Bird Watcher or Watcher of Birds?

I’m not a “bird watcher” per se. I don’t run around in the park chasing birds with binoculars in tow, stretching my neck around trying to catch a glimpse of that unique, rare species which can only be found in the wetlands of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Actually, I find myself a little perplexed when I see the bird watchers because all they seem to be doing is looking, pointing and scribbling notes but not taking any photos of what they see. But, hey. I’m sure I look a little goofy at times running around with my camera gear hanging off my shoulders, squatting or standing on a ledge to get just that right perspective for the shot.

Having said all of this I do like to sit in our backyard and watch the birds………with my glass of wine and camera armed and ready. It’s something Michael and I enjoy during the warmer evenings of the year. And, if I’m honest with myself these “bird watching” sessions have provided some wonderful photo ops like these from the other evening:

It’s both relaxing and challenging at the same time. I’m always perched on the edge of my chair, constantly checking my camera settings with the ever-changing bird activity and lighting.

So, I guess you could say I fall into the “bird watching” category. Maybe it’s time I brushed up on the different bird species in the area and join up with a bird watching group. Nah, I’ll just hang out with our backyard wildlife.

So, what about you? Are you a “bird watcher” or “watcher of birds?”

Until next time,

~donna

For the Love of Hummingbirds…

HUMMINGBIRDS. The smallest of all birds they are native to the Americas and comprise the biological family. Trochilidae. With about 360 species, they occur from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but the vast majority of the species are found in the tropics (source: Wikipedia )

If you’ve followed along with me for a while you know that for the past 4 years hummingbirds have been one of my favorite photography challenges. They are sneaky and quick. You never know when they will appear. I have spent countless hours waiting and watching for these tiny garden fairies to appear, hoping to get the perfect shot!

I had almost given up on them this year. And it seems like a lot of other hummingbird watchers had given up as well. But, the past few weeks these little garden fairies seem to be making their appearance. This little guy gave us quite the show the other night.

They say hummingbirds spiritually represent inspiration and hope, and can be a guiding light that can move you closer to fulfilling your dreams. I don’t know about moving me closer to fulfilling my dreams, but I do know they bring inspiration to my photography!

Here’s to a new week filled with inspiration!

~Donna

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“Just One More Try……”

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to just try one more time.” ~Thomas Edison

How many times have you come close to giving up on something but then decided to give just one more try and then found yourself succeeding? I know I have🙋‍♀️.

I’ve also witnessed this first-hand with our 8 year old granddaughter, recently. She is a very good horse rider/whisperer. She excels at this beyond her years. But, one of her horses, a rescue horse, is very frisky and doesn’t really like to be ridden.

But, with the help of her father and a strong determination to gain the trust and confidence of the horse she set out to conquer both hers and the horse’s fears. She must have tried 3 – 4 times to get on the saddle. With each and every try and her father by her side, the horse and the rider began to bond and soon trusted each other.

The triumph really paid off the next week at horse camp when she was the only rider (and probably the youngest) who was able to control the one of the more mature (and larger) of the horses! ❤

What are you trying to succeed at? Don’t give up….keep giving it “just one more try.”

Cheers!

~Donna

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Live Simply

“Live simply so others may simply live.” ~Mother Teresa

I’m channeling a little bit of Mother Teresa, today. She had so many beautiful quotes about life, but especially about living a life not for ourselves but for others.⁠

How do you live simply, so others may simply live?⁠

~Donna

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“Invite Hope……”

“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same place at the same time. Invite one to stay.”

~Maya Angelou⁠

I know which one I want to invite! How about you?⁠

~Donna

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“Kindness is Loaning Your Strength…..”

“Kindness is loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness.”

There are so many areas in our lives where we have the opportunity to show kindness to others by using our strengths to help them overcome a situation.

Do you know someone who could use your strength today instead of being reminded of their weaknesses?

~Donna

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“Without Rain, Nothing Blooms…..”

“Without rain, nothing blooms. Learn to embrace the storms in your life.” ~unknown⁠

While not all storms are created equal they do serve a necessary purpose in our lives. They break us down, they nurture us and we grow from the process.⁠

Are you embracing your storms?

~Donna

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Spend More Time With Nature…..

“The more time you spend with nature, the deeper your understanding of life will be.” ~Nitin Namdeo⁠


There really isn’t more I can add to this statement. How about you? Don’t you find the more time you are outside and with nature you understand aspects of your life better?⁠

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