From within

This morning took me to the LSU lakes in search of pelicans and a seasonal landscape. The birds were elusive and any moments close to late autumn were whisked away by seconds of time. I wasn't in the 'right place and the right time'. Being frustrated by this, I let it go and just stopped to experience the changing views. The cloud cover began to give way to blue skies, and in the water's reflection the story was told.

From within, when we quiet ourselves, peace will heal, strengthen and emerge.

The view from 47

The glowing, early morning orange and pink sky filled the room where I sat reading from the computer.  It pulled me outside in wonder of the bright colors and gift of the day.  Stop to think that after 47 years of sunrises, they'll still amaze in their uniqueness and beauty.


Inspired, I prepped for an early bike ride, and was excited to kick off my birthday outside.  Once out there, my egret friend greeted me from its spot on the pine, then I finally made myself stop to take pictures of the tree hanging over the lake.  Each were uplifting, with newness in their familiarity.

 

Morning egret

I finally strapped on the camera today for my ride into work with the intention of taking pics of the students.  Upward Bound's summer session ends on Monday, so its appearance was way overdue.   I got to use it way before seeing the kids as my morning egret friend was sitting it the pine catching the rising sun.  It had made the same appearance once or twice before, and each time it had been such a treat to catch it sitting high.  Seeing it again while toting my camera was a sweet surprise, and without hesitation I jumped off to grab some shots.  Despite doing my best with my sleuth photo stalking skills, it sensed me and flew away after a few minutes or so.  I did have enough time, though, to appreciate the show of subtle light in the curve of its neck.  Ooh, I so enjoyed it, along with the long, wispy feathers gently sitting on the ends of its wings.

Let us see if it will be there again "knowing" that I'll have my camera with me while keeping out a watchful eye.

Dream Tree, come with me

5.28.12:  This tree sits on the property of good friends who are moving out of town.  I took the picture on Sunday night during their farewell gathering of friends and neighbors.  I stopped by the house today to pick up a beautiful bowl she's leaving with me, and when I arrived the orange of the setting sun filled their living room like I've never noticed before.  When I mentioned it she pulled me into the 'sun room' to look out at the tree and the lake not knowing that I had taken the picture the night before.  She cleared the desk and window so we could see, stopped and took a deep breath.  This scene and place she'll always remember and appreciate, and in that moment I think that she placed it in her heart and mind to take with her. 

Taken they'll only be an hour and a half away in New Orleans, and it is their official return to their home city following the federal levee failures after Katrina.  Their home there is so beautiful and it also has a stunning Live Oak tree across the street in a park.  Family and friends are there to welcome them and a renewed lifestyle is ready for their participation.  They'll be missed, and we'll always feel fortunate that they entered our lives seven years ago.  I guess part of this Dream Tree will stay, too, so that we'll always remember and cherish.  :) xo

And the pelicans came

I took my daughters out to the local lake towards the end of the day to see the visiting pelicans.  It had been two years since they spent some time there during this season, so their presence has been causing excitement.  Friends have been saying that they've seen hundreds, and my husband reported in after his rides to work that there were many gathered in the sky or diving for fish.

When we arrived, there were about 20 or so floating with the wind across the water, while a few found resting spots within the lake to preen themselves.  Exciting to see them again, but not worth the commotion people have been talking about.  My girls took off for the sandy area on the lake, and I stayed as close as I could watching the pelicans still interested in the amount of preening going on.

That's when it happened.  In the distance from the west, I saw a group of about 30 or more birds flying towards us.  With the golden orange sky behind them their silhouettes became larger and nearer as they circled overhead and back towards the lake to land.  "Wow!  That was amazing!!"  My little one ran off again, and I stood there with my older daughter smiling.  "Momma, more!!!!"  I looked back to the west, and there they were again, another grouping flying our way.  This time they came closer showing us the sun touching their bottom feathers as they flew into the water.  "Oh my goodness!!!" We were beside ourselves in amazement, and my daughter's smile and eyes gleamed.  "Momma, again!!!!"  Another wave took off from the west and came in once again.  The pelicans settled in on the water after that floating about different sections of the lake with that original few still preening themselves in the dark.

We stayed with them, and when we finally made ourselves go, we decided that we'll remember and talk the experience for our lifetimes.  It really was an amazing show.