I am quietly relieved to read "I do not much like the lingering taste of shame." me neither my friend, me neither... I posted a short paragraph on my own thoughts not many minutes ago, hesitantly hitting the button that makes them public because shame is personal “shame is a soul eating emotion.” at least so says Carl Jung and I needed to be, at least temporarily, rid of it!
I rejoice for you and with you in such an intimate portrait of a winter-dressed Red-Necked Grebe, so rare here I have never had such a sighting - vicariously is as good as the real thing however when sat in comfort, steaming coffee to hand, while I read your lyrical and beautiful musings - my warmest thanks from my hill so battered by high winds every bird is flying upside down and backwards!
"... hesitantly hitting the button that makes them public because shame is personal, “shame is a soul eating emotion.”
I recognize the truth in what you speak, my friend, because, like you, I have spent so much time trying to understand the power of it and trying to learn to live in a way that earns me none of it, or at least, no more. One learns to recognize one's fellow travelers along the path, takes solace in the familiar, telling nod and appreciative smile as we pass, or sit a moment upon an adjacent rock while we catch our breath.
How dear your nods in my direction, your smiles and encouragements. That bit of candle passed to help light the next shadowy crag.
You make me grateful and remind me of the sort of person I want to be.
How lucky we are indeed, to see the magic close up through your lens. I am indeed in need of this, to counter the embarrassment of being a part of the human race, some of whom seem intent on changing the definition of what I had thought humanity meant. 💛✨
I know that distant photo of the grebe, haven taken it many times, on a lake here in the Napa Valley, always unhappy I couldn’t get closer. Your two close images of that grebe have had me studying each a long time. I’ve seen the look in the eyes in my chickens, a sort of patient withdrawal, when they are on their quiet, final descent. But it’s the quality of the two images, that has me really curious. The cropped shot has such a quality in the water and feather detail — a fascinating, pleasing quality. How did that difference come about? Assuming you took both shots, from the same place, with the same lens, I’m wondering (and trying to guess) what processing you went through to bring that shot to the arresting, beautiful portrait image. No worries if you don’t like to go into such technical details, just mainly want to send a congrats for a lovely, lovely image.
" I’ve seen the look in the eyes in my chickens, a sort of patient withdrawal, when they are on their quiet, final descent. "
I sense you may be picking up on the truth of the situation, Bonnie, but absent any hard evidence, hold a tiny candle of hope.
"But it’s the quality of the two images, that has me really curious. The cropped shot has such a quality in the water and feather detail — a fascinating, pleasing quality. How did that difference come about? Assuming you took both shots, from the same place, with the same lens, I’m wondering (and trying to guess) what processing you went through to bring that shot to the arresting, beautiful portrait image."
As a portraitist I always consider it an essential part of my process to interpret and shade, so as to help convey the 'essence' of a being, rather than just capture the shape of his or her face. To my mind, that is the difference between a portrait and a snapshot. One is a grab. The other is a commentary.
Your careful eyes do not deceive. I probably spent a half hour studying several different images to select the one that best captured the feel of the creature in that quiet encounter, and then tried to subtly eliminate anything that might distract from the expression of its soul, if you will. I have developed techniques over decades of portrait making to help me frame and focus the viewer's attention, the addition of subtle textures and shadings to make the background less literal and to make sure that the being is the absolute center of the viewer's attention. It is a very different thing to try to create an environmental portrait, a teaching image that places a creature within a telling place that helps explain their size, preferences and proclivities. This portrait you inquire about chooses to say nothing about the environment, and put all the attention upon the being.
Does that answer your question?
Thank you, truly for such an astute and generous inquiry.
Thanks for waving your wand in my direction. A bit of magic on this mournful and grotesque evening is quite welcome. Though I am not watching, even my television is sighing and over heating in anguish.
Truth is, I needed something else to peer into at this moment, an “… intelligent, yellow-ringed eye of the Red-Necked Grebe” is perfect. Just what I needed .
Same to you, my friend. Yesterday a big beautiful Barred Owl decided our little patch of forest might be an acceptable home . New and wonderful visions right in front of my living room window. Where the trees are a bit too close, just the way we like it. I went out to extend a warm welcome, just as you taught me.
"...and the one so close to shore with perhaps an injured wing, feels like kin at the moment..."
Hey friend, been wondering how your wing is progressing, if the pain has lessened, if you're finding creative new ways to do things. Makes perfect sense that you'd find that kinship connection with this wounded poet.
I'm always delighted to see your name on a note, delighted for the connection and glimpse into your seeing.
Thank you, my friend. You show up. Again and again, you show up.
David, I love you engaging and thoughtful story about the red-necked grebe. The first photo, of the winter plumaged grebe on the green water is outstanding in its colors and textures. It almost looks like an oil painting. I could stare at its beauty for hours. From my 35 years in Alaska, I am accustomed to seeing Red-necked Grebes fairly close-up in their brighter breeding plumage. They would nest on local ponds and lakes, pulling a bunch of reeds together for a floating nest in the shallows, but usually far enough from the peopled shores for safety. Absolutely beautiful birds, and their frequent calling always sounded like raucous laughter. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ahhh, Gary, I'm so pleased that this one found you and pleased your careful eye, and called out to some memory store from years/adventures past. Thank you for making time to write, and thank you for your kind words about the first image. I try to go in with the intention of making a person's portrait, honoring them and carefully portraying some essence of their character. Bird people are endlessly fascinating to some of us. Glad you're here, my friend.
“I’m already carrying enough shame from watching the way the President and Vice-President of these United States of America used the sacred office of the White House and rolling TV cameras to ambush and threaten the wartime president of another democracy…” ditto - as anyone with any ounce of decency should.
When I zoom in on your photos, I see friends who are keenly aware of and delighted by your kind attention. Their personalities jump out at me as if yo say, “This guy is a hoot and I love him for it.”
It is a wonderful thing to be seen through the eyes of one who imputes such kindness, dear Kimberly, an antidote and balm to those less generous slings and arrows so frequently encountered. Thank you.
I am quietly relieved to read "I do not much like the lingering taste of shame." me neither my friend, me neither... I posted a short paragraph on my own thoughts not many minutes ago, hesitantly hitting the button that makes them public because shame is personal “shame is a soul eating emotion.” at least so says Carl Jung and I needed to be, at least temporarily, rid of it!
I rejoice for you and with you in such an intimate portrait of a winter-dressed Red-Necked Grebe, so rare here I have never had such a sighting - vicariously is as good as the real thing however when sat in comfort, steaming coffee to hand, while I read your lyrical and beautiful musings - my warmest thanks from my hill so battered by high winds every bird is flying upside down and backwards!
"... hesitantly hitting the button that makes them public because shame is personal, “shame is a soul eating emotion.”
I recognize the truth in what you speak, my friend, because, like you, I have spent so much time trying to understand the power of it and trying to learn to live in a way that earns me none of it, or at least, no more. One learns to recognize one's fellow travelers along the path, takes solace in the familiar, telling nod and appreciative smile as we pass, or sit a moment upon an adjacent rock while we catch our breath.
How dear your nods in my direction, your smiles and encouragements. That bit of candle passed to help light the next shadowy crag.
You make me grateful and remind me of the sort of person I want to be.
I'm ever so grateful.
How lucky we are indeed, to see the magic close up through your lens. I am indeed in need of this, to counter the embarrassment of being a part of the human race, some of whom seem intent on changing the definition of what I had thought humanity meant. 💛✨
Again and again, Emily, your generosity and kindness...
How very grateful I am for these places we get to meet. 🙏
Great observations, thoughtful, just what I wanted and needed today, many thanks.
🙏
I know that distant photo of the grebe, haven taken it many times, on a lake here in the Napa Valley, always unhappy I couldn’t get closer. Your two close images of that grebe have had me studying each a long time. I’ve seen the look in the eyes in my chickens, a sort of patient withdrawal, when they are on their quiet, final descent. But it’s the quality of the two images, that has me really curious. The cropped shot has such a quality in the water and feather detail — a fascinating, pleasing quality. How did that difference come about? Assuming you took both shots, from the same place, with the same lens, I’m wondering (and trying to guess) what processing you went through to bring that shot to the arresting, beautiful portrait image. No worries if you don’t like to go into such technical details, just mainly want to send a congrats for a lovely, lovely image.
" I’ve seen the look in the eyes in my chickens, a sort of patient withdrawal, when they are on their quiet, final descent. "
I sense you may be picking up on the truth of the situation, Bonnie, but absent any hard evidence, hold a tiny candle of hope.
"But it’s the quality of the two images, that has me really curious. The cropped shot has such a quality in the water and feather detail — a fascinating, pleasing quality. How did that difference come about? Assuming you took both shots, from the same place, with the same lens, I’m wondering (and trying to guess) what processing you went through to bring that shot to the arresting, beautiful portrait image."
As a portraitist I always consider it an essential part of my process to interpret and shade, so as to help convey the 'essence' of a being, rather than just capture the shape of his or her face. To my mind, that is the difference between a portrait and a snapshot. One is a grab. The other is a commentary.
Your careful eyes do not deceive. I probably spent a half hour studying several different images to select the one that best captured the feel of the creature in that quiet encounter, and then tried to subtly eliminate anything that might distract from the expression of its soul, if you will. I have developed techniques over decades of portrait making to help me frame and focus the viewer's attention, the addition of subtle textures and shadings to make the background less literal and to make sure that the being is the absolute center of the viewer's attention. It is a very different thing to try to create an environmental portrait, a teaching image that places a creature within a telling place that helps explain their size, preferences and proclivities. This portrait you inquire about chooses to say nothing about the environment, and put all the attention upon the being.
Does that answer your question?
Thank you, truly for such an astute and generous inquiry.
Thanks. Yes, I did need this story of magic, and no, I never would have seen the Grebe without your photos. Thank you for your generosity.
I have so much respect for you, Maria and I'm happy that this one found you.
Beautiful💫
🙏 Good morning, friend.
It’s that darned razors edge again. Asking ourselves if they come to our path (or us to theirs) for help or to teach.
I’m glad he/she/ they did not flee from you, but sensed your gentle non harmful presence.
I love your awareness of that razor's edge, Tey, that informed kindness, willing to look at the choices involved. May your day be kind.
So grateful for the magic you share.🙏💙
Thank you, Laurie.
🙏
Thanks for waving your wand in my direction. A bit of magic on this mournful and grotesque evening is quite welcome. Though I am not watching, even my television is sighing and over heating in anguish.
Truth is, I needed something else to peer into at this moment, an “… intelligent, yellow-ringed eye of the Red-Necked Grebe” is perfect. Just what I needed .
What grace and honor to be able to set a table with 'just what you needed,' Lor.
May unexpected kindnesses come looking for you today, and may they find your 'Yes!'
Same to you, my friend. Yesterday a big beautiful Barred Owl decided our little patch of forest might be an acceptable home . New and wonderful visions right in front of my living room window. Where the trees are a bit too close, just the way we like it. I went out to extend a warm welcome, just as you taught me.
Wishing for you both that that will be but the first of many conversations, Lor.
I'm delighted for you!
I would much rather tune into your musings than watch a blowhard trying to amp up his base. Thank you, my friend!💕
I'm so grateful for you, dear Sheila.
How lucky are we indeed!!!
Lucky to have you in the world
Watching and writing and taking photos
And then sharing them
O Lordy I’m so grateful to have you in my world
And that you shared these beautiful insightful observations today
When I needed them and you
Badly.
Blessings upon you.
Your note feels like a life ring, tossed to me in the churn and swirl, Steffany. Thank you for making time to offer such encouragements and kindness.
May your day be kind.
Love these beautiful Red-necks---and the one so close to shore with perhaps an injured wing, feels like kin at the moment...
Love these super-duper portraits! (wow, those yellow streaked beaks!)
And double-wow that first one with its groovy reflection!
Good to hear your thoughts...
"...and the one so close to shore with perhaps an injured wing, feels like kin at the moment..."
Hey friend, been wondering how your wing is progressing, if the pain has lessened, if you're finding creative new ways to do things. Makes perfect sense that you'd find that kinship connection with this wounded poet.
I'm always delighted to see your name on a note, delighted for the connection and glimpse into your seeing.
Thank you, my friend. You show up. Again and again, you show up.
I'm ever so grateful.
David, I love you engaging and thoughtful story about the red-necked grebe. The first photo, of the winter plumaged grebe on the green water is outstanding in its colors and textures. It almost looks like an oil painting. I could stare at its beauty for hours. From my 35 years in Alaska, I am accustomed to seeing Red-necked Grebes fairly close-up in their brighter breeding plumage. They would nest on local ponds and lakes, pulling a bunch of reeds together for a floating nest in the shallows, but usually far enough from the peopled shores for safety. Absolutely beautiful birds, and their frequent calling always sounded like raucous laughter. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ahhh, Gary, I'm so pleased that this one found you and pleased your careful eye, and called out to some memory store from years/adventures past. Thank you for making time to write, and thank you for your kind words about the first image. I try to go in with the intention of making a person's portrait, honoring them and carefully portraying some essence of their character. Bird people are endlessly fascinating to some of us. Glad you're here, my friend.
“I’m already carrying enough shame from watching the way the President and Vice-President of these United States of America used the sacred office of the White House and rolling TV cameras to ambush and threaten the wartime president of another democracy…” ditto - as anyone with any ounce of decency should.
May we learn to draw warmth from the coldness of others, Jen. I'm glad you're here.
When I zoom in on your photos, I see friends who are keenly aware of and delighted by your kind attention. Their personalities jump out at me as if yo say, “This guy is a hoot and I love him for it.”
Or am I just projecting?
It is a wonderful thing to be seen through the eyes of one who imputes such kindness, dear Kimberly, an antidote and balm to those less generous slings and arrows so frequently encountered. Thank you.
I can’t fathom you experience many of those slings and arrows David. You are pure of heart!