Back home, with projects…

Now that I’ve settled back into the swing of things in my Canadian home, I’ve been compiling a long list of photographic projects I would love to accomplish before we go away again. (What would I do without lists?) This includes making prints, making books, and making a video from my Bahamas images, as well as reorganizing my portfolio and streamlining my blog. I also have ideas for several series I would like to start shooting and have identified some new techniques I would like to learn. I’ve noticed that I’ve been moving more toward 500 px and away from Flickr lately, although I still pop in at Flickr intermittently. I’ve found that  500 px has so much more functionality for me, especially since it acts as the back end of my portfolio. It is so easy and pleasant to use, plus I enjoy the quality of the photography there. This week I uploaded a few images from my winter sailing experience to 500 px and have been surprised and gratified by the positive feedback. I encourage you to have a look at 500 px if you’re seeking an easy way to set up a portfolio or you would like to sell or license your work. And if you’re already a member of 500 px, let me know and I’d be pleased to follow your work. Enjoy your weekend, everybody!

The sun rises on a brand new year…

First light over the Atlantic Ocean

To the New Year

by W.S. Merwin

With what stillness at last
you appear in the valley
your first sunlight reaching down
to touch the tips of a few
high leaves that do not stir
as though they had not noticed
and did not know you at all
then the voice of a dove calls
from far away in itself
to the hush of the morning
so this is the sound of you
here and now whether or not
anyone hears it this is
where we have come with our age
our knowledge such as it is
and our hopes such as they are
invisible before us
untouched and still possible

I leave you with this poem as we move toward yet another new year. Every new year is a chance to begin again and make a fresh start. But so is every new sunrise and every new moment, as we take each new breath and each new step with a clear beginner’s mind.

I’ll be taking a bit of a blogging break over the next while, but before I go, I want to share a wish with anyone whose eyes land here and all  those who have generously encouraged, supported and inspired me as part of my journey of late. I feel a kinship and connection with you from which I draw much strength, and for which I am deeply grateful .

Let 2014 be a year in which we all do more of what brings us joy, lights us up, and makes us come alive in deep acceptance of who we are, so that we then spill over with energy, love and compassion for all creatures and all creation.

Happy New Year!

A simple sailboat Christmas, No. 24 and 25

sunrise long

We are thrilled to host some friends on the sailboat this Christmas, and we all decided to watch the sun rise from Hutchinson Island…None of us had ever seen this incredible funnel shaped light before. How glorious!

David and Beirong love photography as much as I do!

Beirong in action!

davidsmall

David in action!

Beirong caught this one of Bob and Charles on her cell phone.

sunrise4

Wishing everybody a season full of light and love.