Week Eight: flow states

50/365: here be monsteras

The split-leaf philodendron (monstera delicious) is having a moment. Suddenly, I’m seeing their unmistakable foliage everywhere I look. I had to seek one out so I could create my very own monstera picture and was lucky enough to find one tickling the ceiling of the MN Landscape Arboretum’s sunny conservatory.

51/365: send me dead flowers

I get that Rolling Stones song in my head every time I see a dried-up blossom. Truly, though, I think these roses got more lovely as they dried and shriveled. The colors deepened and the texture took on more character. I enjoyed them fully as they faded.

52/365: on the edge of see and through

There is this moment I love when the ice begins to thaw and the snow cover is gone. The lake begins to reflect the colors of the sky again. These colors makes me feel like I’m somewhere else, in some other subarctic landscape with a different view of the tundra sun.

53/365: old black water

As much as I’ve been entranced by the ice, the sight of open water inspires a giddy feeling. This once static, frozen creek is now gushing and gurgling with life and movement. It’s the way we all feel when we cast off our layers after a long winter and feel the breeze and sunlight on our skin once more. It has an exuberance and charm that is always refreshing.

54/365: it’s all too beautiful

Open water of an entirely different nature. This one actually took my breath away! In a burst of brilliant sunlight, the wind gusts blew across growing patches of open water on Lake Nokomis creating a wave patterns I don’t recall ever seeing before. Truly stunning.

55/365: fish out of water

Sometimes I can’t resist being really cheesy. Kind of like a goldfish cracker. All I could think when I spotted this one on the sidewalk was that it looked really out of place 🙂

56/365: metamorfluxus

We’re in the period of constant flux. 60 one day. 25 the next. The water performs a trembling dance between flow and refreeze, changing forms moment to moment.

fall palette in motion

273/365: blue sky / yellow leaves

An autumnal companion to this spring reflection. I never tire of the play of light, color, and movement on the water. This image to me shines with all the intensity of a bright, sunny fall day, full of unbelievably intense color.

in the moment

245/365: sawyer, minnehaha creek

The whole family went swimming in the creek the other day – even Rocco. It’s always a great place to snap pictures: the black water makes a dramatic backdrop and my subjects are so busy having fun that they forget all about the camera.

scene from a sunny day

Things are not always what they seem.

195/365: reed grass in bright sunlight

where is this leading?

Not sure. Still playing with these ideas. Enjoying the process.

See past posts on built vs. natural elements in the landscape to get up to speed…

177/365: drain pipe through grasses

on the rocks

If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water. (Loren Eiseley)

I couldn’t agree more.

145/365: rocks & water

urban wildlife

Over the winter, we were delighted and baffled to discover a number of trees near the creek that had been felled and gnawed by beavers. Not a common thing in the city! Our theory is that the changes brought by huge flooding last summer in Minneapolis may have encouraged the beavers to colonize Minnehaha Creek.

Cut to 2015. In our current state of drought, the creek is low in its bed. The trees are marked for removal. No sign of beavers. Still, it’s nice to know that they were our neighbors, if only for a season.

130/365: beavers, interrupted

two-fer mother’s day

I snapped a few shots of Sawyer & Zola yesterday while they were running around by the creek. It’s how I like to see them best – in nature, being happy & free, fully alive & taking it all in. I love the dim reflections in the creek behind them and the play of sunlight on their skin. Mostly I just love them.

Happy Mother’s Day!

128/365 (a): sawyer

128/365 (b): zola

just add water

This is the kind of abstract image that makes my heart sing. It’s like painting with my camera and a palette of sunshine, water and fresh green foliage.

114/365: trees on the water, early spring

duck dynamics

The other day I tried desperately to get a photo of three ducks all lined up because the idea of “getting my ducks in a row” cracked me up. I’m kind of a dork like that.

The photo wasn’t meant to be. It’s just as well.

Instead I witnessed the drama of these three negotiating the rapid current after the rain and captured the decisive moment when they parted company.

98/365: ducks in midstream