What a gift!
Four days on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I’ve got much to share, but also have four days of chores to catch up on.
So for now, say hello to this handsome Great Grey Heron.
❤
Tag Archives: Photography
Gratitude: And Then I Met Anne
Lynn from Life After 50 offered us wise words this past week. Give yourself a gift: read this post, and take the 10 minutes to watch an incredible video.
For those who strive to be grateful, to express gratitude, and to remember the gifts in our lives, please watch.
For those who love photography and nature, please watch.
Thanks Lynn!!
There are people we meet who leave an impact on us.
After a particularly stressful week, I have been feeling overextended & quite honestly, a little sorry for myself.
And then I met Anne.
Anne lives in the same retirement residence as my Mom. She suffered a stroke 3 years ago, after being left unattended after surgery. One might think she would be full of anger & resentment, filled with rage at the unfairness of her situation.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Perhaps she has private moments of self-pity, but every time I run into this beautiful person, she is filled with a positive energy that would put most of us to shame.
Grateful for her life, grateful for the sun shining, expressing concern for others & all but brushing aside her limitations as a result of her stroke.
Without the use of her left side, she has…
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February Ride
Sixty Degrees on Feb 28th. Guess where I was?
For at least a few hours, I was able to ride, to breathe, to smile, and to soothe my spirit,
Then I parked the bike and wandered along the train tracks,
visited an old historic school building,
and had a little fun shooting some interesting architecture.
After a quick stop at the local Pizza House, which I’ve written about before, it was time to head home for the day.
Hope you were able to spend some time this weekend doing something that brings you joy.
Walking By History
During that same morning walk last Sunday, where I saw a few signs of spring, I also saw signs of history.
Signs that cause a distinct sense of sadness and pain,
others that show the effect of time and weather,
and some that showcase pride.
I’ve passed by these markers hundreds, if not thousands of times, mostly on the bike or in the truck.
Walking though, offers time for reflection and commemoration.
Walkin’ Around
In an effort to deepen my understanding of the intricacies of my camera, I was up and out early on Sunday to walk and shoot.
Despite the remnants of snow, the signs of spring were everywhere.
The warming temperatures created a subtle mist that softened this next image.
Don’t get me wrong. If it snows again this week, as the forecast predicts, I’ll enjoy that, too. I’m all about trying to embrace, and capture the beauty of, whatever Mother Nature throws my way.
Even still, it was lovely to hear the birds singing all along the way.
Time on the bike will be here soon!
The ERA and the Art of Snow
I’m a day late for the Valentines Day love, but I’m right on time for the snow love.
Southwest Virginia is in the midst of another winter storm. So far, we’ve got 6 inches of unexpected snow, which is soon to be followed by an inch of ice, and I am missing the Equal Rights Amendment Rally at the State Capital. Did you realize that the ERA has STILL NOT, 100 years later, been ratified? I’m bummed about that and about missing the rally.
In an effort to keep a positive attitude, I decided to show the snow in a different way.
How ’bout a little Through the Screen photography?
Or even some Screen Art?
or the abstract Snow on Leaves?
Hang in there, my friends.
Cold Outside, Warmth Inside
As it is where many of you live, it’s a wee bit chilly here in Southwest Virginia. The subfreezing temps with furiously whipping wind, provide the perfect excuse to stay inside, work on photography, catch up on my own blog, and with yours, too.
Sadly, the bike sits outside in the cold, waiting for the temperatures to rise.
Yesterday morning, instead of being in my office at 8:15, I had a meeting at Radford’s new locally owned coffee shop. Radford Coffee Company is located in an historic building, recently renovated by a favorite local developer, Joe Fortier.
The Company gives its profits to help in the education of over 1200 students in 14 communities along the Rio Coco, the river that is the boundary line between Nicaragua and Honduras.
The details of the renovation and the warmth inside the shop allow patrons to forget the chill for a little while.
The furniture and decorations include a curved church pew and a Whizzer Motorbike.
And on this particular day, a Radford mentoring program called CAMP was holding a fundraiser. CAMP “offers a chance for Radford’s kids to explore their community and to discover how many opportunities are out there just waiting for them”.
Soon enough, though, it was time to head to the office. With the warmth to sustain me, I stopped to take a shot of the cold, beautiful sky.
And at the end of the day? An opportunity to warm up with a little single malt scotch and time with a friend.
Stay warm, my friends.
Barbed Wire 3 Ways
Well, why not make a quick stop on the way to an early morning grocery run?
I purposefully removed clarity to emphasize the frost on the wire.
Admit it, you love frost on barbed wire, too.
I mean really, what’s not to love?
Feeding The Senses
It was just 24 hours, maybe a few more, but it was 24 hours of joy for the senses. All five of them.
After taking care of a few errands, I packed up the truck and hit the road for Richmond. On the way out of town, I couldn’t help but stop to capture the Sight of Glencoe. Built in 1870, Glencoe was the home of a Civil War General, and currently houses a museum and art gallery.
Soon enough, I was on the way to see the Girls Of August. Some of you may remember that the GOAs are the women I attended the Medical College of Virginia with over 20 years ago. We meet every August for a summer getaway and we also meet for what we call our Mid Winter Sanity Check in February.
What a Weekend! The Sound of laughter, of stories being told, and of the neighbor’s laundry flapping in the breeze. (okay, okay, I couldn’t really hear it but I liked this image and wanted to include it).
The Smell and Taste of a delicious meal (thank you, Becky; you are a master in the kitchen!),
and of several yummy beverages, including this glass of wine, showcasing a neat reflection of Jan.
There was beauty,
and opportunities for photography.
Do you think it’s better in monochrome or color?
And finally, there was the feel of the cold snow on my feet as I took this picture. So yes, Touch was there this past weekend, too. The B&W version of this will be my contribution to Monochromia soon.
A feast for the senses, and for the heart and the spirit, as well.
And oh yes, the bike started up just fine today! The battery tender did it’s job though the frigid temps (so far). Maybe the weekend will offer a ride!
Share Away, my Snow Loving Sisters and Brothers!
I’m very much looking forward to seeing your beautiful snow images. Since I’ll be out shoveling the snow, and glorying in the post storm beauty, please, please share a link in the comment section. I don’t want to miss an image!
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 