Reflections from the Mirror: Walk In and Drive Out of Bliss

This Blog's Focus, or lack there of

Edith Wharton said "There are two ways of spreading light ...To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it." That's what this blog is about, how the light of other people and the world around me have reflected off and in me. . .or other things when I need to write about other things, like walking, lizards, or fruit. There will be pictures of plants. All pictures are taken by me, unless noted.

I say what's on my mind, when it's there, and try to only upload posts that won't hurt or offend readers. However, readers may feel hurt or offended despite my good intentions. Blog-reading is a matter of free choice, that's what I have come to love about it, so if you are not pleased, surf on and/or leave a comment. I welcome any and all kind-hearted commentary.

It's 2012 and my current obsessions are writing and walking, sometimes at the same time. And books. I'm increasingly fascinated by how ebooks are transforming the physical book, forcing it to do more than provide printed words on a page.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Walk In and Drive Out of Bliss

One reason taking pictures of plants is so satisfying is they don't have legs. They stay put, allowing me time to take the lens cap off, focus, set my aperture (if I'm using the DSLR), and frame the shot. Plants are patient subjects. No so with critters, which is why I usually get blurry snaps of their rear ends.

I just got home from a walk in the botanical garden, just around sunset, and these are some of critters who were kind enough to sit still while I fumbled with my point and shoot. I was thrilled, especially when that bad ass looking lizard had a fight with another lizard of his species. I missed photographing the brawl that went on for many seconds right at my feet on the trail. I don't usually like fighting, never watch boxing, but I've never seen a lizard fight. It was one of those moments when the whole world shrinks down to one point of focus. Nothing existed but those two bad boys biting one another's sides while they swirled around in a circle and me watching.

Then I saw the bunny. :-)

As I drove out of the parking lot, I felt completely relaxed.

Then I got flashed by a photocop while I was driving home, writing in my head, a habit that distracts me from things like speed traps.

Then I got stuck behind a bus, my zen spilling away. Once it's flowing away, it's hard to get back, except by writing and looking at pictures of bunnies, and reliving lizard fights. Ah, bliss.