Saturday, November 27, 2010

the perfect sunset

Sometimes I am struck speechless by the beauty of nature that is around me.  In the odd moment, when I least expect it, I stop what I am doing and take a moment to notice nature.  It means I have to still my speeding thoughts, what is occupying me at that minute, and focus totally on what is in front of my eyes.

Last night right before dark was one of those unexpected moments.  Duncan (my 5 year old grandchild) was laying on the bed in the spare bedroom by me and we were watching a movie.  My attention wandered, as it often does, and I lifted the blinds to stare at the color of the sky, because the light was casting a yellow glow on the blinds.  I had my iPhone handy and snapped a few shots of the window and blinds, just idly passing some time.  Then something, I am not sure what, made me raise up on an elbow and look at the horizon.

And I saw the sky on fire with golds, and reds, pinks, and purples.  I am sure there have been sunsets before like that in Alabama, but at that moment I was struck by the uniqueness of it.  And the transient nature of it.  I knew in my heart and mind at that moment there would never be another opportunity quite like that one.  And I jumped up and raced to the other room, grabbing Big Girl on my way out the front door.  I ran to the edge of the yard and started snapping the lens.  I would stop every few moments to gaze at the sky and marvel at the beauty in front of my eyes.  I miss some photos that way, but I firmly believe you should live the moment, and if you are only focused on taking the photo, you aren't really aware of what is in front of your eyes.


As I took photos, I felt a peacefulness, a tranquility that I don't always have on board emotionally.  And I realized why.  You can't improve on nature.  It is perfect in all it's forms.  We humans work our lives away arranging this, and accomplishing that, setting goals to reach, relationships to work on, and all the stuff that eats up the minutes of our lives until our time on this earth is over.  Nature, on the other hand, just is.  There is no hidden agenda, no goal to reach.  Simply, there is just existence. 

So the next time you see that perfect cloud, or the pond that is still and inviting, or the perfect sunset, stop.  Take a few moments, empty the thoughts from your mind, and enjoy.  Take slow deep breaths and feel the still perfection of nature.  Feel the connection to it, live it for a few short moments.  It will never be that same moment again.  

12 comments:

  1. That is a wonderful moment you had and you got some really nice pictures too. I sometimes have to tell my self to stay in the moment because my first reaction is to run and grab the camera. About a week or so ago a beautiful white dove landed in the tree in front of me. I have never seen a dove in this area in all my years living here. It flew down and just sat there watching us as we were out in the yard with the dogs. I wanted to run a grab the camera but something said stay in the moment or I would have missed the gift. I did pull out the phone but you can barely see it. Thanks for sharing this!

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  2. glad you enjoyed it Deanne, and I did take time to just stand and look for a while until it was almost dark...I felt like I was receiving some magnificent, mysterious gift!

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  3. It's great when we not only receive the gift but are aware that we a witnessing one...some people may have missed the point of the moment. Me, I may have missed the bird had I moved and I know a white dove is a rare sighting here and also the sign of the holy spirit so I stayed put. It was a bit strange as the dogs usually scare the birds away this bird flew in a was beautiful and was still on the branch and just watch us. I told my husband it was a good sign! He thinks I am a crazy women....lol

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  4. I was out in my backyard doing the same thing a few weeks ago. It was so fun to just be out there with my camera and nature. It's one of those moments where you feel truly alive. I love your pics!

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  5. Thanks so much for the comments Deanne and Monica. To share my photographs and paintings has been a big step for me, for many years only family has been allowed into this part of what makes me tick. Family, my safety zone. But the positive feedback from you all, my new "family" has begun to feed a creative fire in me that was dying a slow death until about three years ago, when I discovered the canvas of life through my photographs. If I can share one small part of the wonder of what I see around me with my photography, then I am satisfied.
    Thanks again...

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  6. So beautiful Cathy. I am one who notices sunsets and color a lot and your pictures are stunning.

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  7. Thanks Kathy! I find myself spending a lot of my time looking up at the sky, which could explain why I fall so much! :)

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  8. Thanks for sharing Cathy! The pictures are beautiful. My kids think I'm crazy because I love to look at "naked" trees. You know, trees without the leaves? There is something so graceful about them. The shape fo the tree and the limbs is remarkable. I think you may have inspired another blog entry for me. ;)

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  9. Absolutely beautiful pictures of nature's awesome gift to us all. And your response was equally inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. thanks Beckey! I love trees at any time of the year...they truly show us the cycle of life...and the symmetry of nature.

    glad you enjoyed the post Margaret...there aren't many posts that don't have photos with them...I just feel I tell a story better with them...
    thanks again for all the comments!

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