A year ago I was asked by a friend to photograph she and her horse. On a sun-soaked evening we spent a couple of hours in the presence of a wonderful Arabian horse named Diamonds. When I showed the images to my friend she was unable to decide which one image she wanted to use as a framed print. Within a few weeks she asked me if I would help her put together a book of the images. Over the past months we crafted a book that tells the story of the relationship between this horse and rider; from over 15 years ago when she got Diamonds, through the four seasons with photographs she had collected, to the present time and the images I took that summer evening. We included the horse’s registration papers and the reminiscences that she has of their adventures over the years. The book was printed in a 12×12″ size. We used full-page photographs as well as groupings of small details, allowing the story to come alive on the pages. Today I delivered the book to her. Slowly she went through each page, lingering over the images and the many memories they have shared. The book has allowed her to collect in one place and put to page this wonderful story that she can now share with her friends and treasure for years. As the sun was filtering through the trees, I made this image by panning as they rode by, capturing their fluidity and grace. We included the photograph in the book with a quote by Sharon Ralls Lemon that sums up this horse and rider’s relationship — “The essential joy of being with horses is that is brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire.”
Photography
Coneflowers
Summer is the season of so many flowers, yet one of my favorites is the coneflower. From a tall stem and a tight bud, the petals are gradually pried open by the sun and warmth. The white petals are small, and reach upward. Then as they mature, the petals turn a beautiful shade of pink and flex backwards, leaving the cone accessible to butterflies, bees, and small birds. I have coneflowers in various stages throughout the gardens, yet this photograph seems to symbolize the uniqueness of this flower with both the early blossom and the fully developed bloom in the background.
Summer sunrise
We arose in the dark early yesterday morning and headed north to one of our favorite little lakes. With the boat in tow, loaded with fishing and camera gear, we were set for a summer outing. We had only just headed out from the landing when the sun cleared the horizon and broke over the tree line. The clouds reflected the colors of the sun, and the reflection came alive in the surface of the lake – both in the calm water, and in the wake behind the boat. This glorious sunrise was only a prelude to the rest of the day. We had packed a breakfast to enjoy on the boat in our “lake with a view.” The fishing was good; we caught a mess of crappies and sunfish (some of the best lake fish for eating). The morning remained pleasantly cool, and we marveled at the sandhill cranes that passed overhead and the loons that called from another area of the lake. Before we knew it, a full six hours had passed. After the trip home to unload and shower, we then headed to the Minnesota Twins baseball game (another rite of summer). The crowd enjoyed a well-played game under the summer sky, and celebrated the Twins’ win after the sun had set. One full day with two of my favorite summer past-times; I can’t help but feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy all of this.
Morning rain in the Japanese garden
I spent the morning at Como Park in the McNeely Conservatory and the Ordway Japanese Garden. Although we had the promise of bright sunshine and hot and humid weather for the day, the morning was cool and cloudy. The light was actually quite beautiful for photographing. I spent a half hour in the Japanese garden and was preparing to leave when I heard the sound of raindrops hitting the pond. As beautiful as the sound was, the sight of the large drops punctuating the calm water’s surface was delightful. I stayed through the rain showers and continued to photograph, enjoying the freshness of the rain, the cool of the morning, and the peacefulness and beauty that I found in the garden.
Independence day celebration
I spent the 4th of July holiday working in the yard. We’ve recently had some new cement work done, including adding a small patio in the front yard. All of the sidewalks and steps were completed at the beginning of last week; just in time to have a couple of yards of dirt delivered so we could being filling in the areas next to the new walks. The summer day grew hotter as I hauled the wheelbarrow full of dirt back and forth and back and forth. Not only did the pile of dirt dwindle, but I was able to spend time reflecting on all the liberties and freedoms we enjoy in the United States. Our country’s founding fathers could not have envisioned the daily lives we lead in 2013. How fortunate I am be able to enjoy a holiday for our Independence Day, to work in the yard, and to make this small space a better place.
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