Silence and nature

"In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence." ~ Robert Lynd

"In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence." ~ Robert Lynd

My guess is that if yout take. a two minute walk, you will see a sparrow. They are very common here in Ohio. I love how she blends into the tree and becomes part of the scene. I didn’t even see her at first. There is something to be said for silence, including seeing nature. It’s all around you! 

~ Rick

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright

Free Bird

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Lets start with a nostalgic moment: On November 23, 1974 Lynyrd Skynrd released Free Bird as a single. It was released a year earlier on their debut album. When they played Free Bird it live, it would usually go for 13 minutes, to well over 14 minutes. I was in high school. I loved this song. 

I remember the sad news in 1977.  I was in college, but at moment I heard it, I was on a date. A tragic plan crash took the life of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist and vocalist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, and others.  

This is still one of my favorite songs. The YouTube video is from 1976 .. it’s from a live performance. 

I took the sunset picture with the migrating birds a few weeks ago. It reminded me of this song. I was also reminded of this: We often feel trapped or constrained by our circumstances. More often than not, we limit ourselves with self-doubt and fear. I love how the birds do it. They just ‘go’ and ‘do’. 

After a long journey, I don’t think they look back and question their progress .. they just do it again. A few months later, the journey is repeated, in reverse. 

I am in awe at the accomplishments of so many of my friends and others that I know. Some of them have beat amazing odds in the most difficult circumstances. So many of them feel overwhelmed by the daily grind and the challenges. They go and do, when it seems impossible. They are my hero’s. 

~ Rick

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright

Bring back the blue sky

Near Fletcher, Ohio on November 3, 2017

Near Fletcher, Ohio on November 3, 2017

The cloud cover and rain for the last few days has left me with a little seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Yes, I think SAD is real, and I feel it every winter. 

This is where photography comes to the rescue ... I remembered this picture and had a little internal party when I saw the blue sky and green pasture. 🎊🎊  

Pictures and videos can bring back memories. Some of my most cherished photos are of my mother and father. When I am missing them, I will look at those photos and find peace. 

So when ever you read this, do what I’m doing: Listen to The Beach Boys, and look at some of your summer photos or other cherished memories! 

 

  ~ Rick

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

 ©2017 Rick Cartwright

“Here's looking at you, kid."

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I took this picture at the Honolulu zoo. I don’t know what was communicated here, but it was beautiful. 

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

One of the biggest problems in our world today is the lack of real communications. It starts when we  listen. I struggle with this, but I am trying to get better. Listen completely .. don’t just fake it. Be in the moment. 

I have a long time friend that I believe is an expert listener. When I talk to him, he is totally in the moment. It is like there is nothing else more important than me and our conversation. More than that, you feel that he cares. I have never known anyone as engaged. He takes in every word, and every emotion. Then he reflects back what he heard with empathy. You know he understands, because he tells you by his words, body language, and expression. 

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

Take time listen .. and really listen. Start today, and make it a better world. 

~ Rick

 

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright

Change happens .. and then the clock

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This picture captures the essence of the Fall season. If you look at it for a while, perhaps you will feel the cool in the air, hear the sounds of fall, and see the harvest as it happens around you. Of course, if you take a quick walk outside, you will feel the cold in the air! It’s 34°F as I type this.  

When I see this picture, I am reminded that nature seems to deal with change better than most of us. Just look around and you see change every day. We complain when things change. Perhaps it’s Facebook and the constant changes to your timeline, or the location of your favorite item at Kroger ... there is always some change to dislike. I’m right there with you. 

This weekend, we will experience another change: Daylight Saving Time gives way to Standard Time. For some serious stress, google “Standard time and health” or something like that. Seriously, this change is even bad for your health. 😳🤔

Don’t get me wrong ... Sunday and Monday I will be complaining. I wish we just left it one way or the other.  Every year, a number of States talk about ending this crazy practice. Both Maine and Massachusetts have proposals to end it. Several states continue to ‘talk’ about it. Talk is cheap folks! 

What do I propose. Sadly, let’s just suck it up and move on. If you see me Sunday or Monday, and I’m complaining, please remind me that change happens. I promise to try and let it go.  

~ Rick

Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright