"Once Upon a Time..." ©Bobbie Gallia

In the fall of 2006, my wife and I were driving along US 30 in eastern Idaho, just a few miles west of Soda Springs, when we came upon this old abandoned ranch house. Weathering was very evident as the old homestead stood stoically on the prairie, determined to survive another winter as it had for so many passing years. Surrounded by snow topped mountains, autumn grasses, and heavy gray clouds, nostalgia was in the still air. One could almost hear the ranch house sounds of a 100 years ago. This photo by my wife, Bobbie, captured much of the solitude and spirit of that lonesome old place.

Solitude shouldn’t be frightening or unwanted. We all need occasional solitude amid ‘Alma Natura’ to rest our minds and spirits, heal our souls, reassess our priorities, and commune with God. It is impossible to do this when we are surrounded by people, busyness, and bustling city life. And as one gets older and begins to approach journey’s end, the more necessary solitude becomes… for time to think, reflect, and pray.

How can one get bored in life if the City of God is there to be built up? How can one suffer from desolation if one can live in communion with God? How can one feel oneself alone if in solitude above all one can converse with God? The Word demands silence. ….. Igino Giordant (1894-1980)

Share on Facebook

Tranquil Moment ©Al Gallia

On a beautiful fall day in the Sierra Nevada mountains along I-80 in northern California, my wife and I decided to stop for a rest. During our meanderings around the area, I followed a little trail off to the side just before moving on. After a short walk through the woods, Serendipity obviously smiled on me with this beautiful scene of natural stillness. Autumn colors, still waters, and reflections came together for a brief and glorious moment of peace and tranquility. God’s handiwork, no doubt! Is this a glimpse of what heaven is like?

Stillness, peace and tranquility… also hopefully qualities of spirituality as we mature:

Very old people have an inner stillness. They have a dignity which derives, not from their accomplishments, but from their being. In their essence we find ourselves in the presence of something which can be described as a different image of eternity.     …Romano Guardini (1885-1968)

Share on Facebook

Genesis - the Seventh Day

“Genesis – the Seventh Day” ©Al Gallia
Sunset at Lake Martin/Cypress Island Preserve, Louisiana

Autumn evenings at Lake Martin in south Louisiana or Acadiana, as we call it down here, often present moments of peace and gorgeous sunsets. I love my walkabouts this time of the year. These walks not only provide quiet time for reflection and prayer, but also beautiful serendipitous moments for the perfect photo shot. Here, the sun’s waning rays illuminated the foliage of the bald cypress trees in flaming liquid golds and reds and the still swamp waters dressed themselves with glassy, dark reflections at day’s end. God’s creation is awesome!

As I get older (”more mature” is probably a better phrase), I tend to spend more time contemplating the deeper meaning of our journey through life and beyond. This evening was one of those times and this reflection seems to fit the moment.

Light at the End

“There can be no darkness without light. Do not be afraid of the darkness; there is light beyond it. If there is total darkness, then even a small light will shine out. But when the place is completely illuminated the small light appears completely insignificant, almost negligible. When you feel you are lost in darkness this creates fear. But do not be afraid; because there is a light shining beyond it. Have full faith in it, that there is light; and that will remove your fear completely.

Even if you possess only a little light, that is fully capable of taking you to reach your ultimate goal. Do not be afraid that your own power is so little, so negligible. Maybe it is little. Maybe it is not illuminating the whole of your path. But whenever you move forward, it will illuminate the path immediately in front of you and as you go ahead it will provide light further ahead. There is no need to lose heart.”

…H. H. Shantanand Saraswati

Share on Facebook

"Dancing Waters"

“Dancing Waters” ©Al Gallia
Anna Ruby Falls at Unicoi State Park near Helen, Georgia

A favorite of mine… one that has been saved in my “drawer” for years. During a summer family reunion near Helen, Georgia some years ago. a group of us hiked up to the falls. While walking along the rough trail behind the falls and attempting to avoid slipping, I took a chance and looked to the side. What a sight! The joyful, dancing waters were falling and splashing musically over the dark, mossy rocks, lighted by the overhead sun. Needless to say, I paused for the shot heedless of the heavy mist and any danger of water to my camera. I still remember the experience well. It was a wonderful example of Serendipity’s whispering call!

“I cannot walk life’s road alone
I do not know the way,
The twists and turns confuse my mind
If I should go or stay.

But oh, I have a Friend Who knows
He’s been this way before,
He’s ever there to guide me
On smooth or rocky shore…”

…Kay Hoffman

Share on Facebook

The time has come to announce a change, hopefully for the better. So look for a new direction on my old “blog” which has obviously been gathering cobwebs for many months now. After much thought, I have decided to change to a photoblog format. As many know, my great love has been photography for many years, especially landscapes, seascapes, nature, rustic, nostalgia and interesting places. Serendipity, faith, simplicity, and nature always play a primary role in my search for subject material.

Emphasis in future posts will focus on selected “fine art” photographs instead of subject related text and verbosity. Featured photographs (linked to galleries in my Bayou Oaks Studio) will be showcased along with a description and thematic comments. You may also, from time to time, find photographs by my wife, Bobbie, who is a very good photographer in her own right. Her perspective is different from mine so we often compliment each other with our varied viewpoints.

I hope that this new approach provides a more pleasurable experience… a momentary respite from a hectic, stressful day or an opportunity for a few quite reflective moments. Any comments will be appreciated.

Please sign up for either email or feed updates to be notified of updates as they are issued.

Have a good day!

Al

Share on Facebook