Lens Artists Challenge #420: Looking Back to #125 You Pick It/Wabi Sabi

Sofia found perfection in choosing imperfection–Wabi Sabi! This was difficult for me because I tend to toss out my imperfect photos, keeping the best to use in blogs. So I chose to look for wabi sabi in nature, old things and things that are no longer useful and to concentrate on the imperfect definition of wabi sabi.

Let’s start with nature which never disappoints with life cycles. We lost many trees in a big wind storm a few years ago, photo number one is a toppled tree in Effie Yeaw. Every autumn our trees lose leaves as they dry up and turn brown. Cut logs even turn color as they dry. Lichen finds a home on a vine that is encircling a pipe. Talk about symbiosis! Fire turns a beautiful forest landscape found in Lassen National Park into devastation.

Age causes metal to rust creating that beautiful texture and patina. Yes, I love rust!

Finally, what happens to things that are no longer useful? During our photo outings, we find many abandoned items left to rot. In the country we find lots of old trucks on farms. One of my favorites is the old Point Reyes near the town of Point Reyes. Since this picture, a group of photographers decided to play with steel wool, lighting it up and catching the back of the boat on fire. There’s not much left of this old landmark. Old buildings with broken stucco and dirty windows are plentiful in the country (Yolo County.)

So there is my attempt at wabi sabi. Sofia I hope I got it right! When you respond to this challenge, please link to Sofia’s original post and use the Lens-Artist tag. Last week, Next week Patti will be leading the challenge, so please look for her post.

In search of vineyards: Plymouth, California

My first commission (well sort of a commission) came from my son and daughter-in-law. “We want a lot of your pictures in our new house,” Greg said. Jess was more detailed–vineyards and oak trees. So, I waited until the leaves on the grapevines were green and the grapes were maybe turning color.

My first effort was going to Plymouth in Amador County to search the vineyards closer to home. We had some success. But first we went to Michigan Bar Road and that nice farm. I’ve posted pictures from it in this blog before, so for those who have followed me for a long time, you’re not experiencing deja vu! If you’re new to this blog, here’s your chance! I did try to take a different view of it.

We then went to the Amador Flower Farm where I found a beautiful old oak, and flowers for close ups. The close ups were done with my 18 – 200mm lens. (Yes, I’m keeping it!).

Now for the wineries. They were all located on Shenandoah Rd and it was an easy ride. I think Jess will be happy with some of these.

My search didn’t stop here. Next post: Napa Valley!