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.
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
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
Symbolically, Acacia trees represent immortality, innocence, initiation of life. Considered sacred by the ancient Hebrews, its wood was said to be used by Moses to build the Ark of Covenant. A thorny tree, it is believed to have been used to make the crown of Christ. On the Serengeti, where this photo was taken, it shelters the … More Serengeti Sunrise
Sanibel Island, Florida, with its 17+ miles of beaches ripe with coquinas and sand dollars, is a favorite shelling beach. So, too, are is the sand of San Jose Island, Texas, with its olive shells and wentletraps, lightning whelks and sundials, and of Silver Strand State Beach on Coronado Island, California, littered with silvery oyster shells, … More Treasured sculptures of the sea
As originally written, Life Is Full of Sweet Spots was dedicated to those who might look to the sky and see its rays of hope, breathe the air of the sea, of the garden, of home, and be energized with open minds and joyful hearts. Sadly, events such as the Sandy Hook school shootings, the … More Sweet Spots in Glass Award Introduced to Help Keep Vision of Joy Alive
The great master artist, Leonardo da Vinci felt the artist had a special advantage when it came to realizing the most complete and magnificent view of the infinite works of nature. If the artist wishes “to produce places or deserts, or shady or cool spots in hot weather, he can depict them. … If he seeks … More Reason Enough to Be
“Find joy and peace in this very moment.” – Thich Nhat Hanh It was moments such as these, when the sun hung big and low overhead, burning through dust filled sky over the Serengeti in Tanzania, that the expanse and wildness and enormity of the day’s trek fell into perspective, and we found ourselves looking, instead, at simple moments … More Musings while on Safari
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is also in the feeling of softness, the inhaling of scent, the timbre of its presence. The gardens of the Ngorongoro Farm House in Karatu, Tanzania, which I visited while on safari in 2010, simply called out to be photographed, smelled, touched. They etched their presence … More Beauty Is a Sensual Thing
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 