100 Day Project 2021

Friday, February 3, 2017

Don't Think, Just Walk




I stood at the fork in the path wondering which way should I go.
My mind said do the normal thing . . . go to the right.
My intuition said . . . go to the left.
I went to the right.
I let my mind overrule.

The whole purpose of the outing was to go on a photo walk and let my intuition lead me, but I didn't. Not at first anyway. Sure enough, there was nothing of interest to the right and I felt very unsettled. I retraced my steps and took the left path. Yes, this was much better. How come? I don't know it just felt right. That's what intuition is, a "gut feeling," an "inner voice," or a "sixth sense." Unlike the other path, this path was full of surprises. The first was a tepee made of branches. I'm sure there's a story behind this. Wish I knew it! I can just see a couple of small children sitting in there having a powwow!


I walked on and as I rounded a corner, I came to an area that was covered in massive Nadine bushes. I had no idea they grew so tall. Most were at least 8 to 10 feet tall, covered in pretty red berries.


I saw a hollowed out log. I can just imagine a bunny hopping through there.



At the end of the trail I crossed an old rock bridge over a small stream. If you know me well, you know I love water and being anywhere close to water makes me happy.


I sat down on the bank of the stream and just relaxed. I watched the leaves as they were caught in the water's current; noticed the colors, textures and patterns of the rocks; and looked at shadows and reflections. That's when I noticed something making ripples.


I kept looking for the source. I figured it was a bug of some sort, but I couldn't find it. What I did notice was five circular dark spots on a rock. A shadow of something, but what?


Then I saw it! A small insect. A Gerridae commonly known as a water strider, pond skater, or water skipper. Although they were fascinating I was more intrigued by their shadows. They reminded me of something alien, like a spaceship.


I can't tell you how long I sat there watching them and waiting for just the right moment to get a picture where I could see both the bug and it's shadow.


So, how did my intuition do? Did it lead me the right way? I think so, when I finally listened to it! I had a great walk, rested by the water, and found some fascinating insects.

* * * * *

As I mentioned before I'm working through Kim Manley Ort's book Adventures In Seeing. This week's assignment was to go on a photo walk and following your intuition. I chose to go to a park I've never been to before. That way I wouldn't have any preconceived notions about what I might find to photography. 

6 comments:

  1. New places are the best way to let intuition be the guide. Love water striders. So funny to see one now when all our water is frozen here.

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  2. Lovely to see what you discovered on your intuitive walk, Cathy. I loved the hollowed out tree-trunk where you imagined a little bunny hopping through. I loved the water shots too, especially that first one with the stream running through those colourful rocks making them shiny and beautiful. So well observed that little water bug with his amazing shadow! Great point of view of those stone slabs leading us up the hill! Happy weekend to you!

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  3. This was fascinating, Cathy! Your intuition and your patience really paid off. That final shot of the water strider and its shadow is perfect. The shadow would make you think the insect had huge, round feet, but surprise, that's not the case at all. In the picture you can clearly see how the insect's weight on its delicate feet stretch and distort the surface of the water. What a wonderful walk, and a great job of listening to your intuition.

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  4. I love how you finally let go and allowed your gut feeling to guide you. What patience you had to notice all the little things along the way! Your water pictures are fascinating. It sounds like a very relaxing and rewarding outing. Lovely post!

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  5. you always find the most interesting things to photograph on your adventures!! you have a good eye, good intuition!! there is nothing better than a walk in the woods, camera in hand!! you captured lots of pretty shadows in these!!!

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