vm 2007-117

I oftentimes focus too much on the obvious, in photography and in life. But little by little, I am learning to focus more on things often ignored but equally essential. Like these calyces of a rose. Were it not for them this rose might not have survived the elements when it was yet a bud. And so as we enter a new year, it is but fitting for me to think about re-focusing on things often overlooked yet just as relevant and just as important in the whole scheme of things.



Image: A red rose
Camera: Canon Rebel XT
Lens: Canon 100mm Macro

vm 2007-116

Last Wednesday (December 5) I celebrated my birthday. It was a quiet day. A time to be simply thankful for all the blessings in my life. A time to believe once again in the possibilities and not so much in what cannot be. A time to remind myself that time is fleeting and I must always do my darndest to do what needs doing and say what needs saying. This is the very reason for the image. Reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel's song, Leaves That Are Green:

"...time hurries on, and the leaves that are green turn to brown.
And they wither with the wind, and they crumble in your hand..."



Image: Withered leaf
Camera: Canon Rebel XT
Lens: Tamron 18-200mm

vm 2007-116

Today is the first day of December. How could the days go by so quickly? Later this afternoon friends, old and new, will gather once more here at our place for our annual holiday get-together. There should be plenty of food, and of fun. The dance music is ready, and so is the karaoke. That's the reason why I was running errands most of the day yesterday - and it was raining like crazy. I didn't mind the rain though. It has been a while since it rained here in southern California. So instead of "tears from heaven", I looked at the rain as "blessings from heaven". Here's a shot through my windshield . . .



Image: My windshield
Camera: Canon Rebel XT
Lens: Tamron 18-200mm