WALKABOUTS

“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own.”
— Charles Dickens

sunlight burning through morning fog at the creek

KOMOREBI

I call this photo "Komorebi” — an untranslatable Japanese word that conveys the aesthetic of sunlight streaming through leaves of the trees. Following is what I felt at the time.

I was cold. My feet were wet. The sun was burning away the beautiful October morning fog too quickly. I was about to call it a morning and head home to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and a few savory caramels.

But as I rounded the bend of the creek, this scene unfolded. The sun’s rays contrasted tree shadows at various angles through low-lying fog that was refusing to give up. So, neither did I.

The tranquility was so very peaceful. I quickly framed my shot before it morphed. And then I simply stood in awe and based in the serenity.

Light fog and morning sun at the nature area

LIGHT FOG AND MORNING SUN

Light fog and unusual clouds on a cold New Year’s Day at the Forum Nature Area.

Colorful autumn leaves on display at the Hinkson Wetlands.

AUTUMN COLORS MASTERPIECE

Fall colors showed up at the Hinkson Wetlands Area, Columbia, Mo. I was worried it wasn’t going to be a pretty autumn because of the drought. But suddenly the trees started showing their colors.

A worn wooden bench in Hinkson Woods.

WORN BENCH IN HINKSON WOODS

Worn wood, weathered gray,
Sentinel of the woods.

Lonely, keeps a silent vigil,
Empty bench, full of dreams.