A tree awaits spring
London, Ontario, March 2007 [Click to enlarge]
When I was a kid, I often bumped into things because I was so busy looking up while I walked. I was so enthralled with the world above me that I often failed to pay attention to the things immediately in front of me. So I fell down a lot.
I was always short for my age, so it's not like I had far to fall. Injuries to my pride notwithstanding, I learned to appreciate what was up there, beyond my reach. When I got old enough to go into the big city by myself, I'd see legions of people, all focused on maintaining a set distance from the people in front of them, all with their heads down, never looking up.
They didn't fall or bump into anything. But along the way, they missed sights like these.
Your turn: Looking beyond the immediate, what do you see?
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24 comments:
Carmi, I think we're related! People always thought I was in a different world, when it was really them caught up in their thoughts.
Hi, Michele sent me!
Carmi, since you're interested where my blogs heading. I'm gona highlight artists from around the world, including independents to bring them the attention they deserve.
That's nice. It looks like a black and white. Yes? Perhaps it just happens to be shades of gray naturally. It's almost spooky, but not quite.
Mike
there is a gorgeous old oak tree in my neighbor's yard...its lowest branches spread out far and wide. I can imagine being a child and climbing into those cradling branches. I may just climb that tree this summer! I have yet to photograph it, but I really want to.
Today, while outside playing with my kids, I looked up -- and got a face full of snow for my efforts! A hunk of wet, slushy mess slid off of our garage roof and doused me good.
It's melting like mad in this weather -- but I'm not complaining!
What do I see?
More than I could ever capture Carmi!
I love this shot and how my eye sweeps across the frame...beautiful shot!
Honest? Looks like a bunch of snakes off Medusa's head lol, but a hell of a tree to climb.
I like all the twists and turns in that tree. I noticed one in my neighborhood today, but I didn't have the camera with me. Maybe I'll remember to get a shot of it this week. Whenever I see something unusual, I always think "Carmi would like that (or Anna would like those)." I really need to keep the camera with me all the time!
Michele sent me back, Carmi!
Hi Carmi
I have been a bit absent lately but have just read all your recent posts so will make this a quickie LOL. Nearly caught up with my workload and then will be back to normal with comments etc.
I love your story about the crackers and the photo is wonderful! The mattress gives me the same vibes, yuk, but is a good shot too.
The tree is a similar subject to my last two posts with buds waiting for spring yesterday and lichen on the tree trunks today. Great textures.
This whole blog experience has made me look at things in a whole new way. I dont get to move around much and spend most of my time here on our 5.5 acres so most of my pictures are created here too, close to home, so I have had to start looking closer at things that I take for granted. It is amazing what you can see if you just open your eyes.
Thanks Carmi
Lori
Beautiful picture. My youngest daughter is just like that - always looking up and sometimes running into things because of it. But her perspective, well, it's priceless. :)
Beautiful shot, Carmi! Thanks for sharing (photo and thoughts).
I just love old neighborhoods with mature landscaping/trees. My neighborhood has nary a tree over 5 feet tall. :)
Chelle
This inspired me to post again today.
Love the pic, I am always randomly taking pics.
What a beautiful picture of hope Carmi!
Thanks for stopping by!
Great pic Carmi. I've been noticing these "pre Spring" trees in my area lately. You and Anna have me noticing things I haven't been watching for in the past.
What do I see beyond the immediate? Vacation at Universal Studios with the family after my oldest gets home from school for summer break!
I have always stared up at trees wondering how they managed to stand the test of time and remain tall - since I was a child. Back then they seemed to touch the clouds, and they still do...
Michelle says hi!
I just loved this sweet, fresh, eye-opening, neck reaching, post.
lovely observation - i have just commented on anna's blog about taking pictures of trees but haven't posted them as my brain is fuddled and i cannot find words to accompany the shots - unlike you, who has written well again
what was it that albert said to you master bruce? Bruce why do we fall down?.....
....so we can pick ourselves up again
Well, you know what I see, Carmi...LOL!
BTW: I love that you are getting closer to L.A. all the time...Very Promising, isn't it?
Great picture Carmi....that tree is beautiful in it's nakedness!
Beauty.
You can always see beauty.
Looking beyond the immediate, what do I see? Well, that is a question that carries all sorts of connotations and related paths of thought...most of them metaphorical...if I ask myself this question, literally, then I think of the dramatic changes that are occuring, just outside my door, as Spring is sweeping over the landscape, at high speed...every tree & bush is budding like crazy! There is always something of worth & value, if one keeps their eyes (and their hearts) open. If I think of it on a more personal, introspective level, then I am thinking of the situations I have yet to encounter throughout this day that is still before me...and into whatever time is left to me on this earth... What do I see before me? Opportunities for making a difference...touching someone with kindness, empathy, understanding, comfort...to somehow leave the world a better place, for having passed thru.
As for the photograph, it is stirring to me, at some deeper level. I have ALWAYS (always) loved photos of single, barren trees in winter (especially in B&W). Every time I pass one, while driving or walking by, I want to stop & take a picture. They seem like some kind of "mirror" to the human condition...tho I don't completely understand why. They stand silent & alone, but seem patient, resolute & strong, as they await the coming of Spring, and the time of renewal.
I have a similar memory of my own childhood, except for one difference. I was either looking UP...or DOWN at the ground. "Up" was where the clouds, trees, birds and breezes were to be found..."down" was where all the wildlife was...whether it was a bug, frog, flower, mouse, rabbit, or whatever...once I got loose & was outside, my mom had a tough time getting me to come back into the house. Too much beauty & too many new discoveries awaited...
The more I see of your photographs, Carmi, the more of your nature/character is reflected...and the more grateful I am that I discovered your Blog. Keep up the good questions - the ones that make us think... laugh...ponder...reflect...imagine.
It's amazing how each of us can make such a difference in the lives of others...
one of the things i enjoy most about walking the dog is a chance to really look around. we live in an older neighborhood, with lots of trees, it's great to get out there and enjoy the different seasons. i think some of them actually look better before the leaves cover them.
Great tree.
Specifically about trees, I've started seeing how the people here interact with them. I've seen trees like this that have huge C-shaped sections of limbs cut out to accommodate the electric wires. The trees along the old street look similar; a line of crescent moons by the side of the road.
In general, there is ALWAYS a way to see into the past or into the future, when looking at an object. The most interesting phenomenon is that each person will see a different scenario in their minds for the same object. Now, that's diversity.
I like the b&w tree (at least it looks it)...I love tree limb patterns. No two being alike, I'm always looking for something I may have missed on first glance!
Michele sent me again!
~S
Dude, when did you come to my backyard and take that picture????? Seriously...I have an oak tree outside my window that looks like that. I've been tempted on so many occasions to photograph it, but I'm afraid I won't do it justice...but you SURE did!
I always try to look beyond the immediate...in all things. Because that's where all the interesting things are found. Don't look at the tree, look into the branches and see the nests, the critters, the sky beyond. Don't look at a person and immediately dismiss them as not of your ilk. Talk to them, you'd find them AMAZING if you take the time!
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