It's Your Life - Live It!

I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.  I don't know who wrote this, but I saw it on Facebook today and thought it was worth sharing.

Are you living the life you want?   Are you proud of what you're doing?  Do you wish things were different?  Do you think you can do a better job?   Only you are in control of those things.  Only you can change your life and make it want YOU want.  If you're not living a life you're proud of, only you can make a difference.   If you're not happy with the way things are, why not start making changes today that will give you the life you were meant to live?  Until you do, nothing will change.  So, if you need to make changes, start making them today.  Live the life you want.  Don't settle for anything less! 

I wish these things for you and hope you have a wonderful day.

Yellowstone Traffic Jam

Yes, they even have traffic jams in Yellowstone.  They're usually caused by bison who think they have a right to walk down the middle of the street.  Since we're invading their space, I think they're probably right & that we just have to wait until they decide to move.  It does slow things down, though, because you really don't want to pass them.  They can be onery and are apt to ram your vehicle if you get too close. 

If you want to see Yellowstone up close and personal, join one of my workshops this year.  We'll have a great time.  Send me a message if you're interested.  :-)

What is life?

"What is life? It is the flash of the firefly in the night. It is the breath of the buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset." Chief Crowfoot (1830-1890) his last words, Canada

Bison often stand next to hot pools in Yellowstone to warm themselves. Using a long lens allows photographers to get good images without endangering themselves or the animals. Unfortunately, people are injured every year because they ignore the guidelines regarding maintaining appropriate distances from the wildlife. Bison may look like they're slow and sluggish, but they can move very quickly when they want to. Always remember that they're wild animals & animals are unpredictable. They can be quiet and calm one minute and denting the side of your truck the next minute. Enjoy the wildlife when you visit Yellowstone, or any wildlife area, but be safe.

Art or not art - that is the question

"Art distills sensation and embodies it with enhanced meaning in memorable form - or else it is not art." Jacques Barzun

I included two pictures today to make a point about how art is different depending on who is viewing it. Do you consider the first picture art or is it just an unusual photo that has been manipulated by the photographer? What about the second image? Is it art with the filter applied to give it a slight painterly effect? Would it have been art if a filter wasn't used to enhance it? The quote above says art distills sensation & gives it enhanced meaning. Do either of these pictures meet that criteria? Art is an unusual subject because, as we've discussed here before, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder." I'd be interested to hear your comments so, as always, please feel free to leave them.

Happiness

"Mans many desires are like the small metal coins he carries about in his pocket. The more he has, the more they weight him down. " Satya Sai Baba

People often think that more possessions, such as a new iPad, a bigger house or a fancier car would make them happier. The way to happiness, however, is not in the possessions we have, but in how we lead our lives and how we make a difference in the lives of those we meet.

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.