Friday, October 24, 2008

Gather the chestnuts while you can

It is a astonishingly beautiful, and warm day, even for the West Coast. Sunny and almost balmy, a coat is not needed, but I wear one anyways, there is always a leaf or something to pick up and carry home.
Setting out, I forget to take the camera, but I don't go back. I have been taking it almost everywhere with me, not wanting to miss a photo opportunity. I almost float down the sidewalks without the distracting weight of the camera banging from my shoulder.
On my walk, I window shop, and stop to peruse the flowers. I look around more, and see beyond the lens, viewing beauty without distortion.. It is a good lesson, in living life in the moment. Changing things up a bit.
I missed the shot of the colorful leaves drifting by on the sidewalk. And the chance to shoot a firetruck responding to a false alarm. But I took this opportunity to gather chestnuts, and falling leaves, and not feel compelled to photograph them first. To feel the sun on my skin. This time it was well worth missing the shot.

15 comments:

  1. With your stunning photos and your beautiful description, I felt like I was there.

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  2. I've never had a chestnut. I'm I missing something really good?
    Marnie

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  3. Marnie, I think that they are a aquired taste. Which is probably a very polite way of saying, they are not my favorite. But I do love arranging them with other fall leaves, pumpkins, ect.

    Anyone love to eat chestnuts?

    Jen

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  4. "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" always sounded so good, but no, I have never tried one either.
    I know what you mean about walking about without the camera. Sometimes it seems like you see a lot more without it. But then I'm usually sorry that I missed the opportunity to capture that one perfect shot.

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  5. Those are beautiful pictures! I'm the same way, I always have a camera in my purse. I just don't want to miss any opportunities! Actually I love chestnuts, I have tried a chestnut cake and it's really delicious. I guess chestnut is more of an acquired taste.

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  6. I know exactly what you mean, sometimes i like to just walk around and really be in that moment, instead of trying to capture that moment

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  7. Upside down leaves..very interesting! I had to catch up with you ..got behind on my reading..sometimes that happens.
    Well IF I leave my camera behind I feel like something extra ordinary will happen..I can always just carry it..and not use it! Sorry never ate chestnuts that I know of:)

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  8. Yes - it's great to be in the moment. I don't have a good camera, so at least am spared all that.

    And chestnuts - lovely to play conkers or if they are the edible kind - Mmmm.. delicious baked in the oven! Baked chestnuts are very sweet and just melt in the mouth.. I love them!

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  9. I have to do the same thing when I go out in my garden. I go without the camera to enjoy the things I would otherwise miss because I would be too busy trying to capture a shot. I like how you coupled your writing with the black and white shots.

    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  10. Love the pictures you did take of the fall leaves. I like that they are black and white.

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  11. You've had many beautiful shots of nature lately, and that means being ready to catch the moments with your camera. However, sometimes it's just relaxing to catch the moment for yourself.

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  12. Jen ... I love the black and white post .. it gives the pictures a bit of a chill factor .. as if snow is on the way sooner ?
    When we lived in Comox, on Vancouver Island they had some very strange weather .. a dump of snow near Xmas which was a lot of fun .. but it disappeared very quickly too .. I'll never forget how beautiful the area was !

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  13. That is truly living in the moment and a lovely way to invest a few hours.

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  14. i love your black and whites.
    some of my favourite photos i have taken in b/w. i tried roasting chestnuts noone around liked them.

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Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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