25 January 2013
Lens:
1. Christmas Cactus, Nikon DSLR, December 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2013
2. Reflections, Nikon DSLR, December 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens
2. Ishta Tanka, Peregrine Falcon, Nikon DSLR, January 2013; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens
Pens:
Love is the theme of this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge. While there is an instantaneous reflex that lingers on family, friends and pets, each of us are driven by our emotions and passions for non-human relationships too.
As I began his post, I decided that my entries would focus on my devotion to nature–nature as inventor, nature as artist, nature as innovator, nature as healer, nature as provider, nature as mystic, nature as wizard, nature as motivator. For me Mother Nature is the quintessential master of the universe. We are dependent and interdependent upon her knowledge and wisdom. It’s too bad that “we” do not listen with more heart and soul.
I’ve had a love affair with her forever. Whether it’s through daily walks, wildlife preserves or simple watching my menagerie of birds at my feeding stations, I am a follower. Honestly, she inspires me.
In the Lens section are three photographs that were taken at the end of 2012 and this month. Each has an element of that love, that devotion, that reverence. Image one replicates the bliss that I experience at the sight of a newly-formed blossom. The Christmas cactus is a brilliant deep pink–a pink that kept me starring. Image two is one of my favorite pastimes: pondering reflections and honoring their staggering beauty and whimsy. The last photograph is Ishta Tanka, a male peregrine falcon. It has been recuperating at the Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc., which is a nationally- recognized care center for birds.
Ishta Tanka (means “great eyes” in Native American) lives outside in a huge cage. I spent a long time simply being in the presence of its magnificence. This species was removed from the endangered list in 1999, and that’s precious news. Please click here and learn about this organization that is a consummate agent for nature’s birding population.
Thank you WordPress for giving me a chance to brag about my feelings for the wonders of the world, which are wrapped in nature’s bounty and ready for our discovery.
Note: As always I welcome comments about this post or any part of my blog.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
Your photos are phenomenal… I enjoyed your approach too. 🙂
I’m humbled. Thanks.
I loved your wise words in the paragraph about what nature is to you! Just beautiful and I agree we should all listen to her with more heart and soul indeed!
I’m humbled by your comment. I do know that you also share a devotion to Mother Nature. Many thanks.
Beautiful post. l love nature. l travel to explore more of nature’s beauty. Thank you for sharing. jalal
Your very welcome–I’m delighted that you enjoyed it.
Our word nature comes from Latin natura, based on the same root nat- that we have in words like nativity and natal. The original meaning of nature, as defined in the Oxford Latin Dictionary, was ‘the conditions of birth… as determining: a) physical characteristics b) character, ability, etc. c) status, relationships, etc.’ From that came the sense ‘the power which determines the physical properties of animals, plants, and other natural products.’
I think of nature in etymological terms as ‘the way the world was born,’ or you could add ‘the way the world keeps being born.’
Those are some natural thoughts for a Monday morning as the week is being born.
Steve, I share your passion for the “word.” The origin of a word is another layer of depth and meaning to its time in our lives. Thanks for the weighty comment. I enjoyed nature’s back story.
“Nature’s back story”: that’s a good way for you to put it.
Thanks.
Beautiful my friend. Thanks for sharing your heart’s passion. Nature calms and heals our soul. From the soothing waters to the joy of a wonderful bloom, Nature brings about happiness that no money can buy. Have a great weekend.
Thank you, see you soon.
FANTASTIC PICTURES – FANTASTIC LOVE STORY!!! NATURE IS THE GREATEST “LOVER” OF ALL!!! THANK YOU FOR BOTH!!
Yes, she inspires me every day.
number one is great – the tiny details, the vibrant colour, really magnificent!
Thanks, the cactus is many, many years old, and always performs with glorious blooms. I am compelled to record it.
I so agree with you. I’ve got a huge love affair with nature myself and can’t stop photographing aspects of it. Well done you. 🙂
Thanks, Veronica, we must be kindred spirits.
the falcon shot is stunning…I really love it
Thanks, I was patient, which gave me a chance to watch. Clearly, it had its sights on me the entire time. Suddenly, it flew to a snacking station, where I think that it was defending its food. Got an image of it eating (or should I say ripping).
I love it…good on you for being so patient. It’s hard somethimes to just sit and wait for that perfect moment
You’re right–nature is a superb teacher. Thanks.