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Category Archives: photography
Worried Birds and Winter Weather
A worried blue jay came to see me yesterday and loudly proclaimed: “I am here to issue a winter weather warning, so please listen carefully to everything I say. Don’t be fooled by this warm sun, for tomorrow all will … Continue reading
Thankful for Life
Standing here thinking how lucky I am to be alive at this time, enjoying a cold autumn afternoon! Don’t need many things or stuff all around me— No matter what possessions I have or don’t have, I’m thankful for life … Continue reading
Posted in Nature, photography, Poetry, wildlife
Tagged autumn, birds, flowers, food, squirrels, Thanksgiving
44 Comments
Glass Door Relationships
Searching for acorns, a squirrel suddenly saw the man of her dreams sitting behind a glass door. She stopped what she was doing and ran with great excitement to take a closer look. She tenderly touched his soft dark brown … Continue reading
Posted in cats, Humor, photography, wildlife
Tagged animals, Glass Door, Relationships, squirrels
41 Comments
Incredible Edible Art
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 sashimi, sushi, Umi Japanese Cuisine, Umi Japanese Fine Dining
71 Comments
Bluebird House with Chandelier
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 autumn, Fall, Spiders
52 Comments
Byodo-In Temple — Sacred Space
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 Hawaii, Japan, Nature, Oahu
24 Comments
Darkness on Summer’s Edge
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 flowers, soul
20 Comments
Sitting on Cat Chairs
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 animals, Blue Point Siamese, Humor, poetry, Siamese Cat Rescue Center
47 Comments
Looking Down on Heaven
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 clouds, Hawaiian islands, Nature, ocean
53 Comments
Thinking about Being
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 Honolulu Zoo
75 Comments
The Hawk Stands with No Fear
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
Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal
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 endangered species, Hawaiian Monk Seal Response Team, llio holo I ka uaua, mammals, ocean, seals
47 Comments
Behold the Black Swan
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 carp fish, clouds, Oahu, Pond, Swan, Water
60 Comments
Love Lives Beyond Death
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 animals, Death, Heart, heart disease, Life, Love, Memories, Pain
116 Comments
Sleeping Sink Cat
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
Butterfly Apology
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 butterfly, communication, wildlife
29 Comments
Travel Agent from Hell
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 clouds, creative writing, Death, Life
43 Comments
Fly Agaric Mushroom in the Woods
Within light shadows stoodorange colors, specks of white,mushroom in the woods.Inedible or edible,bad or good to eat?Is this extremely poisonousor a tasty treat?I don’t know the answerand I’d rather not be dead,so I think I’ll get my mushroomsfrom the grocery … Continue reading
Posted in Nature, photography, Poetry, Writing
Tagged Amanita Muscaria, Fly Agaric, mushrooms, Poisonous
59 Comments
Civil War Cemetery Meditation
Trapped in dark shadows cast by a cemetery sun, Spirits of the past stand by nameless headstones whispering sad stories of young lives prematurely lost to death’s cold hand on Civil War battlefields. Courageous in the battle, Confederate and Union … Continue reading
Posted in Civil War, photography, Poetry
Tagged Cemetery, Death, Ghosts, Graveyard, History
48 Comments
Shivering Pine Tree
Shivering pine tree burdened by a heavy snow dripping ice cold tears on spring flowers far below… so tired of winter! ~ms Just My Imagination ********************************************************************** I said, “Wow! The bent over pine tree in this photo looks like a … Continue reading
Buck in Birch Shadows
In the past few years, I have seen quite a few deer in my backyard munching on various plants. But the summer of 2010 was the first (and only) time that I have ever seen a buck with a full set … Continue reading
New Year Prayers Rising
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 Happy New Year, Religion, Spirituality
26 Comments
Before I Forget 