Exploring Nature & Life

God Bless.... us all

2011-04-09T23:03:00.000-04:00

During these hard times many of us need to find a quiet spot away from the chaos. It could be in a garden, at the beach, in a room set up for peaceful thoughts.

I was having some fun with this photo. I have some new digital photo filters that I tried out. They brought out the texture of the stone and the words carved there. I enhanced the color... especially that orchid tree petal, so bright against the dead leaves and the hard form of the stone. I have always found that no matter how bad things may seem, I can find a spot of beauty... just waiting for me.

I hope that as you go though your life, you too may be able to spot the beauty among the chaos. Stop and breathe it in. It will stay with you for a long time.

Surviving...

2010-11-21T12:08:00.003-05:00

Group Breakfast

I got one!

Head First

The fish were running... in more ways than one and the pelicans were ready. Not sure I would like to get my breakfast this way. All I can think of is a BIG Headache.

They just keep at it, until they get what they need to survive, just like so many have to do in these difficult times. Unfortunately, some choose ways that include violence.

I pray nightly for Peace to come. Peace will come only after the jobs start showing up, after there is increased income... and this will come only after we all learn to work together! Why can't those in power see that? Compromise!

OK, getting off my soap box... May we all have a good Thanksgiving... remembering to give thanks for what we do have and not thinking about what we would like to have or don't have. When you look hard enough... there are things to give thanks for.

Cruising Together

2010-10-02T19:05:00.001-04:00

These pelicans were cruising the shallow waters looking for breakfast. I was behind, like usual. Seems to be my position in many things lately, but that is OK. As long as I remain positive and keep moving forward, then all is fine. We cannot always be in the front, or right on top of things. Many times in my life I have had to play 'catch-up', and I usually do catch up and learn quite a bit in the process!

Breakfast at the Beach

2010-09-26T18:40:00.000-04:00

Searching for Breakfast

These Black-Billed Plovers sure have to move fast when trying to capture their breakfast as the waves come in and go out. It is fun to watch them race up and back. What a hard way to get something to eat!

It reminds me of when I am trying hard to get something done and I have to go back and forth for some reason or another. Patience and perseverance is what is needed at these times! I need some of their perseverance at times... when I feel like I am going in circles.

Another Interesting Dawn

2010-09-08T00:03:00.001-04:00

The sun is trying to shine!

This was this past Sunday.... no rain, the sun was up at about a 3 o clock angle and the clouds were striated. I did not see any rays piercing through, so the mood was very low key. Quiet waves and a few birds getting their breakfast. It was a peaceful, kind of laid back dawn. Lots of no-see-ums were after all the seaweed that hurricane Earl had left. There might have been some nice shells under all the seaweed, but I wasn't going to start...

Clouds at Dawn

2010-09-06T14:15:00.003-04:00

Stormy Dawn

This was taken two weeks ago, when hurricane, Earl, was churning off the coast, heading north. Rain is coming down in the distance... clouds are dark and stormy along the horizon, becoming lighter the higher you look.

No matter how dark things may seem, if you take time and look... a brighter, more positive time is there. It is not always easy to see, especially if you are emerged deeply in your world of negative thoughts. I have learned to use music, nature, laughter (with the help of others) and journaling to help me go beyond a dark time.

Clouds from above and below

2010-08-29T16:22:00.001-04:00

From the airplane window

While the getting onto the plane for flying is not as enjoyable any more... I still love looking out the window. I enjoy the clouds and the many designs on the land below. Rivers, farmland, housing developments all create a texture and shapes below the plane.

I went out to Colorado and saw the mountains of Estes Park near Boulder where my daughter lives

Below is an image from Estes Park. Again, clouds are creating their own designs on the mountains.

Estes Park

My Fascination with Nautical Ropes

2010-08-11T08:51:00.001-04:00

I do not sail, or go motor-boating. I did have a kayak at one time. Also had an 18' SeaRay, briefly. I am fascinated by nautical details... from the coiled ropes as seen here. These coiled ropes were done by sailors on the dock cleats. I also take photos of boardwalk construction. I guess it is from the years I have lived near the water. I love the sound of the ocean, watching the waves... wondering about the destinations of the ships far out at sea. More photos of my nautical and dock details can be seen on my Zenfolio site.

To combat the alpha intrustions that interfere with my sleep... I started to listen to delta sounds that have the sounds of waves in the background. I think it is working!!

Northern Spring Memories

2010-06-05T13:49:00.007-04:00

Two images I joined together. Iris blossoms in all their glory. I love the raindrops on the white blossom. The purple one looks so majestic. I took these images in my Aunt Pauline's garden in Baltimore a good number of years ago. When I see beauty like this, in real life or through my photos, it makes my day brighter.

The closest I have from my own garden that can match these, are my orchids. A phalaenopis can be seen below.

Forgotten Project

2010-04-10T19:35:00.004-04:00

OK, this is not exactly nature... but it is a new direction I am trying. It is stock photography. They have totally different needs and expectations from an image. They want 'stuff' presented simply and yet have a use... for an ad or whatever their needs might be.

This was supposed to be a dress I was making to wear to my daughter, Teresa's wedding. As you can see, it did not quite make it...

I was so out of practice when it came to sewing. My ideas were grand... I was going to sew on the neckline, these tiny seashells as the wedding was on the beach. The trim reminded me of waves. We have to remember our limits... or is it, believe that we can do it and just do it.

Now lets face the other way!

2010-02-27T21:17:00.002-05:00

This fellow seems determined to keep this piling as his own. Not too visible in this size, but he is giving someone a 'don't bother me' stare. I love how they hunker down when they sit or is it squat. Their long neck and wings just fold up into this compact shape.

Baby, It's Cold Out there

2010-02-14T17:01:00.003-05:00

When you are used to warm weather and you get slammed with some really cold temperatures and a stiff breeze on top of it, all you can do is hunker down in a sunny spot and hope for some handouts. That water was like ice and the wind was raw (for Florida) This pelican did the best he could! You should have seen ME!!

2010-01-01T07:40:00.007-05:00

This is the dawn that greeted me for this morning, the first dawn of 2010. Not a lot of color except for the rainbow that formed right over my house. A second one was trying above it (see the top right corner. I did not enhance the image other than the photo's edge. It looks like a good beginning for the new year.

This past year has been a struggle with physical difficulties in the form of peripheral neuropathy. Over the Christmas break I was going for therapy several times a week and really made progress. I can be on my feet all day as long as I wear loose shoes! Alleluia!!! I have several more therapy appointments for January. I am ready to start the new year with a new outlook and re-found abilities. Look out World... Here I come!

Early Morning Sunrise...

2009-12-19T11:09:00.010-05:00

The clouds are on different levels.. I wish I could name the types of clouds. The morning sun always gives a more pink color to the clouds. I like the diagonal lines of the upper clouds. You can definitely tell which clouds are not touched by the sun as they still have some of the darkness of night.

It is our first really cool spell starting this morning. The colors were vibrant, the breeze a bit strong and nippy, but does it ever feel great! Had to move so the power lines etc were not captured in the photo!!! Almost forgot about them. I always have the desire to do so much more with the coolness in the air. Have to make sure I do not overdo...

Our summers have been getting hotter and longer. Plus the humidity is above 60% in the house... that is with a dehumidifier going full time and the A/C on!! Stay cool, please! I want to open the windows and get fresh air in the house. :-)

That fresh air in the house.... brings fresh energy, fresh thoughts... a whole different feeling to the inside of the house.. and to me!

Bromeliad Cosmos

2009-11-07T15:24:00.005-05:00

The image did not photograph square!! This shows you my first framed image that will end up at the Backus after Thanksgiving. I called it 'Bromeliad Cosmos' as the center of the bromeliad is like a little world of its own. All sorts of critters get substance from the water and nutrients found there. I love the symmetry of the leaves as they spread out from the center of the plant, the texture of the sharp edges of the leaves. I believe this is in the Neoregelia family. In contrast to this plant, some bromeliads have a spike that shoots up.

Creative actions at work

2009-10-31T11:51:00.004-04:00

This will be my temporary home for the next two weeks. Elliot had made this table for me out of 2 x 4s, two hollow wood doors and for strength on top a 1/2 inch piece of 8 x 4 foot plywood. I have all I need right there. Good lighting, a ceiling fan, music!!! I have figured out, by using the patterns, the best way to cut the matboard. Now to get it done.

I need to cut some glass also. Cutting that first piece always makes me nervous. I will post an photo of the first completed image. The theme for my images is foliage. I love foliage with the sun coming through.

Searching

2009-10-27T23:03:00.007-04:00

This beautiful cardinal is searching among the battle scarred roots of the red mangrove tree. I was not aware that the cardinals would even be interested in what could be found here, but this one kept searching.

Perhaps the cardinal was taking advantage of the low tide to do a bit of bathing as I see its feathers are fluffed.

At times we search in different areas for answers to life. Why, where, how can we handle this. What would be the best way to approach this problem in our life?

If we are open to all that comes our way, our answers might be found in very different circumstances than we would expect to find them. Too often we limit ourselves as to where we look, where we expect to find answers. New approaches to old problems, or even new problems is a good idea.

For me, the standard answers for sleep apnea have not brought me even 50% success. I have looked and tried, along with my doctors at all the usual possibilities and not found the answer that works for me... so now I must explore other avenues. Wish me luck!

Monstera Leaf

2009-09-21T19:55:00.004-04:00

Monstera deliciosa...
This a quite a vine... the leaf can grow to be almost 3 feet in length and 2 feet across. If braced against a tree it will grow up the tree and the leaves will get larger the higher it grows. It is also referred to as the 'swiss cheese' vine, for obvious reasons. There are smaller versions that make great potted plants with a support in the pot for upward growth. The stem of the vine is almost trunk-like and can stand upright for a while, then it will just fall over and sprawl, if not attached to a support.

Gloriosa time again

2009-08-15T21:40:00.004-04:00

It started with just 3 tubers, but now there are a multitude... sending up the single stem vines. You can see how the tiny curls at the end of the long leaves can grasp on to anything to hold itself up. Some enhancement was done to the flower blossom, in order to bring out the detail against the background.

Holding on is something we all have to do at some time or other in our lives. Sometimes it is needed for just a little while so we can get our bearings. Other times we need to do it for a longer time for various reasons. The important part is to know how to use that support to our advantage without taking too much. We also must try to be aware when it is time to let go... and to say "Thank You."

Raindrop Reflection

2009-07-30T15:54:00.002-04:00

I like the flower... some kind of iris, I think. It was given to me. What I was after was the raindrop near the center of the image. I find raindrops most interesting... This drop was on the bottom side of the petal, but the reflection seen is the roof of the structure above the petal! It has cross beams and is covered by bamboo fencing... I was not using a tripod which limited my progress in taking this image... meaning the settings.

Raindrops on a Spiderwort Blossom

2009-07-24T08:04:00.003-04:00

I am happier with the raindrops than with the bee in this image. They act like mini magnifying glasses wherever they sit. They can also be a mirror, showing what is below or along side an object. Sometimes they seem to be barely clinging to the edge of a leaf or branch. When taking such an image, I am so afraid of disturbing the object for fear of making it 'let go.' An amazing aspect of nature they are.

Friendship & Friends with edit

2009-07-14T16:50:00.009-04:00

Friendship & Friends... two very precious things. They go together and can bring such joy to your life. Some friendships withstand time, withstand distance, trials, ups and downs... but they remain there forever, even in the passing of a friend.

Today I lost a friend. We made Cursillo together, shared our faith together. We watched each others children grow and worried with each other over the difficult times our children had. Judy and Don raised seven great children. (Correction... ten children!) I mainly knew the last two. We, in our Saturday Morning Breakfast Group, were aware that the others always backed you up with a prayer, a good thought or two, when times were tough.

Judy and I went through breast cancer about the same time. We compared notes, reactions and all that went with it. Then that dreaded thing came back to be with Judy.. in a different and most difficult place. They gave her 3-5 months but she lasted a year.

Judy... I know that now you are at peace. That pain will not bother you again.

I was at your funeral today (Saturday 7 18 09)... the church was packed. That is your legacy. I must apologize as I did not count three of your kids. What fine young adults they have become. Your family is one to be applauded. I know there were difficult times and situations, but in the end... they are solid members of society, each in their own way.

Another Night Blooming Cereus

2009-06-25T15:28:00.003-04:00

For this shot, I had a large 6V flashlight on the ground about 4 feet below the flower shining upward. My settings were: f/29.0 @ 30". I was using a Canon XSi with the kit lens, 18-55mm. A tripod and mosquito repellent were also used.

A One Night Stand!

2009-06-06T09:35:00.004-04:00

This night blooming cereus only blooms at night. The blossom itself can be 12 inches across. I took this at 9:30 pm and went out again at 5 am and it had already started closing. I was trying timed exposures, but those did not come out that well. This was a flash... not the best option for flowers as it leaves shadows and can be harsh. I will have some more chances in a few days. The full moon coming up would help... if only the clouds would stay away. So far, they are forever covering the sky.

Another view...

2009-06-02T19:22:00.002-04:00

I realize the bud and sideways blossom are almost in the middle of the image, but for some reason I like the open space on the right. Again I am working on my focusing. This one had f/7.1 at 1/250 sec. I used a tripod and my Sigma 150mm macro lens. The lower f stop gives partial focus. I would say only the bud and the lip of the middle orchid are in focus.

That is about how I have been seeing life lately... some in focus and some not. Not sure how many of us are totally focused all day, every day anyway.