What in nature makes you relax? Is it the sound of the waves coming ashore, is it the sound of breeze blowing through palm trees or through a beautiful open desert canyon? In this hectic world around us, we all need time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. I work in a hectic office environment, though I love what I do, there are days that I just need to forget the day, and find a way to put it behind me and enjoy all the good in my life. For me, it's definitely taking out my camera and taking pictures. Of course my favorite subject is my daughter, but it's not one of her favorite things...so I go to my second, and that is nature. Living in Florida, we are surrounded by so much beauty. Though I am such an amateur and learning more each day, I still get out there and take pictures whenever possible. On average, when I go to the beach to shoot, I will take over 600 shots...so thankful for DSLR cameras and SanDisk...don't like any of them, one click and they're gone. Well, that's where I'm heading right after work this evening, the beach!!!
Yesterday was such a beautiful day, we decided to stay home and just relax around the house. Got the yard work done early in the morning, not much to do, just a little maintaining. My husband made his fabulous pork chimichanga, and a side of his (could eat the whole dish) black beans - so delicious. Both the pork and the beans have to simmer for hours, so I made some iced vanilla Chai tea and we just sat out front for a short time. Since we haven't had any rain in a few weeks, I got out the garden hose and just began to water the plants. About 45 minutes before the sun was about to set, I noticed the reflection off the water droplets on our Hawaiian Schefflera. I go into the house to get my camera before the water dried up, and didn't have my macro lens on, but placed the setting on my camera for macro and just took a few pictures. The first one is probably my favorite with the reflection of the schefflera captured in the droplet of water, but since I am a Bokeh junkie, I loved the natural Bokeh that the sun through the plants created. Just all very simple, since I wasn't trying for anything, I think they came out OK.
Sometimes the most simple things in life, like a droplet of water on a plant can be so peaceful, and makes one stop and realize there is so much beauty all around us, if we just take the time to sit back from time to time and enjoy it.
Hope everyone had a great weekend, and getting ready for the upcoming holiday weekend, I know I am...getting the menu and plans all ready...bring on summer!!!
