Dream

Without dreams what do we have...a life going by, day by day with little meaning.   Dreams are where we live and plan...without dreams we are just chasing the rainbows...with dreams we can find the rainbow and enjoy the ride.

Don't ever give up on dreaming...and isn't the summer the perfect time to spend a little time daydreaming. Don't forget to bring your notebook and jot a few of those dreams down..and on a day when your feeling not quite up to par...take that notebook out and have a little look...it might be a great time to get started on one of your dreams...here's to hammocks, sunshine, laughter, light and summer dreams.

Back lighting for my 2BeStill class..lesson 8.  I love how this came out.  The rich tones and the suble back light add to the simplicity of the scene...

“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all is a form of planning.” 
― Gloria Steinem

“And people who don’t dream, who don’t have any kind of imaginative life, they must… they must go nuts. I can’t imagine that.” 
― Stephen King

Where Eagles Soar

We should have left as soon as I saw the first black cloud…but we didn’t.  We should have left when I turned and looked behind me and I saw that the sun and the bright cotton clouds in the  sky had completely disappeared…and when my lens hood hit the water from the rocking of the boat while I was trying to balance my 500mm lens on the edge of the rail, I should have tried to save it, but I couldn’t…I was so engaged in the babies…you know, babies catch your attention and you never want to let go…these babies were a rare find..never in a million years would I have thought I would be blessed with this sight that Nature provided for me.  Be still my heart, be still my hands as I try with all the skills I have, to photograph these baby Eagles and their Mom. Be still, damn boat, do your dancing later, but even in the rocking and rolling…I was given this gift that will last me a life time..

This Eagle family is living on a very small Island but the nest is tucked in back of the main boat traffic area...we had passed by it on our way up the lake, not noticing it, on the reverse trip though we were easily able to see it..No on was around...I don't think many know it's there...it is quite a large nest, beautifully made and sits high in a pine tree..we got as close as we could with the boat but nothing appeared to be there...we thought maybe the babies had grown and fled the nest....Until, we saw a very large wing come up..and so the wait began.  Eventually 2 babies, not so small anymore appeared and soon after Mom came along with lunch...below I share with you this unique gift and although the photo's are not tack sharp they still tell the story...I was amazed that they came out as well as most did...from a rocking boat to hand holding a 500mm lens, shooting up, I took advantage of every lull in the waves..and yes, I will continue lifting those weights for my abs...

They are hungry...waiting for Mom, shortly we hear them cry...

Mom arrives but we can't see what she has...this was the shakiest photo..I was so excited and she was flying in quite fast...but still, important to the story I think.

 Mom in the nest with the babies...I love her white tail...like a train on a wedding gown...

Mom getting ready to leave the nest...she really did not stay very long...but she did stay close by...top photo of her on the tree branch..highest branch on the tree is where she sat the rest of the time we were there.

Waiting his turn...when it took to long..these two got in a fight..feathers were flying..just proving that all siblings are the same.

 

When I saw this baby stretch his wings I thought sure he was about to take his first flight...but I guess he was only stretching after such a lovely meal...by the size of them though, I don't think it will be long before they head off on their own...

During this entire feeding process...the Mama Eagle never left them alone...she sat perched on her high branch, and frequently checked back to see what her babies were up to...Mothering Moments.  On my Flickr page I have an album called Mothering Moments...and I have witness so many beautiful, tender, caring moments not only with real Moms but also the Mothering that takes place in the wild...there is really nothing quite like the love of a mother for her Chicks...we feed and care for them...until they are capable to fly with their own wings...and even after that, we hope to see them again one day...even in the great outdoors...not all of us will come upon an Eagles nest but all of us have the potential to Mother...what ever comes across our paths..You never know what a difference a  kind word, a hug or a small gift can make in another's life...and you know what..Mothering just makes you feel good...but I bet you already knew that.

Now why should we have left when we first saw that big black cloud. We were 3/4 of the way up the lake and when the sky opened up we were in a deluge of water so cold and stinging...it was the first time that we ever allowed ourselves to be caught like this...camera gear flying under the seat, wrapped in a towel, Gracie inside my sweatshirt and Jim going full throttle all the way back to the house...I don't think I've ever been so scared in recent years... not fun driving in a metal boat on the water...fortunately it never thundered and there was not any lightening ..and you know, like it so often happens here in Maine...the minute we pulled up to the dock the sun came back out...a challenge from above along with the gift...I'll take it.

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us;  what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."  Albert Pike

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."  Secena

"My time in nature has never been wasted and it has always been rewarded."  C.C.

Look Who's Two

How can it be...where did the time go...the night of his birth now just a distant memory. The fading away of the stress and worry we endured because of  his frail and delicate birth.  Two years of healing and growing and yes, they said it could be like this, but at the time it seemed hard to believe...Jaxson was born with a spirit like no other child that I personally know...Today when I see how far he has come and how smart and funny he is...I know in my heart of hearts that same spirit was in him when he was born and it is what got him through...he is no wimp this boy of our family..

Today, at two...he runs and plays and picks flowers for his Nana...we watch as Liam plays T-ball.  I watch him learn about life amongst the dandelions, throw away flowers to most but not to Jaxson.  To him they are beautiful and deserve a place in a glass of water on my windowsill and of course we put them there when we go home...And along with picking those flowers, he chats to me about how "pretty" they are.  His speech is well above most children his age...he is charming in his choice of words. and his stories are very entertaining. I, of course, am thrilled at how far he has progressed..It has really been an amazing journey with this boy of light and love.

His eyes are what get you first...and he knows how to use them...then his sweet and loving personality kicks in for added insurance so he can manoeuvre his way around you...and if none of that works, he moves into high gear to let you know he is not happy with your decision.  Now I know, as a parent and now as a grandparent, that you are not suppose to encourage a stand-off with a two year old..but can I just tell you with Jaxson it just works..OMG, the look on his "angry face" is so darn cute and the pouty lips moving into a "raspberry" is just to funny.. Now that he is two I have to turn away and laugh..in one way...he is moving away from this gesture as he grows and learns some rules..and honestly, as much as I know he needs to move on...I will sure miss his spunky attitude..his knowing what he wants and that look on his face.  In defense of him though...he moves out of his "mood" so quickly you wonder...did that really happen...He is such a joyful, happy baby.

Every once in awhile he gives in to the tiredness of his busy schedule and catches a few winks in the car...It's not easy being two and learning the lessons of life.  Fortunately he has his big brother Liam to help him along...and now that Jaxson is "a big boy" they are so much fun to watch together...so when Liam is being quiet in the car...Jaxson folds his hands and tucks them into the seat belt, I like to think he is asking God for more strength for his journey ahead.  To keep him safe and strong.  I love to see him like this and so I capture him.  I capture both him and Liam in so many everyday, anytime situation.  Someday they will have a journal of their young years...or at least that is my hope...but it also is my gift to myself...to be able, as the years move by, to remember all the tiny, everyday things that they have done...and of course the milestones also..

So Happy Second Birthday Jaxson...you deserve all the love that surrounds you.  You give back more than we give and you shine your magic on us each time you visit.  Where did the two years go...they went into the hearts and souls of all of us who know you.  He has built his network from frail beginnings but he is a powerhouse now...I just can't wait to watch him go, go, go...I love you Jaxson, a bushel and a peek and a hug around the neck...Your Nana

Insight..into Meditation

I've been taking meditation classes for awhile now...some of you probably already know that my son, Chris, owns his own studio...and he is wonderful at what he does...along with teaching us how to meditate, each week he explains more about the 4 Noble Truths...in a way that we can understand it.  It is not always easy but with his words..and gentle coaching I'm starting to get it...this week he explained how the Breath is really the body within the body.  I loved the sound of that and when I close my eyes and think on those words...I get it..Simple right.

So Lesson 6 of Be Still, my class with Kim Klassen, also has an emphasis on slowing down, taking time, breathing..all before hitting the shutter button.  To set ourselves up for quiet and harmony in our images...this water lily fits both Kim's and Chris's perspective on life right now..in this moment. Insight into ourselves...slowly opening our awareness..strange that they both meet me where I stand with with the same intention... without knowing each other. Karma..perhaps, from two people I very much respect.

"In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness."  Mahatma Gandhi

On the image above I processed it a bit in light room and then used Kim's pre-set darkmood.  At first I wasn't sure if I liked it because it wasn't bright and brilliant but the more I thought about the theme today...it's the perfect processing for this flower..very moody and thought provoking.

On another note...I have spent two days working on getting an e-mail subscription up and running  for those of you  who have asked for it...I am so happy to say that finally it is up working, I find new things so challenging but so pleased when it all comes together...So please, if it is easier for you, give the e-mail subscription a try...I would love to hear from you in the comment section...thanks so much for stopping by...you all inspire me to continue doing my best both in my photography and my writing... 

Looking For Papa

I'm not quite sure who is the most fortunate in the threesome of "boys"...is it the little boys or the one very sweet Big boy..I do know that their "game" is having fun.  Whenever they are together you can be sure Papa is right in the middle, not only taking good care of them but totally enjoying his experiences with them...It's like being a Dad all over again, without any of the responsibilities...as for me, I get to witness it all and take the photo's...and yes, I get my fair share of love also....but today is Papa's Day..and the boys are coming to Maine...and I can guarantee you...there will be lots of Papa request.. and he never says No...

  

Jaxson and Liam both know that if they have any problems with any toy, bike or something that needs batteries, Papa is the fix-it man...and you know what...he always gets it right...lots of times, during the day, I hear a little voice calling "PAPA"...and I know that a repair job is needed..I love that Jaxson looks on, just to make sure Papa knows what he's doing...and Liam also has his lists of request during the day also...Papa is a busy guy when the boys are around.

All Jaxson has to do is smile that smile and flash those baby blue eyes and Papa becomes putty in his hands...actually, we all do...who can resist such sweetness...He's a charmer and a manipulator for sure..

Liam learned to trust in the process with Papa...he is always there to catch him when he falters or leaps in the wrong direction..Papa's arms are always stretched out to comfort and hold them whenever a hug is needed or a story read.  He gives them the assurance that they need and then they move forward again..

The boys have been walking a path with Papa since Liam was a toddler...holding hands as they go, they navigate through conversation and trust...learning of life and of each other...comfortable in their stride and building beautiful memories...these moments are some of my favorites and I'm sure both Papa and Liam would agree...Jaxson, starts this year to be able to walk the paths with Papa...should be just as beautiful.

Maine the way life should be for both grown men and little boys...Freedom to be outside and experience all that is most prescious in life.  Learning how to steer the boat and swim...learning at the feet of a Grandfather all life's most important lessons...but mostly learning how to value time and love.  To smell pine needles and watch the sunset, to hear the cry of the loons...to toast marshmellows or make smores on an open camp fire..to run and yell and cook on the grill...all the time, with your Papa close by watching over you..and at night...two boys tucked in between a Papa and a Nana, storying telling...in the big bed.  Bliss

Wherever these two boys travel in life...I know that they will take all the love and lessons of a very special Papa with them...they are his entertainment and his joy...in the same sense, they are very fortunate to have such a loving and attenative Papa....a Papa who, like small children, doesn't know what the word No means when it comes to being a great Papa...yes, is his word for them, not matter what they want...

Happy Father's Day Papa....the boys are here.

"Great fathers get promoted to grandfathers"

"a grandparent has the wisdom of long experience and the love of an understanding heart."

Last photo taken by Jenna Barton of the boys...but I just love it...

Although my blog is used for all my photography, it's main purpose has always been a journal to my family. Some day..I hope that all of my children will have the desire to read it and understand my love for them...so please excuse me if sometimes it takes a more personal turn...on the other hand I love when anyone visits.