Water, sun, reflection and cat tails. Such images reveal the beauty of our world without words. Thankful for nature, freedom, family, friends, my followers and God for making all this possible to enjoy.
Tag Archives: friends
East to West
Tuesday morning, 0730, western Kansas City, cold and overcast.
Stepped outside to leave for business. The eastern sky startled me. The western sky reassured me.
To see the sun begin to rise in the east and the moon begin to set in the west at the same time is fairly common, but rather special, too. One is so vibrant and the other so soft as it fades away due to the morning’s brilliance.
The cloud dynamic adds a dramatic element to the one, and a firm point of reference to the other…rather like some people do when we encounter them.
Had lunch with a friend of mine today. He is such an encouragement and always looks at each day as simply that…another day. If we screw up, we have another opportunity to do better (assuming we are given the chance). We both have struggled through serious depression about the same number of years and period in time, but he seems to have a firmer grip on what makes one tick and how to respond to the negative thoughts we all succumb to which affects our moods, doubts and self-images. I appreciate him so much.
Just look at the recent tragedies in Vegas and Texas. Talk about warped self-images. How sad for all concerned. In some way, all affected become victims. However, this post isn’t about those terrible incidents. It is more about beauty and awareness and life. It is about overcoming, too. It is meant to encourage instead of discourage. I see flags flying half-mast everywhere and know why, hence, the monologue about recent tragedies. Yet, the flags will fly at full-mast again. So should we after we falter from life’s harsh realities.
I know this statement may seem harsh and even naive to some, but such is not my intent. One never gets over tragedy…one must simply overcome it’s consequences which can be extremely difficult. I have personal experience with this reality. May these photos lift your souls as they did mine when I first witnessed these scenes early this morning.
East to West…emerging to fading…repeating cycle everyday…redemption waiting.
Thermal Amigos
These are friends of mine. I previously called them the Three Amigos, named after a movie (please refer to my last post). These photos are infra-red thermal images of the same local horses.
I have waited to capture them with my radiometer camera for quite some time, but they were either too far away or I didn’t have the camera with me. I came prepared today and lucked out.
Thermal imaging is used for a plethora of reasons from electrical / mechanical hot spot disclosures to equine joint inflammation. These images are simply for fun, and for my practice. At some point I would like to turn the technical aspect of thermal imaging into an art form, as well.
The warmer yellow to white represents heat emitting from the horse’s bodies while the violets and purples reveal the cool background of pasture, trees and sky. Regardless of what we see with our eyes, there is an invisible aspect of heat which we don’t see…this is only visible via infra-red wave length imaging. I hope you enjoyed these horses from a different perspective!
Friends
What constitutes being a friend? If it means covering each other’s back then these guys are friends. If it means spending lots of time together then these guys are friends. If it means liking and doing the same stuff together then these guys are friends. If it means having disagreements, but loving one another anyway, then, most likely, these guys are friends. And, if it means sacrificing oneself on behalf of the other then these guys would probably do that which makes them very good friends.
These stallions appear to be best friends, if I can say that about horses. They rest together, graze together, stand together and trot together. These two are never apart regardless of the season. I count myself fortunate to observe them regularly. Occasionally, I’ll stop.
When they run to greet me, if for no other reason than out of curiosity, a smile forms on my face as I witness their exuberance.
They are a friendly and handsome pair, and always appear to be in fine shape.
As I witness the brotherhood that exists between these two equines, I stop for a moment and consider my friends, past and present. I also consider what kind of a friend I am and have been. To be sure, I have disappointed more than a few souls. And, I have been disappointed and hurt as a result of others who I considered close friends. There is a proverb which states, “One who has many unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”. I know that friend, and want to be like Him.
Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I have often wondered who ‘ they’ are because there seems to be a lot of ‘them’. Nevertheless, I believe the statement rings true. Take this Showgirl chicken for instance. Some of her jealous friends say she just had her hair done and beak polished, but that is not the case-her beauty is natural. Below is my son with another Showgirl-lovely isn’t she? No problem with these bird’s self-image. How about you? Regardless if you have a bad hair day, a perceived imperfection or have been criticized for your appearance, there is still beauty…it’s just that not everyone sees it. And in our culture today, having the ‘right’ looks and clothing is over-emphasized and valued way more than is healthy. So, here’s hoping you like what you see when you look in a mirror. And, if you don’t, get a new mirror…or new friends…or family. But change something because you can’t afford to experience an abundant life while feeling inferior 24/7. All of us (humans) are created in the image of God so we all possess His perfect qualities, just not in the same proportion. Whether born with a serious defect, were maimed in an accident or appear stunningly beautiful on the outside, we are all the same inside…and that’s what really matters. And the Beholder is the most important one who sees you from the inside out, and simply says, “Beautiful”. What we do with that beauty is up to us, and for others to assist us when needed.
mdorandotcom 