Possibilities

"What has happened is not nearly as important as what can happen. Look to the possibilities of your future for direction, forsaking the burdensome limitations of your past." Keith D. Harrell

As we go through life, we often think about things that have happened and regret that we didn't act differently, say kinder words, etc. If we stay in that frame of mind, however, we're preventing the possibilities that are ahead of us from occurring. It's important to move beyond the regrets and the guilt that is tied up with the past. We can't change what has already happened, but our attitudes can have a tremendous impact on our future. So, keep your head up and look towards the future, not the past.

Arkansas in the Spring

This was taken in Eureka Springs, Arkansas when my friends and I were on our way to Harrison, Ar. for a photo outing. We stopped at a historic hotel and I took this shot from the back porch. I liked how the Redbud trees were mixed among the other trees, creating a mozaic of beauty.

Photo Tip: On a sunny day, if you're not using a polarizer, try putting your white balance on cloudy. It darkens the photo just a little and helps to pop the colors.

Meditation

"Meditation is a time of quiet, when the mind is freed from the hysterical ravings of a world gone mad. It is a silence in which the spirit of God can enter us and work His divine alchemy upon us." Marianne Williamson

Photo Tip: I used Topaz Simplify - Buzz to get the painterly effect on this picture. This beautiful scene from the Arkansas Ozarks seemed to lend itself to this type of treatment. When you get ready to apply a filter or plug-in, make sure it fits the picture. A harsh filter might have ruined the sense if serenity this picture conveys. Of course, photography is subjective and perhaps you think a different filter would have been more appropriate. If so, just let me know and perhaps I'll try it next time. I welcome your comments.

30-second Vacation

"Take a 30-second vacation. Go within and focus on the positive, thereby creating an attitude built of strength, courage and infinite possibilities." Keith D. Harrell

Just think, you may be limited to 2 weeks of regular vacation per year, but you can take a 30-second vacation as often as you'd like. This short respite, a worthwhile and relaxing part of your day, can be taken at any time. So, next time you feel stressed, tired, or just plain over-whelmed, take a deep breath, think of this picture and go within yourself to find that positive attitude that will help to get you through the day.

Part of being a good photographer is being able to identify your subjects, but I don't know the name of this flower. So, if you do, please let me know, so I can name it appropriately.

I hope you have a wonderful week-end.

Rings & Flowers

Wedding rings and flowers. They just seem to go together, like the bride and the groom. I shot a wedding last week-end and thought the rings looked nice amid the bridal bouquet. Hope you enjoy the colors.

Hands joined in love,
A live begun anew,
Dreams developed in anticipation
Of a life for me and you.


Isn't this what each couple is thinking as they stand before the minister on their wedding day? Unfortunately, these dreams don't always come true. Love, persistence, dedication, shared values and purpose, however, can help to make those dreams come true. So, when times get rough & you hit the bumpy roads that we all encounter, remember why you got married and how much you loved that other person on your wedding day. Then open up the lines of communication and work to keep the commitments that you made. It may be tough and it may take some time, but the reward will be worth the work.

A Little Piece of Nature

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." Thomas Merton


I don't know if you consider this art or not but, as far as I'm concerned, each time you capture a piece of nature, you create a type of art. When I'm out photographing nature, I completely lose track of the time. My focus is on my subject, on the light, on the beauty of what's before me. I hope you enjoy this little piece of the beauty I found yesterday.

What is Beauty?

"I think that I shall never see a thing as beautiful as a tree".

I don't remember who said this, but do you think it applies to this strange looking Banyan tree we found in Hawaii or, does it only apply to trees like the cedars in the second picture? If beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, perhaps some would consider the first tree beautiful, but not the cedars. Others, just the opposite. Personally, I think they're both beautiful, but in their own way. Walking through the grove of cedar trees filled me with inspiration and a sense of peace. Seeing the unusual shapes in the Banyan tree filled me with a sense of wonder at the complexity of nature. Beauty in nature can take many forms, but sometimes you have to look a little harder to find it. Once you do, however, you'll appreciate the unique beauty that sometimes lies hidden beneath the surface.

The Flower

"Flowers are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities in the world." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Believe it or not, this is one of the few flower pictures I took on our recent visit to Hawaii. It was taken at the Dole Pineapple Plantation, which is where we spent most of the day waiting for the Tsunami to pass. We had planned to spend the day on the North Shore watching the surfers on the Bonzai Pipeline,which is what we had done on the previous day, but that didn't work out. It was a blessing, though, that the Tsunami never really happened. Once again, the islands were saved from destruction.

Don't Weep For Me

Today's blog is dedicated to a friend who just lost her mother. I lost my mom over three years ago and still miss her terribly. I don't think we ever get over losing a loved one, but time does ease the pain. I hope that, in some small way, this poem helps with that process. God bless you and your family.

Do not stand by my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints upon the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain and

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am that swift uplifting rush,

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand by my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.

Don't Mourn For Me

This poem is dedicated to a friend of mine who just lost his father. I hope these words will bring some comfort to him, and to others who have lost loved ones. I know it isn't easy and the healing process can be long. I lost my mom over three years ago and still miss her terribly. It does get easier with time, but we'll always miss those we've loved and lost.

Please don't mourn for me.

I'm still here, though you don't see.

I'm right by your side each night and day.

And within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone, but I'm always near.

I'm everything you see, feel and hear.

My spirit is free, but I'll never depart

As long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight -

I'm the brightest star on a Summer night.

I'll never be beyond your reach -

I'm the warm moist sand when you're on the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when Fall comes around.

I'm the pure white snow that blankets the ground.

I'm the beautiful flower of which you're so fond,

The cool clear water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the Spring,

The first warm raindrop that April will bring.

I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine.

And you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking that there's no one to love you,

You can talk to me through the Lord above you.

I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees

And you'll feel my presence through the soft Summer breeze.

I'm the hot, salty tears that flow when you weep,

And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.

I'm the smile that you see on a baby's face,

Just look for me, Son, I'm every place.

Author Anonymous