I was reading another photographer’s blog and she had posted her 12 favorite photos of the past year. With a nod to Kim Manley Ort, I culled through 4,142 images to pick 12 photos that were my favorites. Some have personal meanings, like the family photo after my mother’s death or the Royal typewriter that has been passed down through my father’s family. Others transport me to a cold winter morning (much like today!) or an unusually emerald-green lake with a sandy beach in north central Minnesota. The year took twists and turns that weren’t expected, yet I’m learning to embrace the changes, meet the challenges, and appreciate each day that is given – with joy and wonder. May the coming year be filled with 365 such days!
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Diamonds on the lake
An early morning fishing trip was a no-brainer this morning. The last few days have been clear, warm, and no humidity. We left the house early enough that the air was still brisk from dropping into the 50’s overnight. As we motored onto the lake I was reminded again of the beauty of the morning. It was then I saw the diamonds sparkling on the lake — the sun’s reflection in the water and waves. So many times I admire it, but this morning I decided to photograph it. The random patterns and the twinkling stars shimmered across the water. Those of you that have spent time on a lake or a river will recognize this, and I trust it will bring back wonderful memories.
Unlikely photographic subjects
Like many photographers I often head out of the house with an idea of what I’m planning to photograph, or at least an idea of what I might find. The other evening I wandered over to the horticultural gardens at the University of Minnesota. There is a wonderful display of flowers, trees, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables. No matter which season or what time of the year I go to the gardens, I am almost always guaranteed to find something of interest. I had spent close to an hour photographing various flowers. As the sun was getting lower in the sky and the light was fading I decided to pack up and head home. I passed through the flower gardens and then through the vegetable gardens, but something caught my eye. The dill plants were glowing in the evening light. And as I passed, they didn’t look anything like the herb I was accustomed to seeing. With the sun setting behind them they took on an ethereal quality – something so delicate and lovely. I spent the next 15 minutes racing with the fading sun to make the photographic images that were delighting my eyes and senses. I certainly hadn’t planned to photograph any herbs, but this was a wonderful surprise.
Green of spring
As quickly as winter left, spring has arrived. Minnesota spring-time is short and condensed. It’s almost as if you can watch the flowers come up through the thawed and warming ground. Our lilacs are bursting forth, the peonies grow inches overnight, and the greenest of ferns have started to unfurl. From a tight bud to the gentle arches, they are a study of delicateness and beauty. Soon the fronds will be straight and upright, but I love the soft curves that they now show.
Morning frost
I looked out the window this morning and saw crystal-like snowflakes dancing in the sunlight. They sparkled and glistened as they drifted to the ground. It reminded me of this image from the past week. Our nights have been cold, and the other morning I went out to my car to go to work; insert key, start engine, and wait for the car to warm up. But as I sat in the driver’s seat I looked out the front windshield and “saw” the most beautiful sight. The morning’s frost had settled on the glass, and as the light of the day (and the street lamp) shined through the window it was all refracted through the crystals of frost. The trees became abstract and a beautiful mosaic was created with the light and the early morning colors of the sky.
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