The Little Things

On January 24, 2013January 24, 2013 By AngeliaIn Life is what you make it.42 Comments

This week I have been anxious – chew my nails, fidget my feet – kind of anxious. Life changes so fast. The weeks are flying by…

Am I taking it all in? Do I spend too much of my time worrying about – all the things – I might be missing or not getting done?

I want to shout, “SLOW DOWN!”

But I know that wouldn’t help….life is happening….whether I have time for it or not.

So, I take a deep breath. And I notice…..the little things.

“In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence.”
– Robert Lynd

There is no over thinking. No time. Just the quiet rustle of feathers and flights.

I find when I look around in wonder, even the weeds have a fascination for me.

Pretty weeds in the heart of winter, who would have thought?

Thine eyes are springs in whose serene And silent waters heaven is seen. Their lashes are the herbs that look On their young figures in the brook. -William C Bryant

When I stop obsessing over time management and busyness, many things become apparently clear.

The sky, the moon, the colors and designs. So many more miracles in the ebb and flow, if we just stop and listen, and let life happen as it should.

There is no stress in nature. No worries. No clock. No calendar.

It just is….and it’s perfect that way.

Don’t miss the little things. Because you might find…….they are not so little after all.

All the things that truly matter beauty, love, creativity, joy, inner peace arise from beyond the mind. -Eckhart Tolle

These photos were taken by a park near my house while hiking with the family. I did use some Photoshop filters for a painted effect on a few. I am experimenting with art. Some of my work will be on display at the Arlington Museum in April. I have been trying to see what I like, and what might be wall-worthy. Any, and all input is greatly appreciated.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Changing Seasons

On December 9, 2012 By AngeliaIn Beautiful Life48 Comments

I know it should be more winter(ish) in our neck of the woods, but it hasn’t been…

Yet.

We finally hit the peak of our Fall season with the gorgeous harvest colors, and tons of falling leaves. Luckily, I have a great park nearby to witness this season in all its glory. I grab my puppy Fred and off with go with my camera strapped to my back.

I think of so many things when I see the gentle caress of our sublime autumn.

I think of the completeness of it.

Fall ends. Winter begins.

I think of the magic. A host of brilliant colors, with (mostly) mild temperatures, and cool breezes.

I celebrate the changing season with a most grateful heart.

Stunned by the vibrant year-end filled with sorrow, grace, and tremendous victories.

A beautiful reflection of hushed joy.

Because, really? What can you do, but be in awe of another year’s radical termination?

This is a beloved time. I enjoy it in every way possible.

Please click on a photo to display a larger gallery slide show.

Surprised Squirrel.

Fall flowers blooming by the creek.

My favorite urban goose.

A trail I “Fall” for.

Fall Flight

Peek-a-boo squirrel.

Embarrassed to eat in front of me squirrel.

Creeper squirrel.

Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile. -William Cullen Bryant

I’d like to thank some inspirational nature bloggers for fostering this love of our land and creatures. Thank-you to amazing wildlife photographer Phil Lanoue Photography. Because of you, I watch the birds with a new appreciation (and a I know their names). And thanks to A Window into the Woods for your wonderful squirrel photography. Suzanne gives these funny animals amazing personalities. I love how both of them make nature, not just heart-felt, but fun too.

For more images from changing seasons, please visit The Daily Post at WordPress.com.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Inside

On July 26, 2012 By AngeliaIn Angelia's Photography39 Comments

Huntington Beach pier is an icon that graces the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. But have you ever wondered what secrets it holds inside?

The distresses it has faced in war, and mother nature.

What waters have crested its anchors?

The strength of the ocean current pulling and pushing.

What winds have pummeled its tresses?

The earth shook and it fell. Only to be rebuilt to the pier we see today.

What secrets does it hold inside?

It holds the secrets of facing giants, of holding tight to a history of its people, and the many surfers that have gone before it.

It holds the wonder of sea life, and the power of walking on water.

It holds mysteries far greater than any eye can see………

And I bet you thought it was just steel and concrete.

Photos taken May 2012 by Angelia’s Photography.

For more weekly photo challenges, visit The WordPress Daily Post.

Hanging at the Harbor – Dana Point, California

On September 7, 2011 By AngeliaIn Angelia's Photography, Beautiful Life21 Comments

Dana Point, our very first stop after landing in Orange County.

I had been to Dana Point before, somewhere around thirteen years ago. The cliffs and the harbor stood out in my memory, along with the Pirate ship they had on display. I had to see if it was like I remembered it, or how much it had changed.

We first glimpsed the harbor from the street we were ~~lost on~~ driving on. This was, also, our first look at the Pacific this trip. Ahhh! The great deep beyond of the Pacific waters. I could stare at them forever.

Dana Point is a little nugget tucked away from Orange County on the way to San Diego. It’s beach and harbor are surrounded by hills. It took quite a few turns (with GPS) to get us to this little gem of a destination.

But we did find it. I think we followed a surf board (and a sign).

We got to the harbor.

We got to the beach.

It was as lovely as I remember it. This time I wasn’t as in awe of the cliffs and ocean, as much as I was the endless boats. I had my boat picked out, the name christened, and I was ready to sail away.

I probably need to move to California first, heh.

We had a nice lunch next to the harbor highway. We watched the boats big and small parading in and out of entrance. We enjoyed a crisp 68-degree day that was (literally) heaven on earth after the scorching 110 in Dallas.

The flowers were not withered and brown, but a colorful display to the eye.

At the very end of the harbor, I found the Pirate Ship in the same place as it was before. It looked a lot newer. I believe they do cruises, or something. It was straight out of a movie cool.

The walk back down the harbor was just as delightful, except for my slippery sandals.

We took it slow to take it all in (and get sunburnt our first day). Looking all around and up at the hillside, I see beautiful palm trees and gorgeous homes.

Back by the beach, there is tons of surf board paddlers and children at play.

The wall surrounding the beach had hand-made tiles designed by children. I didn’t find the story behind who they were or why they decorated the beach walk, but they were very crafty and unique. I definitely felt the charm they added to Dana Point.

I took lots and lots and lots of harbor photos.

Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, California, 2011

When we finally left, we stopped back at the first place we came to, and I took more pictures of the view.

Again…..

And Again….

And again….

The view is amazing. And guess what? A wedding was about to take place.

I totally creeped on it. We waited, and waited for the bride – maybe behind a tree with my camera – but she didn’t show. Not even after we saw all the bridesmaids. We finally gave up. I hope she made it. The groom was looking a little worried.

So we said good-bye to the view……

And took off for our next destination.

It’s going to take me awhile to post all the places we went to. Hope you don’t mind LOTS more.

So far, it’s been day one, ha.

🙂

I am uploading all the photographs to my photography Facebook page before I post them on the blog. If you like sneak peeks, be sure to “Like” and “Look”. Angelia’s Photography Fan Page.