Tag Archives: Pines Park

Feeling Squirrelly?

I enjoy watching creatures. Insects, animals, humans; they are all fascinating. This squirrel was on a mission. There was a lovely picnic basket nearby, unattended. Three squirrels investigated, eventually tipping it over. Scurrying ensued. The sudden movement had frightened them. But they returned, undaunted. The loot was too tempting for them to ignore. Watching these quick, resourceful, and inquisitive cuties filled me with peaceful pleasure. They didn’t seem to care that I was watching.

I wonder what others see when they watch me. I hope they see me smile, praise, laugh and encourage. But I know that sometimes they see my serious face, contemplating every detail of my life–as if the world will fall of its axis if I don’t. It won’t.

Sometimes a picnic basket and a few foraging squirrels is all I need to remind me how stunningly beautiful life can be…if only I will stop and notice. Today I will tip out the contents of my rich life and enjoy each item through the lens of simple appreciation. If you happen to see me, I will be smiling, broadly.

Picture is the property of Author/Photographer, Britton Minor

Sun god

My pulse rises as I pull into a spot at the curb, grab my camera, and scan the park for a place to capture the bursting sky. Another photographer and his lady offer me a prime bench seat. I sit down gratefully and begin to shoot, wondering if a Canonite would have been so generous with the real estate. I’ve heard about the rivalry between those who, like me, shoot with a Nikon, and those who prefer Canon–but have never experienced it.

I decide to play with exposure compensation, dialing it down in an attempt to capture the way the vibrant oranges are manipulating the grayish blue sea; casting shadows on the sailboats, whose skippers must surely be preparing to sacrifice their lives for the mere chance to party with the irresistible sun god.

A wave of peaceful satisfaction washes over me. Behind the lens, with an abundance of manual settings literally at my fingertips, I am participating in the way creativity mingles with reality, enjoying the unchoreographed dance of a spontaneous life.

 

 

 

Photograph is property of the author/photographer, Britton Minor