I took a walk near the Tipp City Park recently. I didn’t see much wildlife, but his squirrel caught my attention. Squirrels are so curious and inquisitive. That said, they don’t normally stick around long. This dude just took it all in while I shot serveral photos. Special thanks to Mother Nature for sharing this beautiful view.
Took this picture on the Piqua Bike Path ... female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
The female is not as colorful as the male, but they are beautiful and fun to watch. I read they can live 15 years, and are the state bird of seven states, including Ohio.
They are easy to spot around my home. I didn’t see her mate, but I’m guessing he was nearby. They are monogamous. I think this is the same female I photographed with her lover last summer. 😳
iPhone shot on a cloudy day in Ohio
I took this photo on a back road near Mechanicsburg, Ohio on the way home from Columbus. It reminds me of difficult periods in life, when it’s hard to see the way out. You know the sun is there, but you feel overwhelmed. The thing is, the sun will rise tomorrow. Never give up!
Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
I took this photo at The Great Lake Stake Park this weekend. The blurred white spots in the background .. Seagulls. I was using a long leans at around 500mm, so they were off in the distance, ignoring me, while focusing on dinner.
On Saturday afternoon, we took a short drive with my son and his family to the Great Salt Lake State Park. Located just west of Salt Lake City, near the southernmost extremes of the Great Salt Lake, it has a unique beauty. The heavy mineral deposits make this a very unique place. The Seagulls gather in large numbers, but the best picture I took is this one of Antelope Island. The people are all tourist. You can tell by the ratio of cameras to bodies. A few more pics:
Granddaughter .. just taking a walk
Over a period of about 5 minutes every seagull in sight took flight .. in mass.
Peacfullly floating on the Salt Lake.
We are visiting Utah for a a few days. The mountains are amazing. This view is the backdrop to downtown Salt Lake City, and is part of the Wasatch Front. I took it over the north part of the SLC airport. I’ll share more soon.
It’s not a rare sighting, but beautiful. I took this picture at the John A Wannemacher nature reserve. The bird sighting was cool, but I also ran into a good friend. I intended to reach out to my friend for some time, but this was a surprise encounter.
Life is like that .. and relationships matter.
American goldfinch
Horseshoes (Take at a friends home near Casstown, OH)
Horseshoes is an old game! I prefer to think of it as ageless. (The History of Horseshoes)
I have one of those big birthdays later this year, and it is easy take it too serious. Getting ‘old’ is natural, and the options are not great.
How do you make the most out of your life? I suggest staying active, engaging with every day, and taking care of your health. Enjoy time with those you love and care about! Surrounded yourself with positive influences, and find your passion. You may not live to be 100, but you can enjoy every day!
Last weekend we drove to Tennessee for the funeral of a dear friend. A week earlier his daughter called me to ask if I would speak at his funeral service. I was not aware, but sometime in the past he had made this request. It was difficult, but an honor.
Stewart was a big influence on me in my early 20’s. I am grateful to have known him, and for his influence, kindness, and example. I am also relieved that he is not suffering or in pain. We love his family, and it was good to be with them.
Since my mom passed away years ago, funerals have been very difficult for me. My Father passed earlier this year, and I am still dealing with emotions from his death.
On the drive home, I was thinking about the previous day, the funeral, my parents, work .. just lot of ‘stuff’. Teresa noticed this sign (above). I had my camera with me, hoping to capture some of the beauty, but my mind was absorbed elsewhere. I turned the car around and found this gorgeous view. I needed this.
Island View Overlook (Livingston Hwy, near Byrdtown, TN)
Yes, it was overcast, which matched my mood. The view, beautiful. The peaceful setting .. fitting.
Alone
I get up very early in the mornings. Most days I’m up at 3:30A, and in the gym by 4:00A. Maybe I’m crazy but I find this to be a special time of day. My head is clear, and I can be more mindful. I don’t believe everyone should try this time in the mornings, but suggest finding what works.
I have been trying to take a picture of this eagle that shows up near the spot where I took this picture. Sometimes being early is not enough. Have a good day.
I’m getting ready to drive to Tennessee for the funeral service of a dear friend. Life is not always what we expect. It takes twist and turns, like a winding road. He influenced my life more than he knew.
It’s only been a few months since I lost my own father. Now, more than ever I feel my own mortality .. life is fragile and short. The sun will rise tomorrow, so enjoy today, live life to the fullest, love and enjoy every day.
(Fort Piqua Hotel, Piqua, OH)
Color can change your mood. It can make your day brighter.
I could not believe the colors early this morning. Everyone knows about the ‘Golden Hour’ for photographers. The sun was just right, and the view .. well, it was stunning. I had stoped to pick up a hot chocolate, and when I looked to my left I saw this amazing scene.
I have had a lot on my mind lately, and this picture just lifted my mood and made the day better. I hope your day was great! Enjoy.
Rick
Read MoreI have been wanting to create this site for a long time. I’m a better photographer than writer (that is my opinion), but every picture has a story. I plan to write about pictures and the experience that comes with each of them. Of course, I will post other pictures to the site, but the pictures and stories are why this site exists.
Stay tuned!