28 October 2019
Lens:
Autumn Leaves Photomontage; All Rights Reserved 2019 Sally W. Donatello
Click onto image to enlarge. Let me know your response to this collage. Prints are available upon request.
Pens:
We–the birds and I–love the rain, we love the saturation of the knee-deep dry earth, we love the promise of additional glory from the landscape, we love the emphasis on mood, we love the implication of hope.
Fortunately, yesterday I filled the bird feeders to the maximum. I watch as their feathers are lifted by the current intense rainfall and its fierce winds, the usual gangs are merrily dancing from suet feeders to seed feeders. The rain is not a deterrent.
These rains are desperately needed and I am joyous. Still, I just could not take myself to the Farmer’s Market. I felt as though the gusts would carry me to who knows where. The rain is sheeting, really pelting. How do the birds take it?
It’s a perfect day to withdraw into my usual Sunday rituals. And added to those mainstays are my mind experimentations with how my photography will align more with my current state of angst about the world’s dilemmas. There is an overwhelming amount to consider, ponder and synthesize.
I need to focus on a partnership between nature snd three broad but serious areas: climate change, conscious consumption and social justice. That’s the direction. Now I must do it. But how?
In the Lens section is a collage that represents the autumn season. Trees are spectacles during this metamorphosis from rainbow-like landscapes to gray tones. It’s a time that plays with the mind’s moods, and tries to prepare for much of the natural world to hibernate. Much can be said for slowing the senses and sensibilities as well as the mind and body. And I think the obvious that autumn is one of nature’s greatest lessons.
Note:
Margaret Renkl is an Opinion Columnist for The New York Times. Every article touches on her devotion, observations and passion for nature. She seems to write directly to me. I hope that you will read the article about the bird that stole my heart on first sighting decades ago. The hummingbird it truly one our most beloved of the natural world.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
I really like your blog. A pleasure to come stroll on your pages. A great discovery and very interesting blog. I’ll come back to visit you. Do not hesitate to visit my universe. See you soon
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Such an unusual depiction of autumn Sally! Reading your pens section makes me wonder whether life in tropical countries like ours is as frenetic because we don’t have as many transitional periods for reflection, no time for letting go or hibernation! I crave the serenity but I’m not sure I’ll survive the silence 🙂
Madhu, I love the warmth of temps over 70s forward. Where I live summer humidity plays with our senses, but I still love being warm. And the four seasons are a chance to really visualize the life cycle and the need for the earth to go through various phases.
What I really like about this photo is that it’s such a different take on autumn. It’s almost as if the abstraction touches me even more, because I have see the other autumn so many times.
Otto, you touched me deeply. Thanks so much for your response.
Sally you know I share your feelings and anxieties. I find I’m spending more and more time in my garden, trying to nurture the land, my body and my soul. I read yesterday of a man who grows extra crops in his organic garden to provide food for his local women’s refuge. He said he has no money to give, but he has time to grow food. His language was that of nourishment and compassion. I felt very inspired.
Su, we must try to go beyond ourselves in a world that shows little consideration for others. Nature is a place of comfort and life lessons. That individual realizes that giving to others is a bounty for them and him.
Such an interesting view of Fall! Creative as always-
Thank you dear, I appreciate your response.
Let’s say you captured the colors of digital autumn.
Steve, I enjoyed your response. See you soon. Thanks.
Gorgeous color and light, Sally. So hopeful and beautiful.
Patti, I agree that autumn is a sign of retreat in a positive way. Time to contemplate and re-energize. Thanks.
Lovely collage, Sally. The Autumn change is a beautiful sight in your area.
I appreciate your thoughts about my collage. Thanks.
Love the jewel colours in your collage, Sally. So much of life is grey. We need the rainbows 🙂 🙂
Jo, I do agree. We need more color in a literal and metaphorical way.
“Autumn is one of nature’s greatest lessons”, well expressed, Sally. Thank you for Renkl’s article link.
Renkl’s “The Last Hummingbird” is beautifully written. “… will never know which time will be the very last.” very moving. Thank you for sharing.
Amy, my pleasure. Thanks.
Amy, thanks for your comment. Let me know what you think about Renlk’s article.
Beautiful – well balanced both patterns and colours.
Leya, lovely to hear from you. Thanks so much.