Uniformity

uniformity

noun

the quality or state of being uniform

Uniformity. Something, by nature, I tend to resist. Every once in awhile it catches me by surprise, in the best of ways. Repeating patterns, colors, etc. Honestly, I think I may have posted this before but can't find proof of it. Not a particularly good photo, but instead, a reminder of a really good moment. Another of those "ah ha" flashes. Yes... a bit of surprise uniformity can make my day. I'm easy.

I Suspect

Passing they were, 

a ferry and this sailing ship 

each vessel sure of course

undeterred by proximity

Moving in opposite directions

with equal intent

Afloat on the same water,

in the same moment,

in the same fine light

And yet,

I suspect the sailors
were having more fun

Don't you?

While Scouting High Tide

While scouting high tide

An askew canoe came into view

And now... into yours

Shot on the Gig Harbor shoreline,

enhancement liberties taken.

Rejoice, a Heron

I've wondered, since the moment I caught this image 

of a Heron and the Rejoice, 

was it placed there just so I could say,

Rejoice, a Heron

They are amazing birds and thankfully

common to Western Washington.

heron

noun

a large fish-eating wading bird 

with long legs, 

a long S-shaped neck and 

a long pointed bill. 

Backwater

"All along the backwater,

Through the rushes tall,

Ducks area a-dabbling,

Up tails all!

Ducks' tails, drakes' tails,

Yellow feet a-quiver,

Yellow bills all out of sight

Busy in the river!"

Kenneth Grahame, 1859-1932

Of "Wind in the Willows" fame.

Actually, all ducks were out of sight. The location simply reminded me of the poem. Taken many, many moons ago on Whidbey Island, WA. Dabbled with to taste.

Ever So Slowly

“There was always more in the world than men could see, 

walked they ever so slowly; 

they will see it no better for going fast.”

-John Ruskin

A Rainy Day Visit

Remembering a rainy day visit 

to a distant country shop, this past fall.

Open just once each year.

 The visits are a step back in time. 

Each one laughter filled.

Thanks Margie.

Spring Blue

Western WA can get pretty gray at times. For reasons I don't care to examine too carefully, it doesn't bother me. Maybe growing up where the summers often sailed over 100 degrees and the sun was relentless, I adapted a reverse reaction to dark days. Whatever the cause, grateful I am, for it has allowed me to happily live in a few places that are a real problem for some. 

But, and there is a but, there are gray days, and there are GRAY days. Not unexpected in the land of rain of course. Yet on some occasions, when the rain is coming down in sheets, the sky can look like something out of a horror movie. Dramatic and interesting? Definitely. Humbling? You bet. Today had bits like that.

In those deeply dark moments, it is possible to forget how breathtakingly beautiful this region is. What it looks like bathed in sun, water at full blue with Mt Rainier showing her stuff. In light (pun intended) of that, I am returning to a day that did take my breath away. One that hit me hard, like my ride through the Palouse last spring. A "great to be alive" day. An "I can't believe I live here" day. 

Sending YOU some spring blue for a winters day.

Shot from aboard a ferry as another passed by. 

End of Pumpkin Season

In an area where pumpkin fields sprout up in good numbers, seasons end often finds the leftovers making their way back into the land, enriching soil for next seasons growth. Where some see messy, others see next years bounty in the making. I see evidence of hard work and lovers of the land.

Spring Lupin

Ending the weekend with another bit 

of Mother Nature's sense of order. 

Spring Lupin. 

Mom Nature really has it down.

Have a great week!

Weekend Semi-Realism

A little weekend semi-realism. 

Isn't that what a day off should be once in awhile? 

Possible only, thanks to the fine folks 

nurturing the real thing

 at the Wright Park Conservatory in Tacoma, WA. 

What would my camera do without them? 

With a Slight Turn to the Right

With a slight turn to the right of the previous photos focus, there floated my idea of boating beauty. The ducks at her water line seemed to agree. 

I know little of vessel types; aside from being able to identify whether they are made for sailing or not, commercial fishing or not, tugs, aircraft carriers, cruise ships, ice breakers and on. However, as I have mentioned before and likely will again, my heart truly tugs when wooden vessels with the character of time and tending are near. Seeing this one at sail would delight me. Seeing her at rest, does no less. And always the same questions arise; has she traveled far, seen much? Are there stories embedded in her grain, revealed only to those with the talent and time to patiently sand her down? 

It turns out her owner was sitting inside, looking out that first larger window, unbeknownst to me at the time. Probably trying to enjoy his early morning coffee. I hope all my camera attention didn't trouble him. 

This boat needs no recipe. I suspect she looks fine in any light, on any day. At least to me. 

Yo Ho me maties, Yo Ho.

Sprinkle and Serve

Recipe for a Thin Slice of Calm

Gently blend equal parts; metal and water. 

Add a pinch of rust and

a dash of ducks.

Let settle.

Sprinkle with muted light and serve.

And Now

"And now we welcome the new year, 

full of things that have never been."
Rainer Maria Rilke
Seattle Space Needle, Ringing in 2011

Happy New Year Eva

Very kind of this little bird to hold still long enough to become our New Years Day Greeting to You. It's in the teen temps today. The birds that aren't nestled down are in constant motion. Along with sending best wishes to you, I'm hoping you'll take a minute to listen to Songbird by Eva Cassidy. If Eva is new to you and you enjoy her, follow the directions below for the ABC Nightline story done about her in March of this year. She was, and thankfully through the magic of recording remains, a magical talent for any year. Happy New Year Eva.


For Eva Cassidy's Nightline piece go to: abcnews.go.com and plug Eva Cassidy into the search section. She is about three down under Over the Rainbow and Eva Cassidy. You may want to grab a tissue first.