A heavy Stone

It is with sincere sadness that I place this post for you, for it is unlike any of the others I have done so far.

In originally setting out to create this little universe of expression, I did so with the mindset that it would have three purposes. One, it would be a place where I would be able to place images, both old and new that I have created as an outlet from my heart and mind in a photographic form. Another was that as I very much enjoy sharing this vision and tiny bits of myself with others here, that these images would find a home within other people who might enjoy them and perhaps inspire them to get out and make their own, or even just find something about them that might cheer up their day. Thirdly, that my thoughts coupled with these images would give the reader a little insight into who I am and maybe reflect on their own lives and become better people as a result of it. I thought all good goals.

Some of you from the beginning have 'signed up' and perhaps regularly check it out to see what I am doing or thinking or maybe just what the photo is. Others, from the analysis the blog provides, might have just stumbled up on it for what ever reason and took a look. There have been over 5,000 views from all over the world, for which I am thankful.

Today though, for a variety of reasons, I am just doubting whether the effort that it takes to shoot, or search my collection for images and then post and write about with careful consideration is really worth it...whether it really reaches anyone and makes any difference at all to them. Expression, in whatever form, whether it be a letter, or with words, a poem, or blo,g or even these photos, unless they touch someone... touch someones heart, is really meaningless in the end.

I really hope that whomever is in fact viewing these entries, enjoys them and that it is making a difference in their life. If it is, please take a quick minute or two and leave a comment on ones that might have caught you in some way, even anonymously if you must. Just a little note of encouragement for me to know this is not all done in vain, for without someone to share it all with, vanity is all that it is and that, is like a heavy stone on my soul.

Below is a self portrait I did a couple of winters ago along a favorite wooded path that I liked so you could see who is speaking to you now.

Thank you,

Ken

Frozen Jewels

This winter in the Eastern part of Pa that I live has been a really pretty one with fairly frequent snowfalls, many of them being lasting for a few days before they melt, which has offered some nice photo opportunities. Yesterday was one such day and I was able to take short bits of time to make some exposures. It was a really nice out, although very cold and as I was out doing chores with my camera in tow, the landscape seemed to be constantly calling my distracted mind here and there with "look at me... no look at me" thoughts popping into my mind continuously around me.

The few shots that are posted here this morning are from views around my own neighborhood as well as a couple ones of the local rivers nearby where I live. I am blessed with living in an area with a varied landscape and nice photo opportunities, but even so, I have found that living with your eyes open helps. Some images are of snow, others of ice, but all of them highlighting the world around me as if it was covered in this temporary jewelery for our momentary enjoyment. 

As mentioned before, I am always drawn to trees, especially as when light snow rests on the branches, outlining their form, I am particularly drawn to them and although I shoot them again and again, I never tire of trying to find new patterns and something always seems to emerge from these familiar friends, refreshing my eye anew. The top image is of the Perkiomen Creek, which runs behind and below my home, taken a few weeks ago early on a Sunday morning, when the trees were heavy laden with ice. The others were taken yesterday and early this morning.

There is allot of wintertime left around here I suspect, and new snow is forecast-ed again tonight, so I might continue to post as I shoot or not, but I hope you enjoy what I have so far.