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. 

On A Rainy Day

"Rainy days and Mondays always get me down."

I think of those words when it rains on a Monday. I don't know why, because Monday's are my day of rest and recuperation from the previous week and rainy days don't get me down. But, none the less, I sang those words this rainy Monday morning. In case, you've never heard them and many of probably have not, the song was sung by The Carpenters in 1971. Back in those days, the year before I got married, the Carpenters were among my favorite singing groups. Just so you know, Jerry didn't like them at all. He was more into Creedence Clearwater Revival! This really dates us, doesn't it? Anyway, back to this rainy Monday.

It made me smile to wake up and see the rain this morning. I had no plans, this being a resting day, so I wasn't disappointed by the rain. In fact, days where it's misty rain usually lead me outside with my little camera which can be tucked under my shirt to keep it dry. I don't use an umbrella, I just let the light rain fall on my head. If you've never tried that, it's rather soothing and enjoyable. One thing that intrigues me is how the water brings out the beautiful colors in everything. The browns are browner and the greens are greener.

I love water droplets, so my eyes search for them on leaves

or hanging precariously off leaves

The droplets on this lichen reminded me of syrup on a golden pancake.

In my walk in the rain I also spotted other wonders of nature;

new growth on the blackberry bushes and

the unique centers of the torenia flowers. I think the center looks like an engagement ring just ready to be given to someone's true love. Maybe the rain not only brings me joy, but makes me romantic.

It doesn't take much to make me happy.

A rainy day and nature will do it every time!

I hope whether you had rain or not,

that you enjoyed this lovely Monday!

A Little Of This and That

There doesn't seem to be a day that goes by without the storm clouds rolling in. They don't always bring rain, but this one sure did. Lots and lots of rain and very high winds. There was no damage to our place but there are a few broken trees in the area. With all the rains, I haven't been able to go on any photo walks and I miss them!  The only walking I get to do is around the yard. I'm desperately needing to get away with only my camera for some peace. In the meantime I keep telling myself that there's plenty of things around here to take pictures of, but it's just not the same. A day beside some moving water would be perfect!

As I've walked up the lane to check on my dad, I've noticed that the blackberries have begun to form. I can remember my mom making the most delicious blackberry cobbler. I don't know how she ever beat the birds to them, because I sure can't. Once they ripen, they're gone!

I don't have to walk far in the yard to see that the warm sun and the moisture has brought out the mushrooms.

This one reminds me of a tiny fairy house. There's a little door at the bottom, a couple of windows, and a jagged little roof.

  

I saw this small heart shape in the pavement which reminded me to love where I am and to be content. The rain will stop and things will settle down. I know they will. They have to!  

Maybe not this week or the next week, but someday, hopefully in the near future, I'll be going on a photo walk again; just me and my camera!

"Contentment has the ability

to squeeze out of every situation

all the good there is to get."

~ Shantidasa