It's hard to say why things are so complicated in life. Sometimes it's one thing. Sometimes it's a combination of things. But whenever the camera comes out, the complications of life go away.
It's just me. It's just my camera. I dare not speak as I don't want to disturb the life around me. For so many years, I went went went......and to where? And for what?? Today, I know that you don't have to go far to find the magic of your own home or garden. It's always been there. Just took me awhile to figure it out. Just be.
And when I see these amazing things around me, I forget everything and just stand in awe of the power that nature provides. There are even moments when a tear forms at the corner of my eye. I don't even care if anyone knows that anymore because it's true. Some call it God. Some call it Nature. Whatever It is, I can certainly feel the power and wonder of our Universe at work....but It is. And when those moments happen, my camera has a hard time focusing.
Today I happened upon Coyotes. I was alone. Not scared. But I was respectful of our space. And that little kid came out with a little laugh....but never anything loud because our little laughs make the wild things run. And it takes awhile to find them safely hidden from people. I wondered if these Coyotes were ever chased by people. What was their experience like around us? But I didn't let the thought linger too long because it bothered me to think what the answer might be.
We looked at each other for a moment. My work was unimportant, my life meaningless.....because here in this moment was something called perfection. And if glow were an emotion than that is what I was feeling. And I begin to understand why the Native people's used the Coyote as a symbol. It was that powerful.
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I love this post! I feel so sorry for the Coyote. People move into what was their home and then bitch about coyotes being too close and demand that Society get rid of them. It's happened all over this country. I go crazy on that. To be that close and for one quick moment in time, be one with another. Incredible!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful find. It seems pretty relaxed.
ReplyDeleteCool sighting of the Coyote. Nature is grand! I have only seen the Coyotes in Yellowstone. Great shots. Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteof course i had to hurry over here as soon as i saw your title.
ReplyDeletecoyotes, wolves, foxes...just a few of my favorites!
your first two shots look like paintings!! what a nice surprise...to have been in the same place...sharing space...as the coyote!
At one with nature. Peace. Fulfilled. Everyone should be so lucky.
ReplyDeleteYou had an amazing experience. So nice to just BE with nature.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see wildlife, I get so excited, and my photos are all blurry. Nice job.
I hear you on the awe of just being there, and you will see the grandeur of the wild. My focus rarely works when I need to capture most wildlife, especially bobcats - those only come by when my camera is elsewhere! Funny, but I don't think I have one photo of a coyote, and I do see them almost as much as roadrunners or curve-billed thrashers. But I sure hear them, right below the house some nights, picking off one rabbit after the other!
ReplyDeleteOnce in a while, I hear of one or two coyotes that will corner someone, but it's when they are walking with pets. Never anything but friendly encounters on my rides and hikes...but no pumas or black bears so far.......
I've always liked coyotes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-jI4LB9vhA&feature=plcp
(looks like Chuck Jones even added some purple-flowering ironwoods to his Monument Valley-Yuma-Tucson scenes)
wonderful photos. i like to spot them, here, but sadly, my dogs have gotten into enough scuffles with them that i don't like when they get too close or too populated.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful written post filled with stunning photographs! I could relate to your words when viewing these stunning creatures. I have felt the same thing while observing wildlife. What a wonderful experience for you! I've only caught fleeting glimpses of coyotes, though I know they do live at the back of our acreage. Their haunting howls and spirited yips are heard often. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteVery well said Chris! I know what glow feels like. Never sure whether to call it God or Nature but it is the same.
ReplyDeleteI know this is a much maligned species and in some places shot on sight. They are survivors though and have even managed to find their way here to coastal Va. Nature abhors a vacuum and when one predator(s) is driven away, another shows up, like a coyote.
ReplyDeleteYour words certainly resonant with me. This is how I feel these days when I stand back and take in the beauty that surrounds me in this bushland setting. It took a long while to get to this point though, but I relish every minute I can these days. Loved the shots. That is one magnificent creature.
ReplyDeleteThat's why we bring the camera; to remember and freeze that moment and the way it feels. Nice to know other people feel the same way I do, that it's an honour to experience nature. When an animal sees you and doesn't bolt, and your eyes meet... Awesome.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos- I am so surprised that they stood still for you!
ReplyDeleteYour words and ideas sound so much like my own Chris. To be with and photgraph nature is just wonderful. Sometimes I find myself just holding my breath not daring to move and then when the camera shakes I realise I have just been spellbound by a bird or an animal. It must have been a privilege to watch the coyotes like that - amazing to think that lots of people would like to harm such beautful wild creatures.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post Chris. Its so wonderful the way such wildlife encounters can be so magical and moving. You conveyed your feeling so well of this marvellous moment.
ReplyDeleteOye qué bonitos Coyotes!!!.. Otro animal de leyenda como el zorro.. Y es que en el fondo son primos hermanos.. Enhorabuena por el post.. Un saludillo
ReplyDeleteYou have said it all so perfectly, Chris. It is powerful, and wonderful, and inspirational...all that and more. Everything just falls away. It is an addictive feeling.
ReplyDelete