One thing I' e learned about photography, which also stands as a metaphor for my life is that its all about compromise. And with compromise comes consequences.
In photography, if I want to increase my depth of field, I have to slow my shutter speed. If I want to stop the action and freeze the moment, I'll up the ISO, which means more photoshop to eliminate the digital noise I've created with the higher ISO.
We took a long anticipated trip to Yosemite the end of March and had a great time (see "Recent Adventures Gallery") Upon returning home, trying to juggle home responsibilities and digital darkroom processing (lots of Yosemite images!) and strong desires to be out on the trail photographing wildflowers and our green hills, which are green for such a short time...
I've been experiencing that pull that happens when we put demands on ourselves. And so I was not happy when I took a hard fall last week. Just what I needed! Into a heavy calendar and juggling multiple projects I had to deal with a cast, crutches, and doctor visits. Funny thing, cast and crutches really do slow you down. The restrictions put a kink into hiking and photography projects. And often, a fair amount of mental energy spent trying to figure out how to do it all with a broken foot, I finally got it: AFO. Another fucking opportunity -- to slow down, complete some projects that require focus and concentration, and to adjust my attention (and my attitude...)
I'm taking the broken foot and the requisite activity changes as yet another lesson the Universe is giving me: Come back, slow down, and focus on some unfinished priorities. That's your Opportunity now, Gregory - take advantage of it!
And back to my original point about give-and-take - instead of being cranky about a broken foot and not being able to be out on the trail and making photographs, I can remind myself that we've had a record dry winter, our green hills are just barely green this year, and there is always next spring. And I'm finding that despite being 'cooped up' that sense of satisfaction that comes with completing a project, or creating something new - is a wonderful feeling.
And a great way to use the time mending a broken foot.
Look for more posts about our Yosemite get-away soon.
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On the Vineyard Trail at Pichetti Ranch OSP this last week. The trilliums make the passing of winter into spring. Yippee!
Three hikes this last week, and I have the muscle aches to prove it! Its a good hurt, though, and I'll take it anytime! Great to be back out on the trail, especially finding treasures like this beauty!
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Literally, just as I was parking I came upon the sunrise, and I knew these conditions pass surprising fast. I jumped out of the car and got my tripod and camera set up and started getting to work. After a few moments, the sun had risen enough to where it was just a white circle the drama had passed. It was fun to catch this moment as the sun rose over San Francisco. You can make out the Oakland Bay Bridge in the distance, along with Coit Tower (on Telegraph Hill) and the TransAmerica Pyramid.
One of the Park Police SUVs came slowly around where I was, and as he turned around, I moved my camera/tripod. He rolled his window down, and while the shotgun and assualt rifle were a bit intimidating, he was very friendly and interested in I bagged 'the shot'. He then told me a few favorite spots he enjoys on his early morning patrols - more photographs on the way!
It was fun to interact with the Park Police in this way, and was the second 'gift' of the morning - second only to the stellar sunrise we caught!
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For some years now, we have enjoyed starting the New Year with a hike. For 2013, I dragged my wife out of bed to greet the rising sun as the new day started, and we then headed off to one of our favorite haunts - Mt Tamalpais State Park, just north of San Francisco (as you can see!) in Marin County.
This views comes as a surprise the first time you're on this trail, but it is hard to forget. You suddenly emerge from a wooded area to open hilly grassland with this long view (south) towards San Francisco and SF Bay. That's my Sweetie-Pie taking her own photos and enjoying the vista.
This is a good omen - I have a good feeling about 2013 already...!
G.
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