I know my entry is a week late, but I wanted to participate in this one anyway, since I tend to forget about enjoying the moment I’m in since I’m worrying about the next moment. Here are a few things that bring me real joy …
This was my lakeside view this morning; eerie and wonderful.
I think it’s inspiring the way this daylily was determined to bloom, despite the death around it. I’m sure there’s a metaphor there somewhere, but I’m too tired to express it. 
I took this the other morning from my sidewalk. I’ve done nothing to it: no manipulations or editing of any kind. This is how it looked as I gazed at the sky and I had to run in and grab my camera. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am not a morning person, but even I saw the beauty in this sunrise.
here comes the sun.
This was taken in January. I love skeletal trees and when I saw the bird in the branches something about that touched me. Maybe because the tree appears dead and the bird is so alive? Also, I don’t know what kind of bird this is, so if anyone else can enlighten me I would love it.
Side note: It is really hard trying to title these photos, so excuse the lame names. Merci. 
This was taken at the lake in my apartment complex during the 2011 winter, but to me it looks like some kind of alien world. Those are ducks on the lake but seen from a distance they looked like strange creatures (okay, so they vaguely reminded me of the creatures in Pitch Black), so I decided to snap the shot and see what happened. It’s funny how barren things look in the photograph when in reality, the area was bursting with life, even in the bitter cold.
winter at the lake 2011
The photo of the eggs was taken in spring; the ducklings a couple months later. We have a large duck population where I live so every summer I get to experience the joy of new life, and it really is amazing.
chicks feed as their mama watches
This photo was taken autumn 2011. I loved the way the sun danced with the leaves; giving everything a golden hue. It was a lovely moment that I wanted to capture.
“What I need is the dandelion in the spring. The bright yellow that means rebirth
instead of destruction. The promise that life can go on, no matter how bad our
losses. That it can be good again.”
– Katniss, Mockingjay
taken Spring 2012
The air tonight is crisp and smells of burning wood, like campfires and incense. I yearn to be in the forest somewhere; wild and free. I want to be in the cabin I dream about, away from everyone and everything except nature and my true self. The self that used to care more about saving the planet than getting a new iPad. How did I stray so far from the girl who was going to make a difference? When did I become so materialistic?
There has to be a way back to that girl. I know she still exists inside of me. I feel her when I’m under starry skies or watching the sun dance through the trees. I remember her passion and certainty that things could get better if only she dared to try. That girl would be beyond disappointed in who she grew up to be.
I’ve lost my way. But there’s still time to find my way back.
Tonight: I am grateful for fresh air and the idea that it’s never too late.
♫ Mark Snow — Disturbing Behavior OST
