• National Parks,  spirituality

    Solitude is in the Present

    May 6, 2009
    Empty Bench in Shennandoha National Park
    Empty Bench in Shenandoah National Park

    “Solitude is not something you must hope for in the future. Rather, it is a deepening of the present, and unless you look for it in the present you will never find it.” Thomas Merton

    As time has move on and my age has increased I joyfully welcome my times of solitude. We can create a place in our homes to sit in quiet solitude to start and end our days. With our busy and noisy world I also seek to find places outside the community of cities and towns. I can find these places in our parks, both local and national. To some this bench may seem lonely while shrouded by fog but it is offering rest to anyone who wishes to sit. 

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  • landscape

    Dreams

    January 9, 2009

    Fog and Mist
    Fog and Mist

    “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” Henry David Thoreau  (1817 – 1862)


     Take in the power of Thoreau’s words to inspire. This “dream” theme still bounces around inside my head. It seems my dreams are so far out there and at other times simple. Our dreams are in the distance among the fog and dimly seen, a vague outline. But, as in this image, when we move forward into the fog and mist we will see clearer our dreams. We may have obstacles to climb over. What dreams will we find in the mist?

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  • landscape

    Fog and Mist

    January 4, 2009

     

    Fog and Mist
    Fog and Mist

    Todays weather matches my mood: gray and drab. I woke to the pattering of rain on my bedroom window, causing me to snuggle deeper into my blankets. It remained cloudy with fog and a light mist off and on throughout the day. I felt confined inside so this afternoon I drove out east in the New Albany area to explore wonder of the the landscape and feel the weather. There is a mood with rain and fog that wraps around us. While in bed the mood is to wrap ourselves in a warm blanket while getting out and taking in the fog and rain can be invigorating. For me  I can see deeper into nature. Photographers will mention how much contrast is increased with rain and diffused light from clouds and fog. This mood, this feeling can be portrayed in the simplest of scenes as seen in this road leading into the trees. When we stay dry and venture out in this weather we can have some wonderful photo opportunities and encounters with nature.

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