Be As a Bird

Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.
- Victor Hugo

This morning a mystery songbird graced me with its melody. Much as I tried to catch a glimpse and identify it, it was nowhere to be seen. It was a balm for the soul.

Giving Thanks for Life In Its Entirety

"A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety."
- Ansel Adams

Yesterday afternoon D. and I spent over two hours exploring Ottawa's Experimental Farm with our cameras in hand - he his digital SLR focusing on homework for this term's photography class, I with my point & shoot focusing on creative inspiration and play.

It was magic for my soul.

For the past month - time at Squam Art Workshops excepted - I've been in a pretty powerful funk that on most days, left me drained of energy with a view of the world through very dark glasses. Yesterday was one of the first times I ventured out for a trek longer than the one to my local coffee shop or grocery store. At one point during my outing, I found myself deeply immersed into photographing cornstalks, oblivious to the world around me, grinning ear to ear (no pun intended). When I deemed I'd captured enough corn photos I skipped down the road to catch up with D.

I skipped. Down the road. With my trusty little point & shoot in hand and pigtails in my hair. And in that moment I felt free of the weight that's been dragging me down for the past several weeks.

Yesterday I felt good about life in its entirety and for that I am grateful. I leave you with a few photos that helped make it so.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Love,
Steph
xo

cow crossing

étude de corn stalk 01 of 29

elongated shadow

noble chartreuse

cow and Canada Post Headquarters

ochre on blue sky

Peaches

D. spotted something in the neighbouring empty lot this morning...

I zoomed in for a closer look, but it still wasn't clear...

... so I came in closer and found a pony grazing in an urban pasture.

She was a bit shy at first...

... but then she warmed up to the camera.

Her name is Peaches.

Peace in the Present

morning reflection at Mud Lake (May 2009)

Today I strive to live in the present, worrying about neither past nor future, simply living the moments as the fleet by or saunter with acceptance of all they bring - sadness, fear, hope, laughter and love. I strive to let go of old wounds and put aside expectations of what may come. I am me, here, now.

The more I practice this, the more I feel at peace.

Spring at the Experimental Farm

A few favourite shots from a brief stint at the Ottawa Experimental Farm on a Monday afternoon...

canopy in waiting

canopy in bloom

cascading blush

tulip centered

tulip softly