Just Play

By Cathy

Summertime and playing go hand in hand. Summertime brings baseball, pool time, picnics, and vacations; lots of fun and lots of playing time. I can remember when I was a child looking forward to summer, because we could play all day. And play we did! I remember hours of sitting on a hot sidewalk playing Jacks. I even remember one summer my sister and I played a game of Monopoly all summer. That’s right, the game went on all summer. We just kept borrowing money from the bank!! I’m sure you have fond memories of playing as a child and even as an adult.

My goal this summer is to have fun and play with my camera. The idea of playing and having fun with my camera came as I was reading a photography book written by Kim Manley Ort, who is a contemplative photographer and author. There is a chapter in her book, Adventures In Seeing, where Kim reminds us to “never lose that sense of play, curiosity, exploration, and discovery.” On Kim's blog she has a very good article on The Value of Play in Photography.

I was flipping through a book about my camera while thinking of a way to play and discovered a feature that allows me to create photos with special effects provided by the camera processor; not in post-processing. The one I chose to play with first was Watercolor which creates a look with blurring and runny colors. I’ve been spending time outside creating watercolor pictures of everything I can think of. Did I get any breathtaking photos? No, but that wasn’t the purpose. The purpose was to have a little fun and I definitely did that. I’m even going to print some of them to remind me to play more often.

How long has it been since you just had fun and played with your camera? I’m not talking about taking pictures with it. I’m talking about having fun and playing! How long since you took a picture that made you laugh out loud because you were having so much fun? If you’re like me it’s probably been a while. One of the photos I took did make me laugh! I took a picture of a small piece of lichen floating in water. When I pulled it up on my computer it looked like the face of some a happy monster. Think Sesame Street Monsters!

To get your creative juices flowing, I’ve made a short list of photography projects that would be fun.

• go on a scavenger hunt with a list of objects to find
• photograph only one color
• shoot only reflections
• create abstract photos
• shoot without looking into the viewfinder or the LCD screen
• photograph children’s toys

Summertime is a great time to play a little with our cameras. Try it! You might just find yourself smiling or laughing at what you create or discover.

Spend Time With a Children's Book

by Cathy

During the spring and before the summer heat becomes unbearable, you’ll find me eating my lunch outside with a good book. Not an adult book, but a children’s book. I have a love affair with children’s books and own quite a large collection of them. I ran across this quote recently at Read Brightly. 

"Children's books are a fascinating blend of simplicity and life lessons. They're like security blankets - all warm and fuzzy on the outside, but deeply symbolic on the inside. They can be funny,  touching, deep, dark, poignant, or charming, but in the end, they're just the books we love. That's why they so often stay with us well into adulthood."     ~ Devon Corneal

Over the years of reading and rereading my children's books there are two characters that stand out above the others, steal my heart, and bring me joy . . . Peter Pan and Anne of Green Gables. Peter because he refuses to grow old and loves adventures. Anne because she has such an optimistic spirit and the most original view of the world. I’ve revisited my “bosom buddies” (as Anne would say) by rereading their stories while eating lunch.

After reading four books about Peter, I began rereading the Anne of Green Gable series. Lucy Maud “L. M.” Montgomery, a Canadian author, wrote these beloved tales of a young orphan who stole the hearts of a rather conservative brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla. As I mentioned above she stole my heart, too! Published in 1908, the first book sold 19,000 copies in its first few months and went to print 10 times in the first year. The book would ultimately sell over 50 million copies. This was truly an amazing feat since it was written by a female author about a female protagonist and sold without Amazon!

Montgomery’s character Anne has a unique way of expressing her optimistic spirit and her delight in the world. She is grateful . . . she is hilarious . . . and she is wise. I’d like to share just a few of her lovely words accompanied with some pictures. 

“That is one good thing about this world . . . there are always sure to be more springs.”

“Isn’t it good just to be alive on a day like this?

I pity the people who aren’t born yet for missing it.”

“One can’t stay sad very long in such an interesting world, can one?”

“I like the lane because you can think out loud

there without people calling you crazy.”

“I have a conviction that there are scores of beautiful nooks

that have never really been seen although they may have been looked at.”

“Life is rich and full here . . . everywhere . . .  if we can only learn to open our whole hearts to its richness and fullness.”

I would encourage you to pick up a children’s book this summer and read it. There are so many wonderful choices out there. If you have any suggestions for a good children’s book for my summer lunchtime reading, let me know in the comment section. I’d love to add them to my list.

In case you’re not interested in reading children’s books, Deanna gave us a great list of summer reading material last week in her post. I’ve added several of those to my grownup reading list.

Happy Summer Reading to you all!

Tranquility

By Cathy

Come take a stroll with me through a lovely Japanese garden where we'll find tranquility in the midst of a busy world. Our stroll will be serene, gentle, meditative, and natural. Japanese gardens bring together aspects of nature in harmonious landscaping.

The garden we’re strolling through is a promenade garden which is meant to be seen one landscape at a time. Think about a scroll of painted landscapes. As you slowly unroll the scroll more beauty is revealed. The pathways through the garden lead us from one landscape to another and beckon us to explore around the corner. Along the pathways we cross bridges which symbolize the path to paradise and immortality.

We want to be sure and cross the zigzag bridge which is believed to protect us from evil spirits in the garden. The myth says that evil spirits can only travel in a straight line, so the bridge traps them, allowing us to escape to safety.

Each plant and tree in the garden is chosen for its seasonal colors or religious symbolism. Nothing is left to chance. Trees are carefully trimmed to make them look more ancient, to provide beautiful scenes, and to prevent them from blocking other views of the garden. Shade sections rely on subtle color contrast and bold textural differences to create interest.

A rustic tea houses is hidden in its own little garden. Views of the garden are framed in open windows and doors, making the garden and the tea house become one.

Japanese stone lanterns, according to tradition, were added to tea gardens by the first great tea masters. Now most of them are used purely for decoration.

Notice the rocks and stones placed throughout the garden. They are chosen for their age and color creating a sense of balance and strength. A rough, vertical rock may represent a mountain. Smooth flat rocks represent the earth and are often used as stepping stones. Sand and gravel represent a beach or flowing river. Rocks are arranged in careful compositions with three rocks being the most common. The tallest rock represents heaven, the shortest rock is the earth, and the medium-sized rock is humanity. Throughout the garden rocks are placed seemingly at random locations to suggest spontaneity, but their placement is carefully chosen.

As we go deeper into the garden we hear the sound of moving water. We are led to a beautiful cascade, which represents in miniature form Japan’s famous mountain waterfalls. The cascade faces toward the moon and is designed to capture the moon’s reflection on the water. As we leave the cascade we can follow the water channel to other pools. The sound of moving water adds to the soothing nature of the garden.

The ponds and streams are carefully placed to attract good fortune.The water enters the garden from the east or southeast and flows toward the west. The Japanese believe that water flowing from east to west carries away evil and the owner of the garden will be healthy and have a long life.

I wish I could express in words what I was feeling as I walked through this beautiful garden of tranquility, but I can’t!  J. Carter Brown expressed it very well when he said, “No one will understand a Japanese garden until you’ve walked through one, and you hear the crunch underfoot, and you smell it, and you experience it over time. Now there’s no photograph or any movie that can give you that experience.” His words are so true.

Thank you for joining me as I wandered through the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Springfield Missouri. I hope you were able to feel some of it’s tranquility.

A Garden + A Theme = Learning

Wanderlust is in my blood. I get it from my dad. We both have a strong urge to wander or travel. I find that urge to wander carries over into my photography. Most of the time even though I go to a specific destination, I just wander along letting my instincts and curiosity lead me. There’s nothing wrong with that as I always find something of interest, but recently I tried something different. I went with a specific theme to photograph. My destination was a woodland garden that I have been to many times. I thought by choosing a place I’ve been before I wouldn’t be overwhelmed with the newness of everything around me. My theme was leading lines because it is our Monthly Focus  and it is something I needed to work on.

Having something specific in mind changed my shooting approach in a positive way. Having a theme provided a starting point instead of aimless wandering until something caught my eye. Of course, the pathways were the first and most obvious leading lines. It was just a matter of finding a pleasing point of view. I soon discovered that if the lines weren’t obvious like the pathways, I struggled with finding them. Subconsciously I’ve used leading lines before, but to look for them was hard for me. I had all these thoughts running around in my head. Is there a line here? Where is the line leading my eyes? Do the lines help or hinder the photograph? Can I get the line higher or lower to improve the balance? Does the line need to stay inside the frame or lead out? 

I discovered that leading lines don't have to be continuous. Sometimes our eyes will complete the line for us like in the photo above. There is not a complete line of rocks that are visible, but our eyes follow them out of the picture anyway.

I also discovered that abstract images can be improved when there is a line leading your eye through the photo.

Photographing with a theme is not something I’ve done very often. As I said I’m more of a wanderer, but I did like this experience of picking a theme. I felt stimulated and came away with a sense of accomplishment. Having a theme helped me focus because I already knew what I was looking for. It also became a good learning experience. The next time you’re out with your camera you might try choosing a specific theme. Although the possibilities of a photo theme are endless, here are some suggestions to get you started:

• a specific color
• things that are old
• shapes
• patterns
• shadows
• reflections
• signs
• people
• arcitecture

For an extra challenge, pick something you don’t normally photograph.

I encourage you sometime during this month to choose leading lines as your theme and post some of your images in the Focusing On Life Flicker photo pool. I would love to see examples of leading lines as I continue to study them. I honestly need help learning to see them!

Spring Fever or Spring Lethargy?

By Cathy

It’s getting warmer outside; the earth is turning green and flowers are blooming. As spring arrives have you felt your energy level rising, your mood lifting? Have you been a little restless? It’s Spring Fever! You’ve caught Spring Fever! After many long dark dreary days of winter, you feel like you can breathe again and enjoy the rebirth of nature.

But, not everyone feels energetic. For some, it is a season of leaden limbs, fits of yawning, irritability, headaches, and aching joints. It's not Spring Fever, it's Spring Lethargy. Spring Lethargy is similar to a mild case of jet lag. Our bodies are out of rhythm. It hit me this past week. I've been moody and generally overcome with fatigue. Of course, part of that may be the fact that I’m already dreading the heat and humidity of summer! It’s a little depressing to be out-of-sorts on these beautiful spring days. 

Yesterday, I couldn’t find anything I wanted to do. There was yard work that needed done and laundry and this blog post, but I didn’t want to do any of them, so I went for a drive. I didn’t go too far from home; just wandered the highways and back roads. Arkansas highways are beautiful this time of the year. Throughout the state, approximately 200,000 acres of roadsides along approximately 1,000 miles of highways have been planted with wildflowers. Along those stretches of highways you can see red clover, daisies, coneflowers, Queen Anne’s lace, black-eyed Susans, milkweed, and others. Now, that’s a sight that will cheer you up!

I’ve always wanted to stop along the highway and take pictures of the red clover, but there’s never been a safe place to pull over. Finally, on my drive I found the perfect spot. I was able to pull into a parking lot at the bottom of a hill covered in wildflowers, mostly red clover. Of course, it was the middle of the day and the light was harsh, but you know what? I DIDN'T CARE!! I was thrilled to be among such beauty. Needless to say, it certainly uplifted my mood.

Although finding the clover made me feel better, I discovered something else that made me laugh out loud. I'd gotten off the highway preferring the slower pace of back roads. That's where I discovered a camel. Yes, a real camel. Now, that's something you rarely see in Arkansas unless you visit the zoo or an animal wildlife reserve. I discovered that his name was Larry. A couple had also stopped to see him and they began calling his name. He came right up to the fence. They scratched his head. Not me, I stayed my distance, seems to me camels like to spit when provoked! I certainly didn't want to provoke him. He looked so happy and had such a beautiful place to roam with plenty of shade and a large pond nearby. At one point, he laid down, rolled over, and kicked his feet in the air. Sorry I have no pictures of that. He was too far away and in the deep shade. He certainly looked like he was enjoying spring!

I’m glad I got out of the house. It was a nice day full of surprises. There is hope for Spring Lethargy sufferers! This only lasts about two or three weeks as our bodies adapt to the processing of seasonal changes. So be kind and gentle to yourself, give yourself time to adjust.

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is.

And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know

what it is you do want,

but it just fairly makes your heart ache. you want it so!

~ Mark Twain

How Does Your Garden Grow?

By Cathy

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells,

And pretty maids all in a row.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been spending some time outdoors doing a little yard work or preparing your garden space for new flowers or vegetables. As I was cleaning up one of my shade gardens I began to wonder about the history of gardens. What did ancient gardens look like? What did they plant? I did some research about gardens and thought I’d share a little with you. I’ve included a few links if you’d like more information about the garden features.

Medieval Gardens (middle ages to 1500) were mostly near manor houses and monasteries. The gardens consisted of raised beds for growing vegetables and herbs. They were enclosed with wattle fences (saplings woven between upright posts) or hedges. Trellis walkways and arbors provided shade and privacy. In the late 13^th century the rich began to grow gardens for pleasure adding trellises for roses and vines, dovecotes (shelter for nesting pigeons), fish ponds, and orchards.

The Tudor Gardens (1485 – 1603) were influenced by Renaissance Italy. The most recognized feature was the intricate patterns of the knot garden, geometric beds edged with low hedges. These gardens were designed to be viewed from above and filled with herbs like lavender and flowers such as carnations, violets, magnolias, and roses. Fountains were also popular and if there was enough space mazes and labyrinths were created as a source of entertainment.

Stuart Gardens (1600 – 1700) were designed to be symmetrical, proportionate, and balanced with long walks and great expanses of water that had dancing fountains, water organs that played music, or pleasure boats. They often contained water jokes where unsuspecting visitors were sprayed with jets of water. In the gardens topiaries were used to create formal shapes out of shrubs. (You should really follow the link and listen to a water organ. It's incredible!)

Georgian Gardens (1714 – 1830) were less formal layouts using box, yew, laurel, privet and holly along with hibiscus, honeysuckle, lilac, passion flower, and Virginia creeper. Flowers included roses, hellebores, irises, lilies, peonies, sage, tulips, and many others. The belief developed that gardens should be enjoyed by all not just the rich. Parks and gardens merged into one with lakes, grottoes, temples, and shrubberies. Circuit walks were created for touring around the park.

In the Victorian Gardens (1937 – 1901) returned to the more formal garden style with cast iron ornamental fencing and gates. Ornaments such as urns, sculptures, sundials, gazing balls, birdbaths, and man-made fish ponds were all commonly used. The obsession of plant collecting took hold and this style of garden could showcases their latest plants. Flowers beds appeared in brighter colors with asters, dianthus, chrysanthemums, ferns, hyacinths, irises, lilies, poppies, petunias, verbenas, and most important of all pansies and violas. Rockeries became the craze as well as wild gardens. Arboretums displayed the collection of trees while glass houses enabled the more tender plants to be cultivated such as orchids.

Early American Gardens during the colonial period were planned according to the owners way of life. In rural areas a fenced-in garden near the house was planted with vegetables and herbs. Flowers were also grown, some for their beauty, but mostly for food, medicine, fragrance, or dyes. There was no garden plan as such, flowers were mixed with vegetables and herbs. They were usually planted in raised beds for good drainage. In contrast, the gardens of merchants and townsmen were more formal, laid out in a symmetrical pattern on each side of a central walkway.

Modern Gardens became more relaxed again and many styles of gardens were created such as the garden room which divided the garden into different themes, the cottage garden that looked less industrial, woodland gardens, prairie planting, and of course the ever popular rose garden.

So, how does your garden grow? Is it wild or formal? Do you grow perennials or annuals? Shrubs or flowers? Beds or containers? Birdbaths or fountains?  However your garden grows I hope you find time to sit quietly each day and enjoy it!

Spring, Glorious Spring!

by Cathy

If spring has arrived in your part of the world I’m sure your delighted with the beauty of daffodils, crocus, tulips, azaleas, and budding trees. If you've not been taking many pictures during the dark and dreary days of winter, now is the time to dust of your camera and head outside. With so many spring blooms the possibilities are endless. You might be interested in landscapes or filling the frame with flowers or capturing intricate details. I find myself drawn to a different view; a more earthy view. I celebrate spring by capturing things that are not attention seekers.

I'm delighted when I find spring's first little critters. This little lady was trying very heard to hide between the prickles of the gumball, but she just couldn't do it. She was much too colorful. I'm surprised she wasn't sneezing with all the pollen on her back!

In the spring, I find my eyes are constantly on the ground. Searching for tiny bits of color among the greens of spring. 

 Of course, I do capture the showy flowers now and them. How can I resist?

One last photo, I had to share is of my wisteria bush. It must have loved the warmer winter we had, because it's branches are so full they're laying on the ground!

Whatever you chose to photograph as a way to celebrate spring, I hope you'll share with us in the Focusing On Life Flickr gallery. Oh, don't forget, we're adding a little word art this month.

"And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere,

And each flower and herb on earth’s dark breast

Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest."

~ Percy Bysshe Shelley,

“The Sensitive Plant”

Embrace The Wind

By Cathy

The day is unusually warm as I sit in my swing. The afternoon sun peeking over the tops of the trees is a little too hot for me. I’ve taken off my shoes and my bare toes skim the still cool ground as I push the swing back and forth. My swing hangs from the branch of a large oak tree, but the bare limbs provide no shade. The only thing that keeps me outside is the breeze. It brings much needed coolness as it blows in my face. I love the wind. I love the sound as it rushes through the pine trees.  I laugh at the new green leaves on my Bradford Pear as they perform a wind dance.  I enjoy watching the birds high above as they catch a wind current and glide through the air. I listen to the music created as the wind swirls through my wind chimes; the smaller chimes tinkle, while the large ones play a deeper song. That same breeze that cools me and relaxes me has also been a challenge to my photography this spring. The wind just keeps blowing and blowing and blowing!  Because of the wind, I haven’t taken many pictures of the pretty spring colors.

I realized this week that if I waited for a day with no wind, I wouldn’t take any pictures at all. Much of the early spring blooms are already gone. They didn’t last long this year due to days of rain, high winds, and frosty nights. I decided if I wanted some spring color I’d just have to embrace the wind, so my pictures are different this year. I’m calling my collection of spring pictures Spring Abstracts and Impressions. I decided to just have fun with it, forget trying to get the perfect tack sharp image, and concentrate on shapes and colors. I went out with the idea of taking blurry pictures. Imagine that! I tried intentional camera motion where I used a slow shutter speed and gently moved the camera in a vertical motion. That picture is the one at the top of the post. Still using the slow shutter speed, I gently zoomed the lens out which created a burst effect.

Using my tripod, I set my camera on a slow shutter speed and just let the wind control the blur. This was harder than I thought. You have to find the best speed to create a pleasant blur, not a she-took-a-blurry-picture blur.

An unexpected surprise happened when I took a picture through the bottom of a clear, small drinking class that I’d placed over a flower. I'll be trying this more often, as I really like it!

Of course, spring is the perfect time for finding beautiful water reflections where blur definitely adds to the picture.

Sometimes a person has to just go with the flow and find beauty in a unique way!

I’m wishing all of you a beautiful, happy spring whether it’s tack-sharp or blurry!

“March brings breezes loud and shrill,

Stirs the dancing daffodil.”

~ Sara Coleridge (1802-1852)

“The Months,” Pretty Lessons In Verse,

For Good Children; With Some Lessons In Latin,

In Easy Rhyme, 1834