PHOTOGRAPHY AS ART BY ACCIDENT?

Am I a photographer or just someone who takes pictures? When does photography become art? Does a real photographer carry his/her camera at all times? Does a photographer "artist" go out on a photo shoot as a painter sits down to paint? Is it planned or spontaneous?

I like to "think" I am a photographer. I'm serious about my work -- constantly experimenting with light and my camera. I have purchased equipment to enable me to capture or create the photographs I envision.

But I often walk out of the house without my camera... and live to rue the decision. In two cases over the last several days I have picked up my camera to take with me and then decided to leave it behind. In both of those situations I lost a wonderful opportunity to photograph wildlife... one was a red tailed hawk sitting just twenty feet from me, and the other was two white tail fawns, still speckled, who burst out of the underbrush in front of me, easily within fifteen feet. When will I learn!?

What do you think? Is photography art, or is it only art by accident?

HAVE YOU BRUSHED . . .

. . . your dog's teeth today?

Hannah is only two years old, and she has lots of "teeth and gum cleaning" chew toys. She does not eat table food nor wet dog food. Yet I saw some tartar build-up and smelled doggy breath. Given that Hannah is a therapy dog, I don't want the children to be put off from sitting close beside her to read, so I did something I never thought I would do. . . I bought pet toothpaste and a finger brush (see picture) so I could start brushing her teeth.

I started by getting Hannah used to having my finger in her mouth. I first dipped my finger in some chicken broth before going into her mouth -- yum, thought Hannah. After she became accustomed to that, I started taking my finger and rubbing it along her teeth and gums in a brushing motion. The next step was to get her used to the toothpaste (NEVER use human toothpaste!). She didn't like it at first, but the chicken broth on top of it made it a non-issue. Yum!

Eventually she accepted all this willingly, and I started using the finger brush. I'm actually beginning to think she likes it! The last challenge is for me to become more adept at getting all the teeth brushed which may mean learning to use the brush on my left hand finger as well as the right. I do have a toothbrush, and she may eventually accept it. There are also dental cleanse pads for dogs that may resist brushes.

Follow this link to an instructional video.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=20680

LARK PHOTOGRAPHY

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
(Elliott Erwitt)

It is my hope to set up a blog or website for my photography. I have had quite a bit of interest in my notecards and prints. Many people have said they would love to purchase these items as gifts. But before I venture forth, I need to find out if there are any legal concerns to be addressed.

My friend Wendi has been one of the most encouraging and enthusiastic about my work. She has asked me to do numerous photo shoots for her and her friends. She has also used some of my photographs in Labrador Quarterly to advertise her kennel and breeding services. One day I arrived at her home for a photo shoot, knocked on the front door and announced myself as LARK PHOTOGRAPHY (after my horse Lark) . . . and it stuck!

I enjoy photographing nature, animals, families, and children. Here are a few for you to enjoy. Leave a comment below and let me know your reactions.

Lilly

Bromeliad

Primeau

Purple Leaves

KREATIV BLOGGER

We received the Kreativ Blogger Award from Cindy at Chloe Honeygo Beasely. Thank you for honoring us! Cindy asked that I share several blogs that I follow and seven facts about myself that you may find interesting.

I only follow two blogs:

Chloe Honego Beasley -- a blog about a cute Bichon and her life and adventures with her human mom, Cindy.

Bedlam Farm Journal -- a blog and photography by author Jon Katz who is one of my favorite writers. He inspired me to start blogging again after a year's absence.

Seven facts to share:

1. I am a hobby photographer and enjoy sharing my photography on my blog.

2. I am retired after 37 years in public education.

3. I love walking in the woods with my Labrador Retriever, Hannah.

4. Hannah and I do therapy dog work in the public schools with children in special education classes.

5. I am co-director of the therapy dog program called Nor'wester Readers.

6. I enjoy fly fishing.

7. I owned horses for 43 years -- enjoyed cross country trail riding and showing competitively in dressage.

MAREMMA

Do you know what a Maremma is?

I had never heard of the Maremma Sheepdog breed until I visited a friend who lived on a farm on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near Lake Superior. At the time, she and her husband raised sheep because she used the wool in her knitting and weaving. When I first saw the dogs I mistakenly thought they were Kuvasz, a Hungarian breed.

The breed has always fascinated me, and when I saw a news clip about Maremmas in the June 2009 issue of Audubon I was immediately intrigued.

According to the article, a farmer on Australia's Middle Island called in his two Maremma Sheepdogs to help protect a fairy penguin colony that was being decimated by foxes. His dogs wander the penguins' territory for approximately two hours daily, and scientists belive the dogs' lingering scent deters the foxes. As a result the penguin population has rebounded.

It's an odd method of conservation, but this Italian canine has been bred to protect flocks from wolves, bears, and thieves. For more information, follow the "Maremma" link.

DISCONNECTED FROM THE NATURAL WORLD

Yesterday I was driving in a lesser developed part of the county when I spied a red-tailed hawk sitting on a telephone wire that stretched across an intersection marked with a stop sign.

I pulled over to the shoulder of the road, grumbling about not having my camera with me, and watched the hawk. It was alternating between watching the tall grass and weeds on the side of the road with swiveling its head to take in its surroundings.

The amazing thing to me was that while I was sitting there, numerous cars went by, stopped at the intersection and then drove on. I watched to see how many people would notice the hawk. Not one! All eyes were staring straight ahead.

It only affirmed my long held feeling that the majority of people living in today's world are truly disconnected from the natural world. So much is lost when one does not observe, interact, and appreciate nature and the wildlife that is a part of it.

I am fortunate that I had a father who was an environmentalist before it became vogue. He gave me a love and appreciation for the outdoors.

"Alienation from nature accounts for the human ability to destroy it without conscience."
(Laurie Tarkan)

The above photograph of a red-tailed hawk was taken at a fund raiser for the Audubon Society.

PRAYING MANTIS

Yesterday while walking around the reservoir with Hannah, I spied a young praying mantis about one inch long. When I had a flower garden, I had many in my yard, but it has been awhile since I've encountered a mantis. I'm always curious to know the Native American animal totem symbolism of creatures which cross my path.

Keynote: Power of Stillness

Mantis has shown up in mythology and lore. In China, a system of the martial arts evolved around the activities of the praying mantis. Kung Fu is based upon the imitation of animals and aspects of nature. One form of it is the praying mantis.

Most prominent though are the tales of the praying mantis found within African lore. To the Kalihari Bushmen of Africa, Mantis was a Bushman. There are abundant tales that speak of Mantis and his adventures. In many ways, they are similar to the coyote tales of the plains Indians and the raven tales of the Northwest Indians. Whenever Mantis got himself into trouble, he would go off and hide. He would then go to sleep and dream a solution to his problem.

This epitomizes the keynote for this insect - the power of stillness. Through learning to still the outer mind and go within, we can draw upon greater power - physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. That stillness can be simple contemplation, a meditation, or even sleep and dreams. The ancient mystics spoke of seven levels of silence that can be used by us, the first being simple contemplation and the last being death. In between them are dimensions that can add tremendous power to our lives. This is part of what the praying mantis teaches. It teaches how to still the outer, so that when it is time to act (in any form) it is done with surety, accuracy and great power.

According to the Random House Dictionary of the English Language, mantis comes from a Greek word meaning "Prophet". If we learn to go into the stillness, we can open ourselves to prophecy. One form of meditation sometimes taught in conjunction with traditional Kung Fu is called "chi kung". This meditation helps the individual to go within and direct the body's life force along specific avenues, strengthening and empowering it through the various organs and systems of the body. This has healing and strengthening applications. We can learn to use the stillness in varying degrees - whether for creativity or for healing - and this is part of what the praying mantis teaches.

It is this ability that makes the mantis a great hunter and enables it to survive. It will wait motionless, blending into its surroundings. Then at the most opportune time, it will suddenly grasp its prey in its long forelegs, which fold over its victim like closing a jackknife upon it.

For those with this totem, some examination may be necessary. Are you letting others know your plans before they are even laid? Are you being indiscriminate in what you say and to whom? Are you being impatient? Are you needing help meditating and quieting the outer mind? Are you missing opportunities to grasp life's rewards because you act or speak too hastily? All of these things praying mantis can help with.

Ted Andrews: Animal Speak, 1993

LIFE

"Life is really good sometimes, if you make room for it." (Jon Katz)

While reading one of Katz's blog entries I came across this quote which really made me stop and think.

I believe sometimes we are so consumed by what we feel our life should encompass that it, indeed, does pass us by. Suddenly we look back and wonder, "What was that all about?" "Was it really worth it?"

Ironically, I came across this quote while I was reflecting on Katz's musing. "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards." (Soren Kierkegaard)

A BEST FRIEND

I found this link MAG MY PIC on a friend's blog, so I was inspired to create my own magazine cover featuring Hannah. What a fun way to use favorite photographs, and it is FREE! It makes a cute gift if you have a special photograph of a pet, person, or place.

Hannah is definitely one of my best friends. She is there if I am lonely or blue. Her joie de vivre is a constant reminder that animals have mastered living in the moment -- a lesson we all can learn from them.

If I am feeling lazy Hannah always knows how to get me outdoors for play or a walk -- the best tonic for sluggish blood.

As much as we cherish our animal friends, human friends are even more important.

DEPENDENCE

I have read several articles on "dependence" as part of the July Fourth newspaper issues. Most of us like to think we are "independent," but we use the term loosely. It is a given that we all are dependent in many respects -- we depend upon stores to provide us with food; we depend on institutions to support our employment; we depend on utilities to provide living comfort; we depend on family and friends for emotional support....

In spite of these dependencies, we exist under the illusion that we ARE independent.

As a caregiver to my 96 year old mother, her dependency upon me is draining. No matter how much someone WANTS to provide for a loved one, it is still a tremendous investment in physical and emotional energy.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Here is a fun quiz to test your knowledge of Independence Day trivia.

http://www.livescience.com/php/trivia/index.php?quiz=independence-day

THERE YOU ARE!

WHEREVER YOU GO THERE YOU ARE!

Long ago in a small, far away village, there was place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the doorway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could. To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled a great smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly. As he left the House, he thought to himself, “This is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit it often.”

In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door. When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, “That is a horrible place, and I will never go back there again.”

All the faces in the world are mirrors. What kind of reflections do you see in the faces of the people you meet?

Author Unknown

GOOD CITIZEN

Dogs can become good citizens too! The AKC has a Canine Good Citizen or CGC test. When the dog passes the test, CGC is then automatically placed behind the dog's name -- like a degree.

Hannah was young when she passed her CGC test at the age of 13 months. More information about the Canine Good Citizen program can be found on the AKC website.

Is your dog a good citizen?

A NEW NAME

When I began this blog in 2005 horses were still a very vital part of my life. Since then I have lost my beloved Lark to the infirmities of age. This was one of the last photographs I took of her.

Horses have been among my greatest teachers, and this is why the blog was originally named OF HORSES AND ZEN. These karmic animals have a way of bringing oneself to a quiet, balanced place within.

But life changes, and after forty plus years with horses, I am now horseless. There is not as much a void as I expected. The lessons I have learned from my equine friends have influenced the person I've become.

As I have reinvented my life as a retiree, I have rejuvenated my love of photography and thrown myself to the dogs. . . and the blog needs a new name.

FRACTURE

In June of 2008 mother's failing vision caused her to become entangled with the dog gate in the family room. She fractured her femur just below the hip. After surgery she was released to Twining Village Health Center (nursing home) for rehab which dragged on for two months before she was discharged. Not only is a fracture a physical thing, it is also an emotional thing. It fractures hope, determination, and life's routine. It is a challenge for both the patient and caregiver.

RENEWAL

It has been over a year since I've blogged. Recently I discovered John Katz's "Farm Journal" blog. Katz is one of my favorite writers, so it was a real treat to discover that I can enjoy his wonderful photography and shared thoughts each day. It has encouraged me to return to blogging, realizing that a photo or two, perhaps a quote, or thoughts are often enjoyed by the reader.

I bought a new lens for my camera -- a 50mm f1.4 -- in hopes that I could capture better images in low light. The other day I was experimenting with the lens, and this is one photo from that session. Now I think I would like to have a "close up" lens. I guess it never stops...

LOVAGE

LETTERS AND LOVAGE

He came in
smelling of lovage –
The gentle scent of celery
was like a delicate after-shave.
Revived memories of the day we met.

We sat across the table from each other
as the herb lady
spoke of culinary plants –

Thyme
Sage
Dill . . .
“And this one is lovage,”
she said,
urging us to taste.
We did;

The lovage becoming
an unexpected connection.

Two days later,
he arrived on my garden step
with a small pot of lovage for me.

The lovage now grows in my garden;
Firmly established
and aggressively
shading the other herbs.
The love letters no longer speak
of connections
and commonality,
But the lingering scent of celery persists.




Lovage is a wonderful herb, but aggressive. Enjoy the information shared at this link. http://oldfashionedliving.com/lovage.html

The Right Amount

My mother and I often disagree on what is considered clutter and unnecessary "stuff" in our home. She likes to accumulate things while I love to clean out and rehome things that I no longer want or need. I have always preferred a sparse home environment while my mom says "things" make a home interesting and look lived in ... we will never agree, and because we share the same house, I have learned to look the other way when I see her piles of stuff stacked horizontally.

In the last issue of Creating Community there is an article titled "The Right Amount," by Alan Atkinson who works in accelerating sustainable development. He talks of wandering about a Costco or Sam's Club which invokes several radical feelings within him -- "raw consumer lust, great moral outrage, and aching environmental angst."

He continues by sharing a phrase he learned from a Swedish friend, " Det ar lagom." The word lagom means something like, 'exactly the right amount.' Atkinson continues by saying, "Most people in the world do not want enough; they want more. The desire for more seems to be deeply wired in the human organism. To have more has been our first defense against the vagaries of an uncertain future. Hoarding is the first act of those who believe themselves to be in the path of an impending disaster."

Synchronicity, perhaps, led me to the GLOBALONENESS site where I viewed a short video clip on materialism presented by M. C. Mehta.


M.C. Mehta is an attorney in the Supreme Court of India, one of the founders of the Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action (ICELA), and director of the M.C. Mehta Environmental Foundation in New Delhi. M.C.’s landmark environmental cases in the Supreme Court of India have resulted in the protection of India’s natural and cultural treasures – including the Ganges River and the Taj Mahal – from the adverse effects of pollution. An ardent supporter of alternative energy he brought about the transition of New Delhi's transport system (buses, rickshaws etc.) to become the largest green based transit system in the world.

To view the video see: http://www.globalonenessproject.org/videos/mcmehtaclip4

HANNAH AT WORK

Hannah went to work soliciting signatures from individuals who would support the formation of a public dog park in our township. Because a friend of ours was helping out at voter registration, we were invited to join them at their table. Now 10 months old, Hannah donned her Democrat kerchief and made herself useful. A wag of the tail drew lots of compliments and attention from passers-by. Many signed the petition and spent some time talking to those of us at the table.

The Democrats set up the table to make it possible and simple for people to register to vote. It was amazing to see the number of disenchanted Republicans who stopped to change their party affiliation. Several individuals registered to change and went home and brought back other family members to do the same. Another individual born in the 1930's had never registered to vote, but stopped by to register for the first time in his life. Even though the table was set up by the Democrats, the registration was non-partisan.

I hope you are registered to vote!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!

I've been tagged to list ten things that make me happy.
1. Family and dear friends
2. My horse Lark

3. Living in the moment

4. Pizza!

5. Coke -- Cherry Coke -- Vanilla Coke -- Coke!

6. Walking in the woods after a snow.

7. Soft, purring kittens and cats

8. Hannah, my dog

9. Skygazing and looking at stars, constellations, planets, and the moon

10. Being outdoors and enjoying the natural, unspoiled world.

Who says I have to stop at 10?

11. Photography

12. Stimulating my brain

13. Interesting conversations

14. Writing

15. Reading

16. Training animals

17. A therapeutic massage