Pictures for Pam, Day 3: Tiny Treasures

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A heaviness of heart greeted me this morning and the familiar disinterest in doing anything swirled about me, pulling me down into the usual gloom of the past months. Wrestling with this specter, I shrugged my shoulders in determination to overcome my low spirits. And so I got ready for my daily walk like usual, but today I really piled on the garments, annoyed by the cold that continued to bite into me every day now. Tee-shirt topped by thermal long-sleeve, then my very warm, fluffy sweater and of course my trusty, pill-covered blue fleece. The final touch of gloves, scarf, and hat, sweaters zipped up tight, conjured thoughts of "A Christmas Story"…perhaps I wasn't so armored that I would fall over like little Randy, but the amusing image forced me to crack a grin. Progress. I stepped out the door.

I was met by a bracing wind today which totally surprised me. Our mornings are almost invariably still until the sun was quite high in the sky and I wondered what this tree-rattling weather meant for the days ahead. Though it was nearly 34 today and warmer by 8 very discernable degrees, the gusting wind laughed at me with a knowledge that it would feel even colder. So it did, but happily, my bundling had worked and I was quite comfortable for once! In fact, I actually grew so warm after a few laps that I was forced to remove my hat, scarf, blue sweater AND my gloves! What a change!! Thank goodness, because I was really tired of returning home with ice-cubes for feet, face, hands and leg surfaces.

Tackling my low spirits took some doing and as you must know, it's very hard to be creative when feeling down. But as I walked, I forced myself to look for things that Pam might like. My blue mood had me questioning everything. "I have taken pictures of everything I see a thousand times. I've posted pictures of this, that and those things too. Nobody cares about my stupid pictures. I'm wasting my time." On and on it went…and I just kept looking and tossing my negative feelings aside as I was able.

Heading into my fourth lap, I bent down and neatly placed a white pebble on the other rock slab, arranging it in a growing line of stones while the pile of rocks on the other side slowly diminished. Next to the rock slabs was my smart phone and headphones and I picked them up. I love to occupy my walks with a podcast or story, it's such a nice way to experience a book or radio show. It also passes the time nicely, distracting me from the relentless drudgery of walking up and down my driveway a baker's dozen every day.

Turning to continue my walk, I returned to the Larry Niven story, "Dream Park," and was quickly immersed in the clever Westworld-like yarn. I noticed that my mood was improving, and I was able to finally see some things that Pam might think were cool. Noticing a familiar rust-colored weed that stood bracing itself against the wind, I was reminded of what I used to call it, "Indian Tobacco." I now know that it's actually called "Curly Dock," but it's hard to remember after a lifetime of calling it something else. Without stopping to look closer, I knew this would make a very nice picture for Pam to see!

When I was finished with my walk, I got my camera and made my way back to the Curly Dock. It was a good choice for today because, despite the wind, I knew I'd be able to get some good macros. The stalk is fairly rigid and I'd surely get some shots in between the gusts.

At a glance, Curly Dock is an unusual, interesting plant with its deep ruddy color and texture. However, the visual prize of this plant can only be seen at a nose-close distance, and so I busied myself taking many pictures to ensure that at least one would come out crisp and detailed. Experience has taught me that wind and even just a badly-timed breeze will ruin your pictures, so it's best to take lots at various distances, apertures and angles. In the end, I tossed about 15 duds, saved a few, but the image I'm sharing for Pam was just what I was hoping for! Detail, clarity and good lighting show off Curly Dock's wonderful clusters of seed-and-calyx. Aren't they wonderful to see? :)

Pam, I know you will appreciate this image of tiny treasures, and wouldn't it be fun to be momentarily very small so that we could gaze up at these lovely forms, hand-in-hand and staring transfixed? Nature brims with countless wonderful sights like this and I'm so glad that you love these hidden treats as much as I do! Feel better soon! :)

Explored on 11/12/18, highest position: #29