photography

Nature In Its Beauty

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Monsanto Lake, St Joe Park in Park Hills, Mo

“Those who find beauty in all of nature will find themselves at one with the secrets of life.” – L. Wolfe Gilbert

This morning I am sharing the pics from my fishing trip yesterday.  Fish weren’t biting however Mother Nature showcased her beauty and splendor.  Glad I had the camera with me.  I also added some of my favorite quotes about nature.

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Monsanto Lake

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Monsanto Lake

“Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind.” – Amit Ray

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“Water is the driving force of all nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci

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I call this “Diamonds on the Water”.

“I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful and endless prospect of magic and wonder.” – Ansel Adams

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Monsanto Lake

” The beauty of the natural world lies in the details.” – Natalie Angier

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Monsanto Lake

“A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful expressive feature.  It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.” – Henry David Thoreau

I hope you enjoyed the pics and quotes.  Thanks for taking the time to look at it.  I dedicate this blog to Dr. David Tripp a very accomplished artist, writer, and fishing buddy, who has inspired me in my work.  Thank you for your undying support.  Remember to spread the love.

Equine Pics

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Baby Lady Peppy Lena and EJ.

“I call horses “divine mirrors” – they reflect the emotions you put in.  If you put in love and respect and kindness and curiosity, the horse will return that.” – Allan Hamilton

A short blog this morning.  Some pictures of bundles of joy.  Hope you enjoy.

 

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EJ says “the eyes have it!”

 

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I am sexy ands I know it!

 

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Divot wants to show off her eyelashes!

Got to have some pics of the barn cats.

 

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Pretty and her offspring.

Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog.  Hope you enjoyed it.  Spread the love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bad Mood Not Allowed

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Big River near Leadwood, MO

” Nature and books belong to the eyes that see them.  It depends on the mood of the man whether he shall see sunset or the fine poem.” –Essays and Poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson “Experience”

According to Merriam-Webster mood is a conscious state of mind or predominant emotion.   Emerson shares with us his thought that what a person sees is dependent upon what type of mood one happens to be entertaining at the time.  A thought that after thinking about it, I find to hold a lot of truth.

How many times have we cheated ourselves out of a breath taking sunset simply because our mood wasn’t right?  Now I won’t argue the fact that if your mind is in the right place a beautiful sunset can change your mood if you allow it to but it doesn’t always happen that way.

I remember a time in my life that I had went camping with a group that everyone there seemed to put a capital “n” in negativity.  Sitting around the campfire that first night I knew I was in trouble.  I honestly can’t remember any of them saying something positive.  I let it infect me and my mood was horrible.  I didn’t get one good photo that weekend.  I was definitely not on my best game.  I didn’t really realize until sometime later how much your mood can dictate the quality of your photography, painting, writing etc..

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Big River near Leadwood, MO.

The two photos were taken by me in the summer of 2017.  They are pics of the same rock formation taken from different angles.  You look at it from different angles you get different views.  You see different details.  It is like looking at something in a good mood or a bad mood.  There are going to be things that don’t look the same.  This applies to life also, not just to your creative abilities.

I don’t care who you are but when you are in a bad mood and have to make a decision, ninety percent of the time it is going to be a bad decision.  For those of you who have lived with someone that has excessive, erratic mood swings, you know how much moods effect life AND you know how miserable they can be and you.

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Picture Of catch by my friend David.

 

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Same photo as above but unedited.

So if you would, imagine your moods like the filters I used with this photo.  Your mood decides what kind of day you are going to have just like the filter I used decides how colorful the fish is going to be.  I hope everyone is understanding what I am saying because moods are very instrumental in what kind of day you are going to have.

So remember when you get up in the morning and get that first cup of coffee in you, that it is time to start getting in that “good mood” you need to make your day enjoyable.  Tell yourself this is your day and no one is capable of messing it up unless you let them.  Put that smile on your face that is going to be greeting people all day long.  Clear yourself of any negativity.  Now go back to bed and say the hell with it!  JUST KIDDING!  Now put your big boy or girl panties on and go out into the world and ……… “Be happy, don’t worry, cause when you worry your face will frown and that will bring everybody down”……….

Thanks for reading my blog.  I hope you enjoyed it.  Remember to spread the love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits of Fishing

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“Fishing provides that connection with the whole living world.  It gives you the opportunity of being totally immersed, turning back into yourself in a good way.  A form of meditation, some form of communion with levels of yourself that are deeper than the ordinary self.” – Ted Hughes

Well the little rodent says that we are going to have six more weeks of winter.  That tells me that I am going to be fishing in the cold.  If you have never fished before you won’t understand but those of you who have, well you understand totally.

Fishing is something that can be shared among friends.  It is a way to get together and enjoy each others company and catch up on old news.  It is relaxing and a good way to recharge your spirit.  It is a great place to find yourself and cleanse your spirit of all the negativity that has latched onto it.

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My friend David and me at Bonne Terre Lake

 

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Mark’s grandson, David, Me, and Mark ready to float the river.

 

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Mark and David during a float on the Big River

We have been on a couple fishing trips and we all three graduated together so there is always lots to talk about and we always have a good time.  A fishing trip is one hell of a friendship bonding agent.  We try to schedule a fishing trip at least once a year.  it is always a good time.

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My fishing buddy (grandson) Catfish Kid

 

 

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Catfish Kid strikes again.

One thing I love about fishing is you can share it with the young-uns.  Me and the Catfish Kid caught some fish.  He sure does love to fish so we have drowned a bunch of worms.

Following pictures are of fish that I have caught.

 

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Channel  Catfish

 

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Largemouth Bass

 

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Smallmouth Bass

 

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One of the Big River’s panfish caught by David.

Last but not least.  If  you have never been fishing on the river before, the scenery can blow you away.  One of my favorite times on the river is in the fall when all the leaves are changing colors.

 

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Big River

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Big River

 

 

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Big River at Leadwood Access

I hope you enjoyed my little piece on fishing.  I can’t say enough good things about it.  If you are looking for a new adventure be sure and check out fishing.  It is laid back and very enjoyable.

Thanks for reading.  I hope you enjoyed it.  Remember to spread the love.

(All photos were shot by me)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter, the Circle Is Complete

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“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.” – John Burroughs

Here in Missouri we had an extremely mild November with very little moisture and let me tell you we could use the moisture.  It is so dry around here that when I let the dogs out in the morning the trees chase them.

December is the month that autumn rides off into the sunset and gives the reins to “old man winter”.  On Thursday, December 21 winter will officially begin and visit with us until March 20, 2018 at which time spring will once again grace us with its presence.  At this time the seasons have come full circle once again.  The last two winters have left very little snow on the ground and some mild temps and all I can hope for is a real winter this year.  There, I am out of the closet!

Yep, you guessed it.  I am one of those twisted, sick individuals that actually loves the snow.  I absolutely treasure a walk in the woods during and after a fresh snowfall.  The world is so serene and Mother Earth looks so clean and pure.  The most fascinating thing, to me anyway, is how quiet it becomes.  One can actually hear the snow falling.

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 “The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.  You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?” – J. B. Priestly

December ushers in the winter and at the same time marks the end of the year.  Winter is the only season that is part of the old year and the new year.   It is the time of year when Mother Nature can bring travel in the United States to a standstill with her massive snowstorms.  Plummeting temperatures can drive people indoors for extended lengths of time.  It’s a time of year that you either love or hate.   The days are shorter and the longer hours of darkness can cause depression.

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Winter can also be exciting.  I remember as a child when they predicted an accumulating snow I would break out the wax to wax the runners of my sled.  It was hard to sleep thinking about the winter wonderland that would be waiting at dawn.   A favorite winter treat was snow cream and hot chocolate gets an honorable mention.

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” – Edith Sitwell

So winter is once again upon us.  I haven’t checked the persimmon seeds or the wooly worms.  I haven’t checked the Farmers Almanac.  I think I will just let this winter surprise me with what is in store and not get my hopes up.

 

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Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  I hope you enjoyed it.  Don’t forget to spread the love.

Note:  All pictures were taken by me and are the property of Double D Acres LLC.

 

 

A Little Bit About Henry David Thoreau

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Monsanto Lake

“I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of the time.  To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating.  I love to be alone.  I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” – Henry David Thoreau, Walden

I think one reason that I find the work of Thoreau so magical is because of the many things I feel we have in common, I too love to be alone.  Is it indicative of a selfish person?  I would hope not.  I personally don’t consider myself a selfish person.  I would like to think of it as a trait of someone that is independent and a survivor.  I am not what I would call a very materialistic person.  I am just a simple man who isn’t fond of drama and keeps negativity at a great distance.

In 1845 Thoreau built a cabin upon the shores of Walden Pond, a lake in Concord Massachusetts.  For the next two years, two months, and two days he would record his experiences as he learned to eliminate the material and spiritual details that trespass upon our happiness.  I can’t help but think what conclusion he would have come to today in a world dependent on modern technology?  Would he have been able to pull it off?  Yes I think he could have.

Walden: Life In the Woods was published in 1854.  It was a reflection upon the two years he spent living the simple life as a way of declaring self-reliance and independence.  Some folks have even referred to it as a manual for self-reliance.  During this time he wrote his first book, “A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers”.

 

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Monsanto Lake

 

“I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.  I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary.” Henry David Thoreau

I can’t emphasis enough, how envious of Thoreau I am.  In a situation such as he created, I would think that one would learn to love themselves.  I am a firm believer that if one wants to succeed in life they must learn to love themselves.  I have spent two weeks by myself in the woods living the “simple life” and learned a lot about myself during that time.  I can only imagine what one would learn in two years.

I suppose though that this “alone time” could be detrimental to some folks suffering from depression.  It is hard for those folks to be alone and some definitely don’t need all that time to think.  If those people could train themselves to live this time alone and at the same time deal with depression I think it would be very beneficial to them.  Maybe, just maybe it would be a good avenue to use to defeat their demons and learn how to keep them away.

Thanks for reading my blog and I hope you enjoyed it and the pics I shot.  The pictures are of Monsanto Lake located in the St. Joe Park located in St. Francois county near Park Hills, MO.  I could just see myself living in a cabin on the shores of the lake for two years.  Don’t forget to spread the love.

 

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Monsanto Lake

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”  Henry David Thoreau, Walden: Life in the Woods

 

 

 

Some of My Pics

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Bourbeuse River near Union, MO

 

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Bourbeuse River near Union, MO

This shot I took early one morning and temps were around 42 degrees and the fog was rising.

 

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My childhood friend David Tripp

David and I have known each other since the second grade.  Dr. Tripp is a retired educator who claims two passions, painting and fly-fishing.  He is a very talented artist and writer.  You can see some of both at davidtripp.wordpress.com.

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A little dock diving.

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Amazing what one can do with the photo software out there.

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New addition to the farm, EJ our little cow bred filly.

 

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Eros and Kate

I have bored you long enough.  Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed.  Spread the love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver Mines Recreation Area

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Turkey Creek meets St. Francis River/Silver Mines

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” – John Muir  Our National Parks

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St. Francis River/Silver Mines

I would like to share with you an area in Madison County Missouri located along the St. Francis River.  It is a piece of paradise named Silver Mines Recreation Area.  It is part of the old Einstein Mines where the Einstein Mining Company began mining silver, tungsten and lead in 1877 and ceased mining in 1946.  The area is known  for its Precambrian and felsite rocks.

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St. Francis River/Silver Mines

Silver Mines offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is abundant with historical and geological wonders.  The St. Francis River is the only river in Missouri classified as a “white water” river.  It is very popular with kayakers during the spring high water.  Parts of the river are used for swimming, other parts are good fishing and the state holds an annual kayaking competition the third weekend of March, providing  the water levels are sufficient.  There is a two mile trail that follows both sides of the river with some breath taking views, for those addicted to hiking.

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St. Francis River/Silver Mines

When I was younger we would meet my grandparents there and camp for the weekend.  I took a couple of walks down memory lane and I recalled all the good times we had there.  It was all tent camping and sometimes it got rough.  There were some great camp sites and the park was well maintained.  The area is alive with spectacular scenery and is occupied by many varieties of wildlife.

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St. Francis River near Fredericktown, MO

“In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks.” – John Muir

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St. Francis River/Silver Mines

“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out til sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” – John Muir

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St. Francis River/Silver Mines

 

“Any fool can destroy trees.  They cannot run away; and if they could, they could, they would be destroyed – chased and hunted down as long as fun or a dollar could be got out of their bark hides, branching horns, or magnificent bole backbones.” – John Muir

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St. Francis River/Silver Mines

Well I hope you enjoyed reading and I thank you for taking the time to do so.  We are blessed with some very nice state parks in Missouri and I tip my hat to the Missouri Conservation Department.  If you have never been here, be sure and put it on your bucket list.  Spread the Love!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imagination: A Good Thing to Possess

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I named this rock formation “Alien Rock”

I didn’t get on the river until around 4:30 p. m. and I knew I wouldn’t have time to do a lot of fishing.  I did realize that the retreating sunlight should present some great photo ops so I began looking for those shots that would show the amazing beauty of Mother Nature.

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My mind was working overtime and my imagination was like that of a 60s “flower child” who had taken a hallucinogenic drug.  I took several pics of the rock I had named “Alien Rock” trying to capture what I was seeing in my mind.  I think the above pic was the best picture to portray what I was seeing and I hope you can see it too.

To me it looks like an alien’s head slowly ascending out of the water just revealing its eyes and nostrils that had just broke the surface of the water.  I imagined it rising completely out of the water revealing a body as tall as the bluffs around it.

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Well, maybe I am losing it.  Maybe the crazy stuff going on in the world is finally taken its toll on me.  Maybe I have drank too many Jack and Cokes in my life time.  Naw, one can’t drink too many Jack and Cokes.  I got it, I need to quit drinking the kool-ade!  That’s it!

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge.  That myth is more potent than history.  That dreams are more powerful than facts.  That hope always triumphs over experience.  That laughter is the only cure for grief.  And I believe that love is stronger than death.” – Robert Fulghum;  All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Thoughts On Common Things

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Was the alien there extracting lead from underneath the river bed; after all this is part of the old lead belt, or was he looking for a McDonald’s fish filet sandwich?  Maybe he is stashing green kryptonite in case he ever had a run in with Superman?  Was he a game warden in disguise spying on me.  Oh so many possibilities!

Hello, earth to Wayne.  Well back to regular programming.  Once I figured out what the alien was doing I began floating back to what the locals call the “Bone Hole” and fished as I went.  I managed to catch a small largemouth and several small perch.  I think the alien must have scared the fish off.  Oh crap, it is getting dark.  Where did that alien go?  I am skeered I tells ya!

“Logic will get you from A to Z; Imagination will get you everywhere”. – Albert Einstein

I hope you enjoyed today’s blog.  I am a firm believer that great artists ( painters, writers, musicians, etc.) are full of imagination.  I feel it is a must to be really good at what you do.  I think we need to emphasize it more than we do.  One can not suffer from too much imagination; well maybe I need to rethink that one.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  It is deeply appreciated.  Remember to spread the love.

 

 

My Sanctuary

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“The gross heathenism of civilization has generally destroyed nature, and poetry, and all that is spiritual.” – John Muir

It was a little late in the evening when I decided to load the yak and do some fishing on the Big River.  I spent more time taking photos than fishing.  There was a hint of the approaching fall season on the leaves of the trees.  The temp however left one shaking their head in disbelief, as I did, wondering if we were going to bypass fall this year.  I could see that my sanctuary was preparing itself for a dance with autumn.

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“Fall has always been my favorite season.  The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” – Lauren DeStefano, Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1)

The river is my sanctuary.  I feel safe there.  I feel content and satisfied no matter how bad life has been to me.  You can talk to the river and if you listen very carefully you will here its answer manifested in the sounds of the rapids or the croaking bull frogs.  The river has been responsible for some great concerts in the past.  It usually starts with a choir of crickets and bull frogs, followed by the bass created by the beaver slamming its tail upon the water.   Then if you are lucky you will hear a pack of coyotes join in with their howl and high pitched yips.  If there is a full moon overhead reflecting its beautiful light upon the river; then it is a perfect night.

In my sanctuary I recharge my spirit and cleanse my soul.  I become one with the river.  If you learn to use Mother Nature’s river you will be surprised at what it can do for your self esteem.  If you have never meditated on the river you have no idea how you can really cleanse the garbage from your mind that you acquired by the negativity that tried to creep into your life.

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The next time you are on the river slow down and observe what really goes on.  Focus on all the wild life that lives within the banks of the river.  Do yourself a favor and even start keeping a Journal of your time on the river.  Notice how the riparian system works to make the river better.  There are so many things that work together to keep the river alive.  If you have never been on the river then by all means make plans to visit a river near you.

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As a point of clarification, I really do like all rivers even the big ones.  I prefer the Ozark streams to the Mississippi or the Missouri.  The Show Me State has been blessed with several pristine streams.  The Bourbeuse, Current, Jacks Fork, Meramec, Courtois, Black, Eleven Point just to name a few.

Now for the part that gets my panties in a wad and always will.  PUHLEASE!  Pack your trash out with you.  Don’t leave it laying around on the sand and gravel bars.  NEWS FLASH!!!!  One does not need a special permit to buy trash bags.  They are readily available and if you need instructions as how to use them I would be glad to give you instructions.  No one has ever reported any deaths that can be attributed to picking up your trash.

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“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

John Muir was known as “John of the Mountains” .  He loved the wilderness but had a special place in his heart for the mountains.  My friend David Tripp calls me the “river sage” which in return I usually give a pretty good chuckle.  I love the wilderness also but I call the river my sanctuary.

I want to thank everyone that took the time to read my blog.  Thank you.  (All photographs were taken by me.)

Spread the love!