The Journey Continues
Simplicity

Sometimes things get a little bit hectic, a little complicated and for me the first thing that comes to mind is Keep it Simple  or I have to get back to a simple life-style, but as we all know, that is easier said than done.

On December 1st, I began posting a simple image each day in a Photographic Simplicity Group on Flickr.  December 31st will be the last day for this group.  I have been enjoying focusing on simplicity in both Nature and man-made objects, and here are some examples from my December collection.  Perhaps, they will influence me to bring simplicity to other parts of my life.

DISCO BALL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT - ANCHORAGE, AK

I am trying to keep my focus on "simple things" when I am out on my photo walks.  I love when I get to rescue some treasure.  Buying this ornament would have meant so much less than finding it.  It was exciting to look down and there was this beautiful ornament resting in a tire track impression in the snow.  Next year it will be on my tree.

BARE TREES AND FIRE IN THE SKY - ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

What a glorious surprise to look up and see such spectacular, energetic, natural beauty. To me this photo is a wonderful combination of the 4 elements plus 1.  The trees are grounded in the rich, solid, Earth; they have grown strong from the Water that has fallen down on them and puddled around their trunks; the Air moves through their branches and whispers a sweet song; and the blaze of Fire in the sunset gives the world warmth and energy and, it all filled with Spirit.

 SIMPLE SHAPES - BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON

A simple man-made star that says "Welcome"  for those who approach the gate on which it is hung.

CANDY CANE REINDEER - BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON

A welcome surprise that was assembled by "someone" and placed on the knob of each apartment door.  I don't know who assembled it or placed it there but I am surely thankful for the cheer it brought to me.

RAVEN IN FLIGHT - ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

It is not uncommon to see a Raven in downtown Anchorage, especially in the winter.  This  Raven had helped clean up the environment while filling up its belly and now it is off to places unknown; at least, unknown to me.

PINE CONE IN THE SNOW - ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

A simple pine cone with pine needles frosted by Nature.  The fallen snow (if it even shows up here) was provided by Google not captured by me.

OLD WOOD AND REFRESHING WATER, DENALI, ALASKA

Taken from a tour bus in Denali Park.  I was sitting and talking to my friend Darren when I felt the need to turn and look out the window.  In a quick snap, I took what to me is the most wonderful picture of water.

SEA PLANT AND BUBBLES - LAPUSH, WASHINGTON

I feel fortunate to be able to view and capture such this.  Lapush is my favorite beach in Washington, perhaps, it is my favorite beach of all places I have visited.  

PURE BEAUTY

This is part of the dictionary's definition for "pure." Without any extraneous and unnecessary elements. I took this photo while walking from downtown Newark to my friends house in Maryland (just over the State line). It was not taken yesterday as stated in the information, but I can remember it as it it were yesterday. I was walking back from returning my rental car and of course I was taking pictures. For a good part of the walk I was talking with a friend I have known for over thirty years. The walk and the phone conversation made it seem like I was walking with a friend. It was raining lightly for most of the walk and then a mist rolled in. I think of pure when I look at this picture: just trunks and branches, nothing extra. Everything natural even the one stump in the middle.