Lens Artists Challenge #396: Illustrate a Quote

Gosh, I do a lot of confessing in this blog. I don’t usually pay attention to quotes. Yes, I read them, but then quickly file them away. So Ann-Christine’s challenge is a bit of a stretch for me, but a worthwhile experience. As I looked for quotes, I realized how the experiences of obtaining them and how they pertained to my pictures affected me. Let’s see what I found.

How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!-John Muir.

I have witnessed many beautiful sunrises in various venues, but my photo below is a special one–first light at Yosemite Falls. Capturing this scene, during the winter, required getting up while it was dark, finding a place on the bridge, and waiting. As my friend and I waited, more photographers came. It was cold! The wait and frigid temperatures were worth it. Afterward, I remember feeling like I accomplished something amazing. Would I do it again? Only if I was prepared for freezing cold–thermals and two layers on top, and hand and foot warmers in place!

During my quote search, I came upon a few, but perfect, unattributed beauties like this one.

Colors are the smiles of nature.

Nature has many ways of bringing us joy–the forest, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and the ocean. But one stand out are the rainbows with their brilliant colors. I captured this rainbow during a campout in the Sierra Foothills after a short sprinkle of rain.

You know I love to photograph landscapes, and many are to be found in our National Parks. We happened to be at Lassen NP last year. I remember stepping out of our trailer to the smell of pine trees–how wonderful! Lassen is still recovering from a devastating wildfire, but much of her beauty remains.

Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer – and often the supreme disappointment. – Ansel Adams

I started with Sunrise, so it’s only fitting that I end with Sunset. These are the two most photogenic times of the day to capture wonderful photos. This was taken early in my photo hobby effort. I guess I knew then when to press the shutter. How often does the setting sun shoot a beam through an open barn door? Unfortunately, I found another perfect, but unattributed, quote.

Sunset: the sun’s fiery kiss goodbye to the day.

I had fun finding quotes that would fit my photographs. It’s an exercise I hope to do again. When you respond, please remember to link to Ann-Christine’s post and use the Lens-Artist tag. Last week we looked back with Beth. I had fun seeing your memories. Next week it’s my turn to present the challenge, so beware and look for my post!!

In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient!

Behind Again #1

What happens when you go on weekly photo outings and then get busy with other things? You forget to post your pictures! Yes, I have a few from the later part of 2024 to show you. These were taken at Chalk It Up, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Rollins Lake, The American River and the Yolo Countryside.

There’s more to come. I’ll post those next week–I hope!

Lens Artists Challenge #317: Walking the Neighborhood

I walk my neighborhood every day with a dog at the end of a leash. It’s really too early to take photos, so I’ve enlarged my stomping grounds and take my camera on photo outings. But, last week, I found a new neighborhood: Rollins Lake in the Sierra Foothills.

I don’t think Tina will mind if I show you the small campground I walked Gem through several times a day. We camped, or should I say glamped, with another couple. Both of us have RVs. The season just ended and we had the campground to ourselves.

Although mostly overcast, the weather was great. We were even treated to a pre-rain rainbow.

We did climb into the truck to see the boat launch and lake.

I hope my temporary neighborhood qualifies for Tina’s wonderful challenge. I’m excited to see your neighborhoods. Please remember to link to Tina’s post when you respond and use the Lens-Artist tag. Last week Egidio prompted us to show how we have fun. It was a delight to see all your posts.

I’ll be in San Jose for two weeks caring for a dear friend. I’m sure I will be able to enjoy your posts, but I’m not sure about generating my own. My laptop doesn’t have enough memory to handle processing programs. Take care everyone!

Never enough: The Lotus are blooming, part 2

It’s like chocolate, there’s never enough. Okay, sometimes I’ve reached my full level of chocolate, but it’s always good. That’s the way a visit to a lotus pond is, always delightful. Sometimes I like watching the people more that shooting the flowers. Onlookers faces light up, and smiles are abundant. Nature does have a way to bring joy into a bleak year.

So, here’s the rest of my images from William Land Park in Sacramento. If you looked hard enough through the large leaves, you could see some floral reflections.

And then some lucky duck finds a rainbow.

And now on to the Vedanta Society of Sacramento and their small lotus pond. This was a quick visit, and I was dismayed to miss seeing the peacocks. Usually they roam around the area. And in the water lily pond, I saw only leaves, no flowers. But the lotus were not disappointing.

Lotus, like chocolate, begs to be re-visited. Maybe soon, at different angles, different time of day? And did you know that lotus bring you good luck? After posting part 1 of my lotus images I was asked to join the Lens Artists group. I am honored!