Allow me to introduce you to the White Dude. He is the elusive and beautiful white heron who lives quietly and gracefully flitting along the intracoastal waterway near my parents' North Carolina home. He moves like a tai chi master, completely unpeturbed by the noisy, bossy mama osprey who is always calling for room service.
The White Dude seems always to be just beyond the reach of my too-short lens--though sometimes he's pretty close when I notice him. I was happy to see him back around the homestead and living his not-of-this-world life so well, so I took his picture a bunch of times anyway. The photos are terrible but they speak to my mood at the moment.
Luke is gone, Luis is gone, the Gulf is an oily mess, every other story in the local paper is about some pervert's molesting a minor (and most of those perverts are government employees)--and I'm ready for some good news.
This beautiful bird in this not-so-hot photo reminds me to hang in there, to keep on--even as I wonder if the mess in the Gulf will contaminate his habitat.
My resolves: To love what I have. To let it love me back. To dream a little. And thank the good guys for being there.
So thank you.
My World Tuesday
40 Comments
While it wont go down without a lot of negativity from the opposition, the new Supreme Court nominee inspires .. and I say that with hope because honestly I have little respect for the Courts actions in 2000
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeletethis was so beautiful. really. and the photo is actually perfect in a muted subtle way.
You know I feel the same way you do about loving what I have and letting it love me back and I will always dream even if just a little. And I'm thankful for the good guys that we have. I love your capture and your words as always, Sandy. I thought about Luke's family and you a lot yesterday. Tried not to dwell on the oil spill too much since there's little I can do besides shoot off my big mouth at every opportunity. Hope you have a wonderful, sunny week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I absolutely love that first paragraph. A big smile I did have. Don't listen to the news. It doesn't have much to offer. It most negative news is all they offer then they beat it and turn it inside out. No sense in beating a dead horse.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, when the good stuff is out of focus, we can be thankful that we have some kind of view of it anyway. (((hugs))) Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteNice shot. Very interesting post. There is always hope.
ReplyDeleteWhite Dude looks great. Is it waiting for someone :-)
ReplyDeleteYour photo is great. Always think of the good things in life, especially when you are down. You have your friends to support you...
ReplyDeleteI love how you caught the curve of the heron's neck so well. I can relate to this post so much.
ReplyDeleteThe good news is Sandy that Obama nominated Elena Kagan for Supreme Court Justice... :)
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of the natural world has a way of distracting us from the negative in the world of man.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the peace of my Yosemite.
Beautiful, Sandy. The Heron (Great Blue, for me) is an amazing creature and I often relax just at the sight of him. He so methodically gets his job done and moves on. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful post. i symphatize with your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI've seen one before when we visited NC Beach a few years back!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful pic as it perfectly suits the post and your mood. The thoughts in your last line are just right for times like this.
ReplyDeleteyour photo is fine and shows the bird's calm beauty almost regal presence. nature reminds us of god's hand in comparison to man's stewardship of what he has been given.
ReplyDeleteSandy you already know what the good news is, and was, and always will be!
ReplyDeleteOne day it will be said that the former things have passed away and all things are new...
Thank you for visiting My Muskoka ! We love our new baby.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great plan! He is beautiful! I try not to think about the gulf, it is so sad!
ReplyDeleteSomehow we know which "less than perfect" photos to keep, because they are a memory or reminder of something important. The strength of this heron should remind us that we are responsible for the healthy habitats of him and others like him.
ReplyDeleteWe pray for the survival of the creatures so affected by carelessness. But...I won't blast my mouth about this, because we all know...
That is a beautiful bird. I hope things get better for you soon.
ReplyDeletePerfect sometimes does not capture the moment. I think the White Dude is quite captivating!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post/photos. and I often feel (about the world) as you do. For me it is important to realize I don't see the whole picture nor am I the one in charge(there was a time in my life I thoughtI was in charge LOL). I think that at this exact instant maybe things are exactly as they are suppose to be.
ReplyDeleteYou write so well. At certain moments I just give up, where is the world coming to!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sandy!
A loss of any kind is hard to bear, even the loss of distant birds. But much beauty will remain.We watch the Gulf tragedy closely and we worry about our own Barrier Reef.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteSandy: Hold onto your faith, it will keep you strong.
ReplyDeleteSandy, I share your feelings.
ReplyDeleteYou've photographed so well the nice white heron.
A beautiful reminder to treasure what we have.
ReplyDeletegreat pic, reminds of the elusives ones we keep trying to photograph near u.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful and elegant bird, Sandy great capture. Loved your post and it would be great to hear some good news too. The oily mess in the gulf is so sad and depressing.
ReplyDeleteThe light highlighting the outline of the bird makes it a good photo. Sorry to hear you are feeling down.
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to White Dude Heron. Love your interpretation.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteNice b/w Sandy.
Have a great week.
Well said Sandy! And I love Mr. White Dude...he is majestic!
ReplyDeleteThe "messes" are depressing and makes one feel powerless.
Focus on what gives you light and power and be in prayer for all things.
Hugs
SueAnn
How wonderful to find a White Dude in one's presence! (Or even in one's presents!)
ReplyDeleteit's amazing that you captured this bird--that is something to smile about. we just finished our national elections, and i am hopeful for better things for my country.
ReplyDeleteHope rules! The white dude abides! Wonderful bird!
ReplyDeleteGreat catch! After I learned I had taken a photo of a BLUE heron, I recognize heron photos now.
ReplyDelete"To love what I have. To let it love me back. To dream a little. And thank the good guys for being there."
ReplyDeleteThank you for this quote! It is great to think like you! Especially when times are difficult. Fortunately my daughter frrom Australia is staying here with her family. I enjoy every minute of seeing them.
Thanks for being here.