Last Light of Autumn... A Message to My Contacts (and all who stumble upon here)
The fleeting beauty of autumn obviously stirs many a soul, especially those here on Flickr. This past week has been one of leaf storms around here… I enjoy walks in the woods as leaves swirl in the air, their last gasp from eviction to make a vibrant carpet of the forest floor. Many trees are already bared to stand against what winter will bring… yet, there remains light that does not easily give way. Here, a maple, under the canopy of a dogwood, still shines brightly despite how much of the surrounding forest has already nodded its head to the winter.
It’s 5 minutes ‘til midnight now… today was Thanksgiving Day in America. The leaves are mostly a sleepy brown now, and traffic was at a minimum as many folks had already gathered together as friends and family to share in food and fellowship on the holiday… including me. I enjoy cooking, largely because I enjoy being around people that are having a good time, and today has been a very enjoyable day. Ironically, this has been a tough year for me in many ways personally, a tough year for some of my contacts, and overall a tough year throughout this world from the natural effects of deadly earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, typhoons, tornadoes, as well as wars, and societal and financial upheaval. With such overwhelming worldwide cataclysm and bewilderment, what is there to be thankful for?
I’m thankful that these leaves aren’t the only bright spots in this world. I’m blessed to have many friends who not only love and care for me, but also challenge me and make my life interesting… that includes my contacts here on Flickr. Every one of you make the world look so good. I truly believe that if the rest of the world took its cues from the many here on Flickr as they look for the beauty of this world, the world would be a better place.
I’ve learned that you aren’t truly living unless you’re blessed to be a blessing. The year’s not over yet and there’s still a lot to be done. I’m involved at church with the upcoming Christmas seasonal music playing guitar and singing, and in two weeks I’m off to Charlotte for two days to load cartons for Operation Christmas Child at Samaritan’s Purse… I encourage you to be a blessing to someone this season. You won’t believe how good it will make you feel. Go be that bright beacon that doesn't easily give way so that others have someone to reach for.
To:
• The Bugmaster, who bares her young heart with images of Alaska.
• Joy C, who could easily give Hallmark a run for their money.
• Kirsten Storm, the “Dr. Doolittle” of photographers, able to evoke the best and often funny side of any animal.
• B.H.B. Photography and his love for automobiles and turtles.
• Mary Ann Potter, with her unique vision that home is where the heart is.
• Deb Snelson, who often takes that rough and rocky road to find that just right beautiful place.
• Diskdoc, who’s made his retirement years into a wonderful travelogue to us all.
• Ivy Dawned, who makes us realize the common may not be so common after all.
• Joe Franklin Photography’s unique series of churches.
• Quicksilver5001’s ability to combine humor, quirkiness, and beauty, often in the same shot.
• My2boggan’s outstanding take of remote Canada as he teaches indigenous tribal kids far from the bustling crowd.
• Mark vanDyke Photography, who does his formidable best to show me up here in my own state.
• MarsW, who’s going leaps and bounds to make the world her canvas.
• Mizcaliflower’s skill in bringing out the best in people for portraiture.
• Brooksbos, who makes Boston come alive in ways I’ve never seen before.
• Sondela nz, a motorcycle racing grandmother who brings the other side of the world into focus.
• Zill Niazi, who can be counted on for a good eye to the viewfinder and a good word of encouragement.
• Countryman.andrew, especially for his exceptional bird photography.
• .CriStyle.’s style, particularly the images of traditional food she cooks.
• Roanmountain, who can take pictures from his back yard of one of my favorite places.
• Cagedbird 1, who often uses her stunning images of the beauty of Scotland to test us all.
• Marci Goelzer, who makes me realize that in many ways Brazil looks much like North Carolina.
• Nearthetime, who often uses images from his home in Florida to showcase his humor.
• Kathy Harrison, an overworked schoolteacher of whom I wish had more time to photograph eastern North Carolina.
• macro1945, who's scanning back through a lifetime's worth of wonderful film images.
• Gary From Newfoundland II for his humorous moose.
• Kiki_nagi, and his view into the exotic flowers of his homeland.
• All the new contacts who I’ll come know.
You’re each and every one a blessing to me and I’m so thankful for you… God bless you all.
Last Light of Autumn... A Message to My Contacts (and all who stumble upon here)
The fleeting beauty of autumn obviously stirs many a soul, especially those here on Flickr. This past week has been one of leaf storms around here… I enjoy walks in the woods as leaves swirl in the air, their last gasp from eviction to make a vibrant carpet of the forest floor. Many trees are already bared to stand against what winter will bring… yet, there remains light that does not easily give way. Here, a maple, under the canopy of a dogwood, still shines brightly despite how much of the surrounding forest has already nodded its head to the winter.
It’s 5 minutes ‘til midnight now… today was Thanksgiving Day in America. The leaves are mostly a sleepy brown now, and traffic was at a minimum as many folks had already gathered together as friends and family to share in food and fellowship on the holiday… including me. I enjoy cooking, largely because I enjoy being around people that are having a good time, and today has been a very enjoyable day. Ironically, this has been a tough year for me in many ways personally, a tough year for some of my contacts, and overall a tough year throughout this world from the natural effects of deadly earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, typhoons, tornadoes, as well as wars, and societal and financial upheaval. With such overwhelming worldwide cataclysm and bewilderment, what is there to be thankful for?
I’m thankful that these leaves aren’t the only bright spots in this world. I’m blessed to have many friends who not only love and care for me, but also challenge me and make my life interesting… that includes my contacts here on Flickr. Every one of you make the world look so good. I truly believe that if the rest of the world took its cues from the many here on Flickr as they look for the beauty of this world, the world would be a better place.
I’ve learned that you aren’t truly living unless you’re blessed to be a blessing. The year’s not over yet and there’s still a lot to be done. I’m involved at church with the upcoming Christmas seasonal music playing guitar and singing, and in two weeks I’m off to Charlotte for two days to load cartons for Operation Christmas Child at Samaritan’s Purse… I encourage you to be a blessing to someone this season. You won’t believe how good it will make you feel. Go be that bright beacon that doesn't easily give way so that others have someone to reach for.
To:
• The Bugmaster, who bares her young heart with images of Alaska.
• Joy C, who could easily give Hallmark a run for their money.
• Kirsten Storm, the “Dr. Doolittle” of photographers, able to evoke the best and often funny side of any animal.
• B.H.B. Photography and his love for automobiles and turtles.
• Mary Ann Potter, with her unique vision that home is where the heart is.
• Deb Snelson, who often takes that rough and rocky road to find that just right beautiful place.
• Diskdoc, who’s made his retirement years into a wonderful travelogue to us all.
• Ivy Dawned, who makes us realize the common may not be so common after all.
• Joe Franklin Photography’s unique series of churches.
• Quicksilver5001’s ability to combine humor, quirkiness, and beauty, often in the same shot.
• My2boggan’s outstanding take of remote Canada as he teaches indigenous tribal kids far from the bustling crowd.
• Mark vanDyke Photography, who does his formidable best to show me up here in my own state.
• MarsW, who’s going leaps and bounds to make the world her canvas.
• Mizcaliflower’s skill in bringing out the best in people for portraiture.
• Brooksbos, who makes Boston come alive in ways I’ve never seen before.
• Sondela nz, a motorcycle racing grandmother who brings the other side of the world into focus.
• Zill Niazi, who can be counted on for a good eye to the viewfinder and a good word of encouragement.
• Countryman.andrew, especially for his exceptional bird photography.
• .CriStyle.’s style, particularly the images of traditional food she cooks.
• Roanmountain, who can take pictures from his back yard of one of my favorite places.
• Cagedbird 1, who often uses her stunning images of the beauty of Scotland to test us all.
• Marci Goelzer, who makes me realize that in many ways Brazil looks much like North Carolina.
• Nearthetime, who often uses images from his home in Florida to showcase his humor.
• Kathy Harrison, an overworked schoolteacher of whom I wish had more time to photograph eastern North Carolina.
• macro1945, who's scanning back through a lifetime's worth of wonderful film images.
• Gary From Newfoundland II for his humorous moose.
• Kiki_nagi, and his view into the exotic flowers of his homeland.
• All the new contacts who I’ll come know.
You’re each and every one a blessing to me and I’m so thankful for you… God bless you all.