Reminiscing

January 18, 2014 Photo (018/365): "Reminiscing"

A year ago today, I was in Paris...It was a quick weekend trip for a conference.I had no intention of playing tourist. My plans were to stroll and write in cafés, to take unpredictable photos like this one:

Who loses a baguette on their way into the Metro? Anyway, I didn't plan on running from monument to monument...

...that is, until I arrived in time for Paris' biggest snowfall in recent history (over 20 cm)!

How could I resist Paris sous la neige?

The already breathtaking French capital was transformed into a Winter Wonderland!

(Failed Selfie!  I maintain that my arms are too short ;) How fun for this Wisconsin girl to watch the blissful French children and dogs play in the snow (as well as the chic Parisians slipping & sliding in fashionable yet completely inappropriate footwear ;)

Even though it was a quick trip to Paris, it was also one of my most memorable, and I know I'll be back...

...the sooner the better! Paris, je t'aime et tu me manques beaucoup!

Jusqu'à la fois prochaine! Bisous!

For more photos of Paris in the snow, revisit Paris sous la neige 2013 (originally posted 1/25/13)

Lichen

January 16, 2014 Photo (016/365): "Lichen"

Do you see the resemblance?

I liken this lichen to coral "under the...tree!"

Maybe it's my desire to be in a tropical paradise rather than in wintery Wisconsin, but the lichen on this tree reminds me of undersea coral formations. I can almost imagine colorful schools of fish or funny sea turtles swimming among the crevices. Lichens are formed when green algae combines with a compatible fungus. The algae produces the food for the duo, while the fungus provides support and moisture. This codependent relationship is beneficial for both partners as well as for the surrounding ecosystem.  Lichens are able to survive extreme cold and heat to thrive throughout the year. A bit of research revealed that lichens can soak up excess gasses such as carbon monoxide from the atmosphere, thus serving as natural air filters. Some lichens even provide nitrogen to fertilize the surrounding soil. Since they produce their own food from moisture and sunlight, they do not compromise the health of the trees on which they grow.  In fact, I think that their lovely green-gray color and abstract shapes only add to the beauty and interest of this maple tree's bark.

Above

January  15, 2014 Photo (015/365): "Above"

"I love being outdoors, love taking a long walk...looking at trees...and the sky" ~ Audrey Hepburn

My personal "photo safaris" often lead me on long walks in search of unique points of view. Yet how often do I only focus on what is right in front of me? How often do I forget to look down at the fallen treasures beneath my feet or to look up at the lofty scenes above my head. Happily today, a little bird reminded me to change my perspective! 

Potential

January 14, 2014 Photo (014/365): "Potential"

« Et le jour est venu quand le risque à rester fortement dans un bourgeon était plus douloureux que le risque qu'il a pris à la fleur. » - Anaïs Nin | "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." The buds on these trees have already begun to emerge. With months to go until spring, they cling to their branches, closed tightly against January's harsh realities. Yet inside those fixed buds, the tree's glorious potential continues to grow, until one day, it will no longer be contained. The root of the word potential is potentia: power, ability. What a wonderful notion! Imagine what potential is germinating within us? When will we take that risk and blossom?

Sappy

January 13, 2014 Photo (013/365): "Once there was a tree..."

As I walked through the woods yesterday, I was discouraged by the lack of obvious beauty. I found little of interest to capture with my camera. However, upon further observation, I noticed the textures and colors of this old tree, its layers of bark and its amber drops of sap. I was suddenly reminded of one of my favorite children's books, Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree.

This old tree seems to have lost much of its energy, having shed its leaves, many branches, and much of its bark. Yet it still remains vital, providing shelter and food for birds and woodland creatures over this particularly harsh winter. Imagine what this tree has given in its time...What have you been given and what will you give in your time?

"...and the tree was happy."

"Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation...even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind."

- Leonardo da Vinci