Dancing between the shadows

Ever had one of those weeks? Pressed somewhere between a rock and a harder place. Faced to make decisions that you don't want to make. Chosen by fate to be that piece of the puzzle? We've all been there. From the dissapointments as children, to the break-ups of adolescense. Some of us, I'm sure, have been faced with even harder decisions.

In the midst of all that "decision making".. Remember, that some things you cannot change. Some decisions are not ours to make. Sometimes even our involvement, although well meant and heart-felt, only makes matters worse.
  

With situations and circumstances like that we have to learn to simply let go. Trust, Believe, Hope that... "Every little thing is going to be alright."

Sometimes the Light dances between the shadows... and we don't have to do anything to make it happen...

I'll use my eyes instead

Last Saturday before leaving for a sunset walk along the beach I was asked.. "Wil, aren't you going to bring your camera?" I said "No, I'll use my eyes instead." It's a line from a song called Cameras by Matt & Kim.  During the past two weeks that's precisely what I did - I used my eyes instead...

It's good to put the camera down and really take in what's around you. Instead of worrying about F-stops and shutter speeds; I was able to take in the views and enjoy the company of my friends. Saying those words... "I'll use my eyes instead" (out-loud) made me miss the click of my camera. A click that captures the memories we share. 

Sometimes, we have to take in what's around us without looking through a lens. Be it the camera or the pen, the keyboard or the guitar.. it's about balance between passion and necessity. 

*The first two photos are from May 1st and the last two are from May 15th - same roll of film.

Conservation

Over my vacation my best-friend and brother Ken introduced me to a well kept secret oasis right in the middle of the University of North Florida Campus. The university host a preserve of about 300 acres of natural habitat differing dramatically from Sandhills, Scrub Oaks, Upland Pine Forrest to even a Cypress Swamp.  Like children we explored a small section of the 5 mile trail system stopping here and there to take in the views and absorb natures best.

Walking along we could not help but appreciate the foresight and planning that went into this place. Land that could have been developed and sold for millions was set aside for the birds, deer, rabbits and squirrels.  Remembering that we are but stewards of this planet really brought things into perspective and an old Indian proverb came to mind... "We do not inherit the earth from our forefathers instead we borrow it from our children."

We are part of a great whole and "preservation and conservation" only ensures that our children will not lack the natural resources and beauty that makes this planet so amazing.  You may not "own" thousands of acres but we all can implement small changes and "conserve" a little for our children's sake.  As nature works together to create its own habitat so we must co-exist and work together to be part of that "whole" that we were intended to be.  Small changes echo out like ripples in water and grow exponentially.  What can you do in your corner of the world to make that change happen? Whether it's raising awareness or picking up a piece of trash we can all work together to conserve our planet's resources. I can imagine everyone pitching in just a little and changing the worlds environmental condition for the better and our children's tomorrow. We should all start pitching in today for a better tomorrow.

*The last picture was taken by Ken.

On the Edge in a Tidal Saltmarsh

Some random shots from this past Sunday's adventure in the woods. These are also from my first full day without a cigarette. Today is the fourth and I feel great. If I had known how easy it really is to quit I would have done it a long time ago. The cravings are now at a minimum and I find that a piece of gum is enough to take the edge off.  

That was not the case while I took these pictures. At times during this adventure the cravings grew so strong I thought they would kill me. It helped to be so far from anywhere that sells cigarettes. This kind of change is hard but it's worth it. I'm done with smoking and will never have to feel that kind of painful withdrawal again.  Once is enough. You can call me a non-smoker now!

Green Returns to the Marshes

While it was low tide I took an early Sunday Morning stroll along a familiar oyster reef at the Guana State Preserve. I had some time alone and was again lost in my thoughts. Nature has always had a way of allowing my thoughts to multiply and then settle into resolution. I find that my biggest life decisions can usually be made with the help of "nature's wipers."

At first glance the marshes looked brown and dead; but then slowly I spotted the new life. Green grasses with fresh life sprouting up everywhere. The death of Winter is subtly being replaced with the new life of Spring. Soon these new sprouts will be taller and stronger than the brown carried over from the winter season.

Change is in the air everywhere. I thought about the different stages of change in my own life. Changes over the past year and changes that still have yet to be made. Some changes are brought on naturally others must be "self-initiated." We see the brown left over from our winter seasons and initiate new growth. Sometimes these changes happen slowly over time but sometimes we have to go after them fiercely, initiating our own Spring.

Opportunities for change and improvement are all around us. We see the brown and come to the realization that it is dead. There is no use holding onto it for it is not alive anymore. Change, uncomfortable as it may be, is necessary in our lives. We do not have to settle with our circumstances. We can change them.

Are there any brown spots in your heart that can use a little green sprout? I know that I found a few in my own and I must say... a new fresh perspective and a little self-initiated change can lead to an abundance of happiness. Identify, initiate, and then watch your life sprout forward with the green grass of change. It is yours for the taking.

I made a mix for you.