Wednesday, January 28, 2009

the sky and cloud


Good morning. How you all hanging? Good, good...I hope. It is a snowy morning here in the great central Midwest, the dogs do not like walking in the snow unless I'm out there with them. Then it becomes a wonderland to romp and play and eat snow... and of course, turn it yellow. I bundle up like an arctic explorer, silly hat and all and make the best of it. And of course, ever at my side is my trusty camera. You just never know what one might come upon, what small detail might speak volumes to another soul here on the net. Most of my pics come from right here on this farm, it amazes me to no end that the landscape of very little acreage showcases extreme natural changes almost daily. Imagine what my focus might be on vast acreage and mega waterways. Although, I think my shots would still be of the most intimate things, I can't help it- I'm not a power junkie but a precious treasurer.

I notice on the walks I take that I'm often looking down as opposed to straight out and all around. All the experts and heck- even our parents tell us to look up and out, with head down implies cowardice and fear. I don't buy that anymore- maybe that's why I'm such an excellent mushroom hunter! (I am. Really, I am...) And with looking down, you'd think my steps would be sure and I'd never stumble. Quite the contrary- I'm not a very graceful sort, it's not a clumsy way to be- I'm just often so mesmerized by what I'm experiencing, that I stray off course and trip over and into ruts. But while I lay there, usually laughing at myself- I'll notice the sky and cloud formations. And I click, click some more...


And always the sounds around me transform the experiences as well. Every day, subtle harmonies form- different tunes mixing with the same old house sparrows songs, geese flying over head honking like tubas over the string sounds of the wind through the trees. I hear a symphony when I'm outdoors, all I hear is heavy metal inside. It's always a raptorous experience for me when I'm out in it. So attuned to nature am I, I just feel right out of sorts when dwelling inside for too long. But try to explain this to tax collectors, or even a pastor. Nobody buys it, I have been told in my life that it is a sin to connect so strongly with nature. But I ask you- every time I look at a twig, the grass, hear the sky bellowing with thunderous laughter, close my eyes and follow the scent of wetlands- those things aren't manmade...just who the heck brought it all to my devout attention?!


Just wondering...be well, take care-

5 comments:

troutbirder said...

Well. Indeed. I often feel that when I get excited after noticing something in Mother Natures realm people look at me oddly. Like I'm not paying attention to the important stuff. You notice though.

Anonymous said...

I dont know who told you that it was a sin to connect strongly with nature but I will venture a guess it was someone who was afraid to get very far from the porch. The church I like to worship in is too immense to be held in by four walls. It is when I am out and about either working in the fields or hunting I feel closest to god. I defy someone to look at the brilliant white face and pink nose of a newborn hereford calf and tell me it is a the result of some sort of a big bang in the cosmos.

R.D.

Anonymous said...

devout attention, there's a phrase i'll savor forever now. and the other line about treasurer of detail. only you said it better than that. you are a holy gospel writer, my friend. i've been away too long. tooo long. don't know what's good for me. cuz comin here heals places that don't even know how hungry they are, how much they're hurting. that camera of yours is as poetic as you. no wonder. true wonder.

i love r.d.'s wisdom just beside here, soon to be above here, once i click the button. i love the church of the woods, bless you beautiful. xxoxo

Jayne said...

Such great observations! Nature is divine and the creator meant for us to see it. :c)

A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss said...

How wonderful. I am the same way. While in nature, there is nothing else that takes my breath away so completely and divinely. elaine