Readers of Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro may see the leopard as portraying grace, strength, courage and dignity, as an animal that pounces with purpose, lightening speed and accuracy. Capturing this archetypal hunter’s beauty through the lens of a camera is a quest in its own right. Known to hunt during the dark edges of … More Observe her powers of purpose, intuition and grace
And yet it was the watercolored feathers of this Lilac Breasted Roller, perched on a post in the grasses of Tanzania, that above all, beyond its clear call and acrobatic flight, captured my heart. * * * Lilac breasted roller, Tanzania. Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2010.
it takes with it its brilliance for the night, but first reminds us that another day will follow, equally as splendid. # # # Sunset over Lake Burunge, Tanzania. Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2010.
Figurative artist Lance Blum paints symbolic images to represent life as a magical journey. For me, the reflection of the trees, dancing in the night to the tune of the wind beneath the light of the stars and the moon, sets my imagination free. It is then that I see with more than my eyes and … More The trees only dance at night
He was named for rulers and kings, and drank the sweet nectar of the rose, but it was the way he floated and soared on those magnificent Renaissance wings— frescoes of orange and black—that never failed to give rise to the dreams of a wingless child. ******* “Flight of the Monarch” by Mary O’Connor from … More Flight of the Monarch
As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can. – quote from Muir Journals, Son of the … More All the wild world is beautiful…
Living and feeding on the rocks just above the sea spray, these delightful little Sally Lightfoot crabs captured the attention of Charles Darwin during his voyages to the Galapagus Islands. They remain there today—as well as on rocky Pacific and Atlantic coastlines—presenting their charm and beauty for open eyes and minds to see. Many have spoken … More We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. ̶ Jawaharlal Nehru
and appreciate the meaning of strong, the fragile nature of beauty, the mystique of creation. —— Photo © 2013, Mary O’Connor
Photo by Mary O’Connor © 2013
Elephants are particularly social animals, living in tight matriarchial family groups. When a calf is born, adults and others of the herd will gather around the newborn, touching and caressing it with their trunks. Quick to stand and follow their mother and family herd, newborns are the center of attention in their family groups and … More Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way. — John Muir
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 