Midweek Moment #40: Seeing ourselves in nature

Funny how we can see ourselves in nature … but perhaps that’s because we are part of it.

Walking through a Dunsborough garden, my eye landed on this brightly coloured flower. As you know, I love flower photos, but I decided to approach this from a different angle, and try to use the light as a tool. I like the result – it pops out, almost as if the stamen are embracing the light.

Often our eyes are drawn to the way flowers are “dressed” with petals vibrant or delicate, soft or firm, but the inner part of flowers has its own beauty and even more complexity. A bit like people, isn’t it? There’s a lot more to us than our outward appearance – our clothing, hairstyles, shoes and accessories might say some things about us – but inside, there are hopes, dreams, fears, regrets, attitudes and values that few people really get the full measure of.

Louise made a careful study of some birds this week. While walking the dogs, she noticed a kookaburra sitting alone on the branch of an old gum tree, its head tilted as if contemplating life at the lake. A willy wagtail perched on a nearby branch and began to chirp.

“Although the kookaburra seemed slightly irritated by the intrusion, it paid no attention to the wagtail. So, the wagtail hopped closer and chirped louder, and when the kookaburra continued to ignore the wagtail, it hopped even closer and chirped louder still. The kookaburra did not ruffle a feather so the wagtail began to dart at the kookaburra. Even that assault did not fluster the bigger bird—it stayed as it was, steadfastly looking the other way. The wagtail darted two or three times, but the kookaburra refused to react until, finally, the wagtail gave up and flew off, presumably to look for another bird who might join its game. The kookaburra was alone again on the branch, gazing out over the lake as if nothing had happened.”

I love this photo!

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Once a week, Louise (of Louise Allan: Life From the Attic) and I team up to share creative photos on our websites. It’s all part of our challenge to stretch ourselves creatively.