Winter Red
Tag: seasons
Fall Bloom at the Prairie Water – Lomography
Springtime Blossom
Many times the key factor of a great photograph comes from it having strong composition. Yes, the story is important but, without strong composition the story gets lost I think.
The inspiration for this photograph came to me when I was out for a walk with my wife and dog, and saw this out from the corner of my eye. The story here is that I love how this moment says new life that brings hope. The colors are catchy and a favorite of many.
I used negative space composition, which is a basic, but often overlooked principle of design, that gives the eye a “place to rest,” increasing the appeal through subtle means. This together with the square format, makes this suitable for framing with a wider matboard.
Likewise, in life, what are the things that get lost because of things you overlook from being too busy and not taking time to rest and think it through?
Bird Cottage
Delete the App, Use the Browser
My Love And Hate With Social Media.
If, like me, you don’t want to give up social media, because it’s not going away, but you do need a way to seriously cut back, the best way I have found is go off the usual path by deleting the apps and using a browser to access your accounts instead.
Many people don’t think of the browser as its own app or operating system, however, when you use a browser like Vivaldi it also blocks ads and trackers unlike using the apps.
Both the mobile and desktop browser versions are similar to using the social media apps, but with many of the same reduced features distractions. And if you are on Instagram (which I am no longer), then look at this feature of the Vivaldi browser.
You see, I learned from Cal Newport this solution that works extremely well at curbing my social media usage, the pared down version gave me a noticeably better experience. Less distractions, no noise, and better protects you from tracking and data mining.
One thing I do as an artist to keep it manageable, is follow no more than a dozen other artists whos work inspires me. Then a couple times a week I login to check out what they are doing, while I post my latest works. And doing it this way you don’t have to worry about the data mining as much, though it is still a good idea to use a privacy centered browser and platforms.
One final thought is to download the Vivaldi browser for desktop becuse it has a great side panel that makes social media like platforms shine. And their mobile browser works very smooth with platforms like Mastaton and MeWe.
Spring Storm Clouds At Sunset
The Journey of Life
A pathway was created during the hard winter with deep snow, around the flower bed to the back of the yard.
Now that the snow is almost melted, before you know it the pathway will be gone.
Such as in the journey of life …
We hopefully find a pathway to success, only at the end of life to leave the memories of the experiences we’ve had with others and the environment.
What’s In Your Heart
Whats in your heart.
We all make decisions every day.
When we say ‘yes’ to one thing, then it is at the cost of many ‘no’s’.
We all have a hole in our hearts that need to be filled. What we fill into that void determines our world view.
Said another way, what goes into your mind is what’s in your heart. If you want to change your life, change what goes into your mind.
For example, focus on serving others, and less on self.
For those of us who believe, when we open our mind and say ‘yes’ to God, and let Him dwell in our hearts, then what we say ‘no’ to is a sacrifice that makes life worth living.
We no longer feel that void, because our hearts are overfilled with a true joy and love that radiates to others, and makes the world a better place to live.
Enjoy your day.
Golden Hour on the Fence
The golden hour winter sun sets on a picket fence, and snowy tree branches, creating a moment of visual respite for end of the day worries and concerns.
When you’re so tired in today’s world, of balancing technology with human interactions, or worries and time management, it’s good to view moments like these as a sign of hope.
To enjoy a moment God’s love, and invitation to distinguish the genuinely important from the seemingly urgent.
What worries you, masters you, until you hand it over to the Master – A new focus, with new priorities, makes a big difference.
Chicago Water Tower Christmas
I’ve titled this photograph – ‘ City of Chicago Old Water Tower Christmas‘ – because looking at this scene tells me about living with strength and faith.
Strength because the tower, built in 1869, gained prominence after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In the years since the fire, the tower has become a symbol of old Chicago and of the city’s recovery from the fire.
Faith because of many Christians who are missing out on many of the religious Christmas symbols that permeate our society this time of year.
People become caught up in the commercial aspect of Christmas, while forgetting what Christians are actually celebrating.
The most common symbols of Christmas, the Christmas Tree is an evergreen. It stands in stark contrast to the dead, brown, leafless trees of winter. It is ever green and ever alive, reminding us that we are created for everlasting life. The tree is often topped with a star or angel, reminding us of the Star of David and the angels that announced the birth of the Lord Jesus.
When I see these two symbols together in the public square, I’m overcome with joy and reminded of the scriptures.
“Jesus said to the crowds:
Matthew 11: 28-30
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.””
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people;
blessed are those prepared to meet him.
The Thoughts Behind My Thinking 