Posts tagged "reflections"

This is a time to stop and think about what we are grateful for.  For me the list is HUGE not simply in words, but in feelings, too!!!

I am thankful for my life and health.

I am thankful for my family and friends who are INCREDIBLE in every way. Thank you for being You!

I am thankful for my family who are true inspirations full of courage, determination and so much love.

I am thankful for our pets who always warm our hearts and make us smile.

I am thankful for wildlife that cause me by surprise and leads me on curiosity trips.

I am thankful for every magical moment I see everyday: from diamond sparkles on the leaves and flowers after the rain to a sunset that takes my breath away.

I am thankful for challenges that life throws in order to let me think creatively.

I am thankful for my creativity to see and feel things.

I am thankful for moments of inspiration from people, books, and life.

I am thankful for freedom of my heart and thoughts.

I am thankful for great wisdom teachers who challenge to see life in a heart-felt way.

I am thankful for my fans who cheer me on and see the beauty of life the way I do.

I am thankful for all the love I feel within my heart.

I am thankful for all the artists who make a world more beautiful with their creations.

I am thankful for music that lets my heart sing.

I am thankful for having a courage to let go of things that do not serve me anymore.

I am thankful for a new space I am creating for new possibilities.

I am thankful for an incredible future that will come because I know what I want.

I am thankful for nature how it always refreshes me and makes me wonder and gives me an inspiration.

I am thankful for every day, hour and minute I live.

What are you grateful?

Have an awesome Thanksgiving, my family and friends!!!!  Sending you lots of love!

While going to the shop today, I noticed a young man jump from his car across the street by red light.  He went in front, picked up a wood piece (probably with a nail in it), run to the sidewalk and put it down, so nobody would have their tire damaged.  The wood was to the side of his car, not in a way of his way of going.  It was so kind of him to think of others.

Not everyone notices simple acts of kindness of others, but these kind people are among us.

When we open our hearts and minds, we think of others’ well-being, and the world becomes a more beautiful place.

How can we be kind to others today?

These are excerpts from the book “A Walk on the Beach” by Joan Anderson.  This book always inspires me.  So much wisdom here.

Here is a Joan Erikson’s Unconventional Wisdom.  It will make you think.  It will make you come alive.  It will make you feel grateful for what it is.  Make it a fantastic day, and live each moment to the fullest:

1.  OVERDOSE ON THE SENSES.  “Get out of your body, absorbing all that you come in contact with.”

“The great joy is when something happens seredipitously,” Joan says, “like an unexpected breeze, or finding this boat.  I never feel as though I am living unless I am making contact with the world like we’re doing now.  In my youth, I would walk the streets of New York and smell the neighborhoods, all the aromas of people from other places, or walk across the great bridges with rain-soaked hair and the wind on my skin, or go to museums where I would get so close to a painting that I could smell the oil.  Do you know what I mean, dear?” she asks, extending her hand now over the edge of the boat and letting the water race through her fingers.  “We taught early on to stop sensing the world.  Parents say no to their toddlers all the time, when all their child wants to do is sense the world around him.  Pity, isn’t it!  Overdose on the senses is what I say, all the way through life.”

“…the way to feel a whole range of emotions is to use them.”

“I want to be nature – you know, unblemished, natural, primitive, even, That makes all the difference.”

“We came away from that moment realizing the importance of reflection.  If I recall we spent the rest of the afternoon reflecting on reflection.  It’s a matter of using all that is around you, merging your senses with the world like an animal or child would do to find the clarity you seek.  Once again, the key is to loosen up.  Where curiosity and playful discovery are the focus of activity, there’s little opportunity to fail.”

“See, smell, touch, and taste everything… that’s what enlivens and links us in a sensuous way to the world outside ourselves.  It’s the very food we need for our body and soul.”

2. DANCE BEYOND THE BREAKERS.  “Having direction and going after something – going toward that which gives you purpose is the way – otherwise your life becomes avoiding trouble and there is no strength in that.”

“That’s the beauty of this life.  You leave all the rigid rules behind.”

“Dance is so absolutely glorious.  There’s no end to what you can do with pure energy.”  “…especially with modern dance, which isn’t restricting.  Rather, it’s about breaking boundaries.”

“And down the street and onto the beach.  Why not?” she laughs.  “Dance beyond the breakers, that’s what I say… be willing to go as far as you dare.  Hell, it’s one of the few legitimate ways to be sexy and sensuous,” she says, her naughty twinkle appearing again.  “The motion of the whole thing…and the flexibility it evokes!  The lucky ones are those that grow up near water where everything is in motion – you crave it the rest of your life,” she says, reaching for my water glass and taking a gulp.”

“Dance when you’re broken open, and, Dance if you’ve torn the bandage off, Dance in the middle of the fighting, Dance in your blood, Dance, when you’re perfectly free.”

“There should never be any set way to dance.  It’s about losing yourself and giving your body over to the music.”

“Always remember, my dears,” Joan says by way of a toast, “that no matter how hard you dance, not everyone will clap.” She lifts her glass to both of us. “At the very least, from here on in, you’ll be creating your own rules.  Take your dreams by the hand and let them float.  It’s a gift being your own person.  In any case, it’s pretty deadly not to be.”

3. LEAN ON YOUR STRENGTHS.  “In order not to fail in the end, you have to be dependent on yourself and know that you can handle things.  Most importantly, bring a little humor into despair.  Lightness, imagination, flexibility – these are the things that go into making a new start.”

“Adventure gets you to a feeling level and keeps the mind at bay.  Allow your imagination and feelings to follow whatever image moves you.”

“You must have confidence in your body.  It’s a portable world-a wonder, really.  It will get you through anything if you take care of it.”

“Passion is a force, a direction you are moved to.  It comes when you are open and vulnerable…  Still, passion is only a lofty word if you stay closed and not open.  All the words attached to the stages are so grand.  Only when we turn them into verbs and connect them with action do they make sense.  Always remember, dear, that theory without action has no strength at all.”

“It was she who told me that she didn’t hit bottom awfully easily.  “When I do,” she once admitted, “I try to focus, not on the problem but on my strength.  One way out of doldrums is to do something…take action rather than sit passively.”

“I keep telling myself that I can be either powerful like the sea or as weak as the broken shells under out feet.  Of course you know which I’d prefer.”

“One thing I’ve learned is that when you can no longer get in touch with your instinct and intuition, It’s all over.”

“You must imagine your capacities, how much strength you can muster, what you can do even before you set out.  Then you will have the confidence to stretch yourself like never before.”

4. SPONSOR YOURSELF.  “Don’t deny yourself to please others.  You only lose yourself in the promise.”

“Many a woman makes it a goal to know her man without knowing herself, first.  She sees loving him as the solution to her problems, but love soon becomes the center of her problem.  She is thinking rather than feeling her way through the relationship and eventually becomes isolated from the very essence of herself.  That is a tragedy.”

“Well, in any case, I always envisioned marriage as a collaboration,” she continues.  “Mutuality, reciprocity, interdependence are the keys to the game.  If you don’t have them, what’s the point?”

“We must have sensed a deep need to know ourselves better if we were ever to know anyone else.”

“When you are willing to pull back and look at your neglected dreams and foibles, you bring a newfound energy into your partnership.  You learn to respect what makes you an individual and you learn to accept the other person’s quirks as well.  It isn’t easy work.  The big trap most of us fall into is believing that love and joy always go together.  It can’t possibly be so because truth comes with love and many times truth is not so playful because of its honesty.”

“You get love by participating in it.”

5. SHARE WHAT YOU KNOW. “Be generative.  Pass on what you know.  In sharing there is real delight.  People in every stage depend on other people.  Out of connection real growth happens.  If there is no reciprocity, nothing ever works.”

“It’s not about you, dear.  It’s about being generative and giving back.  Can’t you see how people are sick for the truth?  Nothing in our culture encourages us to break out of the mold.”

“Henry James said that a writer must be willing to embarrass himself,” “Everyone wants to hear the voice of someone who has gone through something real.”

“You have something unique to share, my dear.  People are dying for adventure, and if they can’t make themselves get out there, they will content themselves with living vicariously off of others.”

6. PLAY OUT YOUR EXPERIENCES.  “We don’t stop playing because we grow old.  We grow old because we stop playing.  Anyway, the opposite of play is obey!”

“The point is to be less serious,” Joan says, “and more playful.  Children have it right – that is, until someone knocks sense into them and the life out of them.  I always insist that joy is a duty.”

“If only we could spread our wings and be freer with our bodies, we too could lighten up and recharge our souls.”

“Stop relying so much on your mind and get in touch with experience.”

“It’s one thing to hazard out in a safe place and another in unknown territory.  Taking chances and risking routine are two important ingredients for keeping alive.  Besides, a new panorama always offers fresh insight.”

“I make a silent promise to remember always to strive toward more unimaginable experiences.”

“I have been leveled and grounded by intangibles – such things as endurance, patience, will, commitment – a pleasant combination of active and passive ingredients needed for a harmony and balance.  Sitting here and taking stock forces me to remember and cherish what is to be vitally alive – somehow to transcend the mundane, to be broken and remade.”

“In any case, richness of experience is a potential generator of wisdom.”

“Life works best when there is a flow between times of intentional quiet and informed action. ” Action needs a counterpoint and destiny always develops in silence.”

7. REACH FOR SATISFACTION.  “Does what you are doing (in work or play) satisfy you? Does it make you laugh?  Does it make you sing?  If so, latch on to it.”

“You emerge slowly when you truly listen to your heart.  There’s no putting a time frame on soul work.”

“Practice nonsense, Have some joy during all your trudging, and don’t forget to laugh.  Tears no longer become you.”

“I want to remember to reach for the unknown or exotic as well as a measure of joy.  “It’s there for the taking, ” Joan constantly says, “and we must seize it for ourselves.  The opposite of joy is shame and doubt.  There’s hardly any fun in that.”

8. ALWAYS BE WILLING TO EMBRACE CHALLENGES.  “A good life is like a weaving.  Energy is created in the tension.  The struggle, the pull and tug are everything.”

“It’s the hard that makes it great.”

“The only way to pass the test is to take the test. – Native American Regal Black Swan. “Whether I’m giving a speech, walking my talk, or climbing the mountain, it’s all about taking one step and then another.

“Sigmund Freud though that out of one’s vulnerability comes strength.”

“you need to shake your life up in order to find new intentions.”

“No more asking permission, Whose life is it anyhow?…Besides, haven’t you learned by now that no one ever pushes you towards freedom.  You need to take that for yourself.”

Take Action

Have Adventures

Face Your Fears

Seize the Moments

Tolerate Isolation

Overdose on the Senses

Lean on Your Body

Reach Beyond Your Grasp

“Please let your sun – your concentrated energy, your own submerged authentic vital power – shine out from you.”

This is a third day after we lost our Thoroughbred Tango (Congressman).  He was the sweetest horse in the world with the biggest eyes that melted everyone’s hearts.  He was a gentle spirit with the biggest appetite.  He lived to be 25 years old.

Tango had a racing name Congressman and he was a winner in the races.  His grandfather is Mill Reef – a Century Horse, and his father was a Champion, named Diamond Shoal.

We are not sure about what happened after his racing was over, but he was abandoned, and my mom adopted him and nursed him back to health.  We had Tango for 10 years until 3 days ago when we lost him to cancer.

We do have another horse a Dutch warm-blood Princess Adora, who is grieving with us.  She spent most of her time with Tango.  When we buried Tango, Princess was running and calling him.  She stood at exact spot where we buried Tango and tried to dig him out.  Who says animals have no feelings.

Losing Tango was a huge heartbreak.  It still is.  Our bodies were hurting, and our hearts were heavy.  It felt as if a huge stone was on our chest.  No wonder, we carry our beloved horse in our hearts. <3

When we found Tango laying on the side, we did not know how terminal it was.  Therefore, we were fighting with all our might for his life.  He fought, too.  While waiting for a vet, we tried to sit him up at least.  He brought his head up a few times, but then he went down again.  Tango was incredible.  He still had a huge appetite.  He drank some water and had food and some alfa alfa hay.  We tried to keep him as much as comfortable as we could, not giving up.  We persisted, he persisted, too.  Unfortunately, his body did not cooperate.

At the end, he was tired.  After vet came, she informed us that he is in toxic shock because of cancer.  That’s why he can’t get up.  No matter how heart-broken we were, we had to learn to let go of him.  Our love for Tango was most important thing, and we did not want him to suffer anymore.  Persistence, love and letting go were our lessons.

Losing Tango changed me a bit.  It gave me a different perspective in life.  I realized how precious each moment in life is.  We should cherish every minute of it.  Family and friendship, a connection one to one can’t replace anything in the whole world.  Helplessness (while waiting for vet and not be able to help Tango) is the most frustrating and scary feeling and I do not want to go through that again.  To have an open mind to look for different solutions is very important.

We lost Tango and our hearts expanded for more love.  There is a space that opened up for new possibilities, for cherishing life and for what is most important.   And for some things, it is time to let them go…

When we came to the ranch yesterday, we saw the most incredible gigantic heart in the sky.  Perhaps Tango sent his love to us. <3  We love you, Tango.  You always will be in our hearts.

Trust that little voice in your head that says “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…”  And then do it.” ~ Duane Michals, “More Joy of Photography.”

This powerful quote says it all.  In photography, if we trust our inner knowing, we can create magic.  We can capture what we see in most unusual ways.  It gets us creative, it fills us with imagination, and we capture that wonder in our beloved photography.

Here are some photos I captured following my inner wonder:

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot an incredible sunset reflected in theater’s windows?

Here is the magical result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot sunset reflections in a far away building with my zoom lense?

A building becomes alive with a golden beautiful light.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align the sun with crystals?

The beautiful necklace by Dalia Koss becomes full of crystal magic.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align fishing Great Blue Heron with Super Moon’s pathway?

Even though I was tripping in the dark going down the slope, I had a vision in my heart and went for it.  This picture in my Flickr was overnight sensation, totaling 1000 views per night.  Right now, it has over 2,000 views.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would catch a sunlight in my fingers?

Magic catch.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align the sunset colors with a spider web?Here is a colorful spider web palate

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will integrate my friend Sandy in art?

Sandy becomes a part of statue. Art Deco.

Sandy becomes a part of painting.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would capture sunset through the window from inside the house?

The door window becomes enchanted.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I align a sunlight with our Princess Adora?

Princess becomes an angel.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will capture Princess through my car’s reflection?

The capture makes an interesting composition.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will try to capture moon through the blinds?

Here is a result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align a crow statue against decorative lamp?

It becomes like fairy tale: a crow against the moon.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if we would take our cameras while parasailing?

The view was spectacular!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot rain drops on my back car’s window lighted by the car behind while waiting by the red light?

Rain drops become hundreds of hearts.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would “train” a dragonfly to stand on my finger while taking a picture with another hand?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dragonfly the Acrobat!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align a sunlight on the dragonfly’s wings?

Golden Magical Dragonfly.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would come really close to the Brown Pelican, and snap the photo?

The light was incredible.  Brown Pelican trusted me to come closely.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would capture the wave from the low point?

Getting a close up.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would use a light post for support because I did not have a tripod with me for this night shot?

It is great to improvise!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would take this photo of sand castle against sunset and include a person to show the size?

Here is a dreamy dragon beauty.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would include a sunset and shoot this castle from the ground?

Picture becomes magic.  One woman yelled at me because according to her, I took the best spot.  It was my idea all along and after me, a few people started to follow my low point of taking picture.  Love to inspire people.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would see what is inside this rock?

Here is a result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot a sunset through my car’s mirror?

I was standing by red light.  Love to use these waiting moments for my advantage.

So, what would you see if you would follow your inner knowing, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…?” Go shoot the magic!

Wish you lots of creativity!

I never knew what mind can do until I tested my own mind to see well.  See my previous posts how it all started Seeing Miracle and a follow up a week or so later at Seeing Miracle Continues.

It’s been 7 months now since I took my glasses and never again I put them back on.  For the people who read my previous posts, you are probably wondering if it really works, how my vision is now.

Also, I came across a discussion board on the web where my website and my post “Seeing Miracle” was mentioned.  I could not believe all the skeptics out there who were a majority.  One tried to walk without glasses, but at the end he put the glasses back on.  Next day, he got a headache and vowed to never try this again.  Next, others were wondering why squinting does not work all the time.  They were discussing Bates method, and some were even furious about misleading information.  There is a huge discussion going on, and most people liked the “safety” behind their glasses and were afraid to persist.  I totally understand them.  It is pretty scary to go out when all you see is a blur.

After reading this discussion board, I checked my eyesight according to the chart.  I did not use the chart for awhile.  I read 20/40 with absolutely no problem.  This is by the way a legal vision for driver’s license in Florida.  Then I even read 20/30 line without any problems.  Then 20/25 was next.  I read that, too.  20/20 was a bit blurry, but with a little eye adjustment (by blinking and breathing a bit), I read the whole 20/20 line.  That’s the first time ever I was able to read the whole 20/20 line!  I was so excited.  My right eye is usually weaker.  So, before I read only a half of the line.  Pretty good, isn’t it?

I wish my 20/20 vision would stay without an eye adjustments.  My vision still fluctuates from around 20/30, 20/25 to 20/20.  Lately, probably from 20/25 to 20/20.  My eyesight adjustment now comes naturally.  I do not squint.  Squinting just stresses our eyes and might give us a headache.  I deeply breathe, blink my eyes, stay in the sun whenever I get the chance.  It comes so easy that I do not even think about it.

I train my mind to see through everything.  Sure, on stressful or cloudy days, it becomes a bit blurrier.  Sure, it would be so easy to put the comfort blanket – eyeglasses on, but I refuse to do so.  I am persistent to see no matter what.  So, with more adjustment, I see well again.

On happy days, I have prolonged great vision without adjustments.  Also, I find if I look into computer for a long time, my eyes become more blurry.  Then I take a break, or change my vision field by looking someplace else.

Also, my success depends on my attitude.  I do not concentrate on what I do not see.  I concentrate on what I’m seeing instead.  I am super excited to see things that I only required eyeglasses to see.

I am so in love with the world I am seeing:  larger than I used to see through my glasses.  So, this is what I learned in my journey:

1) Determination and a strong belief are the keys.

2) Persistence to see through everything.

3) Resistance to give up and put the glasses back on.

The mind is so powerful.  We usually underestimate how powerful it is.  Our mind and our bodies are connected.  If one thing is out of balance, another one will be, too.

The book might not be for everyone.  It might not work for everyone, or others might not even try it.  There might be many skeptics out there.  However, these are my own experiences, and miracles do happen if you have a huge belief in them.  Here are other people’s experiences in a book review from Amazon book readers. Decide for yourself, be daring, but please use a common sense and be safe.

Sometimes photography is all about a color, and the most that stands out is a color Red.  It makes a gloomy day more interesting.  It gives an energy and power.  It is a color of passion, love and life.

Red color flowers stand out in the garden.

In fashion, the touch of red brings out sexiness, like these Christian Louboutin heels.  (See shoerazzi.com for more great shoe goodness)

Red brings out fun, summer feel and vacation.  This is my friend Sandy dressed in Dalia Koss necklace

Deep red color top and turquoise makes a great match. Jewelry by Dalia Koss.

Red dress in this photo makes a woman beautiful, and mysterious.

Even red light reflection on the street makes otherwise gloomy rainy night like a painting.

Red accent like this red toy makes already cute picture more powerful.

This one is an interesting moment.  I captured a giant moon right next to the red light through car’s window.  It made the sky surreal.

Red paddle boat makes this scene even more magical by giving a great contrast.

Love is in the air. Red Macaws are grooming each other.

Red sea of flowers

Red dragonfly is a sure stand out in a green background.

Sometimes a red color is a great protection for insects.  It is warning for birds not to eat them.

Red sunset adds a drama to the sky.

This Red horse statue brings out excitement to the city.

Red strawberries add a delicious touch to this yogurt.

Red bromiliad looks like a natural firework.

Red color makes the overcast day so much prettier.  It brings a sense of adventure.

Red brings out a huge contrast into a magical day.

Of course, nothing can beat a red sports car.  This Ferrari makes my heart skip the beat just looking at it.  It has a sense of dangerousness, hotness, and adventure.

The red color adds a fire and passion in our lives.  Where can you find yours?

Color Green photography

All since I can remember, I have a huge love for animals and birds.  In harsh winters, I would hand-make bird feeders and feed wild birds.  Birds knew me and as soon I would show up, I swear they would follow me.

We had pigeon chicks on our balcony.  One time, when chick fell off the balcony, I went outside searching for him.  Sure, I found him and put back in the nest, even though my little hands were scratched from chick’s sharp nails.  That was my very first rescue.

Then, there was my first time when I saw a fawn. My heart melted, as people were bottle-fed him.  I fell in love with deer.  I even had my favorite postcard with fawn on it.

Then I volunteered at Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary, where I was fortunate to hold young foxes, feed baby raccoons, baby opossums, baby squirrels, baby armadillo, fawns, deer.  We even received a baby bobcat once.  Since it was a bird sanctuary, we would receive different kinds of birds from chick to an adult, from songbirds to raptors to water birds.  I would feed them, administer medication and even help out vet.  I learned a lot at the sanctuary, not only about the species, but also their songs and behavior.  I can identify birds by their song in the wild most of the time.  Of course, I did some rescues myself, too, and you will find me bringing a turtle to another side of the road.

Animals and birds are in my heart.  They seem to trust me, and therefore, I am able to come relatively closely to them and capture them on my camera.  To photograph wildlife, I find this helpful:

1.  Take a photo from a longer distance, just in case if animal gets scared and runs away.  At least you’ll have a memory captured.

2.  It is really important to gain trust with animal.  Respect their wildness and their space.

3.  Have lots of love and care in your heart.  Animals are very sensitive to energies.  That’s how they survive.  I believe, they sense their world.  They sense if you are dangerous, or not.

3.  Read their body language.  For example, deer will stump its feet, if it senses a danger.

3.  Stop, do not make any sudden movements.  Freeze in a place, play like you are tree.

4.  Eyes is a huge communicator.  Do not stare at them.  If they sense you, lower your eyes.

5.  Stalk like a cat if you have to.  Inch slowly.  Try not to make sounds.  Animals are very sensitive to sounds, like snapping a branch.

6.  If there is a tree or bush, hide behind it.

7.  Gentle voice sometimes helps, and keeps them curious. (It might help or might not).  Once, while I talked very gently, wild Mom deer with little fawn went by very close to me.  As if, she understood me that I am not dangerous.

Here are some of many photos I took of wildlife.  It is great to be one with a nature:

 Eastern Cottontail rabbit

I captured this Nine-Banded Armadillo in the dark.  I had no idea that armadillos can stand up on the back legs.  Did you know they are really good swimmers, too?

Beach bunny.  I took this shot at Siesta Key beach.

Four trouble-maker baby raccoons.

Did you know American Indians call raccoons hand-washers?  They have very sensitive paws and they feel their food with them.  Therefore, if you see a raccoon eat, it looks like they wash their hands constantly.

That’s unusual-looking animal, isn’t it?  It is a Fox Squirrel, and it is so much larger than normal grey squirrel.

I handed this bread to squirrel.  She made a great poser.   As you can see from her nipples, she is having baby squirrels in her nest.

Baby mockingbird meets baby rabbit

My Little Poser

You can feel my excitement when I captured this beautiful deer family all out in the open!  Notice their ears.  One ear is turned to me, and other ear is turned behind them.  They are always on the lookout.

This deer gave a birth to a fawn right in this spot.  I saw a little one, but the grass was way too tall to capture him.  Plus, I kept a distance not to scare them.

A pregnant doe snacks on water plants.  I captured her through the fence.

Two deer in sunset light.

Well, hello there.  Two year old all grown up since I saw him as a little fawn.

A tender moment.  Once again, I shot them through the fence, giving them a distance and privacy.

Blowing blueberries at me.

Now you know why fawn has so many white spots.  It is easier to camouflage among wild flowers.

This fawn is just hours old.  Still had wobbly legs while walking.

A beautiful couple.

Close together.

This fawn is adventurer.  His curiosity always took him away from his mom and sibling.  He is a survivor and very independent.

I got really close to him.  He is smelling the air where I stand.  Deer are still near and dear to my heart.

Watch out!  A new Sheriff in town!

This is a Cattle Egret.  When they are not around cattle and horses, they are seen on top of cars.  I even saw some riding on the top of cars, even on one at speed of 45 miles per hour.

Osprey by her nest.  Ospreys are called fish hawks because they mainly feed on fish.

Can you spot an owl?  Great Horned Owl is perfectly camouflaged.  The only give away is when song birds or crows make a ruckus by screaming and yelling and even attacking the owl.

Beautiful Bald Eagle perched on the fence.  It is not a familiar sight where we are.

Juvenile Wood Stork.  Notice the fuzz still left on his head.  Also, notice how he stands.  He seems comfortable.

Sandhill crane with two chicks.  This scene made my heart melt.   Did you know that Sandhill cranes paint their feathers with stick and mud to better camouflage themselves?  Notice brown patches on adult?  That’s painted.

Please use caution.  Common sense and keeping distance, especially while photographing chicks or baby mammals are required.  Mom birds and Mom animals are very protective of their young.  So, if you sense they are uncomfortable from their body language, keep still or carefully leave.  It is not worth to scare them and putting your being in danger.  Animals are wild and it is their territory.  Got to be respective of them.

See Big Cat Love photography here.

This post is dedicated for cat lovers everywhere.  I know many of my friends have cats.  My previous post was about how to take pictures of pets.  This post will be about how to capture a cat’s personality.

Cats are very interesting creatures.  They are very independent and they usually are masters of the house.  Cats come and go as they please.  But when they come near us, gives us that look and start purring, we can’t help but smile.  Our hearts melt.

Cats may be small, but they have a gigantic personality.  So, how to capture that on camera?  How to take pictures of these elusive beauties?

First, we got to get them used to the camera.  Second, we have to become cats ourselves to be able to sneak up when they do something interesting.  Third, cats love space.  So, it is always better to shoot from a little distance.

Here are some photos I shot of cats at the ranch.  Raj is a sweetheart.  He was left by owners in RV park.  So, he kept waiting and waiting.  People called a cat rescue.  He hated to be in a cat rescue among other cats, so he escaped and came to us.  He adopted us pretty quickly.

Raj loves a loving touch.  This is one of his purring spots.

What do you mean, No.

Raj scouts the area from the porch.

Strong shadow accentuates this shot

Being lazy

What do you mean you did not bring any coffee?

What was that?

Natural scratching post

Boy, I hate Mondays.

On the lookout

Where did that lizard go?

Watching a sunset

Raj was sure the king of the house until Tiger showed up.  The word travels fast, I guess, especially when mentioning a Free kibble.  Tiger is a wild cat, but hangs out around the house and comes for food every day.

Tiger is thirsty

Ah, it is cooler in the shadow.  Here he casually hangs out under the car.

Tiger sleeps in the bushes.

And then came the kitten. Misha was adopted from cat’s rescue.  He is adorable.  At first, he was really afraid.  It took awhile for him to get used to us.  But, with a little coaxing, food and play, he got over his fears.  He is the smallest of the cats, but has the largest personality.  Right now, he pretty much rules the house.

Misha in hiding

Misha is teasing Raj.

A big kiss.

Misha is doing yoga.

What do you mean no chicken?

Just peaking.  Cats LOVE boxes.

Misha is so cute.  Everything fascinates him.  Here is he hugging a peace of grass.

It is all mine!  All mine and nobody can have it.

Life is GOOD!

Wait, there is a bush I can climb.

Hello.

First time in a tree, Misha sees a large screaming hawk

“You know, you are the best buddy in the whole wide world!”

“Yeah, whatever.”

Life is Awesome after getting rid of fears.  You, too, can rule the world, just like Misha!

Also, I was fortunate to capture Savannah cats.  They were so curious and energetic.  Absolutely, loved their personalities!

How come this reflection follows me?

Investigating a cricket

Who are you?

Boy, I am beautiful!

Playing with reflection.

What was that?

Smile for the camera.

Pandora, the adult Savannah cat

Now go capture your cat’s personality.  You never know.  Your cat might teach you something, too.

See Big Cat Love photography here.