Pictures for Pam, Day 2: Caught Leaf

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You may read the latest news of Pam`s recoverery here (11/9/18): www.ipernity.com/home/christine.bentley
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I began my day with an unfamiliar lightness of heart, and a grin tugging at the sides of my mouth as I stepped outside into the biting cold of this lovely sunny day. I'd bundled up in my bedraggled but favorite blue sweater, knitted brown scarf and its matching scarf, but decided on a heavier pair of gloves today. It was time for my thicker, soft black suede ones to replace the lighter duty nylon ones I'd been wearing to this point. Looking at the thermometer I cringed..."26.5 degrees?! WOW!" I thought it was interesting that I'd donned my heavier gloves without knowing just how cold it was today. The temperature had been inching downwards in the past week and it was definitely getting quite cold. In fact, I've been needing a warm shower to warm up after my walks, because no matter how much heat I'd generated during my brisk 1.25 hr walk, my extremities could not keep up with the frigid temperatures. That's cold.

I stretched my legs for a few minutes and then headed down the drive, taking a look at my pile of white rocks as I passed by. To keep track of my "laps", I have 13 little white pebbles that I move from one large stone slab to another as I progress. I learned long ago that I am apt to forget the exact number because my mind is distracted by my thoughts or by the story or podcast that I am listening to. With my pebbles, I am free to let my mind wander without needing to wonder about the number of laps I have walked.

Making my way down our uneven, gravel road that leads to a chain-locked metal gate, the road beyond ferries an infrequent stream of vehicles back and forth from the secluded hills beyond to the small but growing towns of Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland and White City. I hate the noise of the cars and trucks, but though there is more traffic now than when we first moved here about 10 years ago, it's still very tolerable and not a constant din by any means.

I noticed that there wasn't much frost today despite the cold, which I thought was interesting, since it's been quite frosty on previous days. My breath filled the air with clouds of dragon's vapor as I trooped down to turn-round at the gate and head back up the hill.

Thoughts of Pam filled my mind and I hoped that she was doing ok. I smiled again from ear to ear this time, filled with the effervescent delight of an excited child. My eyes had snapped open once again and as I had hoped, my plan was working--and so quickly too! By picking up my camera again, and taking pictures of images that made me want to share them with my friend, I'd awakened my creative eye again. Suddenly I was thinking about light and shadow, contrast and shapes, interesting sights that invariably showed themselves to me like beacons amidst the drab, dry scenery around me.

Yesterday's photo turned out as I'd hoped and I was tickled that, even though I hadn't taken pictures for quite some time, my abilities were truly like that of riding a bike. How fortunate I am to be able to pick up my camera and take pictures that please me, even after a long break! :)

After a few laps, I approached our gate and I noticed some lines on the metal. Looking very closely, I could see a very fine filigree of frost, so delicate that the mere touch of the sun would melt this beautiful etching. I exclaimed out lout how lovely and unusual this subtle frost was, and thought about trying to get a picture. I could see that the sun was making its way upwards and rays of brilliant light were about to touch the gate. Yes, I would get my camera, but no, I doubted I would get that picture, even if I ran all the way up to the house and back. That special sight would likely be just for my eyes today, but I was so grateful that I noticed, for the memory of that delicate filigree would stay with me.

Grabbing my camera at the end of my lap, I returned to the gate, but I could see halfway down the hill that the sun had indeed lit up the slate-grey pipes and I would not see any frost there when I arrived. No matter--because I believe that things are meant to be, and it was for me to have my camera with me, but frost on the gate was not my subject for the day. I did confirm what I already knew--the perfectly dry gate hid any signs that a fairy's wand had touched the bars in the early hours.

Heading up the hill, camera in hand now, I opened my eyes with the alertness of a hunting cat. I looked for that sparkle of light, a silhouette that caught my eye, the magic of early sunbeams passing through the leaves and casting warm light upon everything it touched. I saw a few leaves that got my attention, but gazing through my camera lens, could see they were not quite right.

Then I saw a leaf suspended on some weeds, and though it was not lit up by the sun, I knew that if I walked around off the road and to the other side, that leaf might very well explode into an image of nature's stained glass. My face beamed as I made my way around, and sunk down to take the picture that you see here. As luck--or meant-to-be--would have it, that leaf was suspended on weeds that were just far away enough from the grass and weeds nearby to give me the most gorgeous bokeh in the background. Lovely separation without any need to remove anything from the background! In fact, this image is about 99% Straight Out of the Camera! How lucky is that?! :)

Pam, I hope that you like your picture today, it was a wonderful find and because of you, I have once again found my light. Loving you muchly and thinking of you so frequently! May this day find you feeling better than the day before my dear!

Explored on 11/10/18, highest placement #54.