Category Archives: Photo Essay

Super Hero Reindeer Man

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

To my great surprise, he suddenly appeared right before my eyes— Super Hero Reindeer Man with his Santa smile. What was I supposed to do? Wearing deer antlers and a star upon his head, his mischievous eyes twinkled through his … Continue reading →

Posted in Photo Essay, photography, Poetry | Tagged , , | 36 Comments

Deer with Hungry Eyes

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Ice and snow falling, covering the cold hard ground. Deer with hungry eyes come close to my house searching for something to eat. Many of these deer will not make it through winter. It is sad to see there are … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, wildlife | Tagged , , , , | 44 Comments

Incredible Edible Art

Posted on October 26, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

In the summer of 2011, when I first ordered sushi and sashimi at Umi restaurant, I couldn’t believe my eyes—incredible edible art! I knew I was still home in Virginia, but I felt like I had suddenly returned to the … Continue reading →

Posted in food, Nutrition, Photo Essay, photography | Tagged , , , | 71 Comments

Bluebird House with Chandelier

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Each spring, bluebirds move into the narrow newspaper holder beneath our mailbox. Even though we don’t get the newspaper, it isn’t the safest place for them to live. Without looking, people drive by and shove advertisements over their nest and … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, Halloween, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, wildlife | Tagged , , | 52 Comments

Byodo-In Temple — Sacred Space

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

The Byodo-in temple on the island of Oahu is a beautiful replica of the original Byodo-in built in 998 AD, in the city of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. A reflection of paradise on earth, the temple rests peacefully beneath the … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, Travel | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments

Darkness on Summer’s Edge

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Shorter are the days on summer’s edge, darkness comes early. Night shadows reveal natural beauty destined to fade away. What was yesterday and what is today will soon be no more. So please! When I wither and vanish from sight— … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Philosophy, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, Summer | Tagged , | 18 Comments

Sitting on Cat Chairs

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Sitting on cat chairs ’cause they all belong to me. You could have claimed one but it’s too late now, you see. After warming this blueness, don’t ask me to go. With my own claws and cat hair, I shaped … Continue reading →

Posted in cats, Haiku, Pets, Photo Essay, photography | Tagged , , , , | 47 Comments

Looking Down on Heaven

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Looking down on heaven fading beneath me underneath soft white clouds my spirit remains. Many years ago, when I first stepped out into the Honolulu airport and the warm trade winds touched my face, I felt like I had come … Continue reading →

Posted in Oahu, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry | Tagged , , , | 53 Comments

Wordless Language

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Listen! Beneath the setting sun by the water’s edge, trees are telling stories in the fading light.  Creaking and cracking bending in the wind, talking to each other in windswept sighs— their wordless language still unknown to man.      ~ms  

Posted in Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry | Tagged , , , , | 31 Comments

Thinking about Being

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

While I was thinking about being and wondering why I’m here, time appeared before my eyes and melted into years. Yesterday, I was so young and now somehow I’m old? I used to do a lot but now….I don’t do … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, birds, Humor, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, wildlife | Tagged | 75 Comments

The Hawk Stands with No Fear

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

I looked out of my kitchen window this morning and saw a hawk standing on my porch railing, staring intently at something in the grass. What a wonderful surprise!  I was afraid that I would scare it away if I … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, wildlife | Tagged | 111 Comments

Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

A long time ago, the Hawaiians named this species of seal “llio holo I ka uaua” (dog that runs in rough water). Now the Hawaiian monk seal has become one of the most endangered species in the world, with only … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Kauai, Photo Essay, photography, Travel, wildlife | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments

Behold the Black Swan

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Behold the black swan floating between images of carps and clouds in cool pond waters reflecting. With regal beauty and form, the humble bow of the black swan took my breath away.    ~ms ***I took these photos on the … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, Travel, wildlife | Tagged , , , , , | 60 Comments

Voice of Thought Writing

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Born with minds wide open, children’s eyes see an extraordinary world filled with limitless possibilities. But eventually, they will be taught there are no dragons or witches that fly, the sun is not nailed or glued to the sky, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Creative Writing, Photo Essay, Poetry, Stories, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 60 Comments

Love Lives Beyond Death

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Love lives beyond death forever on sweet memories of your heart melting slowly into mine. Watching over you each day was my greatest joy. Our 5 years and 6 months together were so wonderful. I thought my time with you … Continue reading →

Posted in cats, Pets, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 116 Comments

Bird Bread Bailout

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Back in 2009, when the photo below was taken, the housing market had crashed and different groups were being bailed out by the government for one reason or the other. So when I encountered this flock of birds standing in … Continue reading →

Posted in birds, food, Humor, Nature, Photo Essay, wildlife | 26 Comments

Endless Sea of Imagination

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

A young boy daydreams as he rides a bronze seal on ocean waves created by the endless sea of his imagination.     ~ms The Mysterious Seal Rider Adjacent to Waikiki beach on Kalakaua Avenue, there is a cute statue … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Flowers Blooming Bright

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid
Posted in Haiku, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, Spring | Tagged , | 89 Comments

Sleeping Sink Cat

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

IF you have a cat~~~ Whenever you go walking in the night— always remember to turn on the lights, because you don’t know who might be sleeping under the faucet curled up in the sink not expecting water or something … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Pets, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry | Tagged , | 74 Comments

Butterfly Apology

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Yesterday…. We agreed to rendezvous on these pink flowers, but I have no GPS and to my dismay pink is everywhere. Directionally challenged, I’ve been lost for hours searching through flowers while you patiently waited here for me. So sorry … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry | Tagged , , | 29 Comments

Travel Agent from Hell

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

I was living on a soft cloud before I was born, enjoying the celestial music of the spheres. My existence was heavenly until a strange man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a dark cloak, floated in on a hot breeze. He bowed, … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Nature, Philosophy, Photo Essay, photography, Travel | Tagged , , , | 43 Comments

New Year Prayers Rising

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

At midnight, on January 1st, I said hello to 2013. As I watched the glittering ball descend into Times Square, thousands of voices cheered but nothing changed. I felt the same. In spite of all the counting, we have no power … Continue reading →

Posted in Buddhism, New Year, Philosophy, Photo Essay, photography | Tagged , , | 26 Comments

On Wings of Thought

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

In the middle of the night on a mental flight with no luggage or tickets, I’m traveling light on warm wings of thought flying to a distant land where sunlit flowers, beautiful ocean water and stretches of sand invite my wandering soul … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

Snow Cold Feet

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Mary Strong-Spaid

Birds with snow cold feet quietly meditate on winter’s reflection, appreciating the chance to experience a snowy river. I took these photos during a snowstorm in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The birds and I were standing on the city dock,  near the old train bridge … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Poetry, wildlife | Tagged , , , , | 108 Comments

Revolt of the Green World

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Mary Strong-Spaid

It was one of the most beautiful Texas days that he had ever seen, so the young king of trees and bushes decided to wander outside to enjoy his green world. However, as he was soaking in the sunshine and breathing … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Nature, Photo Essay, photography, Writing | Tagged , | 30 Comments