Somewhere Across the Waters
Our wanderings today took us close to my beloved Lake Erie shoreline. The sky near the horizon was dark but the lake reflected a mystical light of green-blue. A few minutes well-spent gazing upon the mystic lake waters.
Into the Mystic Waters
Al Fresco
On a walk today, I glanced down an alleyway and spied this scene: patio seating in a very grungy setting. The dreary skies softened lighting in an already-shaded area and amplified the mood of the al fresco table. I’ve ordered a replacement smart phone for my trusty iPhone SE that has served me so well so this may well be one of the last photos I shoot with its remarkable built-in camera.
“Even in the midst of the storm the sun is still shining.” ― Dayna Lovely
Storm clouds flowed overhead at the edge of a storm seen from rural Medina County (Ohio) but light could be seen on the horizon. “Even in the midst of the storm the sun is still shining.” ― Dayna Lovely
Last Light – Sunday Afternoon
Storm clouds engulf the last remainders of clear sky.
Sunset, March 16
Weather this month has featured cold, warmth, rain, frost, and wind. There was even a bit of thunder the other night. We’ve also been treated to a couple of really beautiful sunsets; they’re nice mood-lifters. We live in a high-elevation location but there are few clear, unobstructed views to be had. I wish I had clear views but I try and make do.
Sunset, March 17
Hard Times. Rise Above. The scene on a gloomy day in Delphos, Ohio.
Green Wood
A visit to the Summit Metro Parks’ Nature Realm helped lift me from my dark mood today; sometimes getting out into a serene natural area can help. Rains last night had wet the woodlands of the park area, subdued light, and absence of park visitors — along the earthen trail — made for a soothing environment. Birds sang their songs in the canopy of trees whilst, in the understory, chipmunks and squirrels scurried about. The warm damp provided perfect conditions for varieties of fungi to grow on fallen tree trunks. The peace and beauty of the place crept inside, imparting some relief from the disappointments humanity has dished out over the past few days in national and world news.
In the dark woods I tried some experiments employing my camera’s high ISO capability. My image of a Harvestman (“Daddy Longlegs”) on a shelf fungus was shot, handheld, at ISO 8,000 at 1/125 second! Viewed at 100 percent, grain is easily visible in the photo but smooth and subtle enough to make for a good photo at smaller sizes. The “Green Wood” picture took advantage of pond water that was already a seemingly unnatural green reflecting the green of shore plants around a submerged chunk of wood — a picture I’m very happy with. That was at a more conservative ISO of 250.
Harvestman’s Shelf
Gloom and Ice Close In
Gloom and ice pile ashore on a cold day in January. Mountains of fractured lake were pushed on to the beach by strong winds. Low clouds, colored with despair, fill the sky and soul. An other-worldly stage is set by the forces of nature. Close your coat tight. Turn your back to the ice world. Seek shelter. Gloom and ice close in.
A cascade of blooms falls towards a small stream on a misty morning.
While some like only bright, sunny days, I find harmony and inspiration in the melancholy nature of a day like today. The light is soft, the skies gray, a soft mist occasionally falls, colors are more intense, the world and my soul a little quieter.
The door is unlocked: padlock missing, hasp open. Nobody enters. There is no reason to go there. Spiders stretch thick webs. There are likely other creatures inside that space, most wanting to hide. Paint peels, revealing the colorful past, before falling away and exposing aging bare wood. The door is unlocked but is no entry.
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