Signs of Spring

This photo essay came about because of birds – bird songs to be specific.  I had been inside cleaning for two days and on the third I heard the birds singing all morning.  Prior to going on spring break I knew I wanted to go and take photographs of . . . something, but I hadn’t an idea of what that something would be.  After hearing the birds I decided to go out with my camera and take pictures of whatever caught my interest.  After initially following the birds and their calls I started to notice the change happening in the trees and came to the conclusion that I would look for the different signs of spring.

The typical signs revealed themselves immediately– the warm sun melting snow away, people clothed in lighter wear engaging in physical activity outdoors, plants budding and turning green – but what ensued for me was not simply capturing these signs.  As I walked around my neighborhood I began to contemplate what the less apparent signs of spring would be.  It became a meditation on what spring entails, both in beauty and in loss, for spring is not summer.  It is not bountiful warmth and ample leisure.  It is violent.  It is a struggle of life against barren death; both the failure and victory of rebirth.  As I wandered around, spring became more nuanced, multifaceted, and meaningful.  It became the joy of witnessing the optimism and promise of springtime.  

I hope you enjoy this snapshot of spring - M

Walking in a Winter Wonder Chan - A Photo Essay

Last December on one of my (particularly cold) days off I decided to take my camera and do a small 'photo essay' of the wintry excesses we had been experiencing.  Having survived winter's reminder that spring is not yet here, I thought it might be appropriate to share the discoveries of that day last December.  Enjoy.

I started off right around our townhouse, surveying the scenes we see every day to and from work, the grocery store, to get the mail, and any other destination we might head for.

I encountered many interesting patterns of snow - whether on the road or over someone's yard - that reminded my of treacherous landscapes that one must traverse on a perilous adventure.  It made me thankful my home - and thereby warmth - was within short walking distance.

As I continued on I saw a number of cars engulfed in snow.  For those of us unfortunate enough to have our cars outside this winter, these are the types of situations we found ourselves in.

In our community these vehicles are a welcome view, plowing our way to freedom.

Submerged was a common motif.

This is supposed to be a sidewalk.  My thoughts of walking down to local trails were stopped short by this hurdle.

Others were not as deterred.

Chimneys were billowing smoke, working hard to keep the insides warm.

Meanwhile, snow piled high up second story windows.

 

It was a cold that day, though it did get colder as the winter wore on.

Inside, V and I began decorating our home for the season.

When we went to get a tree from Target, they were out - except for the one on display.

The real orchid had to make room for an artificial spruce.

We bought some ornaments to make our tree festive.

V decorating our tree.

Altogether, it turned out quite well, including the first ornament we bought together.

Hope everyone is staying warm!