Here I’ll share with you what was magical about this special bird and it’s photo;

I wrote it in a blog but not everyone can access that so I’m going to put a copy right here for posterity as it’s part of the background to where the concept of Our Enchanted Garden comes from!

This was a blog entry for August 31, 2006 at a now defunct site;

I got to counting my blessings today and realized I lose count each time I start…. Not because of alzheimer’s, because there are so many! I say this quite often and some people wonder what the heck I’m talking about. It’s a point of view that has incredible benefits! It is an affirmation of what I have often said, that life is a blessing and the natural world in which we live is a blessing!

For some it is a blessing in disguise, only because they have overlooked some of the most beautiful things that fill their lives, too busy doing and worrying and attempting to reach some pinnacle. And their attempts to reach such heights are truly noble I don’t deny that! There’s no judgement meant in this comment! It is fabulous for people to follow their dreams and attempt to make a difference in the world. And it makes no difference what a person’s life might be, in my mind.

My camera has been a tremendous tool for me and helps me connect with elements of the natural world that reach into my very soul and connect me with a special energy that is truly, profoundly, moving. That simple tool has broadened my idea of what an enchanted garden is all about because often I have been blessed to have been able to witness nature’s magic in action through my lens and the many creatures and plant life forms that arrive in the garden or before my camera. Some by chance and some by design, these life filled entities are my models and more importantly; my teachers. Awakening me to the beautiful and magical natural world that unfolds with amazing regularity before our very eyes, whether we notice it or not.

I’ve been patiently waiting to see the new generation of goldfinches that I knew should be maturing enough to fly soon, and this morning I was blessed with the opportunity to see the fledglings in the birch tree in our front yard. and to get a few shots, the above is a favourite;

This little creature is a youngster that still tends to cry out and open its wings a bit and request food which is offered more often by the male than the female…but mother is also harder to see in the cover of the birch branches and leaves. Turns out the tree is a perfect nursery for them though I have no idea where their nests are! I am certain some are nearby! Once again my wishes were answered and nature’s whimsical, synchronistic ways of making things happen displayed itself to me yet again! I lose count of my blessings…they’re incredibly abundant and I am so grateful for the chances to witness them.

via Baby goldfinch and my Blog copied here! on Flickr – Photo Sharing!.

Packaging Some Pretty Autumn Colors

The beauty is fleeting, the season very temperamental and as anyone who enjoys dabbling in photography can attest to; the catch as catch can mode of operation is exhilarating when things work out.  We can happily skip those memories of the moments when nothing worked!  Besides it is such an inspiring season who can resist snapping shots on walks and drives around and about?

I admit to convincing my partner John to drive, wandering country roads in and around our area near sunrise or getting near to sunset just so we could find some interesting subjects to photograph.  It’s often worked, sometimes we call it “chasing the light”, depending on what the weather’s like. There have been days when we literally did chase the light down the highway or country side-road to capture that special sparkle that comes from just the right alignment of light.

Check out this slide-show featuring photographs tagged autumn and taken through 4 different years;

or use this link;

Fall Color Slide Show if the flash application above won’t work for you, and enjoy the view!

With love,

… from the garden.

***I couldn’t resist using this cute shot to accompany a little poem i wrote 4 years ago.***

I live a life
enchanted
at least it looks
that way to me
perhaps
if you would
take a look
that’s not quite
what you’d see
but does it make
a difference
who’s perception
is correct
if, in the end
we’re all here
simply to
connect?