Abstract Autumn

I went to Wolsfeld Woods today for a hike. And glory hallelujah, it was a golden wonderland! Along with craning my neck to look up all along the trail as I walked I also played with camera movement and shooting from the hip (without looking into the lens finder). It was a golden celebration all along the trail.

Today I thought I would share some

images along with quotes from a painting book I just finished reading.

I believe that the only way for an artist to grow in vision or in power, whatever his or her medium and ultimate goal may be, is to be oneself—purely, simply, outrageously, completely. Whether we are artists or scientists, craftsmen or tradesmen, philosophers or practitioners, we are all creators, and we each create best when we use our total self—blending body, mind and spirit. Zen masters tell us that when we work from our hearts, we naturally arrive at this place of oneness; then our work is holy and an expression of the true self.”

— Jeanne Carbonetti, The Zen of Creative Painting

Just because walking amidst all of that beauty made me feel joyful, grateful, and playful. I kept whispering to the trees, “Thank you! I love you! Thank you!” as I hiked. Every once in a while I stopped and twirled around just for fun. And I explored a trail I’ve never explored before. I hiked until I was tired and then rested on a fallen tree trunk while I watched leaves drift slowly to earth and basked in the beauty of the big woods..

And yes I said yes I will Yes.

— James Joyce

Then I got up and hiked again, telling myself, “I’ll turn around as soon as I see what’s around the bend in the trail.” But then there was another bend in the trail that I wanted to see beyond. So I hiked longer than I planned. And I was fine hiking back to my car. I hadn’t hiked so far that I was in pain. This makes me feel so grateful because for much of the summer I was only able to hike for 10 to 15 minutes before pain set in. Finally, finally I am making progress in building my strength again.