Scene & Story - October 2017

I think we all know how peaceful it is to be near water. Recently I sat on this bench, swinging my feet and soaking in the beauty of Lake Carlton in the San Bois Mountains in Oklahoma. When I first sat down it was dark and chilly, but as time passed the sun began to rise behind the mountains. It wasn't a beautiful sunrise. The sky was full of dark rain clouds and occasionally a light mist fell. As the sun rose I watched a large flock of geese land on the water and slowly glide across the lack. I watched a father and son fishing from their kayaks. I looked across the lake and noticed autumn colors just beginning to show. I was calm, content, and happy.

This pictures looks peaceful, doesn't it? What you don't see in this picture is what was behind me. The fact is, a fall festival was happening behind me with thousands of people wandering around, carnival rides, food vendors, live music, and an antique automobile show. We were there taking part in the automobile show and were fortunate to be able to park our car near the lake. This was perfect for me. I was able to find peace in a situation that certainly wasn't quiet or peaceful. As photographers we can tell the story we want by what we allow in the frame of our camera.

"Photography is about finding out what can happen in the frame.

When you put four edges around some facts, you change those facts." 

~ Garry Winogrand

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I'm linking with Scene & Story hosted

by Sarah and Lee.

Join us each month as we choose a photo and tell a story.

Out For A Breath of Fresh Air

It's been ten days since I've been here on my little blog. I've missed it and I've missed reading your blogs. It's been a long, stressful ten days, but we're on the other side of major surgery and headed to recovery. Mr. H has been in extreme pain for several weeks. An MRI showed that he had a cyst the size of a large shooter marble in his spinal column.

 

We now know why he was in such pain. He had surgery last Tuesday.  The day after surgery he could already tell the severe pain was gone. Now, he just has the pain and discomfort from the actual surgery. Other than a few trips to the cafeteria downstairs I didn't leave his room until Thursday. I was grateful that I could see this beautiful courtyard out the window!  It was soothing to stand and watch the wind blowing the flowers while Mr. H slept.
 

On Thursday while my daughter sat with her dad, I finally went for a much needed walk and explored the courtyard. It felt wonderful to breath the fresh air. Taking deep breaths, I relaxed for the first time in days. I felt a little guilty that Mr. H couldn't enjoy some fresh air, too. The courtyard was beautiful with mirrored walls, a fountain, and lovely plants.
 



  

I sat on the bench for a while and just listen to the splashing of the fountain.

 

 

It splashed over a large vase into a pool of water. There's something so soothing about the sound of water. I'm always drawn to it and love to photograph it.

 

 

 I felt like I was in a tropical garden although it was a chilly 38 degrees.

 

 

The cold air and the greens and reds of the flowers reminded me that Christmas is on it's way. I'm impressed with myself this year, I've already done a good bit of my shopping!!

 

 

Heading through the hospital and out the front door I found this wonderful display of pumpkins and gourds; so many shapes, sizes and colors. I love the white pumpkins the best.

 

 

And, the bumpy pumpkins come in second.

 

Between the hospital and the parking deck is another little garden. There were a couple of honey locust trees. At least I think that's what they're called. Their long curly seedpods were fascinating. They actually looked like snakes lying on the brick walk way.

 

The red leaves were brilliant against the gorgeous blue sky.

 

A beautiful wrought iron archway led into the garden. This is one of my favorite pictures of my walk.

It represents how grateful we are that Mr. H's surgery was a success.

 

Linking up with Helen's Weekend Walk.