Thursday, August 23, 2012

Thank heavens for weekends

I took a lot of photos over the weekend, and tonight I spent some well-deserved idle time and edited several of them. Bring creative feels so good sometimes, doesn’t it?  And besides, it was nice to concentrate on something and get my mind off of life’s goings on.

There is something to be said for sitting outdoors on a beautiful day, and enjoying nature simply by listening and being still.

As I sat with my camera and my book, I could hear the call of a pileated woodpecker, followed by its noisy drilling into an old dead tree in the woods. I could hear the flutter of the wings of the birds who come to the feeders, then looked up when I heard the swishing of a larger bird as a turkey vulture flew overhead. When I sit quietly with my camera, or while reading, I forget about my cares. My movements are slow so as not to scare off the birds, and when I’m treated with good images as a result – it’s a win-win.




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There you are, you elusive little hummingbird.

This one might be my favorite.




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This little tiny hummingbird came right up to me and hovered for a moment, checking me out. (And maybe taking a little pee, to boot).




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Then it darted past me through the air and around the old lilac bush, then zigzagged over to the garden where it drank from several morning glories. Then off it went again, finally landing on a dead branch high up in the dogwood tree.

And that's when I snapped the photo above.



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This is for my sister, Ginny.

Virginia.

We’ve always called her Ginny, though.

Or Gin Gin.

Friday, August 24 is her 50th birthday.

This V’s for you, Miss V.




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I like this one too – the butterfly against the dark of the hedge.




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There’s a lot going on right now and I can’t begin to speak of it now. Some of it’s bad, but some of it is good – or it will be good when all is said and done.


Sorry to be so cryptic.


School is dizzyingly busy. If that’s not an adjective, or even a word, then it should be. I look forward to a day when things finally calm down. And until then, I’ll just take the calm of the weekends.




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Thank heavens for weekends.

: : :

So how are things going for you?

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47 comments:

sallysmom said...

Please keep us updated as you feel comfortable doing. Know this, we are all here for you and will hold you up in love and prayers.

becky up the hill said...

God bless your lovely heart. I pray things get better Kate.
That pix of the humming bird peeing..lol. I remember Dr. Oz going on a rant about exercise and he used a humming bird as an example of a critter that moves so much he doesn't pee or did he say poop. Since he isn't a birder..I had to laugh. I see that on a daily basis. Only Kate has now got the proof!

Kerri Farley said...

........ These ~ Are ~ Amazing .........
those little dots represent me trying to catch my breath....these shots take it AWAY :)
Absolutely stunning!

Know I am thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way :)

Katie said...

I love coming here to see your beautiful photography. I can't imagine getting to take pictures like you did of the little hummingbird - amazing. Thank you for sharing here :)

Michelle said...

I love your blog. I don't take enough time to sit still - not that I would get photos such as yours if I did! That first photo has got to be my new favorite of all the photos you have shared. I don't think you could have STAGED something and had it turn out any more perfect! Definitely "shop-worthy"!!!

Carolynn Anctil said...

Your bird photos are outstanding. Oh that I could capture a Kate quality bird image! Just one and I could die happy. *sigh*

(GBS) NewsFromTheHill said...

What gorgeous photos as usual! I'm sorry you're in a state of "flux" .........
Wish I could offer you a cup of tea (or something stronger?) to take your mind off your troubles, but I think your bird friends have been helping you already!

Country Gal said...

Your photos are fantastic and your description of you sitting with book and camera listening to nature is exactly what I love to do ! I get lost in it all ! I do hope all is well and all calms down soon for you ! Have a wonderful day !

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

Wonderful photos today!

Jan's camera said...

Hi Kate. Words cannot express how beautiful these photos are. They are simply amazing. I hope the bad passes quickly. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful photos! I can't remember when I last sat outside...I have let life get in the way of this luxury but you have reminded me. Thanks. Looking forward to a week at the beach with my 3 grandsons but I also know I'll be looking forward to some quiet afterwards - LOL. Maybe then I will sit on the porch and rock to the sounds of nature. Wishing you the best...keep the faith!

bv said...

hummingbird peeing! that is so great. try getting that again! i kinda got a handle on my currents troubles and am breathing a bit better....hoping that you will too! you are so strong. for me, it take alot of talking out loud ~ to myself ~ till i figure out how to deal with the latest little delight handed to me...take care.
bv

JaneK said...

holy crap, Kate, those are good. Especially that first one.... That one and that one you did a few posts ago with the transparent wings.... the start of an amazing series....

glad you have something to find solace in. it is good to escape even for just a bit; can bring some perspective to the issues at hand. and even if it doesn't do that.... it is a nice break for the mind!

wayne15575 said...


I'm ever so sorry to hear of your personal struggles. I have a feeling of what is going on and pray that the struggle is swiftly ending.
Know that at anytime, you're not alone. We all love you and your entire family.

And what a great set of photos today !!

Sabrina Steyling said...

These beautiful photos brought a smile to my face! Thank you so much for sharing them. Whatever you are going through right now, please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Thanking the heavens too for butterflies and humming birds especially--and thankful for you being there to capture them ! Breathtaking technique to photograph humming bird wings, and beautiful eye to get that butterfly profile ( will that be a print available in future?)
You and your family will be in my prayers. --LLC

Cloudia said...

ah, thee & pee (uninhibited bird!)

DON'T show a bird on what you describe as a dead branch, then write the word "snap" next!

You be as cryptic as you wanna be, Hon!

You showed me a butterfly as I have truly never seen one before (and I have seen several in real life!)



say! Am I in the weekend of my life? GREAT euphemism!



Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
=^..^=
> < } } ( ° >

Em Parkinson said...

Hope whatever it is that's bothering you works out. Sitting with nature always makes me feel better. Your pictures are stunning as ever. I particularly like the peeing humming bird!

Jill of All Trades said...

We are all blessed when you share your creative talents here. Take care.

Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi) said...

I hope that whatever is on your mind works out well in the end. You have such a lovely soul, Kate. Please know you are in the thoughts and hearts of many friends. Sending you happiness today and for the beautiful weekend ahead. P.S. Amazing photography!

ZielonaMila said...

Beautiful photographs, observation of the nature it is an excellent adventure. I am greeting

Snap said...

Hugs to you, Kate. Thank you for your beautiful photographs.

Low Tide High Style said...

I love all of these, and I've caught a few hummingbirds "doing their business" as well...oh but that last butterfly shot is too pretty for words! Happy Birthday to your sister, and I hope you find some peace and solitude this weekend! Wishing you well! xo

Kat

Anonymous said...

I adore your photography so very much and love the one for your sister. Looks like a painting to me. and isn't it fun when the chupas buzz you like that? Like "Waz Upp sista?" They are so totally fun. Enjoy your weekend to the fullest. My thoughts are for better and best news for you and yours,
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne

Anonymous said...

I adore your photography so very much and love the one for your sister. Looks like a painting to me. and isn't it fun when the chupas buzz you like that? Like "Waz Upp sista?" They are so totally fun. Enjoy your weekend to the fullest. My thoughts are for better and best news for you and yours,
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne

The JR said...

WOW, the back of that butterfly pic is truly amazing

love your photos

thotlady said...

As always beautiful photos. Hang in there.

Georgianna said...

Hello, dear Kate, that first image took my breath away. Wonderful colors!

Happy birthday to your sister!

I'm very glad you have the respite of nature and photography from your busy life. Wishing you positive things this weekend.

xoxo

– g

altar ego said...

Prayers for peace and resolution.
Glorious photos, as always. Thank you for sharing your gifts.

Flea said...

Your photography has gone from beautiful to amazing. The hummingbirds - wow.

Lee Owenby said...

Love the hummingbirds!

Devon said...

Such beautiful pictures! I really loved the first one, your processing is amazing!

It is always to peaceful to be in nature, even if I am just filling bird feeders.

I'm sending prayers and thoughts of peace your way... hope things settle well for you and soon.


Linda said...

Great post...and your images are OUTSTANDING!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

oooh, that first image.....

BB said...

WOW. Kate, that first image is breath-taking. Utterly. I know how it is to focus on something beautiful as therapy... it works miracles. I DON'T know what it's like to be able to do it quietly, with no 'helpers'. Hence very few bird pics. *sigh*

Never mind. I get to see yours instead!

BB

Daryl said...

dont know how i missed this post ... xoxo

jinxxxygirl said...

ONe of my favorite poems begins with 'Hope is the thing with feather'...it makes my heart catch every time i hear it and all your feathered photos make me think of it....Whatever is wrong ...or right in your world right now i will keep you in my thoughts. Hugs! deb

beth said...

hey sweet friend.....
these photos are truly amazing. you always produce a WOW factor with your birds and butterflies and well, nature in general.....

and for that platter metaphor in our last email....i think i'm going to send you one just to have. seriously, i think i am !!

big hugs !

nancy in ks said...

I don't know what you are going through right now, but in my life I've found that a grievous time heightens creativity. Don't know exactly what the link is, but it's been true for me.

Your photos, as everyone has said, are magnificent. I'm thankful for the fact that some people can capture the fleeting, tiniest moment of time that the physical eye cannot see and share it.

Thank you for sharing. You often bless me with that gift.

A New England Life said...

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts Kate.

Love the pee shot. Just a really lucky shot! The rest of your images are fabulous, as always. Summers wain can be a beautiful thing.

thecatalanway said...

I have never imagined being so close to a hummingbird but you took me there - lovely! And the pee - oh if we could all be so free.
I have been away in a dream place of my own - dealing with the death of my brother which happened at the beginning of August. I come to you to find a little light in this wet windy day in Cornwall and as always - you provide it. I need to write my blog but it's all stuck somewhere in the pipeline - the bloggers dilemma of how to stay true to your life while not getting bogged down in the details. Perhaps I will take some photos or do some of my drawings and see where it takes me. But I want you to know you are not forgotten and even when I am quiet I am dropping in to rest a while with your birds and the deer and George and your descriptions of your days. If this is a hard time for you - sending you best wishes across the seas. love Kate x

Candis said...

Gorgeous photos Kate. I particularly love -LOVE! -the butterfly from behind photo - the ripples are divine.

Hugs coming your way ... xoxo

Donna S. said...

Hope things "clear" up for you soon!!! And work slows down a little, too!!

Mary said...

I am always stunned at the beauty of your bird captures -- you have such a talent for revealing movement and personality in your subjects! Such lovely works of art, capturing the essence of fragile, fleeting beauty.

(((Hugs))) for you, my friend. xoxo

mrs mediocrity said...

Crazy, crazy busy...

you always make me smile, and who else could ever capture a hummingbird peeing in flight!

Lili said...

Hope everything is okay with your Kate! Those hummers and butterfly shots are SO dang pretty! Even the one with the pee...LOL! Love the butterfly V you thought to take for your sis! xo ~Lili

Lili said...

Don't know what happened to my comment...durn I'll try to remember what I said. I hope you are okay Kate with what you were alluding to in this post. And your hummers and butterfly shots are just so dang pretty! Even the one with the hummer peeing...LOL! LOVE that you thought to take the shot of the butterfly 'V' for your sis. xo ~Lili