Paying Attention

I have this lovely new point-and-shoot, but can't get the photos off of it! Apparently wireless is the way to go now, so I have to figure out how to follow the directions that make no sense in order for that to happen. This being said, I can't do my updated "comparison" post yet, so decided to focus on one of my favorites subjects - critters.

The title of this post is Paying Attention, and that is what you really have a to do to find the little creatures who live amongst us. You also have to be cautious, and quiet, and patient...and like to get up early. Does this describe you? I can be any of those characteristics, but it is so hard to do it all at once!

There was a morning a couple of weeks ago where I said to my husband, "That's it! I am getting up and going to take photos. You are on dog duty. Okay?" I jumped (6:15) grabbed my camera with the close-up lens, tripod, a sweatshirt...and headed out to the field out back. I love those early fall frosty mornings!

I love it. I love the peace. I love the quiet. I love the soft light of morning as the sun begins to skim the trees and field And I love the search. I love trying to get into awkward positions to get the shot I want. I do not love the way my knees creak these days, and how I am no longer limber enough to smoothly change positions as needed. I have never minded the wet grasses (wear boots and old jeans). I usually love the results.

After taking MANY more shots than I am sharing here, I headed back to the house for a good cup of coffee and a shower. Remember, the lesson is in Paying Attention? So if I had simply headed into the house through the back door I might not have seen these other visitors to the yard. As the sun came out and warmed the plants, here are the other critters I NEEDED to photograph. Yes, before the coffee!

So the next time you want to sleep in, remember how much joy you can get from the sense of discovery around the corner.

Get outside and Pay Attention! :)

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