Happiness is…

December 4, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

… every day that I’m able to get out of bed,and even better, get out of the house… …a river nearby, and a camera with whichto capture the glorious gifts of nature… …the love that flows between generations,the wicked freedom of being a grandparent… … the blessing of travel, and the discoverythat enables ongoing learning…. […]

Photo A Week: Things With Wings

December 2, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Six feet across, spread the heron’s wingsgreat, grey appendages in slow flight Some wings are camouflaged, propelinsect bodies who hover within sight. A Monarch’s wings are stained-glass delicatewith each flutter, sprinkle fantasies of delight. (For Nancy Merrill’s Photo a Week challenge: things with wings.)

Brrr…

November 29, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Winter has arrived, and as always, we are not ready. Even the trees are shivering. Not everyone is a winter wimp though…these hardy Canadians took the river to canoe, despite the snow. (for Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: cold)

Lens-Artists: Splash!

November 28, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Imagine the courage –to flow freely –make a splash! undaunted by outer noise –neither rush, nor gush –totally unabashed Afraid I’d have to reset time,go back to simpler days –undo this lived crash. (Submitted to Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Splash, and V.J.’s weekly challenge: un-lived lives.)

Autumn’s Pallette

November 23, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

I love how this plant maintains its misty shade of green, while the leaves behind it succumb to weather’s demands. (For Cee’s Flower of the Day.)

Keys

November 22, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Gone is summer light lazy days contemplating – autumn turned the key. (For Cee’s Flower of the Day challenge)

Lens-Artists: Open Sesame

November 21, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

A door defines a boundary,an invitation to enter within,or a warning to stay out – Such finality in doors boarded,an inference of profound loss. Some doors tantalize with screenspermitting sounds to emanate, butblocking view from nosy passersby and some doors shout attention,prepared to accommodate masses (For Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Open Sesame.)

A Bevy of Characters

November 18, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

“The light is not very good for taking photographs,” Ric remarks as we turn onto the road along the river which has fast become our favourite drive. “I know.” It’s not in my character to give up just because circumstances are not ideal. In my mind, there are always photo opportunities. The river flows […]

As Water Flows

November 17, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

As water flows, my mind wanders –relinquishes thoughts and worries As water flows, I surrenderto the blessing of life’s journey As water flows, I acknowledgethe fluidity of emotions, of change As water flows, I experiencethe continum of life’s cycles. (Submitted for Cee’ Black & White Photo Challenge: flowing water. Images are of the Little Falls […]

Magical Light (Lens-Artists)

November 13, 2018.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Light accentuates….bedazzles… transforms ordinary into magical… slips beneath the shadows… and glows fantastic. (For Lens-Artists Weekly Photo Challenge: Magical Light)

Relevance of Story

Stories have power. Parents, teachers, public speakers, and therapists understand that the secret to engaging an audience or connecting with others is through illustration: storytelling. I see it in the eyes of the my grandchildren, who love to hear tales of family history. I’ve seen in the eyes of students, when recognition and understanding light […]

Is This War?

“War is hell. You can’t photograph a flying bullet, but you can capture genuine fear.”– unknown The bomb has droppedcontrol slips from our grasp We pray for a parachutefor someone to pull the cord numbers escalate,lives plummet We offer encouragementisolated voices faltering moment of impact imminentthe implosion inevitable impact reverberatesresponsibility moot. ( Image my own.)