For Those Who May Not See

Often when I am out exploring in the natural world I am thinking about those unable to get out. For some the hurdles are mobility, or balance, or whatever might be a limiting factor. Certainly for many age has brought about days with much less or no outdoor experiences. For those who used to do what I am doing now (frequently exploring the outdoors), but now are not able, I am hopeful I might be able to provide periodic glimpses of those scenes etched in the minds of our senior outdoors folks. Sharing is the least I can do.

Often I think of my mother when I am out. Health conditions limit her physical activities. Yet in Mom’s mind she has very definite appreciation of God’s work in the outdoors. For folks like Mom, and others, I am hopeful my images maintain the “fire in the soul” for what we have in our wild areas.

Tonight while paddling my imaging went back and forth between reality and abstract compositions. Autumn leaves were real. Reflections on the water were much less definite. When I saw the reflections, especially as they were impacted by my subtle movements in my canoe, I found my eyes following the random leading lines throughout the photos. Some lines drew me directly to another part of the frame while others led me back and forth and around.

As I paddled tonight I think I spent more time navigating by reflections than by reality. It was interesting and calming after an unusual day.

By the way, I am hopeful that when my time outdoors is limited, many of the images I am seeing now will remain clear and vibrant in my mind.