Dedication

Today's post is dedicated to my dear uncle who passed away yesterday.  He was 92 years old and lived a good life.   He'll be missed by all who knew and loved him.  I used this photo, because he always loved my pictures of the Yellowstone elk.  I hope these words give some comfort to my aunt, my cousin (who's more like a sister to me than a cousin), his grandchildren and other relatives.

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, I'm every place.
Author Unknown

Light

"Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself, a revelation." James Turrell (b.1943), USA

Daily Gifts

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." ~ Ruth Ann Schabacker

More Plaza Lights

I decided to post another Plaza pic today.  This one's a little different from the other ones.  I used one of the plug-ins in NIK's Color Effects Pro product.  It's called Polaroid Transfer.  It's supposed to make the picture look like it was processed using polaroid film that was slid off the photo paper after being immersed in warm water.  I've seen it done and it's an interesting process.  This doesn't look quite the same, but it isn't too bad.

I have to get back to editing photos from a photo shoot I did Sunday.  Have a great day!

Plaza at Christmas Time

I decided that, since it's Christmas time, I'd use another Plaza lights picture.  I wish I'd had more time to get the pics I really wanted, but I did like that the horse & carriage were in this one & that a lot of people weren't.    :-0   Hope you enjoy it.  Have a great day! 

Follow Your Heart

"What your heart thinks is great, is great. The soul's emphasis is always right."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think we often question ourselves, wondering if what we're doing is right, is the best thing for us, for our families and perhaps even the world.   If you follow what this quote is saying, though, if you truly follow your heart, you can't really go wrong.  So, next time you're making an important decision, weigh all the facts, consider the alternatives, but remember to follow your heart.

We saw this family in Yellowstone and I liked the interaction between father and daughter as they were standing in front of one of Yellowstone's hot pools.  I'll bet he got a great pic of his little girl. 

Glacier Reflections

I recently licensed this photo from a RM site that I submit to.  Wish I knew what publication it was going to be in, but I guess that's the life of a stock photographer.  LOL!  By the way, if you see this picture somewhere, please let me know.  I'd love to know wherre it's going to be used.  In the meantime, though, I'll just enjoy the check.  LOL!

Swirling Waters

"Beauty is God's reflection in the swirling waters of the universe." Lourdes Mallo (b.1930), Gran Canaria

I used NIK and Topaz plug-ins to improve the focus on this image.  I thought it was worth saving because I liked the splashing of the water and the fun the ducks appeared to be having.  I hope you enjoy the picture as much as I enjoyed watching these delightful creatures.  Have a great day!

Where's Your Sanctuary?

The challenge this week is sanctuary.  Sometimes nature can be a sanctuary, a place where you can feel safe, a place where you can sit and think, a place where you can just be. 

I think we all have places that give us peace and make us feel safe and happy.  This picture was taken at Cedar Park Forest in Montana last Fall.  It's a beautiful place that makes you feel like you've stepped into another world, a place where worries don't exist and peace and beauty is all around you.

Where's your sanctuary?  I'd love for you to leave a note here and let me know. I'll be posting more sanctuary theme pics this week, so stay tuned to see more images and to see what others have to say.  So, if you read my blog, but don't usually comment, please let a note this week, so we'll know where your sanctuary is.