Mandarin Park, Jacksonville FL
Today I woke up late and decided to visit a nearby park for the sunrise. I had no expectations. Being alone in nature as the day starts is my perfect morning. As the sunbeams penetrated the morning mist and illuminated my path, I felt charged. Following rituals that inspire sets you up for a lifetime of benefits.
Julington-Durbin Preserve, Jacksonville FL
How do you feel when the hand of man is evident on your hike? A sign, trash, even the trail itself? I’ve come to accept what is. I can become agitated but choose to embrace the coexistence of many factors in my environment and in my life. I pick up the trash but there are many things I cannot change, so I go on my way.
Timucuan Preserve Cedar Point
“Autumn” in Florida is different than Vermont. Changes are subtle. Recognize regional differences worldwide, and that words have different meanings to different people. As our battle of words and ideas rages on, l accept my view of the world may not be shared by others, and my Autumn could be vastly different than yours.
Ringhaver Park, Jacksonville FL [3.66:1]
When I enter this area of trees at Ringhaver Park I always pause. There is a unity in the branches that envelops the area, although there is a fence dividing the property. The fence prevents me from approaching the trees from a different angle, but does not impede the trees from interacting and becoming one. We choose to erect barriers and create boundaries, nature has no idea of this concept.
Okefenokee West NWR [3.17:1]
S: Still Scene, Southern Swamp
Perhaps especially with this—
a swamp in all its mossy stillness,
caught in a photograph by Douglas Eng—
the mind must impress some phrase,
must make an order out of metaphor,
for such is the way of reflection, and so:
the world, it seems, is turned in on itself
at the waterline—cypress and tupelo trees
like narcissists, solipsists, as if nothing
existed in the world except themselves,
especially not sound: not wing-beat,
not tail-slap, not splash, no sibilance
of the cottonmouth, only this silence,
and, because they are not razed (not yet
at least), the mind believes the trees proud,
and tells the ear to hear a cry, full of praise.
Hastings Hensel, 2016
Cary State Forest, Bryceville FL
Have you ever been physically or mentally lost? Being lost creates feelings of despair, hopelessness, and discomfort. There are many markers that are way-showers. They are always there, but often we don’t see them. It can be as simple as following the road you are on, finding the trail blaze, or seeing the light. Being lost in the woods has its special terror. I enjoy the possibility of getting lost. How about you?
Ocala National Forest
The direction North is symbolic of finding one’s way. Once I found a vantage point, even this seemingly jumbled mass of branches revealed a defined direction and coordinated idea. I can believe that the chaos of the times is actually pointing somewhere, and that a vantage point only needs to be found for clarity of purpose. Let’s hope so.
Durbin Creek, St. Johns FL
Santa Fe River Park, High Springs FL
I am always in search of the perfect tree. I really don’t know what I’m looking for but I’m sure I’ll know it when I see it. This photograph comes close. It fits a preconception I have of Tree. Many times these preconceptions get in the way of seeing. As I sort through thousands of trees I have photographed I ask what makes this special? I concluded that it was not the tree, for all trees are special. It was my reaction to this tree, the photograph is a reflection of my feelings towards the subject. We see the world as we are.
Cary State Forest, Bryceville FL
Often we need a brief moment to be still. A call to stillness however is not always obvious. A gentle nudge from nature enables this state of mind. On foggy mornings I run to the woods knowing that these moments are waiting for me. Know what conditions are conducive to stillness and seek them out.
Ft. George Island FL
Spanish moss draped trees depict the Southern landscape. The natural ebb and flow of the moss embodies the essence of the tree. Natural systems have a congruence of purpose that contrasts with our attempts to conduct our lives. Observing nature reminds us that harmony, beauty, and respect, are qualities of living things that are possible and worth pursuing.
Jacksonville Arboretum
Having a handle on life requires that we can see what is in front of us, but often we need to see more. A photograph provides a snapshot of what exists in front of the camera. I thought I understood what I saw here. When I noticed the leaf in movement, I realized that something else was going on. Wind, animal, spirit? Find time to examine life beyond first glance. Look deep and discover.
Cary State Forest, Bryceville FL
Looking down this road without a clear view I hesitated to go further. But curiosity got the best of me and I kept driving. There really wasn’t anything to fear, only self-made fabrications. Often we avoid what we should embrace. Approach life with boldness and confidence.
Lochloosa Lake, FL
I prefer early morning photography for the freshness of the day, quality of light, and clarity of mind. All of these came together today. It’s difficult to capture what one is feeling, in fact if you try you will fail. So the idea is not to try, but just experience and shoot if it feels right. You may create an accident that works.
Cary State Forest, Bryceville FL
Julington-Durbin Preserve, Jacksonville FL