“The unknown evokes wonder. If we lose our sense of wonder, we lose the sacramental majesty of the world. Nature is no longer a presence, it is a thing.”
John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes
The Presence of Nature
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Waves across the ocean of grass -
Morning Walk
Grass and reflections at Pineridge Natural Area Did not sleep well as I ate too much yesterday afternoon at the graduation BBQ. Took a morning walk at Pineridge and am off my normal schedule by an hour or so. It is already hot today. Here are some images from my time there.
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Congratulations Abbie!!
Storm clouds to the northwest at Reservoir Ridge I took this image last night as storms moved through to the north and the south of us bringing heavy rain, lightning and thunder both directions. Surprisingly we stayed dry. Man, I love the beauty of clouds even though there can be a lot of damage from their power. They never stay the same, always changing.
I have been surprised with all the birthday wishes from family and friends. This is my 70th year or just over 25,550 days counting leap years. Thanks to everyone!
This afternoon I will be heading to my oldest daughters house for a BBQ and celebrate my oldest granddaughters college graduation. She was not able to walk for her graduation from CSU due to the COVID-19 issue. She has worked hard for this, changed her major three times and did the six year plan. Congratulations Abbie!!!!! I love you. ❤️
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Passing Storm
Passing storm at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area This image was taken last night as a nice rain storm was developing in the west. I could see the rain falling in the foothills so I drove out to the natural area. This allowed me to participate in the storm as it built up with wind, lightning, thunder and then the gentle rain. The image is a raw file using Adobe Landscape profile in Lightroom Classic.
I’m pleased with how solid the camera feels in my hands. The size and build are the draw even though there is a small weight increase. Also impressed with how snappy and quiet it can focus, which I would expect. The joystick is a joy!! I was pretty sure that it was going to be something I’d like.
I must admit I was overwhelmed when I first started reading the manual, even questioning my decision. There seemed so much to learn. I could not believe all the information provided in the viewfinder, to the point of almost forgetting to look at the subject when I first used it. But that has quickly died down by practicing with it. It will become second nature.
I’ve only shot with raw files so still need to look at the jpeg files. The raw files are Huge! I’ve gone from about 30 meg to 50 meg, an increase of 30%. Glad I upgraded to the 4TB drives a few months ago. I imagine I will be deleting more images because of their size.
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Bigger
Fujifilm X-T10 and Fujifilm X-T3 My first thing I will mention on the new camera is the size difference. I have been shooting the smaller cameras for about 7 years so this X-T3 seems BIG. In comparison the X-T3 is about 5.5 ounces heavier than the X-T10 (30%), yet it is 13.5 ounces (40%) lighter than my Nikon D300. I’ll also mention that the XF16-80 f4.0 lens is much bigger than the XF18-55mm f2.0-4.0, weighing about 30% heavier. After saying that I must say the camera and lens fit nicely in my hands and comfortably. Oh, and the manual is twice as big!! Study time.
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It was inevitable…
Fujifilm X-T3 camera with XF16-80mm f4.0 lens just arrived First Tom did it, then Earl did it. So, I did it. I had to! Thought it would be wise to follow suit with two accomplished photographers. As many of you know I’ve been toying with upgrading for quite some time. Well, the time arrived. And, the camera and lens just arrived. Battery is charging. I’ll keep you informed as I get a better grasp on this upgrade. It was inevitable!
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Cosmic Dance
Canada Geese at sunset When we are alone on a starlit night; when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children; when we know love in our hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet Bashõ we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash – at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the “newness,” the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, provide a glimpse of cosmic dance.
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation
