Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Amidst the ballyhooing about greater-than-great cameras on the newest iPhones, I purchased one and tried using it to get “good shots”. That would be a starting point from which I’d develop and refine my shooting skills. Unfortunately, the months of trial and error drifted to disappointment. The bottom line, is that my iPhone’s auto-adjusting camera captures satisfying up-close shots, but manually adjusting the lens delivers pixelated photos, barely satisfying if at all.

Last month, during 2019’s final winter, huge-moon phase the iPhone proved too frustrating. A big moon appeared for several nights in a clear beautiful sky, seemingly impossible not to capture. My iPhone couldn’t get an okay image. Well, maybe the phone wasn’t why, maybe my lack of knowledge and experience was why.

Anyway, my hoping increased for clear and story-telling pictures, and this began countering my resistance to bigger cameras. Big cameras are heavy, cumbersome, and in the way when not in use. They usually hang from the neck and must be removed before one can perform physical work. If the camera’s in a backpack, putting it to work takes way too much time.

Last night, we had a 3/4 moon–a shape I love, roundish and soft-looking. Unfortunately, active clouds scuttling over the moon were causing periods of invisibility. When the moon did appear, fast-moving clouds threatened to obliterate it. I hurried into the house for a camera that could focus quickly and capture well. Today’s header photo is my first decent moon shot since last I used the zoom Canon.

Even so that gig wasn’t easy. I waited outside peering through the camera’s autofocus and watching that moon appear and disappear. Some shots were disappointing, as if produced by my iPhone, but today’s moon photo turned out good and clear against a too-dark sky. I’ll take it as a success and will start carrying a big camera that’s capable of capturing images near and far, and when needed, stopping the action.

From yesterday evening, here are a couple of nice images.

Dear Readers: Good camerawork helps to brighten the gloom of January. Diana

Monday, January 06, 2020

My mini-espresso machine arrived last week. After plenty of testing (at Costco while handing out samples, and also here at home) it’s proved worthy. Included in its packaging were sample espressos, all taste fine. Now, as hoped, sipping on an early-morning just-right espresso is stimulating my brain; but not as anticipated with better ideas springing up. Instead, I’m a bit more OCD–unstoppably messing with raw photos.

It’s partly from the coffee, and also, my growing desire to employ every sense to assess a photo’s possibilities. It’s impossible to reach out and physically touch a computerized image, yet it can be manipulated. It’s impossible to sniff and smell a computerized image, but a raw capture or good adjustment may trigger a viewer’s sense of smell, and similarly, create a sense of taste.

Of course, a good photo arouses many feelings. So, all aspects of photography employs all our senses, from the physical experience of pointing a lens, to the physical and imagined experiences while editing, and ultimately to our viewing satisfaction.

Now, it’s easy to explain how greatly I’ve been captured by this juniper. It’s tall, symmetrically-shaped, and also a quadruple, with four trunks.

Initially, the tree’s size and symmetry beckoned me toward it. Its appeal increased as I got closer and began to recognize the sources of its strength and stateliness.

I moved in much closer wanting to get into its details of rough bark and complex contours.

Upward, a canopy of branches stimulated my senses of shelter and filtered light in ways comforting and satisfying.

I could have stayed right beside that tree, even had a yen to set up camp beneath its protection.

But my nearby home calls also and drew me away from the tree. It’s satisfying enough to know this tree. My point is in knowing that something will remain in place, that may offer passers-by the senses of beauty, protection, and peace. For me, this tree always will be comforting.

Dear Readers: Easiest to blame all this on the new coffee. Diana

Sunday, January 05, 2020

This morning for the first time I wrote the year correctly. Maybe I’m climbing into the swing of things somewhat. But I yearn to back up, to resist that January began with America’s slaughter of a key Middle East figure. I anguish over the future that the killing might foster. Because of this, I’m avoiding television talking heads, and instead, seeking maximum escapism. I’ll subscribe to more streaming services, and spend lots of time outdoors with a camera, roaming.

The sights are wonderful as I walk home after leaving the horses on pasture. For one thing, it’s Oregon and often simply looking up is joyous.

My home is in a semi-rural area with interesting terrains surrounding my walks to and from the horses.

There’s also more to see everywhere on the ground.

If my neighbor Frank happens to be out, observing and thinking, maybe we will chat for a bit.

There’s so much to enjoy while keeping one’s mind on the here and now.

Dear Friends: If you tire of photos, let me know. Meanwhile, I’m into it. Diana

Saturday, January 04, 2020

Throughout my years in Central Oregon, I recall no winters with a steady sort of warmth like ours this season. Almost annually, by mid-December we in the neighborhood maybe several times have fired up snow plows to clear driveways. Yesterday in chilly January’s beginning, our temperature rose into the 50s. Sure, the sky was overcast but with some hours of sunlight to lift spirits. In the late afternoon, I wore a lightweight jacket for my quarter-mile walk to gather and bring home the horses. That jacket quickly felt too warm.

The horses had spent several hours grazing, were relaxed, easy to catch. My neighbor, whose pasture it is, and who travels a great deal, happened to be home, so we chatted a little. He’s had horses in the past, but not in recent years, and said he enjoys seeing mine on the property. They just roam while grazing from one end to another. He sees passing folks pausing at the fence to visit the horses. Some might recognize them as the horses that in summers are harnessed and pulling a cart through local streets.

Once home and after putting out the feed for horses and goats, I spent a little time studying the environment, peering at details, and yes, dropping to my knees for close-ups.

Friday, January 03, 2020

Annually, during the holidays, I wonder through local shops that import special cheeses seeking my favorite varieties. The French specialties Camembert and Roquefort top my list of desirables. This season also, I discovered a wonderful marinated goat cheese imported from Australia. Pair any of those fine cheeses with a nice crisp white wine, or a mellow red, for really “good eatin'”.

Much of last year was spent watching my weight and steering clear of cheese. Early on, I saw a headline promoting the joys of losing weight: “You can live without cheese!” I took that seriously and adopted a strict regime of cheese avoidance. But the holidays always become something else, by promoting gastronomics until our mouths water. And so, I begin looking for favorite cheeses.

Now, my a refrigerator is full of favs. I’m reversing course, by saying, “To heck with dieting,” unless it’s possible to lose weight or maintain some status quo while consuming cheese. For sure, many cheeses can be frozen until future dates, but to me, special imports are a different category. Their textures and tastes are best while fresh.

Anyway, cutting to the chase, I started looking online for sources of fine cheese, and yes, they’re in cyberspace. My plan now, and by the way a New Year’s Resolution, is to go forward and enjoy the appealing products in my refrigerator, but this year, I’ll periodically restock the special cheeses. Thus, not having to wait until year-end holidays and increased local demands, I’ll be less inclined to stockpile, to self-stuff, before my acquisitions become outdated. A trickling-in supply of cheese may make it a more routine process, and thus, more compatible in weight-losing.

Dear Friends: Today’s lead photo has no relationship to my affection for cheese. Diana

Thursday, January 02, 2020

Sticking with my theme of looking around and appreciating what’s natural in Nature, these red volcanic rocks with their small indents turned up in my path. They were pretty enough to pick up and set aside. In yesterday’s light rain, these small vessels became more appealing art. I’ve considered creating something imaginative with them but can’t decide what because their natural forms are attractive enough.

The environment’s small details are capturing my attention, from walking my horses a quarter-mile down the street to leave them for awhile in a neighbor’s pasture. Alone, I walk home and again later in returning for the horses. There’s no guessing how many times I’ve driven or walked this quarter mile. But lately, after blogging about wanting to photograph natural details, I’ve been seeking little stories that the street-sides may tell.

A problem that’s occurred is my wanting to get low to the ground, and from that perspective try to see more beauty or a potential mystery. It’s not easy to consider dropping to my knees or onto my belly, for a worm’s eye view, and then regain upright posture. Besides, it would be my luck that someone curious and wondering comes by and stops to inquire if I need help. In time, I’ll work through these worries and learn to achieve those desired low-down views.

The walks are enjoyable for many reasons. Among the views that most delight are my horses and their donkey companion grazing happily.

As the hour gets close to when daylight starts to fade, I take my walk to retrieve the three. They’re usually glad to see me, will gallop from the pasture’s far end to the gate where I wait. Their rewards are oranges!

Dear Readers: This year might include dropping-to-knees and bellying-up. Diana

Wednesday, January 01, 2019

My photography hasn’t particularly been area-focused. But here’s a nice view of our destination when I take my three equines to a neighbor’s pasture for a few hours of grazing. In winter, there’s little prettier than the naked tall aspens contrasting brightly against those surrounding conifers.

After studying the scene, I turn to face the opposite direction and begin studying my view later upon starting to walk home. In its unique way this back view is very pretty. Right now, remaining spots of snow identify a deer trail that follows the fence line. This backside area seems a little wild, a spot delightful, tucked among the rural homes.

Now my eyes and mind are focused on my surroundings. Walking home, I see lots of curious spaces that tickle my imagination. One example, on the road’s edge, a tunnel hideaway for some small creature.

I’ve made a key resolution for this New Year, to keep my eyes open more and look for Nature’s natural beauties. There are so many easily-sighted and incredible possibilities. From personal experience, I know that seeing expands our notions of potential, encourages us to feel, and saying it simply, elevates us to joy.

Dear Friends: Have a Happy New Year filled with looking and appreciating! Diana

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

It’s not unusual to see my neighbor, Frank, playing with his Aussies on their side of a fence that separates our fields. On last year’s first day, with the weather warming enough to melt snow, I stood near my horses and caught this cool shot. Seconds later, Frank and I waved to one another and moved toward the fence for a morning conference, one of our brief gabs.

When I was young, intense, and seeking my way in the world, I ignored neighbors who weren’t problematic. After moving to California and buying a house, in which I lived for twenty-five years, things changed, for wonderful neighbors found me. The Hernandez family, a loving clan, ignored my avoidance of a neighborhood involvement and embraced me. No preconditions for their friendship and affection. Finally, my moving from LA to Oregon meant leaving the neighbors I loved, but we still are emotionally connected and in touch.

The Hernandez family opened my eyes to the loveliness of neighbors, pleasant and friendly, who might become good friends. Here in Oregon, I’ve tried hard to value the neighborhood and interact positively with neighbors. I didn’t anticipate finding folks like the Hernandez family.

Several years ago, Frank and Annette moved from CA and became next door neighbors. I felt comfortable with both. Annette works during daytime hours and Frank is retired. We’ve became over-the-fence buddies with similar views and politics. Over time, I found that Frank is a fellow who can accomplish almost anything. He’s often my go-to for knowledge and muscles. In snowy holiday seasons, when Annette’s free from her work, she’ll show up to check on my welfare. I appreciate them.

And, suddenly am realizing how much they’ve come to mean. Perhaps the recent loss of my sister and a sudden sense of disconnection makes my world appear differently. Now, I see Frank and Annette, like the Hernandez family, loving and caring. And living next door!

I am fortunate als0 to have found, and got to know well, other family units–folks nonjudgmental and caring–that I can feel very close to. As this year ends, it’s my good luck to know I have friends who are dear. They help me visualize a New Year in color and hope.

Dear Friends: Thanks again, for following my blog over its first year on Word Press. Diana

Monday, December 30, 2019

Yesterday afternoon and evening, our local environment was lost in freezing fog with low visibility. We who drove vehicles progressed slowly, and I, coming home from work and peering into the evening’s dim, couldn’t see my usual roadway exit onto my property.

Yesterday, a farrier was scheduled to trim hooves while I worked at Costco, and so, I dropped a casual plan to leave the horses on my neighbor’s pasture. My idea was to walk the horses home after work. Maybe it would be dark but I’d wear a headlight and put blinkers on the horses, and so, even with little light we’d get home okay. But leaving work and entering a fogged-out world, I felt thankful that my horses were home.

Of course, customers had been mentioning that outside was very cold with freezing fog, but actual experience landed the impact. Before leaving work, I more than usual enjoyed my shift, perhaps because a week had passed since my last time in the store, and maybe because Christmas finally is past, and we’re in a brief pause before New Year’s.

Today, I’m scheduled to work during hours more hectic, as shoppers do last-minute gearings-up for celebrations. As usual for New Year’s, our samples will consist of “pick-ups and eats”, or finger foods. We’ll hand out variations of chicken wings and thighs, pizza products, cheese and crackers, and yes, more candy.

In holiday seasons, sample servers see carts loaded with wine, and often cases of it being pushed toward checkout stands. When Oregon finally changes its liquor law and allows for sales of hard alcohol in non-state-owned stores, we will witness in grocery carts a massive increase of alcoholic beverages. In states where it’s allowed, Costco is a major supplier of hard alcohol and ultimately will be in Bend.

Today’s shoppers will be more intense, but anyway, my good mood might hold steady. If I don’t feel up-tight and harassed by the customers, I can have fun with them. It’s a two-way street for everybody, servers and shoppers. We’re under the pressures of commitments, resources, time, and weather, and traditional celebratory holidays test to the max everybody’s ability to withstand pressure.

Dear Friends: I look forward to today’s action, and hope for a very short shift. Diana

Sunday, December 29, 2019

After a string of days with little or nothing for me to do, today is loaded. The farrier who works on my horses lives in CA and travels to Bend for his local clients. He’s in town and this morning will trim my horses. A neighbor is having a party I hope to attend, at least briefly, before or after working my shift at Costco. Ideally, these three events would be on different days instead of piled into one.

That tro of activities has me thinking about some visuals from yesterday evening. I was trying to capture a small view of Mt. Jefferson and happened to be looking skyward as an airplane flying overhead, heading southeast, was leaving a jet track. The plane’s clean smoke path, alongside a billowing track laid previously, seemed interesting enough to photograph.

As I watched that plane, another appeared, coming opposite and northwest, at a lower altitude, toward that first plane. Hmm, their merging smokes might make an interesting photo.

Woops! Now a third plane, flying way above the second. Two airplanes moving northwest with smoke tracks at different levels and toward Plane 1 from the opposite direction. Their trailing smokes would be a trio stringing clouds that aren’t natural. They could create stories in the sky.

My focus on three levels was off for this shot captured all four smoke levels. Look closely to see the highest airplane’s smoke line. In my mind’s eye, this visual is a powerful version of star wars.

About the photo with Mt. Jefferson, a more distant peak that’s rarely visible from my property. Last evening’s clear and open sky revealed it, and lucky for me, those Canada Geese as well. As if the mountains and geese weren’t enough, the jet stream sightings were piece de resistance.

Dear Readers: We can’t estimate enough the natural beauties that surround us. Diana