“Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star.”
~ Henry David Thoreau, the end of Walden Pond
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The other morning I woke up at 5:30 a.m. This is much too early by my standards, but there I was AWAKE, not worrying about a thing. So I got up, made a pot of coffee, poured myself a mug, grabbed my camera and went out on the deck to sit, waiting for the sun to come up.
It didn’t take long for the first rays of sunlight to sneak across the lawn heading for the wooded ravine behind our home.
Nor did it take long for me to become bewitched by the path of the glittery sunlight, following it with my camera into the darkest parts of the woods.
At this point I’d love to tell you that my early morning photo shoot was some sort of transcendental awakening. That the course of my life was permanently altered because of my experience watching the morning light illuminate the woods.
But there wasn’t anything spiritual about my early morning on the deck. It was all very practical. A way for me to learn about using my camera in various light. And the opportunity to ponder why it is that I can remember the last line of Walden Pond– but, for the life of me, can’t think of the first one!
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THE SPECTACLED BEAN 
You have a lovely, lovely property! I am not fond of the Transcendentalists–I find them boring and naïve–but appreciating the simple beauty of light as it falls in Nature is pleasantly serene, isn’t it?
Being awake at 5:30 should come with some reward; I’m glad you found it and posted it here.
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nance, thank you. When we had the house built this property was considered inferior to all the rest on the street. So, naturally, we bought it & set about fixing it up. Now 14 years/many dollars/much emotional turmoil later, it actually looks like something!
I never thought much of the Transcendentalists either, but I couldn’t help but think of Walden Pond as I sat outside in the quiet. It seemed like their influence should have taken over my soul, but it didn’t. I’m too modern, I guess.
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What photos! Well done, my Love. Not every moment need be spiritual or philosphical, but whatever the moment brings, it is good to make the most of it as you did.
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Z-D, glad you like the photos. I’ve often thought about doing something like this, but no way was I going to get up early just to do it. However, when the opportunity presented itself, why not?
And you are so right about being in the moment. I forget that, don’t I?
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Walden Pond does seem to fit early mornings. I really like the picture with the tall grasses and flowers peeking out from under them – nice variety of texture, lines, and colors.
The last one is nice with the shades of green and the shadows
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philosophermouse, I have no idea why Walden Pond came to mind, but it did. Like you said, it fits.
The black-eyed Susans under the grasses are a new addition this summer. I put them there and they are thriving. Plus they look good. Can’t beat that combo.
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The photos are calming and inspiring, whether you were just practicing with the light on your camera or not. Intention isn’t what really matters anyway, it’s the effect it has on you and on others. (hope I don’t sound like a Transcendentalist here since no one appears to like them) 😉
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Margaret, the photos came out much better than I thought that they would. I like them. I don’t know that I had any intention beyond learning about my camera– which I did. So all’s well that ends well.
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I particularly like the light play in the 4th and 5th photos. Your yard and flowers look beautiful. Makes all that rain seem worthwhile.
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Zazzy, thanks. I’d love to tell you that I know exactly how I managed that, but I haven’t a clue! And you are right, the rain has made for some pretty flowers this year. *yeah*
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Great pics!!
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks Becky. Glad that you like. When the sun shines here it is beautiful. [It’s the “when” part that causes me the most trouble.]
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