Unfurl

From within, there is a passion or fire that has continued to burn.  It has been there for a long long time.  And yet for some time, it had been diminished.

Over these past two years, I've been able to rekindle that fire like I did in my twenties.  Like the Phoenix from the ashes, I feel like my best work is yet ahead of me. Luckily my partner has been there for me over these past years to keep me sane.

I wake up each day with an excited hurry to rush out that door and explore.  Over these next couple years as I release myself from debt caused by education, buying a home etc I will continue to end this chapter of my life quickly so that I can fly again.  I want to travel not once or twice a year but often. Whenever.

Turning 40 has been amazing.  I thought creatively it would end after my 20's but just when I least expected it, the magic and sparkle has come back again.  The passion was always there.  I was just so busy getting muddled up in the game of life that I forgot to keep hope. What happens when you surface above politics?  Above debt? Above petty arguments?  When all of that daily stuff becomes white noise and no longer matters as much?  Travel, here or there, is in my blood.  It has been there my entire life and soon all the hard work will pay off.

I lost a friend last year at the young age of 47.  I lost a Grandfather at 56.  I have friends who have lost parents at 50.  Everyday must count from here on out.  The video "Try" below begins a two part series about trying and not giving up.  Life is work.  There are no shortcuts in relationships, work or finances. There are no quick fixes with drugs or miracle weight loss programs.  "Try" is also not giving up.  And it's also about doing my best in everything I do. Soon, very soon, my wings will unfurl as I continue to  make those last steps towards this new chapter of freedom.  And adventure.

Stay tuned for the posts "Try" and "Birding Etiquette" over the next two days.  More tomorrow....

Happy 4th of July!

During an evening near Chase field in the downtown area, we witnessed a wonderful display of fireworks over the field.  So I grabbed my camera and did some more work from my abstract series.  I've shown you Holiday Rush with Christmas lights, Fire Spirits and Fire, and now we're going to take a look at some abstract work using fireworks.  Today's post is more focused on evening photography. 



Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July.  And watch where the kids are shooting those bottle rockets off.  In Tucson, fireworks are illegal due to the dry conditions. More tomorrow.....

Fire Spirits

 This is from my "fire" series. I had done this photo shoot during the Pima County Fair. 

Today I'm showing you the more interesting side to humanity. Fire and movement with the body. It's more abstract but I'm working on capturing the "spirit".

 Humans can at times inspire photography. Not often:) I still like my birds, unicorns, and hidden gems. But I am also fascinated by the art of movement. In fact, one of my favorite shows is anything that has to do with Cirque De Soleil.

 I think these images capture the desert well. When I look at these two shots above and below, I imagine the ancient Native Americans moving with fire to ceremonial dances. And during this night event, I am reminded of their presence. Until tomorrow....

Fire

Sometimes while I'm with others, my mind wanders to other places. I escape to another space and explore the mystery behind the motion. Here is what I saw......

......a spark.........a twirl.....an image.......

.....as the fire swirl created a person in the center......and only briefly.....the spirit of the ancient one dancing......

......dancing and twirling.....never ceasing to stop........marking the dark skies.......

.....enlightening others to their presence.....making it known......that fire connects us to the very basic and elemental need of humankind........

A blaze. A swirl.  A loop. Vibrations and waves of flames.  Looping over and under and all around.......

......to my delight and awe.  This is what I see.

Holiday Rush

This set of abstract pics is called, "Holiday Rush".  During this time of year, we sometimes forget to slow down and enjoy all that the season has to offer.

 It's also during this time of year when things get crazy.  There are parties, concerts, flights, decorations, and.......gift shopping. 

These shots taken in the El Presidio Garden

At the end of it all, everything becomes a blur and we sometimes miss out on what's important....our family and friends.  As for your garden, these shots were taken from my garden after installing solar lights on my pine tree.  The solar lights get better every year and I have had great success with them.  The best part.  No electricity outlet needed.