Inspiration: The Nearest Window…
“If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.” Tom Peters
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... what I see... a dragonfly on a lily bud
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... a dragonfly amongst the garden foliage
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... a white winged butterfly on a purple bloom...
What are your eyes drawn to when you look out your window? The window could be the one in your home, your car, your lens, your eyes, even the inner window where we see things that a camera cannot capture… Whenever I look out my window, I find myself searching for critters with wings, furry animals, colorful flowers, and life in all its forms; large and small. I find that since the Weekly Photo Challenge started on WordPress, I’ve become more conscious of what I photograph and why I am drawn, again and again, to particular visual attractions.
“I don’t like small birds. They hop around so merrily outside my window, looking so innocent. but I know that secretly, they’re watching my every move and plotting to beat me over the head with a large steel pipe and take my shoe.” Jack Handey
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... I see ... a crane at rest
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... love birds resting
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... a small bird... searching
I like birds and flowers, and I find that when the opportunity arises, I am happy to capture them on my camera. Oddly, I don’t capture birds well… They flit around and always seem to sense my presence and the fact that I wish to photograph them… We do a dance and then they fly away… So I keep at it, trying to capture them in repose, in mid flight… with minimal success.
“Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides us from truth.” Kahlil Gibran
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... I see ... Anthurium Fire Red heart shaped flowers
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... Japanese peony after a rainfall
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... iris and more flowers to enjoy...
There is the popular saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and what our eyes capture; what our eyes are often drawn to, might indicate where, at least to some degree, our interests lie. For this post, I will share snapshots of what has piqued my interest in the last eight months. I find that most are close to the earth, to nature, to birds of all forms… What calls you? More below and to come. 😉
“Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.” George Bernard Shaw
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... I see ... deer lounging in the backyard
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... deer peeping at me and ... at you
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... a peacock staring back...
The deer I see lounging in my backyard at winter do come back in spring and in summer time too; sometimes with fawn or older stags with antlers in tow. Just like my skittish birds, my stags don’t stick around for the camera, and I am yet to get anything but fuzzy shots of them as they dash away when I move closer to my kitchen window… We have a love/hate relationship. They are beautiful, yet they eat everything in my garden. I tried to plant extras but it didn’t matter… they always win; after all, the land is theirs… Ah, one day, I’ll have photo of a stag and then we will be even!
“Without stirring abroad, one can know the whole world; Without looking out of the window one can see the way of heaven. The further one goes the less one knows.” Lao Tzu
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... I see... water - the Hudson River and a telescope
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... ducks enjoying the waterfront...
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... mr. ostrich treading water...
I love water for the many reasons most of us are drawn to water. It is cleansing, healing, the drink of life for everyone and everything under the sun. Without water, we will die, our land will dry up, and all of nature will perish. We might be having mighty rainstorms lately, bothersome, yes, but there is good in replenishing the earth and the water table in arid, dry areas. So when there is turmoil in our lives, we must go inside and seek the abundance in the rains; the showers of grace.
“Art is the window to man’s soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.” Claudia, Lady Bird Johnson
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... I see ... a squirrel on an electrical wire
Inspiration: The Nearest Window... a colorful caged bird
All of nature is art. The squirrel on the wire darts around gathering food; nuts and such, and then he disappears into his home in one of the trees. I wonder why he runs constantly and doesn’t come out much to play… Does he feel like a caged bird? Then, I notice the wild cats lurking… Ugh! Now and then, I see a black squirrel or a family of squirrels but they don’t hang out the way I remember them doing years back. When I close my eyes, I see them all. I could paint them…
Nature, like time, moves forward. Nature goes through changes, affecting all who depend on her for sustenance… I look out the nearest window and I wish for harmony in all things; all things small and large. What about you? What are your thoughts? What do you see through your real and imaginary window? what are you drawn to and why? Do share! Thank you. 😉
This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: Find the nearest window. Look outside. What is the most interesting thing you see? What is the least interesting thing? If you don’t have a window, close your eyes and imagine one: what do you see when you look through it?
Positive Motivation Tip: Our eyes are windows to a vast universe that draws us in… Pay attention to what your eyes see more often and seek comfort there.
Related articles
- Inspiration: Facing Our Window On Life… (eof737.wordpress.com)
- Post of the Day – 7/2/2011 (tercessociety.com)
- The trapped bird (manyhiddeninme.wordpress.com)
- Topic #176: Find the nearest window. (suzirow.wordpress.com)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos via my Personal Collection
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Great photo’s and post. When I look out the window I find that I always look UP. I am obsessed with the sky. I love the sun and the moon. I just realized this as I was reading your post today. Then looking through photo’s I have Tons of pictures too.
I love the sun and moon too and everything around the natural order of life… It was a delight to write this post…. Got me thinking differently. Pardon my tardiness on comments here and on everyone’s post… I’ve had pneumonia and trying to rest and recover. Will catch up soon. TY! 🙂
– hope.
Well said… and harmony too. TY! 🙂
Hi E737,
you wrote with excellence about the topic again. I like some of the aphorisms, you have chosen, very much. my ranking:
1 – “Art is the window to man’s soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.” Claudia Lady Bird Johnson
2 – “Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world.” George Bernard Shaw
3 – “Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides us from truth.” Kahlil Gibran
I’m glad you liked the quotes… I had a few more but felt it would be too much… TY for your kind words and support… Hope you are still performing your music? 🙂
So uplifting. The words just swept me off my feet. And the pictures , just beautiful. Thank you.
TY! for your feedback… I look out my window daily and certain things always draw me in… and then I wonder why… 🙂
Beautiful photos E, and words to ponder.
P.S. I hope you’re feeling better!! Get lots of rest.
Nice Photos. Great sentiment
I love your window!!! Right now looking out mine..from the 11th floor I see trees, trees and a few house tops. I love trees in full regalia or naked in winter but must admit I would also love your view!
I agree with Jackie… I always look at the sky whether it’s sunny or not. I love it morning noon and night in all weather. I’m obsessed with clouds.
Love your nature photos Elizabeth!
Thanks,
b
Very inspiring post. 🙂
Beautiful post! 🙂
I really like the telescope photo on the river. It almost looks like a robot!
Have to think some more about this Elizabeth. As usual you give us plenty to dwell upon.
Beautiful post, our eyes are a window to beauty and all nature has to offer. The photos are lovely.
I love the views out of your window, this is such an inspiring post Elizabeth, straight from the heart.
When I look out my window I watch for anything to do with nature – birds, flowers, dragonflies flitting around, hares and kangaroos hopping up my street, the beautiful sunrises and golden sunsets.
Nature in all it’s glory is very inspiring!
Beautiful photos! I once heard that dragonflies will fight each other to the death over territory! Isn’t that wild?!
I am not fully aware of what I see when I look out a window because I have too much other stuff going on in my head. Your post is a good reminder to stop and look out the window with an empty mind so that I can fill it with wonder from outside.
Beautiful pics, E! I didn’t realize that you attracted so many deer to your yard. Lovely creatures.
Hope you’re on the mend.
Unfortunately, I see only other houses from my window. Unlike the years when I grew up on a farm and saw images similar to yours!
When you write like this, I miss the country very much.
Nature is awe inspiring.
Beautiful photos, lovely words, insightful post.
Thanks, as usual, Elizabeth!
Whenever I am feeling lost, I go to the woods. Somehow I always find what I need there….
When I look out my window, I sometimes see Black Vultures flying above. They keep circling around. It is interesting because this only happens right here, of all places. When I go for a bike ride, I don’t see them anywhere else. The forest that is in my backyard happens to be a nature preserve. I do know that there is 0 human contact anywhere in that forest, since this is a farm area. The forest is a nesting ground for them I think.
As far as everything else in nature goes, finding birds is the hardest thing, because they know our presense before other animals do.
Fascinating … and I agree with you about the intuitive nature of birds. Heck, they know when the seasons are changing and leave town. They will only let me take pictures of them when they are ready which almost not when I am ready 😆
Those vultures sound quite interesting… TY for your comment. 🙂