Month: September 2016

Like a child before Christmas I have been waiting for this day … my holidays begin!  Off to the north, to Broome, and perhaps, beyond.

Will be back with more pics and memories.

Until then …

As always

a dawn bird

I’ve just returned from another trip.  Actually, I’ve been on several trips and have had no time to update my blog.  This time I met my regional manager in Esperance.  He is familiar with my passion for taking pictures.  He greeted me with “Have you seen the wild orchids yet?”  My eyes lit up as he directed me.  From the Dempster Head Lookout, squeeze through the trail, walk down the rock face and to the right is a walk way over the scrub.  You’ll find them there.  You better be quick.  They won’t last another week!”  It was all the information I needed.

After work I changed my clothes and shoes and headed off with camera in hand.  The squeeze through the trail was difficult and I was on high alert for snakes.  They are active at this time of year.  At times the birdlife flew so close to my face I felt the vibrations of their wings.  Then came the rock face.  “Don’t look down!  You’ll be fine”!  I encouraged myself and stepped down cautiously.  Once the walk way was in sight my pace quickened.  The Spider Orchid and Donkey Orchid (yellow) were exquisite.  They grow in a harsh environment and their fragility is breathtaking.  My pictures don’t do them any justice.  Then as the sun started to set I realised I had to climb up again!  Always a harder task!  But I did it!  When I looked back the view was spectacular.

Life for me has been this way.  I have learnt to think differently.  The results have been more than what I expected.

In the harshest of circumstances, I seek to see something beautiful and celebrate the experience.  Looking back from the climb up has its own rewards.  Yes, spectacular, comes to mind.

May you find joy in what ever view you perceive today.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

It was cold this morning.  With the eastern sky turning vivid pink, I dressed hurriedly and walked down the street.  Too late!  The sun had crested.  To my left, at the pond, the duck family was nowhere to be seen.  No doubt, keeping warmer than I felt.  My attempt to find the kookaburras, high in the gum trees, was also futile.  So I walked away from their laughter.

Crossing the damp grass I headed to the lake, my breath creating small clouds as my step quickened.  I was not disappointed.  There was sparkle everywhere.  The light through the paperbark trees was soft.  The scene, reminiscent of a Hans Heysen canvas.  A flutter of wings and the Red Western Wattlebird flew above me, resting nearby for my camera.  I took a picture but was amazed when I uploaded it at what I had captured.  Or rather, what the bird had captured for breakfast!

Photographing the ordinary has become an unexpected passion.  It is uplifting.  It renews.  It sharpens the senses.  Life, my surrounds, no matter where I am, is not pedestrian.  Photography centres me.  It is a connection where all pieces come together and make me whole again.

May you, too, find paths that lead you to be whole again.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

 

In a rush I filled my tote with everything that was on the passenger’s seat and went to the boot for my suitcase.  To my dismay the effort to save time was disastrous.  I unclipped my water bottle and flooded my favourite camera, the Nikon P600.  I was devastated!  The camera is ruined.

The next morning I felt lost.  I felt I had ended a long relationship.  I reached for a chocolate and ate it for breakfast.  I texted my daughter who thought my coping strategy was hilarious and she tried to comfort me.  “Just think … you’ll buy another one … and it will be fun … and you’ll realise you love it even more”.  She was right.  I went out and bought a Nikon P900.  I’m loving it!

The new camera is helping me to practice mindfulness.  Helping me to consider life through a new lens.

Mindfulness is a difficult concept to understand and even more difficult to practice.  But to my delight I found this morning … it helps clear the mind and things come into focus more sharply.  In that quiet stillness, in the heightened intimacy of the space shared between me and my Creator, I stared at my screen saver and noticed the mosquito on the blue lupin.  I wonder if it is visible to you too?

Savouring the exquisiteness of the ordinary is a new delight.  There are many more to come, I’m sure.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird