More Winter Light

On By Mike and Christy

Winter_light_7_BW

Winter light shining into the redwoods along the the Navarro river in Northern California. Somehow I seem to always find the beam of light that is focused upon a beautiful old stump or the stump finds me. Not really sure which way it works but I really enjoy the feeling of being in these forests.

42 thoughts on “More Winter Light”

  3. When I was about 2 or 3 my mother moved us to stay with her parents in Eureka. My first real memory was of standing before a redwood log, all red and felty and covered with moss. The feeling of that log (and its surroundings, which are now sadly gone) has stayed with me all these years; one day soon, I vow to myself, I shall return to once again stand beneath giants.

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  7. I’m stumped. 🙂 And I sense you might have a inner connection to stumps. 😉
    But seriously, maybe stumps reflect a mixture between the transience of life (what you can call “vanitas” in arts) and the comforting verification that despite of this transience the forest as a whole lives on. While they are still part of it.
    I like this calming atmosphere in forests too – and the light in this picture is great!

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    1. Hi Suzan, thanks for the thought provoking comment. I am not certain but perhaps this vanitas lies not in my consciousness but I am sure it does reside in there rooted deeply in the unconsciousness and perhaps is part of a great concept that ties us to the natural world. And perhaps involves the light in the forest as well?

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      1. Hmm… well, this “being tied to the natural world” implies for me that we are in fact part of nature too (even if a lot of people forget this these days). Nature is everything… the earth, the forest, the stumps, animals, humans, the wind, from atoms to the universe. So also the light would be part of it, I guess.

        And while being tied to/being a part of nature we certainly follow also the rhythms of nature – including vanitas. But nothing won’t be “lost” in the end as it’s part of “everything” – the great concept. If you can call it an “end” at all because the concept lives on. And that’s kind of comforting (without any religious hints now, just in general).

        But I don’t think about all this either when I take walks in forests. 😉

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        1. As you point out the fact that we (humans) are indeed part of it all in every way imaginable, is for me, probably the most important fact that is lost or absent in current way of thinking and if it could be brought into the consciousness of the majority of the human race the world would surely benefit.

          And even if we do not think about this on a walk in the forest we feel it and feeling is nothing more than another way of thinking.

          Nature therapy!

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          1. Beautifully said. And I couldn’t agree more. Who these days still knows the most basic things – how to find water in the wilderness, how to start a fire, what you can eat and what not, how to build a shelter etc.
            Civilization surely has its benefits (and I wouldn’t want to do without a shower or a heating etc. for sure), but sitting all day long without moving in front of a computer screen, just caring for how to make even more profit won’t do anyone good in the long run.
            A lot of people just keep rushing every day for what they think makes them happy, but ignore their deep connection to everything around them.
            I think it’s essential to one’s wellbeing (physically and mentally) to slow down sometimes and experience some quietness again, observing the beauty of the world around them while just existing and living the moment. And indeed, remembering this “being part of it all” would certainly make a lot of people think more about their daily actions.

            Sorry, got a bit carried away.

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  10. I know exactly what you mean about your relationship with “the stump.” I love trees and you do very well with capturing there essence. I think the light is part of the discovery process. Give a few of those big trees a hug for me. I do hug trees. I run my hands over as much of their parts as can be reached.
    As a child, a tree protected me from difficult people. I use to sleep between the roots as they parted from the Maple Tree’s trunk. Some of the best rest I’ve ever had.

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  12. Ron's avatar Ron

    A wonderful work of art, Mike. Many has spoken above how they have been affected by your artistry in light. I offer these pale words to show my own feelings. The haiku is yours if you want it. Say the word, and I won’t publish it. You can, if you wish.

    an ancient stump —
    waiting for the light to show
    the glory of its past

    Ron

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      1. Ron's avatar Ron

        My pleasure, Mike! We won’t discuss which of us has been given the greater blessing — photography or writing. As long as we are USING our blessings for others, both are equal, IMHO.

        Use the haiku as you choose, Mike! I’m thrilled that you liked it! 🙂

        Ron

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        1. Hi Ron, I agree both talents are equal and the haiku will go along with the next beautiful stump photo I post and I do have several in the hopper so to speak. Cheers and have a great evening.

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    1. Thanks and thanks for taking time to give you thoughts on the photo. We really appreciate it. Yes, there is some attrition between me holding a camera and light hitting old trees in a dark forest and I really enjoy that.

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