Mossy Lassie

I love walking with my darling Sissy through the forests where we played as children.  I remember when I happened to spy this happy collie peeking from the crags of a lichen-covered stump.  She looked a bit like Lassie to me.

You had to stand just so to see her.  Here is the cropped version of  Lassie as I first saw her.

Above you see the original photograph in full. If you look closely, I think there's a craggy brown face there, too.  Because I loved Lassie so much as a child, I thought it especially cool to find my Mossy Lassie in the magical forests of my childhood..

Face of Light - Weekend Reflections

This is the first time I've entered one of my organic art pieces in Weekend Reflections.  This was so special, I wanted to share it.

We were getting ready to work on an addition to the back of my parent's home.  Chilly raindrops tumbled through the air in pockets of splashing cold.  Then suddenly the sun came out.  It peeked at us from between the branches of the trees.  Later I realized there was a face--a face made of light...perhaps an angel watching over us, as we worked.

Above you see this lovely shining face, with delicate fir needle earrings, as I first glimpsed her through the lens of my camera.

For more wonderful reflections from around the world, be sure to visit James at Weekend Reflections.

Tangle of Hearts - Guest Heart Thursday

This is my very first attempt at cloud painting.  After a life and death encounter with a staff infection in my foot and leg, my family gave me a camera.  As I recovered, I would hobble around the block, viewing my world in a whole different way--through the camera's eye.

One late night, I spied a beauteous sunset through a tangle of curly willow branches.  I saw hearts!  Using a very old paint program, I attempted my first cloud painting.  I was using the mouse as my paintbrush, so it took a very long time.

Above you see my Tangle of Hearts as I first saw them.

For more heart art, photography and altogether fabulous heart stuff from around the world, visit Clytie at Random Hearts for Guest Heart Thursday!

Flaming Heart - Guest Heart Thursday

One cold winter night I sat before the fire, keeping warm, when I noticed this heart glowing in the depths of the woodstove.  I clicked a photo of that warm heart--and to my surprise found an Angel.

Above you see the angel as I first saw her, flitting above the Flaming Heart.

For more wonderful heart art and randomly found heart photography check out Clytie's Guest Heart Thursday!  You won't be disappointed!

You can find more hearts at this link:  GUEST HEART THURSDAY

Fireworx Maiden

The fireworks on the Fourth of July were the best I'd ever seen--I was able to catch a few with my camera.  I actually saw the Maiden's face just before I clicked the camera.

Above you see the Fireworx Maiden as I first glimpsed her--she seems to be smiling!

Woman in Bark

This is a whimsical nude I found in some silvery driftwood on a beach near Lincoln City.  At first I felt a little shy to upload this organic painting--but Woman in Bark is such a phenomenal naturally beautiful piece I wanted to share her with you. I was astonished at the detail--you can see I did not have to enhance much. 

The lady seems to be painted by one of the masters of old--washed ashore in a froth of bubbles.  Perhaps she is indeed a portrait of Venus who, according to ancient myths, was born from the foam of the waves.
 

Above you see her as I first saw her, the Woman in Bark.

Cape Ape

When we were on our anniversary trip we had the fun of witnessing a minus tide.  We were able to walk along cliffs normally covered by the ocean.  Have you ever felt like you were being watched?

I felt astonished when I glanced up to see the kindly face of this gentle giant.  My husband, brilliant man that he is, came up with the name Cape Ape.   

Above you see this great ape, as I originally caught him smiling down upon the shoreline.

I added this photo to give some perspective on how HUGE the Cape Ape really is!

Bandit the Wolf

Two years ago, when  snow actually fell here, I was delighted to capture some of the wonderful creatures hidden in that white sparkling world--including this wolf peeking from the branches of the fir tree which graces the corner of our front yard.

I dedicated this cloud painting to Bandit. Bandit was a wolf-mix dog, who chose my mother as his very own. But he had to find a new home. I know my darling Mumsie still grieves over not having her friend close by. When they leave our lives, we never forget them. 

When Mom saw the wolf cloud painting, she recognized her beloved friend Bandit, looking toward heaven.

Above you see Bandit as I first captured him howling up to the snowclouds.

Rock Eagle

When I was visiting in Pacific City off the Oregon Coast a few summers ago, my wonderful, daring friend and I clambered down a steep sand dune to find this cave. I was stunned when I noticed an Eagle's head clearly stretched across the top of the opening.

I love Eagles because of their fierce beauty and tremendous strength. But especially because the Eagle reminds me of God and His compassionate care, as is beautifully described in Deuteronomy 32:10, 11. He found him in a desert land and in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye. Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions.

Psalm 40:2 speaks of how God rescues those He loves from the clutches of destruction. He places their feet on a firm place--upon the rock. These beautiful words paint a vivid picture. I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.

What is happening in the world today is frightening. Sometimes I can hardly bring myself to turn on the news. The world has changed so much over the past 30 years--I hardly recognize it.

But when I ponder the strength of the mighty Eagle's wings, and the timeless power of the Rock, I am grateful God surrounds and protects those He loves. At His invitation, even in the path of destruction we can stand firm upon His strength--as He tenderly watches over us, like an Eagle hovering over His young.

This is a great comfort.


Above I've included the original shot as I saw it that lovely wild and windy day.

Fern Maiden

Last year, though we did not get as much snow as surrounding areas, it was actually cold enough to stick to the ground. I love winter when it snows! There is something so magical about a world shrouded in snow.

I could not resist going outside. I was walking along the snow smudged sidewalk toward the Independence Bridge. The world was a wonderland of intricate white-laced branches.

That is why this lovely maiden, modestly draped in licorice fern, stood out so beautifully against the snow-laden trees. Most days you can find her gently dreaming, hidden amongst her sisters.

I think she might have been a little startled when I stopped to take her picture!

It is interesting to note, that when I notice something unexpected, unusual, or beautiful, my eyes tickle. The way I describe that feeling, is that what I'm seeing "fills my eyes." It could be a vivid color, one of my siblings' amazing photos, or the grace of a ballet dancer. That snowy day, the Fern Maiden "filled my eyes."

Above you see the lovely Fern Maiden as I first noticed her against the snow-laden trees.

Ocean Beauty

I love the beach. Our Oregon Beach is particularly beautiful any time of the year. Strangely some of the best weather to be had is in January or mid-May. Last May I was walking along the beach, when I clicked this picture of a nymph sleeping in the waves.

Above you see her as I first saw this Ocean Beauty napping.

My Lady of the River

When the weather is warm, I often walk with my husband through downtown historic Independence. We stroll from there, over the great Independence Bridge. On the far side, the bridge curves down from its immense height, onto a road which ribbons through fragrant groves of blueberry bushes and peach trees.

One warm Fall day, I lagged behind, as my husband briskly walked ahead of me on the bridge.

I was overcome with the beauty of the morning. As I glanced down into the backwaters of the Willamette River I was arrested by the trace of a modestly lovely profile in the waters below the bridge.

I realized I had inadvertently surprised My Lady of the River, wearing a flowering crown of leaves over her graceful green tresses. So I took her picture.

Above you see her lingering in the waters as I first saw her.

Angel on a Stick

Last year, even in our green valley, the snow fell and actually stayed for a day! I love the snow, and I've missed it! I suppose--if I were to endure months of the white stuff, as some of you have--I would probably feel differently.

The day I found her, I was crunching along in my oversized rubber boots when I spied this delightful Angel on a Stick. The snow had taken her shape on the straggles of a blackberry vine.

Above you see the angel as I first took her photo. I didn't have to do much to enhance this darling Angel on a Stick.

Swan in Wood

I love to peruse the mountains of driftwood tossed along our beaches in winter storms. I came upon this amazing Swan in Wood on one of those wandering forays. Isn't she lovely? As you can see I didn't have to enhance much--though adding in all those feathers took some time.

Above you see the swan as I first found her.

King of the Sand

Imagine my surprise when I caught this wooden lion staring sternly from the side of a huge piece of driftood. He seems to be saying, "Stand back, I say! I'm the King of the Sand, hear me roar!"

Above you see the scowl I clicked, when he first caught my eye.

Beaver Rock

I was walking the magical pathway along the Blue Lagoon. Just past the wild cherry tree I spotted a beaver sitting very still in the waters! Upon closer examination I realized he was actually a rock.

In my imagination I wondered why this beautiful rather curious animal would have been turned to stone. It is a story perhaps I will write one day.

Above is the untouched picture of the beaver as I first saw him.

Fire Dancer

I was watching the firelight play over the logs in the wood stove this evening, when I thought I saw a fiery little creature dancing. I ran to the table, grabbed my camera, jumped back to the hearth and clicked the shutter. To my utter amazement there she was, the Fire Faery.

As you can see from the untouched photo above, I didn't have to enhance her very much!

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Daddy Update: Great news! Dad has formally been discharged from the wound specialist. The top of his head is completely healed. He has also been fitted for a more comfortable neck collar to support his still-broken neck.

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However, Dad is still having flashbacks to his time in the prison camp--they are even more vivid than before. Yesterday Dad went to the VA Hospital for some tests to find out why. I would appreciate your continued prayers for the healing of Dad's neck and the cessation of those flashbacks. Mom would appreciate your prayers, too. This is all very hard for her.

Cherry Tree Maiden

Walking the campus of Corban College in Salem, Ore., I happened upon this lovely maiden gazing over the steep pathway below. I am sure she wishes she could join the crowds of students passing by--instead, she is fated to watch from her perch on the hill. If you enlarge the picture, you can see a tiny smile upon her face. Perhaps her wistful joy comes from the laughter of the young people she observes.

I am certain she is a small flowering cherry tree. As spring approaches and new leaves unfurl, I shall be back to record her spring colors. I would love to see her with a crown of cherry blossoms.

Be sure to click on the pic for the larger version--I think that is how she is best discovered.

Snow Twirl

During our last big snowstorm I found this little faery dancer in the delicate twirls of a curly willow tree. I love snow, especially the way it transforms our sometimes drab world into a beautiful, magical place.
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Once in a blue moon there is a snow storm in late February. But it doesn't look like we're going to see more snow this year! Spring is kissing away winter's cold, and soon the flowers will bloom.

Manly Man Tree

As you can see, this photograph by my beloved sister Clytie is AMAZING! You can see why I gasped in amazement. I didn't have to paint much--it was all there to begin with!

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You can find Clytie's wise and humorous insights along with her wonderful photographs at http://clytie-randomstuff.blogspot.com/