My Thoughts

As I stood taking pictures of the 'big' country that surrounded me last week I realized that never, ever would I be able to convey to anyone, through photography, the grandeur of the land on which I was standing.

When the deep blue sky goes from horizon to horizon and huge mountains surround me - how can that be captured in my small lens? 

My thoughts were that I am so very small, especially when standing in the middle of this enchanted open land, and my insignificance is enhanced in my mind.  That's not a bad feeling for me - it puts my everyday thoughts, worries, even joys into a perspective that becomes crystal clear in the high desert light.

At the same time I get a feeling of being a part of something so huge and unimaginable - so beautiful and wild and rugged - that to be a small cog in its existence is the greatest of blessings.  I am thankful that I can stand in my smallness and feel that I'm contributing to its history.  If I am to value a small rock found along the side of the road why wouldn't I also value my own being and try to live up to the great challenges that a lifetime brings?

This past week has only brought the wonders and gifts that our world presents us to the forefront of my mind and I am both humbled and honored.

Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.

~ Chief Seattle, 1854 ~

 

"Earthshine"

earthshine n. the light of the sun reflected

by the earth into space, faintly

illuminating the darker portion

of the moon at about the

time of a new moon.

 

 

Don't you love that definition?  In this series of 'earth' works I just had to dedicate this piece to 'earthshine'.

 

 

What subtle colors would capture the earth, moon and space? 

 

 

What 'shiny' tidbits did I have on hand to add to the ambience?

 

Piece by piece she came to life - silently sitting there on the shelf - witnessing the wonders of the universe.

"If you could see the earth illuminated when you were in a place as dark as night, it would look to you more splendid than the moon." - Galileo Galilei, Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems - 1632

 

 

 



Earth's Gifts

As I make my way through life, each day coming one after the other, I gather within all the parts of the earth that support and sustain me. 

I can learn from a tree which has stood here for many, many years.  Learn of patience and fortitude, strength and determination.

I can learn from the rocks -- those that tower above me, giving me a true perspective of where I fit into this wonderful universe.  And those that I hold in my hand - warm from the sun.

I can learn from the water which often makes its boisterous way - quickly and loudly.  At other times it is a trickle - barely dampening the earth beneath it.

I can learn from the sky - so very high above me.  Covering my existence with a beautiful shade of blue.  Showing me the vastness of the universe and my small place within it.

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

"Sometimes I need

only to stand

wherever I am

to be blessed". -

Mary Oliver

An "Earthbound" Heart

Of the four elements – earth, water, air and fire I am of the earth.  Sometimes, when I feel too unimaginative or too organized or too predictable I wish to be of air or water – floating and flying free and clear.  Other times I love being earthbound.  I love the feeling of planting my feet firmly upon the ground, of taking each day a step at a time.

This “Earthbound” heart holds deep earthen colors – those of the rocks and red earth, of the sun being soaked into the ground.  This heart is ‘my’ heart as it is attached to this beautiful earth.

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair". - Khahil Kabran