We've Only Existed For The Blink Of An Eye

Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool
Washington D.C.

Happy Friday, y'all. Come on out to see me and the other artists tonight from 7:00PM-9:00PM at Arts By the Bay Gallery in Havre de Grace, MD. I have 5 framed pieces hanging in the Autumn Aura Show and one of my dear friends, Douglas Williams, is the featured artist. Mingle with the artists, have a glass of wine, eat some hors d'oeuvres, and enjoy one of the last summer weekends in Havre de Grace. I'd love to see you there!

This digital art piece was created from a photo I took in Wahsington D.C. last Friday during a homeschool field trip with my kids. It was a hot summer day and the ducks in the Reflecting Pool in front of the Washington Monument were just adorable. I sat and waited for a long time for this duck to swim into the frame in the perfect position. It was worth the wait. This image reminds me a bit of another piece of art of mine, Freedom, because that too features the Washington Monument, although in a much more gloomy light. The title of this piece has multiple meanings...one is that our country, America, by comparison to other civilizations in the world, is just a baby. Our country is less than 300 years old...just an infant as far as countries go. Secondly, in a more personal context, we, as humans, have only existed in the blink of an eye compared to the history of our universe. It simply is mind-blowing to think about. And lastly, on an even more personal note, I have only existed on earth for a measly 43 years...amazing to think of how many humans have lived and died and yet each one of us is so important to our world. We each have value to give and yet we exist in our human form for only the briefest of moments.

Have a wonderful Friday! TGIF!
xo

The Puddle

Swallow Falls State Park, Maryland

Today I am immensely thankful for the beautiful weather

and clean country air here in Deep Creek.

I had the opportunity to kayak on the smooth, chilly water this morning 

and then we went hiking this afternoon at the beautiful Swallow Falls State Park.

I am so very thankful to spend this time with my family

because it has been so hectic since the death of my father.

We needed this time to reconnect.

Funny how major life events can so quickly and completely strip down what is important.

In the quiet of the morning while out on the lake,

I felt my father's presence so clearly.

All the memories of boating with my father over the years,

including here at Deep Creek Lake,

came flooding back and reminded me again just how lucky I am to be his daughter.

I think I feel the closest to him when I am on or near the water.

 He loved it so much and had a deep connection with it throughout his life.

One day these memories will bring feelings of pure happiness.

For now it makes me feel warm inside but with the

empty heaviness of sadness attached to it.

Time.  I've got to give myself time.

xo

Passages

Those of you who followed my old blog probably know

that I love reflections and the concept of visual tricks

that glass can play when recorded in 2 dimensions.

Usually our brain will compensate in real time 

when we view reflections in glass,

filtering out information as to what is a reflection and what is real.

However, when a camera records the same scene in two dimensions,

it can seem like a visual puzzle or a seek and find game.

I love that.

I love that our brains are so incredible at deciphering and 

filtering out the visual stimulus all around us without us even trying.

Doorways...

Something else I love.

It really represents life, does it not?

The passages from one period of our life into another;

the opportunities that open and close in our lives;

the choices we must make as to what path we must follow...through THIS door or THAT door.

So many metaphors could be created.

Today I am thankful that I am finally beginning to feel like picking up my camera again.

It does bring me such joy and I was really scared that 

I wouldn't ever feel that urge or satisfaction from photography again.

It is slow in coming, but I am finding myself wanting to pick up the camera.

Now, if I could just get my appetite and taste back,

that would be great.

xo

Reflecting

If you have known me from previous blogs, you know how I love

REFLECTIONS...

both in water and in glass.

There is something that draws me to the intermingling of the real world

with the perceived reality in the reflection itself.

I also like to reflect on my day, 

as you have noticed by now,

and find at least one thing I was grateful for in that 24 hours.

In the past 24 hours I am grateful to have spent

my morning drinking my coffee in my pj's 

in my most favorite spot in the world...

my front porch swing.

I sat in the warmth of the early morning sun peeking over 

the cypress trees with the latest edition of 

Digital Studio on my lap, 

my Ravens pajama covered legs stretched long,

covering the entire length of the porch swing,

watching the morning birds flutter happily about the feeder.

It doesn't get any better than that.

Below, I decided to post one more reflection that was taken a long time ago,

but it is still one of my favorites.

It is a self portrait...the Hyatt in Orlando.

Can you find me?

xo