• clouds,  haiku,  landscape,  sunrises,  writing/reading

    Brush Stroke of Pink

    light brush stroke of pink
    kisses clouds on canvas sky
    a gift of nature

    ms

    Scenes like this at Pineridge Natural Area are one of the perks for waking early. As I watched this miracle unfold I wondered what if would be like to lie in bed, snuggled under warm blankets, looking out at this scene each morning. Then I realized this awe and wonder moment I’m experiencing is because I’m standing there as a part-of nature rather than some observer laying in bed. The owl greeted me again, asking me “who-hoo” I am. Or, maybe they were asking me if I’m in touch with “who-hoo” creates these scenes each morning. I believe I know! I’ll be here again!

  • Dewdrops,  leaves,  Plants,  quotes

    What is my work?

    Looking close at nature and its ability to create

    “My work is Loving the World.” Mary Oliver

    I believe nature can create visual art that brings pleasure to my soul. I’ll even say it creates art that touches all of  the senses; smell, touch, visual, audible and taste. Could it be that nature is the ultimate artist? As Mary Oliver ask do I participate as an artist with nature in loving it, respecting it, protecting it?

  • Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street

    Touching Hands

    Hands
    Hands

    Our body language, posture and facial expressions say a lot. They can speak loudly or softly. Through observations we make assessments about a person’s mood or situation. As I left a local coffeehouse I noticed this couples hands. Their backs were to me so I could not see their faces, only the hands. My focus was pulled to the message of their hands as part of their conversation. It’s always a risk when asking people if you can take their photo and not just because you may be told no. We take the risk of interrupting a serious conversation or situation. Her touch suggested the need to comfort, to encourage or persuade. But, I took the risk and interrupted. After asking they admitted it was serious mood. Oops!

    I explained what I observed in the language of their hands and wanted to photograph their hands. They were intrigued about the X-E1, thinking I was shooting film. After a short conversation they agreed to let me take an image. One shot was all I needed. I showed them the image and told them I would probably convert it to black and white. He suggested I make it sepia and so I did. We talked briefly about the camera and then I quickly left so they could finish the conversation. As I left I noticed they were still touching.

  • Art/Design,  lifestyles

    Keeping in Touch with my Toyls

     

    My Phone
    My Phone

    I’ve decided to makeup a new name: toyl. We have many tools (toys) that keep us in touch with this fast paced world. My toyl just happens to be an iphone. And what can this amazing little toyl do? Since I travel so much my toyl has become my way to stay connected with family and friends by reading and writing emails, by text messaging, by dabbling on my facebook account. I also use it to check in on my work’s website for updates and news. With the internet capabilities I check on favorite blogs, pay bills on line, check my calendar and contacts. It even takes photos in a pinch. It does almost as much as my laptop and yet fits in my pocket, much more convenient. Oh, and I can make a phone call with it. Imagine that! And, they’re everywhere, so even in this high contrast black and white image, people will know exactly what it is at first glance. A toyl!