The Sands of Time

No one ever has the answer to the question: "Where does the time go?" As if it really could go somewhere. And why do we say it is so elusive? As if we really could capture it. And, why do we say that time flies by? As if it really could fly.

But, it did seem to go. And, it does seem elusive. And it did seem to just fly by.

One thing we know for sure, is that time waits for no one. So, whether you are ready for it or not (and who ever is anyway?), here comes 2015 rolling in.

I'm not one to do resolutions, but I do set goals throughout the year-not saving it for the new year. It's a work in progress. One of the ones that I keep trying to work on is to practice being more silent and living with silence. Not easy to do in a household, but I try to consciously make it a point to not play music or have the TV on for periods of time. As I said, it's a work in progress and I have to continually make myself aware to do this consciously. The nice thing about this kind of practice is that your mind learns to become more settled, more quiet. Falling asleep at night doesn't take an eternity like it used to. I think making silence be a part of your everyday life is a good thing-even if you are in the midst of raising children-it's a good thing. They learn by example and I think it's one of the best gifts one can pass along.

"When peaceful silence lay over all, and when night had run half way her swift course, down from the heavens, from the royal throne, leapt your all-powerful Word. –Book of Wisdom 18:14-15"

May the ringing in of the New Year be a safe, joyful and happy one for you.

Happy New Year!

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Happy Winter's Solstice, Blessed Holidays and a Joyful Christmas!

Don't you just love that first shot of that adorable puppy in the 'Santa' outfit? It seems to like it-the owner says she gets cold easily which makes getting her 'dressed up' in the winter a lot of fun. And, as you can see, she is a sun-worshipper too.

The following shots are from a ribbon cutting we had here in our city today for a new piece of public art (I am on the Arts Commission and was also on the local selection committee for this piece which was funded through the New Mexico Art In Public Places-AIPP-program). The site for the art was a reflecting pool that was never used as a reflecting pool. After it was built, the city felt that having a water feature when water is at a premium seemed too frivolous. 

The name of this art piece is called "Sun Mask" and artist, Don Redman was selected and commissioned to create this piece. It is made out of Corten Steel. Corten steel is a wonderful material for public art pieces for many reasons. For one, graffiti won't stick to it. It is durable and affordable. And, it requires very little maintenance. 

I have to say that when the selection committee was unanimous about this work for the site, I was very excited since I also knew that it would cast wonderful shadows on the tile glass surface. And, it does. And, it changes throughout the day. All quite wonderful. 

In two more days, it will be officially winter. Sigh. It sounds so much better to say, "Happy Winter's Solstice Day" though. Have a Happy Winter's Solstice, may your Holidays be Blessed and a Joyful Christmas to you all!

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Sun Worshiper

Izzy in the window

Cat in the window with shadows

Anyone who has a cat or two living with them (I'm not going to say own a cat as I'm not sure one can ever 'own' a cat) knows how they love to pick the sunniest spot in the house to laze in and perhaps take a cat nap (pun intended, of course). Windows are always an obvious choice. Cats are pretty smart (as are dogs). When they're tired, they stop and nap. I wonder about we humans, though, thinking that we are the superior ones when we all tend to run ourselves ragged to the ground. We don't stop when we're tired. We're out to save the world or get those kazillion errands done. Perhaps we should learn more from our furry, four legged friends. Stop when you're tired. Take naps. Play spontaneously. Eat when you're hungry. Stretch regularly.

Maybe we'd all be a little healthier and happier? I'm just saying...

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In This Moment..

"Shadows and Lace" © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

"I Wrote My Lover a Letter without Words"

I said,
I am a small woman,
bold enough to want
to hold a planet in my broken heart.

I said,
Here stillness falls
upon the shoulder of stillness,
as one shadow disappears in another,
Everything is here
in the point of this moment of air.

I said,
Under this hand of silence,
this woman comes to life,
like a waterfall undressing itself.

I said,
Reduced to a needle of light,
I am completely myself.

I said,
In each moment,
the story of the universe is repeated:
There was nothing,
Look what is coming to be.
You always surprise me.

~Deena Metzger

Windows seem to afford changes in light unique to windows-almost like a framed visual effect, if you will. I'm sure each window in your house gives you a different show at various times of the day-should you take notice. I hope you do.

It is hard to believe that December is well under way-and the close of the year just weeks away. We always ask ourselves what happened to the year? How did it go by so fast? Yet, no one has an answer. As you get caught up in the hustle and bustle of 'holiday madness', stop and remember, stop and reflect upon these words: "Everything is here in the point of this moment of air."

And heave in a few slow, deep breaths.

It will do you wonders.

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Jurassic Shadows

Believe it or not, these images are not from the same museum I was at a couple of weeks ago! These are from the Albuquerque Natural History Museum. They have a photo salon and host an annual photography competition-this year's theme was celebrating the wilderness areas (they are signed off by Congress I think, to get that status) in New Mexico. It was in honor of the 50th anniversary. I was super lucky to get all four of my images in. I took my husband and son to see the exhibit and of course, we had fun with the rest of the museum too.

And wouldn't you know? There was an abundance of shadows to be 'shot'!

Lucky me. Lucky you!

Although, calling these 'Jurassic' may not be entirely accurate...I've no idea what age they are from. It was all about the shadows, you know.

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Summer Is So Long Gone

Summer is so long gone and I'm sure we all miss it. I can't believe the amount of snow that has hit a good part of this country. Especially New York! Wow. I just switched out my warm weather clothes for the cold weather clothes. Reluctantly, but I have no choice. And, I can't complain as our temps and weather here is nothing compared to other areas. Not to mention that fall here was pretty spectacular. For that, I am thankful for as I am for so many other things.

I will continue to count my blessings and not lose sight of them. There is much more to be grateful for as happiness is more so about perspective than anything else. There are those who rise above more tragic situations than I can ever imagine a human being to endure-they are my sources of inspiration.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Shadows of Those that Walked the Earth Long Before Man

Some friends and I went out on a venture this week to Tucumcari, NM where the world famous Mesalands Dinosaur Museum is. I had a blast taking photos without any posted restrictions in this museum. Funny part is, that when I told my husband after I got home that we went to this museum, he said he did the lighting design for it years ago! He works on a lot of lighting designs across the country, so I usually don't hear too much about them.

And yes, we are goofy!

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Don't Miss Out on the Details of Life!

Since I'm the one who took these images, I have a sense of scale as to their size. But, perhaps you don't-especially with this first image. This little juniper, brave as it is, is about maybe 4 inches across on it's best day. Easy for most to just pass by, I think. For me, things like this are like what 'bling' would be to a raven. I can't help but see stuff like this. And yes, those that are with me continue on and I am ALWAYS the last one lagging behind. I have to stop to see this. I have to photograph it! It's as though my DNA is 'wired' for me to do so! But, I rather enjoy it-it's like getting more dessert than the others.

And then, there's this:

Same walk. Maybe before or after that little juniper, who knows. But the colors of the lichen! Oh! Rocks 'painted' by lichen, thank you very much. Not to mention the shadows of that feathery grass creating crescent patterns amongst the lichen's colors.

I can't help myself. I love it all.

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Webs Of Dew

These are spider web shots are are really tough to come by here where I live in New Mexico. Mostly because we don't get heavy dew like they do in Northern California along the coastline. This was worth stopping the car for, throwing it in reverse to capture nature's finest weavers. Mind you, I do have a fear of spiders, but none were readily seen on these dew-laden webs (perhaps they stepped out for a bit to wait for the sun to dry up the dew?). If you look closely at the dew drops, you will see shadows within them. 

My dear friend and fellow travel companion/photographer, Linda Laitner, was stealthy and took a picture of me taking a picture. We both wear gear that is conducive to getting down on the ground to shoot because, let's face it, sometimes you just have to or you don't get the shot. It's odd to see what I look like when totally immersed in doing something I love to do.

And, not far from the webs of dew was the Pacific ocean-teeming with life and activity. I caught the shadow of a cormorant as it flew over the flotsam and jetsam.

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Ariolimax Columbianus: AKA-the Banana Slug

Maybe you've never heard of a banana slug? Second largest slug in the world and most of them reside in the Pacific Northwest. They are usually yellow with brown spots (hence, the name), but they can also be brown, green or even almost black. I think I kind of heard of banana slugs before visiting the Redwoods area, but I don't remember the context and it seemed like such a fleeting conversation. Fast forward to the day we hiked the trail of the giant Redwoods-they only allow 50 car passes a day to this area and the information area that you get the permits for this also had a gift shop. Of course, I had to browse and buy a few things-and as I was at the cash register waiting to pay, there was a plastic yellow slug sitting there. So, I asked, "Is that a banana slug?" and the answer was, "yes" (as though I should know, but I didn't). And, I laughed and said, "Oh, that's why they're called banana slugs!" As I had never seen a picture of them. I just thought banana slugs were called that because they lived in banana trees-not knowing that they are predominantly in the Pacific Northwest where there is nary a banana tree. So, now I know. And, now you know!

A few hours later, at the bottom of the trail of the giant redwoods, in the dappled light of the afternoon I see a gleam of yellow from under a fern frond. Lo, and behold! A banana slug!! It's a, "Be still my heart" kind of moment as I got up close to take these. Granted, this one seems like a young one, but don't you think they're kind of cool looking? So yellow and all. 

Look closely and I think you can see what must be its eyes. And a smile. Of course there's a smile-that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

In the meantime:

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Look Up! Look Down!

Hmmmm...maybe this one should be called the double cross shadow.

Sometimes I just photograph a whole bunch of leaves for as they present themselves in a myriad of ways! Witness the three images being posted today. These are all from my trip to the Northern California area to see the Redwood trees last month. I always take a lot of pictures, but this time, I'm determined to do a better job of sharing and not hoarding them.

A fern leaf acting as a 'safety net' for other leaves, cushioning, if not stopping their fall to the forest floor.

A trio that have found a permanent place to land.

Who knows? Maybe I'll have some of you looking down at the ground more often to notice the leaves that fall and how they present themselves. Would love to hear some reports back when you do!

In the meantime:

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The Creatures Of the Redwood Forests

The 'official' shadow shot for today...

Yes, indeed, yes indeed! I am continuing with more photos from my trip to the Redwoods country in September. Last week, I featured the trees themselves, for the most part. 

This week, it is all about the creatures of the redwoods forest! There were so many of them-especially down on the valley floor. I kept imagining how spooky it would be to spend the night there. And wondered if those 'creatures' came to life when the sun went down for the day. I think I would be too terrified with my imagination running wild to get any sleep. Plus, all the creaky noises the trees make-something that sounds wonderful during the day, but at night? Could be a whole different story!

Tell me what you see in these so called 'creatures of the Redwood forest'! Am I the only one who sees them? That can't be so!


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Epic Journey to the Redwoods National Park

Fern Shadow at the Redwoods National Park © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Raspberry leaf shadow near Humboldt Lagoons State Park © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Linda Laitner on the trail of the Ancients @ Redwoods National Park © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Fallen redwoods on the Trail of the ancients @ Redwoods National Park © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Fallen and split on the Trail of the ancients @ Redwoods National Park © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Fallen and split (other side) on the Trail of the ancients @ Redwoods National Park © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Indeed, it was an epic journey-traveling last week to the Eureka area to photograph the redwoods and all the beauty that belongs to the wilderness of Northern California. You see, 10 years ago, when I turned 50 years old, I decided to celebrate it by going somewhere on my own in lieu of a big party (or any sized party for that matter!). Instead, I did an art retreat at Hacienda Mosaico in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was a life-changing decision for me as I had never traveled alone like that-let alone to another country. I absolutely loved it-I was taken care of of instead of taking care of others. I got to do art 24/7. Albuquerque artist, Juliana Coles headed up this special retreat called, Visual Journaling.

I know the math is easy for you on this one-fast forward ten years and I am about to turn 60 later on in October (I figure if I keep saying that number, it won't be such a shock or big deal when it happens as 30 and 40 were). I started planning and thinking a year ago what it was that I wanted to do to mark this new decade for me and then I realized that I had never seen the redwoods or even came close to it. I asked my good friend and fellow intrepid photographer, Linda Laitner if she would be interested in joining me. She is a worldly traveler and oddly enough, had never seen the redwoods or been to that area of California. We've done many trips together, so there was no 'unknown' as to how we'd get along. For her, it was a no-brainer decision with a resounding 'yes'! My husband had seen the redwoods when he was younger and for him, traveling with me when I have a camera in hand is no fun for him.

These images are from our first day out when we did the trail of the ancients-hiking down into a valley where the tallest trees live. Mind you, even standing at the bottom of the tree and looking up, you cannot see the top of the
tree-in fact, all you can see is the bottom third of it.

When we finally made it to the bottom of the trail (a little over a mile but it took us forever since we both were enthralled with recording everything in front of us with our cameras). I had stopped to switch out lenses to a wide angle lens and Linda and I typically do not stay completely together, but somehow manage to do things on our own without getting too separated. After I changed out lenses and got some shots in, I continued forward to catch up to her, but then got interrupted by seeing a man and a woman packing up their climbing gear. They looked like they just got down from a tree, so I stopped to talk to them-you know, like-"did you get all the way to the top?" in which the young man answered, 'no' and explained that the line he left from last year got broken by a neighboring tree that fell and broke the line he left from last year and he did not bring a bow with him to shoot a new line up so that they could not continue the climb to the top. Come to find out, they are both tree botanists from nearby Humboldt University and that he had been climbing  this particular tree since 1995. And that tree had grown 8 feet since then-presently at 374 feet, it went from being the 4th tallest tree in the world to the 3rd tallest tree in the world. Of course, in the midst of this conversation, I had to ask if they had permission to climb (not knowing if I should be seeking out authorities-which were nowhere to be found anyway). This particular tree had a name-the National Geographic tree. Back in the '60's when National Geographic was out there to photograph the tall trees, they realized how special and unique these trees were and raised the level the public level of awareness to the point of the area becoming a National Park and protected from the encroaching and damaging logging practices.  I'm sure that had it not been for National Geographic, it would've been all lost to the logging industry. In fact, should you visit these redwoods, know that what exists today is only about 3% of what used to be. Kind of staggering.

Later on, I Googled tree botanists from Humboldt and found out that the people I were talking too were-um, maybe rock stars in the research of redwoods. And featured on National Geographic TV. In fact, this person only gets to climb this tree once a year and I had the privilege of stumbling into him and his wife on that very day. Wow. What are the odds? They were so polite to answer my questions-little did they know that I was practicing restraint like you wouldn't believe. I had a slew of 'nerdy' questions I wanted to ask them (including their names). But, I didn't.

The National Geographic Tree © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Steve Sillet and his wife, Marie Antoine at the bottom of the National Geographic tree, Redwoods National Park © Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio

Join us as a group of us (yes-there are many of us!) from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!