Embracing Nature: Sunset & the Ocean

"When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?" — Ralph Marston

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ” — John Muir

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are 1440 minutes in every day... 1440 opportunities to capture a moment of beauty. What moment of beauty did you capture this week?

How do you embrace nature?


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Reflecting on HOPE

Recently, the topic of HOPE has been at the centre of my thoughts, my prayers and our family conversations.

At our Friday night church service, the visiting pastor spoke on HOPE! Coincidence? I really don't think so!

I'm struggling to string together some meaningful words of my own -- So, I am going to share with you some of my images, and some favourite "hope" quotes, that I feel portray the idea of HOPE...

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." ~ Joseph Addison

In reflection, I believe that HOPE means having faith to believe things can change for the better.

“A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you’ve lost everything, there is hope.” ~ Geraldine Solon

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11

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"A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words"

For me, one of the beautiful things about photographing nature is that an image, or series of images, can evoke a feeling or make a statement without the need to utter words.
The old expression "A picture is worth a thousand words", refers to the belief that a complex idea can be conveyed with just a single still image, or that an image of a subject conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a description does.

I have titled the above image "Where Power Meets Serenity". My hope was to convey an idea without any further explanation.

There are times I feel compelled to share some of my personal thoughts or revelations on life with my image/s...

Sometimes we encounter "storms" in our lives, and we may have absolutely no power to alter or improve the situation. It is at these times that my photography has been a welcome source of therapy; my "happy place", as I like to call it.
Being surrounded by nature and photographing its beauty has the ability to instill peace, soothe my soul and calm my mind... My focus switches from the difficult circumstances of life, to the gratitude I have for life itself, for the wonderful people I share my life with, and the blessing of God's creation.

There are other times when I enjoy the challenge of seeking out a quote that may convey the message of my image...

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." ~ Denis Waitley

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The Greatest Gifts

The greatest gifts we can give to others are those that are free; the gift of ourselves, our love, our time. The most valuable gifts we have are our children, our family, our loved ones and the relationships we have with them.

In this day and age when wealth and possessions are often more highly valued, many people have lost sight of what matters most. The emphasis on making money and gathering possessions has taken the place of creating lasting memories with the people in our lives who should be our priority.
What do you value most?

My hope and prayer for Thanksgiving this year is that people will take the time to reflect and focus on what is most important, rather than that which is fleeting; that relationships with family and loved ones will be restored and highly valued, just as they should be.
My prayer is that the family unit will once again be restored to its rightful place.

I'm thankful for:
My husband Michael who is kind, loving, supportive, understanding and compassionate.
My 4 wonderful children; Sarah, Daniel, Ben & Bec, who have given me the opportunity to be a Mum. I love all of them dearly, they have brought me incredible joy, and I am extremely proud of each one of them.
My son-in-law, Oscar (married to Sarah).
My daughter-in-law, Angie (married to Daniel), and my 4 beautiful grandchildren; Matthew, Annabelle, Sophia and little Olivia, all such blessings.
My amazing Parents who have been such a fantastic support to me throughout my life.
My 5 "other-daughters" (I dislike the term "step"), Amy, Tamsyn, Kathryn, Jess & Lizzie. Five more children to love.

H A P P Y   T H A N K S G I V I N G!

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Ocean Blues at Snapper Rocks

There's nothing more inviting on a warm sunny day than the beach; blue skies, fluffy white clouds and bright aqua blue water...

Paradise...

Some daytime shots of Snapper Rocks beach to add to my post from March 2015 as part of my "South East Queensland Coastal Journey" series.


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Stormy Skies at Snapper

These shots were taken early last year during our traditional storm season.

After enjoying a beautiful day on the beach, we headed to one of our favourite spots for sunset when a storm rolled in from the west.

The temporary buildings for the Quiksilver Pro surfing competition were still on Snapper Rocks Beach.

Around the corner at Froggies Beach, we were treated with a double rainbow.

It wasn't long before the skies became very dark and the rain started to fall heavily. I grabbed my camera and tripod and ran to the car.

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