Such a simple thing to do.
Category: Photographs
Lens-Artists Challenge: One Single Flower
Lens-Artists Challenge #101: One Single Flower
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: One Single Flower
V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #100: Pause (...long enough to quiet the noise…)
~~~
I find this to be a congruous set of challenges happening in the same week. In particular, V.J.’s subtext to the topic of Pause…about quieting the noise. There has been way too much noise for me lately – on a personal level – more than I can often handle and process like I did “before.” To focus during the day. To sleep at night.
At the same time, I recognize the need for information, education – and change. All the noise urgently and justifiably vies for our collective public attention simultaneously. Ignited by fear. Anger. Not being heard. Not being properly informed.
I have no answers for any of this. I am just one single person among millions who are worried, tired and anxious. Many have more concerns than I do. Many have less.
Let’s try to get out of our own heads and pause. Take time to listen and hear and read what others have to say. With open minds. Whether it be the scientists with news about the pandemic and what to do next. Or our fellow citizens protesting for justice and racial equality. Or even the politicians who will shape policy – one way or the other. Let’s reflect. Reach within for empathy. And…again…listen.
And…make a commitment to get out and vote when the time comes.
What does this have to do with One Single Flower?
A mass of flowers draws my attention briefly. After a while they blend in together. In the relative quiet of the walking path.
But the single flower…the one tiny flower among many? That’s what stops me.
The one all alone “out standing in its field” as if to say Look at me! I’m important too!
The one single flower…making itself known.
Wordless Wednesday
Macro Monday
I look forward to Macro Monday as it is dedicated to getting up close to the endless beauties of nature. I enjoy exploring the woods behind my condo as a source of inspiration, macro camera at the ready.
However, last week I got sidetracked by the bathroom faucets from hell. Both the leaking old and the leaking new.
As a result, this week’s Macro Monday contribution is instead inspired by the past ten days of ridiculousness in my own insignificant small world. One of those home repairs you think is going to be simple…and straightforward…yet it ISN’T. So after three unsuccessful attempts by a professional (yes, three) you fix it yourself. It’s called reading the directions.
I suppose the only silver lining is the diversion it provided from the much more important realities outside my front door. And the feeling of accomplishment in my tiny sliver of the universe.
Before discarding “this” into the trash, I removed any savable parts…and lo and behold…a macro shot for “these days”…
Now…you’re gonna need an ocean…
Inspired by SixWordSaturday
~~~
My husband and I went for a walk yesterday and stopped next to this beautiful patch of nature’s greenery. I make it a habit to look down for unexpected photo opportunities. Perhaps this was one! The sunlight was filtering through the trees…only a light breeze in the air. It looked promising.
However, my eagle eyed husband soon interrupted my concentration…
Look Out!
Me: What?
H: Be Careful. Don’t go near that. He pointed down at the plants.
Me: Why not? (I always ask why)
H: It’s Poison Ivy! See the three leaves!
Me: Are you sure? So many plants have 3 leaves, don’t they? I don’t stop and count.
H: Yes!
Me: Whatever. But it’s so pretty. I have to take a photo. I inched closer. My inner 12 year old really wanted to get a macro shot…but then again there’s that itching possibility.
Fortunately my inner adult took charge. Which was a good thing.
I didn’t end up needing that calamine lotion after all.
Lens-Artists Challenge: The Long and Winding Road
Lens-Artists Challenge #100: The Long and Winding Road
…share your images and thoughts about the long and winding road. Feel free to be literal or metaphorical in your approach.
~~~
My long and winding road entries (one begins as a path) for this week’s challenge are close to home…seeing as that’s where I’ve been for 3 months. The photos, however, are from last fall. One could argue they aren’t very long and winding, but the roads themselves eventually are just that.
The first photo is where I turn right into my street. The trees light up with color in the fall and the road does eventually wind – snake like – past 7 almost identical condo buildings to where I live.
The second photo is the “road” more traveled and is located in back of my building. At first a well worn path, it eventually joins a dirt road used by runners, dog walkers, dirt bike riders…and sometimes snowmobilers in the winter. Every so often the utility company powers a massive truck past the “no trespassing” sign when it needs to do its thing. Often leaving deep muddy tire tracks in its wake. After fiddling with the massive power boxes or clear cutting trees.
But I like this road for its discovery potential. And the deer I sometimes meet for brief staring contests. Fearless chipmunks and squirrels pay me no mind. The woodchuck, however, always makes a quick getaway at my approach. It’s their home after all. I guess this road was made for them and me. 🙂
As far as I’m concerned…this road is mostly made for walking. And that’s just what I do.
Except to pause when it’s time for play…you never know how many acorns you’ll find along the way.
Wordless Wednesday
Photo a Week: Tulip Tales
Nancy Merrill’s Photo a Week Challenge: Light and Dark
IN A NEW POST CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE, SHARE A PHOTO OR TWO FEATURING THE CONTRAST OF DARK AND LIGHT.
~~~
As we all know, cut flowers do not last very long. After about a week, the beautiful bouquet of tulips I received on Mother’s Day began drooping. The long goodbye to their short stay on my dining room table had begun.
They had done well…brightening my stay-at-home days.
However, aging flowers also have their beautiful side. With proper lighting of course. No shooting from below…the angle is crucial. I carefully moved the vase and set it gently on the record cabinet I use as my photo studio spot. It is right near the window which lets in the afternoon sun.
The petals sagged a bit, stretched out and relaxed after a week holding strong, but no matter. Their gentle lines of color perked up as the sun’s rays streamed in.
A flower barely hanging on, but still a force to photograph.
Lighting up the dark…
Macro Monday: Bud to Bloom
I took a slight detour during a walk downtown last week and found an empty bench surrounded by gorgeous blooming plant life. Lucky me. It was also one of those days when the persistent cloud cover unexpectedly shifts…lets a bit of sun poke through…and then closes up again. With little to no breeze. Thankfully my camera was close at hand.
I noticed all phases of flowering going on. Right next to me.
From the ready-or-not-here-I-come “before” to the Hello-World-here-I-am “after,” blossoms of all stages, shapes and sizes hung from a mass of leafy branches. I wondered if it was common to find such a variety on the same bush…at the same time. Or maybe I just never looked closely before. Yeah, that’s more likely the case.
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Benches
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Benches
~~~
There is a public park in my town which borders a tidal river. The grassy expanse is dotted with flowers, enormous trees and “Memorial Benches.” All of the benches (numbering well over 50) have been donated by citizens in remembrance of family members. Many of the original benches were made of wood (newer ones are made of composite material or granite) and have long since started disintegrating. The stain is peeling away. The wood is starting to rot. But the messages…inscribed into the backs…are still legible.
One of these benches has always caught my eye. I don’t know who donated it or when. But I always pause and reflect…thinking of my friends who have faced this cruel disease. And especially my one friend who didn’t make it.
one letter UP ~ diary 2.0 