L is for Looking

In the course of a day, our busy eyes process   

innumerable objects and images. Faces, flowers and 

facts float before us in a frantic bid to catch our 

attention. 

No sooner is an 

item noted than our 

eyes 

are drawn away  to 

something else.

Life can seem like  a flickering  television drama, 

darting quickly from scene to scene, with frequent

explosions of commercials in between, all happening at 

breakneck speed. No wonder we feel time is 

running away from us.

And while we spend our lives looking 

at things, we miss so much of what 

is right in front of us. 

I have 

learned that looking with the heart 

and head, as well as the eyes, can 

slow the world down for a much-

needed break in the day's 

busyness.

Every now and then, stop for a bit. Stand quietly 

and look around you. I guarantee that wherever you 

are, there will be something lovely to capture your 

imagination..

                        The multi-hued brilliance of autumn leaves...

lacy shadows on a woodland trail...

a row of robust pumpkins
 at the greengrocer's.. 

the pleasing symmetry of a

weathered, wooden bridge...

old boots who've 

found a second

home as 

planters...

afternoon sun on 

a pretty vase...

a perfect reflection of 

clouds...

the sweet grace of a garden ornament...

and dappled light as it twirls on sunlit water...

Even vintage film canisters stand to 

attention and beg to be noticed 

when we look their way.

Above all, gaze often at the faces   

of the ones you love. They will be 

the most beautiful and important 

things your eyes will see in a day... 



I am linking to the wonderful ABC Wednesday, where 

you will find many other takes on the letter 'L'.

http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca/

H is for Happy

Just a few things that make me happy...

Spending time with my kids...

...especially when we're all feeling silly...

J.J.,  Nikki,  Nette  and Jules 

...exploring abandoned and forbidden places...

 Henry Bose Farm, Surrey, B.C.

...revisiting favourite haunts...

Finn Slough, Richmond. B.C. 

...hanging around boats... 

...especially when the 

skies are grey and moody...

         Steveston, B.C.

...going on road trips with my husband, 

(aka my partner-in-crime)...

Arizona, USA 

...having my camera at hand to capture what's left of a passing storm...

...mucking about in my wellies....

...especially when autumn leaves start to fall.

I could go on forever, but as I'm already late posting , I'll simply suggest that you stop by ABC Wednesday for more takes on the 

letter 'H'....

http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.ca

Autumn's Farewell

This is one of the first pieces I wrote when I began blogging last November. I thought to repost it, both in celebration of the joy my first year of blogging has brought me...and as a gentle farewell to my much-loved autumn as she now steps gracefully back to make room for winter's chill...

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After days of driving rain, the sun shows itself briefly. The sudden brightness boldly illuminates the russet leaves on the steps, and fills the air with a luminous hue that is almost mystical. In my awareness that winter creeps in closer with every hour, I allow myself to be lured away from work and out into one last brilliant burst of my favourite season.

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Life in our west coast rainforest means that greenery abounds in the giant Douglas firs and in the sword fern and salal that crowd around their feet. In my suburban neighbourhood, it also means that lush lawns swiftly turn into beds of mud, and patchwork-bright leaves turn sodden and gray in puddles that last for weeks on end. Blue skies give way to fierce, dark clouds that hang heavily above our heads, and force us into rubber boots and fleece vests. The indoors beckons with its promise of warmth and security, urging us to eschew the dark, unruly outdoors.

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Still, we have only to wait a while. Winter will turn into spring again…and spring into summer in the endless, reassuring cycle of seasons. Time goes quickly enough…I need not rush it further. For now, I will stand quietly and enjoy the sunshine, warm on my face. I will soak up enough of the golden light and the smoky scent of wood fires to shield my soul against the bitter winds that lie in wait.

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For now, I am content. For now, this moment is all that I need...

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A Canadian Autumn

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Autumn strikes a pose,

that we might better admire
her fine russet gown…

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Indian summer
is a callous lover who

heeds not winters call...

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Summer sheds her green

attire to wrap herself in

cloaks of burnished gold...
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I am linking this post to the Thursday Think Tank Prompt at Poets United. To check out more poems, please visit the link below...
http://poetryblogroll.blogspot.com/

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The photo effects above are courtesy of Funny Photo at the following link...

http://funny.pho.to/

Leafy Shadows

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I love everything about the Fall, from its crisp, cool air laced with the scent of wood-smoke to the brilliant array of colours our Canadian forests take on

as September works its magic

on the painted landscape.

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This is that perfect time when the old resides with the new. I can catch the russet hues of maple leaves pulling on their winter coats, or capture the quiet green cloaks many plants still wear since pulling them on in the spring.

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It is a brief interlude...a respite of short days, before long, chilly nights and cool winds cause my beloved leaves to curl up tightly into themselves,
and become mere shadows of their former glorious selves.

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In the face of impending and inevitable change, my camera and I do our part to capture the beauty of the changing Autumn landscape. Turn away for a moment, and it will be winter, with its own charms and challenges.

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The cyle of seasons is cause for celebration no matter which mantle Mother Nature dons, and I will always be there with my vain attempts to capure that breathtking beauty.

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As if such wonder could really be contained...
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Many thanks to 'Hey, Harriet' for hosting this Sunday event! To see more, do drop by her page at...

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http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/
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