Pacific Rays
I came to the coast of Oregon with visions of shooting sunsets at the beach, lighthouses, tidepools, you know, all those “ocean” things. Imagine my disappointment when I found out one of the two lighthouses nearby is undergoing restoration and covered in scaffolding. The other one currently has a broken motor so the light is turned off. And I was wholly unprepared for the skies being nothing but gray 85% of the time. (I know what you’re thinking–Oregon, on the coast, in winter–what else did you expect?) So, I fret and plan and check the forecast to see when I might get one of those shots. The ones I came here for. But I forgot, yet again, that I’m not in control.
Egret Over the River
Sometime, over the past two weeks, I noticed that I’m spending less time on the weather forecast and more time looking out the window. I’m camped near the Alsea River, which is teeming with wildlife. And I also noticed that my camera has spent more time hooked up to my long zoom lens than my wide angle landscape lens.
Eagle Action
So it occurs to me that maybe this bit of my journey is meant to be about noticing the beautiful creatures around me and learning to be a better wildlife photographer. And, maybe another part of my travels will bring me to a place where the scenery and light naturally causes me to concentrate on noticing the bigger picture and learning to be a better landscape photographer. I’m not really in control, you know?
Heron in Flight
So as I settle in to my new vagabond life, I’m learning once again, to take what life offers and make the most of it, rather than swimming against the current and trying to make things be the way I wanted them to be. And I also remember that when I look at it that way, everything generally turns out even better than how I had it planned.
Yaquina Bay Bridge
And sometimes I even get a little bit of what I wanted anyway.
We are never in control. We only have the illusion of control. Scripture tells us: To be content with what God has given us. I wonder how many times it will take me to learn that lesson.
Thank you for sharing your life with me.
Just had the opportunity to read this wonderful narrative. You are very wise. I also am learning to let go and embrace what comes my way. Why couldn’t we have figured this out when we were younger!! I am enjoying your adventure through your wonderful images! Keep sharing!
Another great one – beautiful pics and I hear you on the human topic of the unexpected -life is a journey and that’s the fun part ! Love reading your stories
The internet is a wonderful thing. I’m so happy to have so many people traveling with me!
I am with you in spirit, even though buried in snow in Oregon’s High Cascades. Got sought after pictures of Oregon’s “largest mule deer.” I named him the “Big Bambino,” when he lived on my property. The locals call him “Buck Norris” named after Chuck Norris. A neighbor criticized naming deer like we own them: “Actually they are the Universe’s deer.”
I stand corrected.
I have names for lots of things I don’t own. It’s just a friendlier way to reference things. I really don’t miss being buried in snow. Sunny and 60’s here on the Redwood Coast.