very long time now. I work with the organization doing their fundraising, graphics design, writing, and in a variety of other capacities over the years. I am now working on their 2019 calendar.
Each year, I receive many photos from staff and others, but, by far, the largest amount of photos of Popcorn Park comes from John. (You can click on any photo to learn more about the animal.)
Let me mention two things here. One, Popcorn Park is a sanctuary to exotics, wildlife, farm animals, and birds. All of its residents were rescued from cruelty, neglect, abandonment, exploitation, inappropriate ownership, injury, or handicap. None were safe in his or her existing situation.
Two, as a photographer, John loves to take photos of all the animals, from the smallest birds, to turtles in the pond, to wildlife, to the exotics. His favorite, though, is photographing the big cats.
Each year when I do the calendar, and during the year as well, I look forward to seeing John’s stunning shots. In a conversation about his submissions for this year, I complimented him on all the shots of the parakeets in the aviary. Each was lovelier than the next, and all were positively luminous.
Now John is a very modest guy. His response to my compliments?
(Here comes the catchy phrase.)
“Even a blind dog finds a bone once in a while.”
Ahhhh, John. Not only have I never heard that before, but it’s just downright funny. As I said, way too modest.
Should you want to read more on Popcorn Park, you can visit them on the Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park website, and/or on the Popcorn Park Facebook page, where you can see more of John’s photographs and learn more about the refuge residents and their progress, as well as some stories about our adjoining animal shelter. You can also visit – they’re located in Forked River, Ocean County, NJ
November Walk
Posted in Creativity, Home Stuff, Life, Nature, Photography, tagged Autumn, Delaware River, Fall, New Jersey, photography, rural delivery, small town, Trees on November 16, 2017| 13 Comments »
While waiting for needed input on a number of projects yesterday, I decided to take the walk I’d been putting off. It was sunny and crisp, and even in mid-afternoon, with the shorter days, the light was angling through the trees and casting long shadows.
Ornamental grasses flanking a walkway sport their furry blooms. Many trees in the area have lost the majority of their leaves.
Long shadows are cast by an already lowering sun.
In the background, a sparkling river moseys south.
Something new for me when I moved to this side of the state was the concept of rural delivery. The postal carrier does not bring mail to the mailbox by your front door, but instead leaves it in mailboxes which stand alone or in groups at the edge of properties and driveways. Certainly makes sense considering how much of this area is farmland!
My town was initially established in the mid 18th century, a mill town on the river, but was not officially incorporated with its current name until 1925. It went through many names, among them Burnt Mills after the grist mill was destroyed by fire in 1769. Many older buildings grace the town, this one (I’m estimating late 1800’s) is converted to a barber shop and residence.
Trees along the riverbank holding on to the last of their leaves.
Looking north, the Delaware is a sea of calm. Whether due to rain or the extended warmth of much of the fall season, there were not many of the brilliant oranges and reds to be found among the trees this year. Instead, the green leaves seemed to fade to dull yellows and browns.
A group of Canada geese swim, relax, and feed at the edge of the riverbank.
An oak leaf on the textured concrete bridge path looks both crisp and leathery. It’s shadow seems to have another life altogether, something insectile.
A train once connected Phillipsburg about 1/2 hour north of my town all the way south to Lambertville, paralleling the river. The tracks were recently cleared and maintained to allow a train to travel several miles for fun trips for passengers at an annual event. The mournful whistle of the steam engine could be heard for two days, and then on occasion afterward.
Walking with my camera always opens my eyes to my surroundings, and causes me to be very grateful to live where I do – an older, established community with a long history, and where people still are gracious and kind.
Serene
Posted in Animals, Children's Books, Good Reads, Inspiration, Nature, Novels, Photography, Reflections, tagged calm, killer whales, nature photography, orcas, photography, Serene, serenity, whales on March 6, 2017| 7 Comments »
Serene is sure a feeling that can escape us when we’ve got a lot on our plate. And lately, this photo is what’s been bringing me back to some semblance of serene.
Beautiful orcas in a sea of calm. I feel like perhaps they are dreaming. Diving, resting and just breathing in the night air. The last few weeks have been far too busy with one thing or another and although I know – we all do – that from time to time, it’s just how life is, I found myself longing for a touch of the serenity I see in this photo. I found myself wishing I could weave among them as kin where they would welcome me, not be afraid, and just share with me whatever they know and feel in the moment captured above.
“They were watching, out there past men’s knowing, where stars are drowning and whales ferry their vast souls through the black and seamless sea.”
~ Cormac McCarthy
But this period of so much going on has had its up-side, too. I have been on a real reading tear, loving diving into one book after another, middle grade, adult, picture books, no matter. Perhaps these books have all given me the respite I needed, new places to go, people to know, situations that grabbed my attention and heightened sensation. What a rich world books bring us.
OK, change of plans. I’ll sit on an outcropping of rocks next to the orcas, they with their dreams, me with my book, one in spirit under a full moon. Join me?
Short Stroll – A Little Local Scenery
Posted in Creativity, Home Stuff, Inspiration, Nature, Photography, Reflections, tagged Delaware River, nature, nature photography, neighborhood, photography, Trees on November 7, 2016| 10 Comments »
It’s always a bit of a surprise when the clock turns back to “regular” time and it starts getting dark earlier. We know it’s coming and why, but it’s never fails to be an adjustment. It seems the most clear demarcation of the end of all things blooming and the deepest step towards winter.
I was determined to give my camera and myself a little exercise Sunday, but was not prepared for the sun already setting lower at 2:30 in the afternoon. The sky was alternately blustery grey, bright blue, or streaked with layered clouds. You can see the Delaware River in the background as I walked parallel to it heading north. The tracks once connected all of the river towns on the Jersey side, and I hear rumors from time to time of their being restored.
It’s funny how you can pass the same thing so many times and yet not truly notice it. These old doors belong to a 2-story stone garage. What’s interesting is the structure is completely made of stone and mortar except for over the doors, where it appears to be made of odd, stone-like shapes of brick. It’s most unusual and makes me wonder what purpose this was once used for. The space is big enough to have housed at least one horse stall, but it seems more suited as a garage. The style of stonework is really quite old.
Lately I find myself noticing all kinds of textures. The worn paint and the rusted hinges enchanted me. I think I could have taken dozens of photographs of just the front of this structure, maybe even of the doors themselves.
The front, looking up. I love the stone windowsill and the wooden lintel. Someone has been keeping up with the concrete repair around the stone and brickwork.
The sky was such a changing mix of things, but the river seemed moody and sullen. No lovers tarried on the bridge this afternoon.
Skies looked brighter in the east. A few lone hangers-on from some type of shrub waved in the breeze. Orange leaves drifted down, speckling a surprisingly still verdant lawn.
The sun cast long shadows as I continued to walk. So many beautiful old trees in this area, not cut or abolished as you see in so many of the newly developed tracts. Here trees have their place and are appreciated for their beauty, their shade, and for the part they play in creating a place people like for its coziness and charm. I could walk – and take photographs – all day.
The Carousel
Posted in Animals, Art, Creativity, Inspiration, Just Fun, Life, Photography, tagged carousel, carousel horses, Lahaska PA, Peddler's Village, Philadelphia Toboggan Company, photography, PTC on October 24, 2014| 6 Comments »
Sometimes we have to indulge ourselves a wee bit. So after all but shackling myself to my Mac all week long, faithfully taking care of my clients’ needs, I am sharing something that I have always found nothing short of magical – a carousel.
From when I was a small child and our family went every year to a nearby amusement park on my birthday, the greatest attraction for me was always the carousel. Of course … it had horses, music, lights … what’s not to love?
The carousel you see in the photos here is a P.T.C. carousel, i.e., made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, one of the greatest and most historic manufacturers of carousels in this country. And although I would love to visit Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn, this one is much closer, a bit more than a half hour away in Lahaska, PA. P.T.C. #59, as this carousel is known, was built in 1922, and has been in numerous places around this country, but found its current spot in Peddler’s Village in 1998; it includes forty-six hand-carved wood figures, by Master Carver Ed Roth from Long Beach, CA.
Perhaps all these photos are a bit indulgent, so feel free to pass on if you choose. But if you find carousels as magical as I do, hop on for a ride. I’ll only say I’ve saved my favorite horse for last.
It was becoming late in the day, and the sun was lowering in the sky, creating some unavoidable light and shadow contrast.
The carousel had a goat, rooster, pig, cat, rabbit, and a few others, but I have never been as enamored of any of them as I have the horses.
The most stunning of all …
Let It Snow ….
Posted in Creativity, Home Stuff, Life, Nature, Photography, tagged photography, Snow, Trees, Winter, winter sky, winter trees on February 4, 2014| 6 Comments »
If you live anywhere in the swath of the recent and impending snowstorms that we have been having/will soon have, I know what you’re really saying, as am I, not Let It Snow, but Let It Stop.
The other night I heard the weatherman on TV saying to “Embrace the cold.” I’m having a hard time with that as it just keeps on coming … and with snow and ice. But he has a point. Shaking our fists at the skies doesn’t change a thing, so we do best to try and settle into peaceful acceptance.
And with that, came a few photos of said snow.
And even after the snowiest day, once the sky clears, it’s still great to have your laundry smelling fresh.
Rooftops
Posted in Art, Creativity, Inspiration, Nature, Photography, Reflections, tagged fresh eyes, photography, rooftops on December 18, 2013| 2 Comments »
Have you ever looked at the same thing day after day, then suddenly one day it looks different? This was the case with the rooftops below and it wasn’t just the snow. Suddenly they looked like a painting, an illustration for a children’s book … something different.
And I am grateful for fresh eyes!
Morning Walk
Posted in Creativity, Home Stuff, Nature, Photography, tagged bridges, Charles Roebling, Delaware River, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, photography on September 6, 2013| 4 Comments »
The air was too crisp and the sunshine too bright to not go for a morning walk. And it was worth it … the Delaware was celebrating the day as well.
This humble bridge connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey was originally constructed in 1842.
In the Moment
Posted in Art, Creativity, Inspiration, Metaphysical, Nature, Photography, Reflections, tagged being in the moment, miracle thinking, photography, winter sky, worry on February 1, 2013| 6 Comments »
At 4:30 this morning I was jarred into awakening by the sound of my currently empty garbage can hurtling across my back porch to points South. (It was placed there as the least likely spot to be pushed around by winds gusting to 50 mph. Clearly, the wind knew better than I.)
And at that pre-dawn hour, when many unwelcome thoughts clamber into our consciousness, a score of them crowded my mind. They all had to do with the future and with things that in all likelihood would never come to pass. But such is the mindset when we are catapulted into wakefulness from a sound sleep.
Some time later, curled up on the couch with my coffee and happily-fed, drowsy cats, I opened up to read from The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. In language far more poetic than my own, he described the ancient human challenge of staying in the miracle that is and not falling into the black hole of what is not. He provided a simple breathing exercise to let go of all the imagined outcomes that are not yet real. In other words, be in the moment. Perfect.
So this evening, just about 12 hours after my abrupt morning awakening, I was working at my desk. The wind continued to wrestle with the trees and I looked out the window to see the magnificent sky pictured above. At first, I thought to continue my work. Then I realized that that sky was the miracle of now, exactly what I had been reading about and reflecting upon. I chose that moment.
My 1st Picture Book!
What I’m Reading Now
What I’m Also Reading …
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