There's no place like the right time

Being there is and being ready for anything is my method for photography.  Lacking the technical skills of photographers I admire -  I rely heavily on an artistic concept known as the "happy accident."  Another of my inclinations for capturing moments in photo comes from my friend John Moran, who says, "Focus yourself then focus the camera."  Recounting these inner precepts takes me back to one foggy, foggy day on the gulf coast.  I was alone, as usual, the visibility was very low as I hiked out into the estuary to meet the coming sunset.   I was hoping for the best as I set up and the fog soon began to clear.

The air is damp and thick.   I am setting up quickly and getting a little excited because I am fortunate to capture this spooky beauty. The sun is dim and cool.

The air clears a little and I can see the sky.  I am again lucky in my patience to capture a flock of birds.

The light warms as the sun sinks; I am staying focused and being still.  It feels good to be chasing after something (the light) and catching it.

The sun lets off a last spark of brilliance and the colors begin to cool.  I remain still focused, standing on top of my ladder in the cold.  It's beautiful. The effort is great.  My attention is fixed.

An all engrossing event such as this is a blessing to one with a wandering mind like myself.  Immersion  in pursuit of beauty seems to me to be the best of a meditation for me.  Being there is fully its own reward.  Special thanks to Donna the Buffalo for the title of this blog entry.

The Fairchild Oak

A large and stately  Live Oak tree near Tomoka State Park. 

As with all trees that are several hundred years old  this tree has seen some changes. The stories this tree could tell are a little different

 The tree sits in the yard of an old historic land sales office which is the reason it got preserved.  Seems a little odd but it is what it is.

The citizen support organization for this little site has lovingly cared for the Oak.  It's a big 'un.

The amazing and notable feature that makes this tree special are the branches that bend to the ground having taken root.

It's a typical growing habit of the Live Oak but I never see it played out to this degree.

I guess I'm easily amused/amazed but the little park is free and it's really worth a visit if you are near Tomoka.