Category Archives: Nature
Strangely Happy
Once upon a time I held onto a dream Of second chances Waiting through the months of struggle Never broken The greys suddenly embraced the light Colors of the changing season lured my eyes The body felt lighter Gratitude filled … Continue reading
The Wonder of Trees
“There is scientific evidence that trees communicate and are sentient beings. Human beings exchange information mainly through sound and vision. … Well, it has been discovered that plants also communicate with each other, have intelligence, and pass information intergenerationally, just like we humans do.” … Continue reading
Pre-Dawn Trance
(Somewhere… the aves are hiding in those branches.) *** Sleeps eludes me again Lured to my balcony oasis In this warming season Here, sitting in pre-dawn darkness I am at peace * Soon the serenade will begin Hidden from sight … Continue reading
Intimate Moment with Photography
Window opens To intimate connection Nature draws me in * My mind flutters with creative intent Inner revelation excites the soul Where silence invents the moment *
Except When …
Bane of photographer Mobility issues Influencing options * Except photography itch Hard to deny Throws out its call Changing seasons Whispers to the soul Hard to resist Long drive Riding out the pain Yearning for quiet hideaway Reach final destination … Continue reading
Wisdom of Pathetic Fallacy
V. J. has asked us to be creative with the literary term “pathetic fallacy.” It is the attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, especially in art and literature. I have many faces Yet my core … Continue reading
Stuff Happens
Embedded In our existence Is the constant flow of change Stuff is always happening Or waiting to happen * Sometimes change is signaled By a lurking sense of apprehension That gut feeling Sometimes it’s revealed in lucid dreams A riddle … Continue reading
What a sight!
Here he comes A sudden stop Mid-descent Just enough To freeze time Then this wonderful pose Just for me *
Seeking Sanctuary
“In restless dreams I walk alone” On the edge of nowhere Yet somewhere Searching for sanctuary Pausing to immerse myself In the quiet waters I listen deeply And feel like I’ve returned home Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen … Continue reading
Wave of Nostalgia
In this quiet moment My hat sits waiting Ready head out In a search for tranquility I walk alone Oblivious to past worries No decisions to make Totally absorbed A wave of nostalgia Washes over me Like a cooling breeze … Continue reading
Rainbow of Hope
I am part of the world, but need to distance myself. It’s painful to watch the storms that surround us. Tears sometimes flow, triggered by a sense of awe of what humanity has come to. Resetting the mind In troubling … Continue reading
Instant Summer
Winter and Spring have been holding hands for too long. Frost two weeks ago and now instant summer. Landscape suddenly bursting with green. I took some quick photos at a local lake already being visited by swimmers. Life is good … Continue reading
Remember
Remember when Life was easy Losing oneself in dreams * Remember when Joy flowed uninterrupted Innocent eyes twinkling * Remember when Earth sang in colours Flirting with senses * Remember when Life was easy And possibilities Sent their invitation * … Continue reading
Transported into Simplicity
Treasure of simplicity Captivates imagination Transporting senses To yesteryear When freedom of movement Taken for granted *** V.J.’s theme: Transported https://onewomansquest.org/2020/04/06/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-90-transported/ Patti’s theme: Simplicity https://pilotfishblog.com/2020/04/04/lens-artists-photo-challenge-91-simplicity/
Domino Effect Creating Chaos
History repeating itself Microscopic invasion World shaken Difficult times Troubled waters Ripple domino effect Grounding necessary To dissipate fears To find calm waters within To have faith That this too Shall pass V.J.’s theme: Domino Effect https://onewomansquest.org/2020/03/16/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-88-domino-effect/ Ann-Christine’s theme: Chaos … Continue reading
Serene Moment
Morning vision Serene calm Cooling breeze Senses transfixed By wonder * V.J.’s theme: Morning https://onewomansquest.org/2020/03/09/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-87-morning/
Shadows from the Past
Befriended by Dancing shadows Playing in the sunlight Swaying with breezy abandon My shadow photographing this tree. (Images from archives) *** Bren’s theme: Shadows https://brashley.photography/2020/03/09/photo-for-the-week-59-shadows/
Unfolding Trust
No matter what one’s mission A clear path can be elusive Frozen in wintry challenge Yet the heart is trusting That it will unfold As it should *** V. J.’s theme: Mission https://onewomansquest.org/2020/02/24/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-85-mission/
Dreaming
Filling empty spaces With dreams Of new shorelines Of discovery On the edge between Yesterday and tomorrow Where the sun Shines eternally bright Evaporating coming storms *** V.J.’s theme: Sun https://onewomansquest.org/2020/02/17/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-84-sun/ Patrick’s theme: Shoreline https://pixtowords.com/2020/02/16/shoreline-pic-and-a-word-challenge-220/
Wintry Illusion
I see my thoughts reflected in the open waters Accepting the illusion of warmth from the cold, setting sun My heart is tranquil in this frigid moment Knowing that transformation is inevitable *** *Happy New Year to all those who … Continue reading
Grateful
Embracing cycles of life Pausing to feel grateful That I’m still here *** V. J.’s theme: Pause https://onewomansquest.org/2019/12/16/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-77-pause/
Glowing Moment
Dappled light Flecks of gold Glowing through branches Join my walk *~* Frank’ theme: Glow https://dutchgoesthephoto.net/2019/12/03/tuesday-photo-challenge-glow/
When Darkness Falls
When darkness falls Light lies in wait Painting with graying pallette To the eye’s delight The sky erupts Displaying its mood While the flower lies safe In the forest’s gentle arms Tenderly awaiting The sun’s awakening *~* V. J.’s theme: … Continue reading
Autumn Layers
Chasing the light Delineating shadows and lines Layers of the fallen Transformation ending Landscape becomes moody Barrenness a promise The last hang on Braving the winds of change *** Amy`s theme: Layered https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2019/10/19/lens-artists-photo-challenge-67-layered/
Celestial Invitation
Daylight cautiously succumbs To cyclic vigil Full moon parades Its fiery luminosity Old patterns unravel Requiring new vision In wake of dire warnings A wobble in time’s matrix Future at risk Celestial invitation To heed voices Calling for change ~*~ … Continue reading
Transition
Standing alone Savouring transition Senses alerted By fiery dance ~*~ V. J.’s theme: Savour https://onewomansquest.org/2019/09/30/v-j-s-challenge-66-savour/
Time to Let Go
Autumn colors transitioning Bending to the winds of change Tenacious until the end ~*~ V.J.’s theme: Resilience https://onewomansquest.org/2019/09/16/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-64-resilience/ Frank’s theme: Fuzzy https://dutchgoesthephoto.net/2019/09/17/tuesday-photo-challenge-fuzzy/
Weed in Disguise
Wild beauty Medicinal, saving grace In time of uncertainty Daughter undiagnosible Time passes with no answers Milk thistle provides a miracle ~*~ *( My daughter missed her grade 7 school year many moons ago due to an unknown illness that … Continue reading
Transforming Old Beliefs
Generalizations And negative assumptions Clutter the mind “Ignorance is bliss” Twists the belief system * Seagulls are scavengers Garbage eaters A nuisance Not worthy of esteem Lowest on the totem pole * That’s what I was told * Photographer’s eye … Continue reading
Taking a Break
*This is the entrance to taking a break from the noise of city life. (Windy Lake Provincial Park)) “Sometimes, just the warm sun and the sound of the waves is pure heaven.” (Sue Alexander) * ” Taking the time to … Continue reading
Shoreline Memories
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” (Marcel Proust) Rocky Mountains near Jasper, Alberta, Canada (The sky was hazy from smoke due to nearby forest fires in British Columbia. ) Northern … Continue reading
Dreamy Tranquility
Dreaming of the road less travelled An unspoken journey Of endless possibilities Mountains pull me in A sacred witness To my heart’s desire Just when I thought All was done Call of the ocean Steals my heart * Ann-Christine’s theme: … Continue reading
Ultimate Presence
The exquisite presence Of caressing silence Spilling deeply Into the softened heart Untying knots of memory Washing them away gently Filling this earthly vessel No longer an island With profound knowing That I am not alone * “Wealth is the … Continue reading
Aspects of Serenity
Sunset over calm waters paints a picture of serenity in heart and mind. Standing awestruck within reach of the serene majesty of a mountain range in Western Canada. Experiencing a calm feeling of serenity with a glass of wine after … Continue reading
Reclaiming a New Day
Once I lost myself On the road to adulthood Now I can sit and breathe Slowly shedding old skin No longer troubled By leaving things behind I gaze at the clouds And reclaim a new day V.J.’s Theme: Reclaim https://onewomansquest.org/2019/07/01/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-55-reclaim/
Rippling Effect
Subtle nuance Rippling into life Sometimes small And unnoticed Sometimes a sign Changing future events V. J.’s theme: Subtle https://onewomansquest.org/2019/06/24/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-54-subtle/
Unfolding
Creative eye Catches unfolding potential Hidden beauty magnified Patrick’s theme: Eyes https://pixtowords.com/2019/06/16/eyes-pic-and-a-word-challenge-192/
Uncertain Quiet
Looking out Into the quiet Uncertainty resides Present time Throws a curve Reinvents new challenges Acceptance Is the only way Looking for an angel
Sun Glitter
Sun’s hypnotic glance Masking a spirited dance Waves sway with the glitter Senses warming to the tune Spellbound in delight Frigid winds surround me Yet I am undeterred To watch and wait Filled with serenity https://pixtowords.com/2019/05/19/mask-pic-and-a-word-challenge-188
Drifting into Blue
Drifting With the blues Timeless moment Engulfs senses
In-Between
In-between Day and night Beginnings and endings Twilight illuminates In-between Tasting possibilities Dreams roaming free Energy membrane glows In-between Thoughts and action Awareness blooms Gratefulness flows https://onewomansquest.org/2019/05/06/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-47-in-between/
Response to Obscure Sorrows
Klexos : The Art of Dwelling on the Past “Your life is written in indelible ink. There’s no going back to erase the past, tweak your mistakes, or fill in missed opportunities. When the moment’s over, your fate is sealed. … Continue reading
New Beginnings
Baby rock pigeon. Waiting for other one to hatch. Mama went away for a few minutes and it gave me the chance to take this photo. Since the egg is an ancient symbol for new life, Happy Easter.
Speckled Joy
Meet Speckle. A female rock pigeon that was scoping my balcony to make a nest. Here’s her first egg in my flower pot. Seclusion from the huge ravens looking for a tasty treat. Then there was two. The male stands … Continue reading
Malfunction
Unexpected darkness descends Covering personal landscape Shadowing real time Whisked into portal of instability Spinal canals narrowed Neurological compromise Pain body electrifies Day turns into eternal night Matrix warping senses Farewell to old ways Walking brings … Continue reading
Ancient Deposit
Glacier deposit Of ancient rocks Polished By hands of time Once free rolling With life’s pressures Grounded now Silent Holding story Of yesteryear V. J.’s Challenge: Polish Frank’s Challenge: Rock
Wonder of Shadows
Yes, it still is winter here. Spring is taking its good ol’ time. “The eye is always caught by the light, but shadows have more to say.” (Gregory Maguire) “Like a shadow, I am and I am not.” … Continue reading
Otherworldly
“There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.” (George Carlin) K’lee’s Challenge: In the Realm of the Otherworldly
Unanswerable
Neverending journey Pondering unanswerable questions Stitched in the fabric of time Yet timeless Seeking elusive answer To the mystery of life Encountering a ‘language That you don’t hear with your ears’ In the quiet moments When the senses … Continue reading
Reflection on Blog Name
V.J. has asked us to reflect on the meaning of our blog name. “Stuff and what if…” came out of the blue. The word ‘stuff’ applies to all material things in our lives, as well as old thoughts… “What if…” leads … Continue reading
Textured Surface
Weathered exterior Textured life Rough and wrinkled Interior unfolding Unseen transformation Story always growing Frank’s Challenge: Surface
Beauty in the Beast
Winter of constraint Slowly dissipates Beast starts to purr Under sunlit skies Dancing to a textured tune Figure appears Out of the blue Warming the heart (This photo threw me for a loop when I saw the shadow-shape of … Continue reading
Singing the Blues
Cee’s theme is to share one’s favorite color. Winter has been nasty this year and I’m singing the blues, but I did enjoy the chance to capture these blues in other years. Now to share some summer blues and ease my … Continue reading
Growth
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.” (John Muir) “Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing processes of growth, renewal and transformation in our lives” (Anonymous) … Continue reading
Unfrozen
Dissolving old fences Icicles of the mind Reaching for floating dreams That wander freely Weaving magical intention That dares not evaporate V. J.’s Challenge: Reaching Patrick’s Challenge: Fences
Playing with Imperfection
Frank has posed an interesting idea of looking at a photograph with imperfections and seeing it with a different perspective. The above photo was relegated to my mistake file and I dismissed it until now. A bit of digital play … Continue reading
In the Distance
“There is a immeasurable distance between late and too late.” (Og Mandino) Visiting both the above distances came late in life, but I’m happy not too late. Both happened in my 60’s, one year apart; the Rockies first and … Continue reading
Unusual Perspective
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change ” (Dr. Wayne Dyer) “What you see depends not only on what you look AT, but also on where you look FROM.” (James Deacon) … Continue reading
Interior Reflections
Frozen Melting magic Captive of nature’s chill Illuminates dark surroundings Light flows Transforming once mundane patterns Into new perspective Circling in time Pausing Colleen’s Challenge: Mystery & Attract (Synonyms Only)
Road to Happiness
Destiny and a thirty-year old wish brought me to this heart-warming scene, accentuated by a snow-covered blanket. (Athabasca River, Alberta) Taught in days of innocence When I dreamed with the clouds That striving for a specific destination Was the … Continue reading
Gentle Memories
Dreaming again Of gentle breezes Lacy, soft waves Lapping curious toes Cooling hot sands underfoot Washing away winter worries Delighting the senses Moments of yesteryear Frank’s Challenge: Gentle
Nature’s Floor
Nature’s floor Covered with seasonal blanket Order in disorder No need to sweep And keep it tidy Observe its changes And ever-changing presence Winter lays a new blanket Covering autumn’s splendor A gift of crystallized gems lay in wait. … Continue reading
It’s All About Finding The Feathers
Well, I found one! Cee’s Challenge: It’s All About Nature
Winter Wilderness
Three faces of the same scene. “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn Lens Artists: Reflections
Fluid Stillness
Alone and waiting In the fluid stillness Of forever moment I close my eyes And still hear The sun dancing As waters flow Into the future Patrick’s Challenge: Stillness
Textured Sky
After days of grey In spirit of change Textured morning sky Welcomes sun’s presence Dissolving cloud cover Into a recipe For brighter days V. J.’s Challenge: Recipe Patrick’s Challenge: Texture
Rocks and Boulders That Stand Out
The reeds enhance the look of this boulder sitting on the shoreline of a lake. The artistry of nature revealed in ever-changing ripples around these rocks. This so reminded me of a turtle on the edge of a … Continue reading
Tranquility
Tranquility here Glowing in warming sunlight Serenity smiles Fleeting moment out of time Waiting for next storm to rise Colleen’s Challenge: Poet’s Choice Frank’s Challenge: Tranquil
Touch of Fantasy
K’lee’s theme of “Unusual Tones or Textures” brought out my playful side and the love of playing with colors. “The art of photography is all about directing the attention of the viewer.” (Steven Pinker) K’Lee and Dale’s … Continue reading
Happiness is…the many faces of water.
“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” (Lao Tzu) “Sleeping and water are lifesavers – that’s true beauty right there.” (Sofia Boutella) “Cross the meadow and the stream and listen as … Continue reading
Stretching Imagination
Senses hibernate In imaginary glow Waiting for sunlight Lost in a wintry refuge Detached from chilling forces Colleen’s Challenge: Cold & Safe (Synonyms Only)
On the Edge
Perusing the view Lone figure stands mesmerized In contemplation Absorbing delightful scene Mind on edge between two worlds Colleen’s Challenge: Pleasant & Read (Synonyms Only)
Trios
Such a beautiful, husky threesome. They were at the back of a truck when I took this shot. Threesome peacefully feeding at a local farm. One of many three-petaled parts to a plant of unknown name. *(I treated each monochrome … Continue reading
Magical Light
“In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.” (Aaron Rose) This monochrome of the first image has a magical light radiating from the cloud. “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the … Continue reading
Lost Innocence
Storm of the past Still ripples to the shoreline Echoing memory of a dark story When a black-hearted antagonist With a hidden agenda Usurped child’s right to happiness Slashing innocence With no remorse Adult-child awakens To haunting memories … Continue reading
Touched by Sepia
Very dream-like look to this sepia-toned lake. Sometimes sepia can be an overwhelming tone, so I like to use it in combination with Black & White whenever it’s fitting. The mallard duck above is highlighted by the use of … Continue reading
Transition of Perspective
Contemplating grey skies Dreaming of blue ones That once carried my dreams Now the thorns of winter Take residence in my heart But I will not be undone For shimmering warmth Will surely one day come For now I will … Continue reading
Slippery, Winter Memories
A few years ago, my two daughters and I hit icy road conditions on our day trip from Edmonton to Jasper, Alberta. It started out as a sunny day, but the weather deteriorated as we headed deeper into the mountains. … Continue reading
Dark Intent
Slowly peeling away layers Of hidden intent Shadow reveals itself Veiled behind rugged charm Destroying innocent dreams Unstoppable Until life force sings again Even in the darkest of days V.J. has asked us to investigate the “paranormal” in her … Continue reading
River
Two photos of the Vermilion River, Capreol, Ontario. This was my childhood playground. Many fond memories. Standing still Senses melding with never-ending flow Conscious thought streams to nowhere Following river’s current Flowing to timeless somewhere River remembers I was here … Continue reading
Autumn Reflection
Autumn is almost gone The yellows still hang on Winter has shown its chilly face So as long as I feel the sun My heart will not be undone By winter’s fury *This was taken a few weeks ago … Continue reading
Erosion of Distance
Pastel patterns of habit Collide with vivid dream-wishes Synchronicity awakens Distance evaporates Given gift of time V.J.’s Challenge: Distance Patrick’s Challenge: Pastel
Changing Focus
On a recent road trip to capture fall colors, a plane did a low-fly over the scene. Almost forgot that we were close to the airport, but I was ready for the unexpected change. Took a few steps forward … Continue reading
Winter’s Coming
Speckles of magic Leaves flushing with fall’s embrace Engaging pigments Dancing towards winter’s chill Prophetic ending certain Colleen’s Challenge: Color & Creepy (Synonyms Only)
Blues & Golds
Nearby lake that I try to visit at least a few times a year. It never disappoints.(Sudbury, Ontario) K’lee and Dale’s Challenge: The Blues & the Golds
Heart of Darkness
Shadows Darkness unveiled Heart seeks revelations Acceptance is transformation Shining with healing glow New beginnings Revealed *This heart-shaped rock was an interesting find a few years ago. Colleen’s Challenge: Poet’s Choice-Heart & Darkness
Field of Awareness
Attention flavored with intention Creative eye enticed Blade of grass, waving in the wind Fixing gaze, yet vigilant of surroundings Selective focal point Tuning-out distractions Mindful of moment’s gift V.J.’s Challenge: Attention
Beauty of Upside-Down
“Learn to see things backwards, inside out and upside-down.” (John Heider) K’lee and Dale’s Challenge: Upside-Down!
Go Big!
Frank at ‘Dutch Goes The Photo’ has asked us to Go Big. All my senses were on fire standing in front of the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. “Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our … Continue reading
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Circles & Curves
Winding road before the descent. Curve where beach meets water. Floating circles of lily pads. Cee’s Challenge: Circles & Curves
Splash of Autumn
Vibrant Overflowing Cascading energy Spilling over with radiance Seeking to warm the soul Transformation Colors Colleen’s Challenge: Fall & Try (Synonyms Only)
My World (City of Lakes)
Sudbury is known as the municipality with most lakes in Canada; home to 330 in the area. Some of the lakes nearby have a view of Inco’s Superstack, the tallest mining chimney in the Western Hemisphere. Another view … Continue reading
Foursome
Foursome standing united Glowing strength in the evening sky Watching distant shores Limbs of time ever-changing Cyclical affirmation of life force Patrick’s Challenge: Limbs
Flight Path
There are many paths we take in life, but flying over Kauai, Hawaii last year, impressed my senses beyond belief. The feel of being in a helicopter is like experiencing a slow-motion journey comparable to that of a bird’s flight. … Continue reading
Hidden Vibrancy
Passion of life force Sparks of light illuminate Blooming arousal Thoughts collide with memories Scent of now evaporates Colleen’s Challenge: Vigor & Energy (Synonyms Only)
Trees
Tree that keeps giving. Romancing the ocean waves. Blooming, shade tree. Otherworldly oddity. Cee’s B&W Challenge: Trees
Moving Shadows
Dappled landscape Shimmering shadows Play of light and dark Transforming my path Shaded symphony of colors Dancing to the cool breeze Mesmerizing moments Embracing silent artistry Frank’s Challenge: Light and Dark V.J.’s Challenge: Shadows … Continue reading
The Secret Beauty of Dark Waters
“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” (Rumi) Abstract, pond reflections shimmering in the late sunlight. Mystery lurks beneath calm waters. The dancing footsteps of the setting sun on the waters of Moonlight Beach, Sudbury. … Continue reading
The Way
Vision Pointing the way Sentinel of future Flirting with possibilities Shaping daily intent Longing fulfilled Milestone Colleen’s Challenge: Plan & Finish (Synonyms Only)
If Only I’d Known…
Choices made without a map Expectations ingrained of future success and happiness Blind to destiny’s hand Antagonist rises Igniting the embers Smoke slowly overwhelms Red flags wave in random moments Unheeded by innocent eyes Firestorm builds Reactive … Continue reading