Look and Listen

Are you looking at the world or just seeing it?  Do you really listen to music or just hear it?

Does this sound crazy?  If so, just think about it for a minute, because it makes sense.  When you walk around, your eyes are open, so you're naturally going to SEE things, but are you really looking?  Assumming your ears work, you are going to hear sounds, but are you really listening?   Are you looking at the details of a flower or noticing how the light brings out the brilliant colors of a simple object?  Are you noticing the variety of colors in a sunset or the reflections in a puddle of water?   If  not, you're missing the joy and the  wonder of the world around you.

When you hear music, are you listening to the beat or to the sounds of the different musical instruments?  Do you hear the nuances of the musical score or notice the compleities of the chords or do you merely HEAR the music?  If you truly listen, you'll notice these things and the music will be more enjoyable and more meaningful to you.

Just for today, try really looking at your world and really listening to the music you hear and to the sounds of nature.  You'll probably be surprised at how much more you enjoy your day.

Arkansas Sunrise

My friends and I had to dress quickly to get pics like this of the sun rising over the Arkansas hills. It was worth the effort, though. Hope you enjoy it.

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.