• Bench,  clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  seasons,  snow,  storm clouds,  winter scenes

    Happy Earth Day

    These storm clouds were taken last night out on the eastern plains. A rather large storm was raging so I thought I may be able to capture some drama in the clouds and drove out that way.

    The point of living a creative life – rather than just engaging in creative pursuits on occasion – is not merely to produce aesthetically pleasing artifacts, but to bind one’s creative work and living experience as two dimensions of the same life in all its details, always unfolding and evolving in parallel. 

    Guy Tal

    Each of us is a creative soul. Some have tapped into that creativity while some are unaware they have it or deny they have it. As a photographer I see it as a gift to create/capture images that are pleasing, draw out emotions (yours and mine), and show the beauty of nature through photography. And, we all can do that. I really like the word “bind” that Guy Tal uses in his quote. So, as a prayer this morning I would ask for the binding of my creative works with my living experiences.

    A favorite bench at Pineridge Natural Area this morning

    Well Nature decided to share with us a few more snowflakes before officially moving into spring. As you can see the bench I sit on to journal is not quite as inviting this morning. Have a wonderful day and Happy Earth Day! Stay warm.

  • Bench,  haiku,  landscape,  Plants,  seasons,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes,  writing/reading

    Because I Am

    Cold shadows in Rolland Moore Park

    snowstorm has passed
    now clear skies and sunshine
    bench in cold shadows

    ms

    Slept in late so I got out late. Headed to Rolland Moore Park for a few winter images. I’m always a sucker for solitary benches and found one. Roads are icy this morning. So, I drive according to what I consider safe (slower than others). I am aware I can irritate some drivers who think I drive like an old man. But, that’s okay because I am! 😁

  • Bench,  Cityscapes/Urban,  lifestyles,  snow,  winter scenes

    Calling My Attention

    An Empty Bench
    An Empty Bench

    I took this image last Sunday morning during our little snow storm. We received about 4-5 inches and still have some on the ground as temperatures have been staying cold. Directly behind and across the street is a student housing building where Mugs coffeehouse is located.  After my morning mocha I walked over to campus to enjoy the falling snow, to get in a bit of exercise and possibly find an image. I have several images of this bench, finding it’s solitude calling my attention. I cannot remember ever seeing anyone sitting on this bench. However, today it’s pretty obvious why it’s empty.

  • Bench,  Cityscapes/Urban,  lifestyles,  shadows,  winter scenes

    Just guessing, but …

    Solitary Bench
    Solitary Bench

    Yesterday morning we awoke to clear blue skies and sunshine. Loved it! I took the bus to the transit center then came across this scene while walking across campus. Since it had two of my favorite subjects, a bench and shadows, a photograph needed to be taken. One thing in this image that speaks to me is the solitude because it is a part of my life. Interesting how there are tracks around the pond but nowhere near the bench. I’m just guessing, but thinking it’s due to the 23 degrees. 🙂

  • Bench,  journal,  writing/reading

    Experience Such a World

    A Bench with Light
    A Bench with Light

    “Each moment is an opportunity to create. We can see this in each sunrise, sunset, flower, rainbow, snowflake, as they are a series of creative moments. We are all gifted to create. We can create new views of and for the world. Why do we waste our creative moments? Is it fear of our creation to be flawed or rejected by others and ourselves? Yet, our art is not intended to be perfection but a chance to offer a gift. And, what about sloth? Sloth is another reason and closely related to fear. Sometimes it is easier to daydream and fantasize in our safe little world than spend the time and effort at creativity. What would the world be like if we all overcame our fears? What would it be to experience such a world?” An excerpt from my journal 1/13/2015

  • Bench,  Self-portraits

    Watching the Sunset

    Self-Portrait

    It is not only the tool that makes a good photograph. It is the person behind it. – Norman J. Piluke

    I have invested good money into my tools for photography and I hope to spend the rest of my life investing in the person behind those tools and every once in a while in front of those tools. Anyway, it’s Friday and another week has quickly come and gone. I’ve gotta quit blinking so much these weeks are blazing by.

  • Bench,  Canon Powershot G12

    Bench and Shadows

    Shadows

    I saw the shadows from this bench as I came around the corner, almost a half block away. As I walked towards it my mind was looking for the best angle of the light, the composition, the backgrounds and exposure. After I had worked the scene, I had to laugh at myself as I realized how focused I was in getting over there. I could have walked in front of a car. Then there would not have been any image to post. Sheesh!