Sunrise Over Nebraska Sandhills

This was my favorite morning while we were in Nebraska.  The sky was absolutely beautiful as the sun came up.  It provided a nice background for the sandhill cranes that were hanging out on the sandbars before flying to the cornfields for a day of eating.  Unfortunately, the wind was blowing the other way and, between that and the noisy Canadian geese and snow geese down river, we couldn't hear them talking.  On the previous day, however, we had been in a blind and heard them talking quite well.  They're very noisy, but we enjoyed it.  Have a great week-end.  If you enjoy this blog, please leave a comment once in awhile, so I'll know that someone actually reads it.  Thanks!

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!

I Am

"I am the dust in the sunlight, I am the ball of the sun.
I am the mist of morning, the breath of evening.
I am the spark in the stone, the gleam of gold in the metal.
The rose and the nighingale drunk with its fragrance.
I am the chain of being, the circle of the spheres.
The scale of creation, the rise and the fall.
I am what is and is not . . . .
I am the soul in all."
Jalil al-Din Rume (1207-1273), Persia

Foggy Morning in Yellowstone

"To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle.  Every cubic inch of space is a miracle."  Walt Whitman (1819-1892), USA

As you have probably figured out by now, I love fog pictures, especially when the fog is above a river.  To me, it creates a magical scene which transcends me to a peaceful place, a place where I can relax and be one with nature.   I hope this image gives you a peaceful feeling and adds joy to your day.

Enjoy Nature

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, alone or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.  Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."  Anne Frank (1929-1945)  Netherlands

Relaxation for the Soul

"The mark of a successful man is one who has spent the entire day on the bank of a river without feeling  guilty about it."  Chinese Proverb

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

"The glories and the beauties of form, color and sound unite in the Grand Canyon - forms unrivalled even by the mountains, colors that vie sunsets, and sounds that span the diapason from tempest to tinkling raindrops, from cataract to bubbling fountains." John Wesley Powell (1834-1902) USA


I know this isn't the Grand Canyon. I haven't been there for many years, and don't really have any good pictures of it, so I thought I'd share this picture of the Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Although it isn't as large, it is still a beautiful place, one that makes you realize how powerful and majestic nature can be. One of these days, I'm going to get up early enough to be there at sunrise, when the light brings out the magnificent colors of the rocks. That would, of course, require getting out of bed at about 3:00 a.m., since our motel is not close to the spot. If I ever make it, I'll be sure to share the images on my blog. If I were you, though, I wouldn't hold my breathe.

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.

Love Isn't Easy

Love isn't always easy but, even with the occasional scrapping and squawking, it's worth it. So, cherish the relationship you have, and work to make it better. After all, anything of significant value usually requires effort and continued dedication to retain its' splendor. So, give your loved one a kiss and tell him or her how important they are to you. For those special words can never be said too often and they're always appreciated.

Photo tip: As you probably already know, in order to get the type of wildlife pictures you want, you have to be patient. Unfortunately, animals don't pose for us according to an appointment schedule.

Simplicity. Beauty. Serenity.

These are the words I thought of when I viewed this scene. What words come to your mind when you see the picture?

Like A River

Like water flowing over the rocks in a river, our lives touch all who are near us. Let your life leave good marks on those you touch.

Take only pictures, leave only footprints. In other words, when you're enjoying our wonderful natural world, don't disturb its' beauty. Enjoy it, photograph it, love it, but don't leave anything behind and don't take anything away, except your photos and your memories. That will let others enjoy it too. Have a great day!