This morning after the rain I headed over to nearby French Regional Park for a short walk. I wanted to take advantage of the cloudy “soft-box” skies before the sun came out. In the meadow area near the drive into the park I found a sea of
Bee Balm and Wildflowers
in bloom along with lots and lots of bumble bees buzzing from flower to flower collecting pollen.
At first glance the wildflower area didn’t look terribly photogenic. There were masses of wildflowers and “weeds” tangled along the path. I had to slow down and look closely before I found many scenes of grace hiding in plain sight.
Because I’ve been having some leg and back pain I didn’t walk far. But I wanted to make some photographs of this beautiful meadow like area while everything was blooming and the light was good. Though I have limitations in how much I can do, I work to continue to make photographs as often as I can, staying within the limitations that I have. That means that I find places close to home and that I look for beauty in ordinary scenes of nature. It has surprised me how much beauty and grace I can find even though I am simply taking a walk at a nearby park.
There’s a fine line between a constraint and an excuse; though often the only difference between them is perspective, and how we act on them.
― A Beautiful Anarchy: When the Life Creative Becomes the Life Created
The Importance of Light
If I choose times to make photographs when the light is good it makes such a difference. Our weather this summer has been a gift in that we’ve had many cloudy days with rain but usually there is a period of time after the rain stops before the sun reappears. Those times are magical. The cloudy sky after rain soft light is one of my favorite kinds of light.
As sunrise gets a little later in the next month or so I hope to go out more to take advantage of the soft early morning light as well. The quality of the light makes so much difference in photography that it is worth it to make the effort get up earlier to chase the morning light.
On days like today when I’m having more pain moving around it’s easy to get discouraged and wonder why my hard work in physical therapy, Pilates class, and strength training is not making more positive difference in my life. I long for that single day when it feels good to move and I’m finding those days less and less often. Still, I can take delight in seeing the beauty of this world. And for as long as I can I’ll keep moving with whatever grace I can find.
When loneliness comes stalking, go into the fields, consider
the orderliness of the world. Notice
something you have never noticed before,like the tambourine sound of the snow-cricket
whose pale green body is no longer than your thumb.Stare hard at the hummingbird, in the summer rain,
shaking the water-sparks from its wings.Let grief be your sister, she will wither or not.
Rise up from the stump of sorrow, and be green also,
like the diligent leaves.A lifetime isn’t long enough for the beauty of this world
and the responsibilities of your life.Scatter your flowers over the graves, and walk away.
Be good-natured and untidy in your exuberance.In the glare of your mind, be modest.
And beholden to what is tactile, and thrilling.Live with the beetle, and the wind.
–Mary Oliver, from The Leaf And The Cloud: A Poem
It’s a great season for bee balm and wildflowers. I hope you find time to spend some time admiring their beauty soon.
May you walk in beauty.
Intentional camera movement
Intentional blur
Intentional camera movement
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