Winter Birds ~ Dormant Bath...

I felt the time was ripe for me to visit a personal project of mine.  The bird bath a few buildings up.  Although it sits a number of feet from the end corner of the screened in porch of the end condo, it looks to be abandoned.  The only time I have seen water in it is due to rain.  Over the last several months, I have been taking pictures of the natural 'trash' that collects in the basin.  The collections of leaves, twigs, berries, etc. that accumulate have proven to be illustrative of whatever season is 'happening' at the time.  The images I have snapped are among my favorites.  My prior visits have found a certain amount of water in it. This visit really reflected Winter's presence.  The shedding of the old and dead to make way for the renewal of Spring.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

Some Trees Of Winter...

The time was ripe for a walk, and some therapeutic picture taking. Photography has become my chief way to clear the grey cells.  Hanging out with Mother Nature is another way that's right up there.  I took these yesterday (Friday).

After venturing out to an appointment mid-morning, I was pleased to see that the sky was growing dimmer, and the air started to cool.  The yin to go for an afternoon walk hit me, and thankfully it was still light enough out.  These shorter days of Winter throw me off.  I don't mind the longer nights as night is my favorite portion of the day, but I do require a certain amount of natural light for my flash-less photographs.

I could tell that there was a cloud cover rolling in, so I didn't plan to stay out long.  There was a possibility of scattered showers.  These types of forecasts never result in rain of any kind, but I didn't want to take the chance of getting caught 'out in it'.

From the moment I walked out the front door, a wind blew errantly across the small front porch.  The mood was beginning to darken as the grey clouds slowly took over.  There were patches of blue in the sky that were slowly disappearing.  As I headed toward the main entrance to the condos, my eyes were drawn to the stark nakedness of many of the trees.  Clear signs of Winter's presence.

The first shot I took is above.  The dark green masses dotting the chaotic collection of branches are the parasitic Mistletoe.  Mistletoe, although a symbol of fertility and Christmas's smooch inducer, is of the variety of plants that live off of other plants.  The usual host of choice for the poisonous growth is the Oak Tree, but I am pretty sure that the trees in the photo are not Oaks.  Oaks are built of stouter stuff.

I am a big fan of trees.  Period.  The trees of Fall and Winter are my faves. Fall for the colors.  Winter for the eerie delicacy some of the trees that drop their leaves take on.

The above picture is of dry and spent seed pods on a Crape Myrtle tree.  The fissures in them are really interesting looking.  I really like the dark quality of the pods in the picture, but in a few places you can make out some of the openings.  They are subtle, but they are there.

The wind was really blowing and the Spanish Moss hanging from the Sweet Gum tree above were swaying back and forth.  I was trying to get a shot of the moss hanging from the pictured branches, but the moss moved continually.  The tree is covered with the prickly sticky balls (a.k.a. monkey balls) the Sweet Gum produces. Although prickly, they do not really stick/prick the skin.

I continued on my route, cutting across the grassy area at the far end of the last building of our condo division, and swung back towards home by way of the marsh.  I came across the naked trees...well, naked except for the ever present and abundant moss...in these two pictures.  Over on the marsh side of the buildings, these stark trees created an atmosphere that felt like Halloween.  But then I do find the Halloween in everything...

I arrived back at home.  Feeling Zen and re-energized.  

Just as I predicted...no rain...

New Moon In Capricorn, Christmas Eve...

(Artist: David Palladini)

Today, December 24, 2011, marks the last New Moon of the year, with a New Moon in Capricorn.  The sign of Capricorn is a feminine earth sign, and this Moon is focused from a natural perspective, and a "ground"ed place.  We just saw the passing of the Winter Solstice here in the northern hemisphere a couple of days ago.  During this time of mid-winter, the landscape is one of serenity as nature takes a rest.  Things may appear in a complete state of dormancy, but there is a lot going on under the snow.  Under the dead and withered detritus released from flora.  Under it all, the soil...rich and fertile...is preparing for the arrival of Spring.

(Pan)

A God closely associated to Capricorn, is the God Pan.  Pan is the ruler of forests and mountains.  These natural realms can cause us to become calm and cause our minds to lose focus.  It is important to balance the sense of relaxation and calm with a focused mind so the way isn't lost. 

New Moons mark the time for new beginnings.  A time to look at things with a fresh perspective.  The current Moon and cycle is rife with positive energy.  This cycle is about aligning us with our sense of the goodness life has to offer.

This New Moon in Capricorn is close with Pluto in Capricorn.  It symbolizes deeper expression and feeling.  Tap into and pull from the love and happiness you have from within, and wash away any negativity that  may be trying to harsh your mellow.

A Trine from Jupiter in Taurus has been in effect, and still is.  There is a tremendous boost of goodness and positive energy.  Taurus is all about laying an organized foundation, forming solid plans before moving forward on something.  Capricorn is all about this, as well.  There is going to be an extra boost from this Trine on Christmas Day as stations will go direct.  During this period, it is not advisable to jump into a new situation too quickly as you could end up having to jump out just as quickly.  Take a moment to assess things to make sure expending the energy is worth it.

We can attract the important things to us.  The things we need.  Not the things we want.  Regardless of any anxiety we may be experiencing over 'what will happen next', our needs will be met.  We should take some time to strengthen our individual base structures, both external and internal.  With effort, anything is possible.  By boosting our positive healing energy, we can overcome doubts and bring hope into the equation.  Out there in the outside world, more often than not we measure individual success by level of prestige and money.  With the New Moon in Capricorn being connected to Uranus in Aries, now is the time to be inventive.  Think outside of the box rather than bending to the status quo.

There are two Semi-Sextiles.  1) The Sun/Moon in Capricorn will be in Semi-Sextile to Venus in Aquarius.  2) Mercury in Sagittarius will be in Semi-Sextile to Pluto in Capricorn.  This all favors strongly in the relationship department. Aquarius expresses its preference to approach a relationship in an open and even experimental way, whereas Capricorn prefers things to move slowly. Trying to find a happy medium between the two is advisable.

There is quite a bit going on here.  Pluto getting a brushing touch from Mercury can indicate the presence of obsession.  Sagittarius is partial to being right, and Capricorn can overstep pushing things too far.  During the holiday season, put the brakes on if feeling the need to be right.  Work on your listening skills.  It will most likely save you from a difficult and uncomfortable situation.

New Moons are full of possibility.  Relax and breathe it in.  Move forward in a slower calm manner, and enjoy time with friends and family.  This is not a time for big changes.

Trine:     An aspect of easy energy.  It creates an ease in life, enhances natural talents or abilities, and is an  enjoyable area of life.  Trines are generally positive.

Semi-Sextile:     A 30 degree Aspect.  A helpful Aspect, but not enough to considered an enhancement.

Aspect:     Planets within specific degrees of each other that create beneficial or negative attitudes, habits and energy.

Station:     The point in the orbit of a planet when it becomes either retrograde or direct; so termed because it remains stationary there for a few days before it changes it's course.

The Winter Solstice Is Nigh...

(This is an Advent Spiral. If you would like to know more about it, this link has some background.  The Spiral has a wide reaching foundation of many different spiritual beliefs.)

It is quite grey outside. The weather radar on television shows a large patch of green heading our way.  The forecasts said that we would be getting some intermittent showers during the day.  I am hoping for more.  It is the time of the Winter Solstice, and if I can't get snow for the occasion, rain would do just fine.

This Solstice marks the exact moment when the North Pole is the farthest from the Sun.  The exact moment that signifies the shift from lengthening days to shortening days.  It is the shortest day and longest night of the year.  I love the night.  Too bad that all days can't contain more dark than light.  (The Sun and I have never had a very good relationship.)  The North Pole has been in complete darkness for months now.  The inhabitants of the Pole won't see their next dawn until March.  I would love to experience months of darkness.  I have always been my most creative at night, so a night many months long would probably have my creative juices flowing in a torrent.

(Winter Solstice at Stonehenge)

The actual moment of the shift will be at 12:30 AM/EST.  People the world over have various celebrations to honor the Solstice.  Saturnalia, Midwinter, Yule...just some of the celebrations held.  The ancient Celts had massive bonfires. The ancient Japanese honored Amaterasu, the Japanese Sun Goddess.  The Vikings had Yule.  Most, if not all, of those celebrations are still held today.  One of the better known celebrations honoring the Solstice is the gathering at Stonehenge.  (That has a high place on my list of things I have always wanted to do.)

(Left: Celtic Bonfire;  Right: Japanese Sun Goddess, Amaterasu)

One of my favorite stories of the Winter Solstice is the Celtic/pagan story of the Oak King and the Holly King.  The two kings represent the two halves of the Celtic year.  They meet to do battle twice a year on the Solstices. On the Summer Solstice, the Oak King defeats the Holly King, taking reign of the seasons until the Winter Solstice when the Holly King wins.  The cycle continues each year.  (This is my Reader's Digest condensed version.)

(Artist: Anne Stokes)

The Holly King is the dark half.  His image is said to be what Santa's appearance is based on.  (Think a woodsier version of Mr. Claus.)  Holly represents Wisdom and completion.  The learning of life lessons, and the time for rest and withdrawal.

(I'm not sure who made the Oak mask on the left,
but the artist who created the Holly mask on the right is Lauren Raine.)

The Oak King is the light half.  His image is also presented as the Green Man.  Oak represents rebirth, Life, and growth.

It amazes me that the year 2011 is almost over.  Where did the time go?  It doesn't seem possible.  2012 is just around the corner, and I feel it is going to be a good year.  There is a lot being said about a day that falls exactly one year from today...huh...just noticed that.  Exactly one year.  I think we are going to experience some shifts.  Some changes.  All for the better.  No doom and gloom in my future...

Happy Winter Solstice, Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, _________________ (enter your holiday in space provided) to all.

Tybee & The Dawn...

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

I haven't posted to my blog in about a week.  My ongoing issues with screwed up sleep patterns haven't gone away, so most of my fully awake time...well, as close as I've been able to get to being "fully awake"...has been at night.  Not a time of day conducive to going on one of my therapeutic photography walks. By the time the Sun starts to make an appearance, I am usually diving into a state of lethargy that kills any motivation I might have had hours prior.

For the past week I have been planning trips to 'my' beach over on Tybee Island for some photo snapping and a dose of Zen.  It is usually vacant on week days, and since it has still been pleasant during the day (we've been getting temperatures in the upper 60's to low 70's lately), I have been promising myself that I would pay a visit to the North Beach by the Tybee Lighthouse.  (The red circle at the North end of the above map is the area where what I call "My Beach" is.)  I haven't heard of any 'official' name for the North beach other than "North beach".  At the edge of the large gravel parking lot on the land side of the sand dunes that skirt the inner side of the beach, there are signs posted about the beach being a nesting place for Sea Turtles. I haven't encountered the turtles as of yet, but I hope to some day.  That would be an incredible thing to experience.   Anyway, I named the beach myself (other than the aforementioned "My Beach"), and call it Turtle Beach.  After a week of planned and fizzled trips to Turtle beach, I finally made it over there yesterday (Friday) morning.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

Just shy of 7:00 AM, I hopped in the car, swung past Mickey D's for a coffee, and headed over what I like to call the 'land bridge' to Tybee.  The sky was still pretty dull and dim, as the Sun hadn't started to make it's appearance yet.  To either side of the road over, the low lying marsh grasses were shrouded with thick fog that hugged the ground.  The brown grasses were completely hidden from view beneath the ethereal blanket of white.  There weren't many cars on the road at all.  The gate to Fort Pulaski came up on the left, and across the small stretch of water I could see the fog filled remains of the structure.  I would have loved to check the fort out under these conditions, but it obviously wasn't open for visitors.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

I reached the island, and turned off the main drag towards the lighthouse. Tybee is not a big island at all.  I don't know its exact measurements, but I would say in length (north to south) it's probably around 2 1/2 miles long. Width wise I would say about 3/4 of a mile.  There are quite a few houses on it, but they are very small at the base.  To add more room, owners have built the structures up since building out isn't really an option.  Most of the little houses are really quaint.  It goes without saying that the business district is small, many of the privately owned businesses catering to the tourist trade. They hold annual events on Tybee, none of which I have attended.  On an average Summer day the traffic is pretty thick, but a special event creates bumper to bumper madness.  Tybee fills up quickly on days like that.  

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

I have the luxury of living by the Bull River Bridge which connects Savannah to the "land bridge" over to Tybee.  It is the only way to get on or off of the island. If I feel like a trip to the island, I can look at the traffic level and that will help me decide whether it's worth it.  Yesterday morning, I knew it would be quiet on the roads and on the island...no events, so no crowds of people.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

When I pulled into the long gravel parking lot, there was only one vehicle (a non-descript and weathered white van) parked by the central wooden foot bridge over to the beach.  It took me a minute to find one of the 'pay parking' machines that was in working order.  I could see that the sky beyond the dunes was lighting up some, an almost neon looking orange brilliance cutting horizontal veins across the grey.  Having slipped my change in the meter, placed the little card it spit out on my dashboard, and grabbed my Batman bag containing my necessities, I started snapping shots of the brightening dawn as I mounted the walkway.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

A dread-locked gentleman who I can only assume was the vans' owner, was the only other life on the beach other than a huge colony of Seagulls foraging for munchies in the sand near the breakwater.  The man was standing by one of the wooden swings near the mouth of the sandy pathway I was exiting, and as I got closer I could see the massive lens protruding from his camera.  It appeared that he was there to snap pictures of the dawn, too.  Thankfully, he was wrapping things up just as I got there.  One person wouldn't have harshed my mellow that much, but I had been looking forward to flying solo.  As he headed towards the parking lot, I continued snapping pictures of the brilliant orange orb.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

The temperature was right around 50 degrees, so my denim jacket was a welcome companion.  I proceeded to walk to the waters' edge, and to take in my surroundings.  The loose sand of the beach away from the water was covered in foot altered mounds that looked like hundreds of tiny sand dunes. The shadows cast around them by the rising sun added to the image.  The top of the sand was also peppered by bits of shell and the occasional fleck of beach glass.  The Sun caused them to glint like tiny diamonds.  I tried to capture the sparkling effect in a picture, but couldn't.  Near the path back to the parking lot was a mound of beach chairs, secured together until busier times.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

From the lacy layers of foam created by the tides washing up on the smooth tan of the shore, to the barnacle and fungus encrusted rocks of the breakwater, "Turtle Beach" delivered exactly what I went there for.  Some time to unwind and get out of my own head.  To listen to the sounds of the water and waves...to meditate through exercising my creativity.  Spending time in a natural setting, and feeling the cycles of time and tide moving around me.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

After spending a little over an hour on the beach, I decided to drive around Tybee a bit before heading       back.  I made my way to the southern end of the island, where I found another walkway to the beach.  I still had some time on my parking pass from before, so I pulled over and hopped out for some more photos.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

Like the other beach, it was devoid of people.  There seemed to be quite a bit more plant life closer to the water.  From my vantage point on the wooden foot bridge, I could tell that this most likely wasn't a swimmers beach.  The water was obviously filled with chaotic currents that buffeted against one another.  It was quite obvious that the stretch of water out there held a lot of rough and treacherous rip currents.  However, the churning water did look quite beautiful sparkling in the suns rays.

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

(Photo: Lisa Erin Brown)

When I got home I felt so relaxed.  So calm.  I am looking forward to my next photo taking journey.  It will definitely be sooner than later.