Seashells as Metaphor

Both of these compositions are as I found them..."Still-Life by God".
I like the whole notion of shells as metaphors for life, forgiveness, and faith. Collecting shells is seasonal in that, specific shells are more likely to be found at particular times of the year. Spring-time brings a lot of the same shells in different sizes. I think it is awesome that this comes at the time of year when we remember Christ shedding His blood and giving up His body, so that we might have new life in a new, spiritual body.
Tom and I "escaped from D.C." 11 years ago and have certainly put on new "shells". We are now homeowners, lake / forest dwellers; grandparents, "older parents" of a young boy, dog and rabbit owners, have a pool.....you get the idea. We have lost friends and family through death and circumstance, and gained new ones as well.There have been even more dramatic changes in our inner selves.

Hidden Before Our Eyes

The beaches in South Carolina are literally strewn with these tiniest of treasures throughout most of the year. Because they are everywhere in abundance very seldom have I ever seen passersby pause to cherish their beauty. Much of life is like that: that which is in abundance in our lives is taken for granted and goes unnoticed. I strive to live my life in such a way that I am grateful for the little things in life. Each morning, I begin my day by listing at least ten things that I am grateful for. Some days it is hard to come up with ten things. Other days, I can hardly tear myself away from adding to the list. This jump starts my day with an open heart and I find it easier to be giving to others.

Baby's Ears

These are my favorite shells to find and remind me of my Momma. I have a special eye for them...tiny and delicate they seem to jump right out of the sand to my eye. I always come home with pockets full of them. The intricate patterning our Creator, God put into them fills me with amazement.

Creatures at Nightfall

Sitting lakeside in the forest at nightfall can take some getting used to. Sitting still and quiet, the leaves on the forest floor seemingly come to life, as toads and frogs wake and make their way to the lake. To sit still, long enough, means they may hop and wait, hop and wait, RIGHT next to you!

I have heard that one should do something new &/or scary once a day. My first night at the beach, I headed out well over a mile from civilization. I discovered that the various, "Ghost Crabs" freeze when faced with a light. This guy reminds me of a kitten with his little "paws" tucked under him. When I turned off the light and sat still, the shells seemed to come alive with the skittering of these little fellows. Amazing how the beach could remind me of my forest home.

In capturing the above shot, I did a face plant with my telescoping lens, right into moist sand. The little Canon held up through the next morning, then suddenly seized. Having been shelved for the last 2 years, the HP just doesn't cut it anymore...I have a new "baby" on the way.....and I am very excited!

Following the Light

My grandmother used to say that in life, "there will always be peaks and valleys". When I hit the valleys, I try to stay focused on the upcoming mountain top. We all need hope and life really does seem to ebb and flow like this.

God graced me with this image and it is how I have been feeling lately.
In terms of composition, I am a purist and never crop after the shoot. I took this shot looking straight up. I turned it every direction, but came back to the image as it was shot. I especially like the dark, empty spot above the light, and the tip in the bird's head...Is it on it's way to something new? Looking for a new path? Or has it spied the path and is about to take it?

"But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 41:31

Obligatory Bird Shots

These two, with their backs turned...they just look deep in conversation. Or, perhaps, the one on the right just made an offensive comment / suggestion, to the one on the left....

A World Away

What a great getaway !! and what a world of difference from my forest home !!! Our Creator, God put so much care into so many, diverse things !! All for us, His beloved children and heirs to His Kingdom!!! From the tiniest minnow, to the infinite heavens !! From the tiniest crab to the vastness of the sands and oceans.... WOW ! What an Artist!!! What a Loving Father !!!