Today is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere of our world. The official time of this Summer Solstice is 5:43 pm Eastern Time. This morning brought the other worldly “green fog” to cover our mountain here in the Appalachians. After the greening up of these forests at the end of April, whenever the fog descends it takes on a pale green hue because of the lovely green trees and bushes. The gentle winds keep little wisps of fog drifting by my window The bird feeder just outside my floor to ceiling windows has been full of activity these past few days, and this morning was no exception. Rabbits and squirrels and chipmunks also visit >>
In Harmony
“Come join us in the living treetops, where the winds of spirit blow wild and free.” ~ Ken Carey, Return of the Bird Tribes As twilight falls at Treetops, I catch a glimpse out the kitchen window of a lone reclining deer resting under the thicket behind the house. The wind stirs softly among the edge of this forest, and the hazel, wild cherry, oak and pine trees sway to the melody of the mystical breeze. The birds’ songs accelerate, getting louder and reaching a crescendo pitch, then like the crickets and cicadas choir, suddenly stop. Night falls dark and gentle and the whipoorwill calls out whispers of hope, songs of love. The wind speaks to us, clearing >>
Illumination
Early this morning at 12:12 a.m. the last Full Moon of this decade appeared in the night skies above my home in the Nantahala Forest. If you want to let go of things, this is the time. It is a time to clear your mind, your home, your life, and start fresh. And a time to think about what you would like to manifest in this coming year and decade. In this season of peace, love and goodwill, give yourself time to reflect on what is most important to you in your life. And allow the beauty of this season to envelope you. Taking time to take care of ourselves is important to our well-being, and helps us >>
Every Day is a Blessing
“Every day that dawns is a gift to me and I take it in that way. I accept it gratefully without looking beyond it.” ~ Henri Matisse In the late fall of 2013, I had the opportunity to visit a state park near where I lived in South Carolina just before sunset. This is one of my favorite times of the day to photograph, when the sun back lights the horizon and the trees, and creates silky reflections of the surroundings on water. To be able to walk freely and safely in such a beautiful natural setting is something to celebrate. There are many places on our planet that do not have this gift. I am grateful for >>
Pathways of the Light
“When a man is willing and eager, the gods join in. ~ Aeschylus In the South, our modern roads follow the ancient paths of Native Americans, who followed the animal trails. Reading books about eighteenth century travelers such as William Bartram can spark our imagination, and lead us on fantastic journeys in our present day lives. Several years ago, I drove to Brevard, North Carolina from central South Carolina with a fellow photographer and we intuitively followed the old trails over the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. Even getting lost was an adventure, and the sight of the autumn leaves covering the hills and valleys like a multi-colored quilt was enchanting. Every twist and turn of the road >>
