Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Stolen Moments of Creativity

I have been really busy lately. . . work stuff, home stuff, cross country stuff. It's all good, but it's all been keeping me away from my blog, from visiting your blogs, and from grabbing big chunks of time to create. But, even in the midst of all this work, I have stolen a couple of moments of creativity to share with you:
Moment #1
We have finished dinner, and Paul has gone downstairs to rest after having cleared the dishes.  Clara needs some help getting started on her homework, but before we can start, she gasps. "Mom, look at the sky!"  An amazing sunset is developing.  We grab our iphones and post photos to instagram. The sunset continues to develop. "Whoa!" she says. It just keeps getting better and better. We post more photos but eventually run out of witty captions to add.  "You should get your real camera, Mom." So, I do.  Homework can wait.
Moment #2
It's been an unseasonably warm weekend. It was over 81 degrees yesterday when we hosted about 2,000 runners for a huge high school cross country meet. I spent ten hours on the field, most of it working in the first aid tent.  I helped runner after runner as they collapsed from heat exhaustion at the finish line. I half-carried them to a chair in the shade, gave them a cup of water and placed an ice bag on the back of their necks before returning to the chute to see who else needed help. So, today, I'm enjoying a well-earned nap.  Or, I would be if the dogs would stop bugging me. I finally give in and open the door to let them out.  The air is hot, humid and full of bugs. Dragonflies make slow, lazy circles around the yard. Although I'm a bit unnerved by their presence, I grab my camera and wade out into their midst. I still have the long lens on my camera from yesterday's meet, and I capture one dragonfly mid-flight. Sometimes it's good to be brave.

25 comments:

Amy said...

Your sunsets have certainly been stunning! I had trouble seeing the dragonfly at first - got it now though!

Jane said...

that sunset is glorious!

scrappyjacky said...

That is a truly amazing sunset.
I'm a bit of a wimp with dragonflies as well...we sometimes get enormous ones.

Ladkyis said...

I just know that one day that tiny dragonfly will flick a whisker and BOOM it will regain its normal size! And guess who will be sized up for its dinner... yup that's right, me! Sometimes a creative imagination can be a burden.

Unknown said...

What an amazing sunset.

Becky said...

Ah, I can see the dragonfly now! Thought it was part of the fence, but once you see it, it is obvious! Stunning sunset photo :)

Sian said...

Definitely worth a photo (or two or three or four..)

Unknown said...

What a stunning sunset - I love to photograph Sunrise and Sunset.

Irene said...

Amazing Sunset.

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Wow! What a great sunset capture, Rinda. It makes me happy to think about you and Clara sharing that moment together.

Really cool dragonfly catch too!

Sandie said...

That really is an amazing sunset Rinda. Sometimes even homework has to wait for magical moments because these pass too quickly.
Well done for your hard work with the first aid and I love your dragonfly in full flight. Not easy.

sky-blu-pink said...

What great pics - especially the Sunset

Kristin said...

I love that the homework waited! This view is spectacular - as was the family moment! xo

Beverly said...

Beautiful sunset and beautiful memories created :) I had to go back to see the dragonfly, I thought he was a hinge but great capture!

Missus Wookie said...

Absolutely awesome sunset - in the original meaning of the word. I had to go look for the dragonfly so was delighted to find it.

Karen said...

Like some others, I wouldn't have seen the dragonfly if you didn't point it out. Your sunset is spectacular!

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Such great photos! Wonderful job catching the dragonfly

Jo Murray said...

Thank heavens for cameras. You made my day.

marsha said...

amazing sunset!

Miriam said...

Thank you for sharing such a fabulous sunset.

Alison said...

What a glorious sunset...
Alison xx

alexa said...

You are an inspiration to me, Rinda - I need to learn to take little creative moments roo. Your sunset is beautiful.

BJ said...

Absolutely beautiful sunset and well done getting the dragon fly too. BJ

Andy said...

Wow what an amazing sunset you have captured. Andy

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic sunset. That's one of the things I love about California. At first I thought the dragonfly was the latch on the fence but once I read your blog I realized just what it was.