Wednesday, July 22, 2009

little lamb / young girl


L - Nikon 200mm / T - Nikon Sigma 30mm

It was such a joy to visit the little lambs each morning and in the evening before bed, to hear their little baa-baas, to watch them play and feed and feel their soft wool. They lived right outside our dwelling place – that's what the homes where called there at Shaker Village. The reunion was such a success. We had 29 out of 36 of our family members attending - the children played ball while the senior adults sat in the cool air (temperatures not exceeding 70) and told stories, the young adults like myself (actually I can't really call us that anymore I suppose) went off together, hiking and shooting photos, touring the grounds, etc. . We ate together and talked in the evenings with our cups of coffee and homemade desserts, then walked the steps to our humble sleeping quarters. And on the last day we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways once again - til next year. The last day is always frustrating to me – there is always someone I regret not spending enough time with or things I didn't get to see and do. I realize that I spent too much time taking photos of scenery instead of the people that mean the most. Thankfully my brother took photos of family and sent a slide show of his images soon after I returned home. It really was a nice time. Aren't photos the best – you can once again hear the children's laughter, you can remember his wise words... you can feel the warmth of family. And isn't all that more important than trying to capture a field of haystacks at sunset? / i took over 100 photos of her. i taped tree branch "antlers" to her back and photographed her in an old river cabin. you may have seen the ones i took of her last year in a wildflower field with a bunny mask on - she is a true sport, so willing to please - a great little model.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love family reunions...my family was too small to have them, but I'm always willing to attend with someone elses with them.

Anonymous said...

Silly me...my comment didn't make sense...I was talking to John instead of proofing. Scratch the (with) after attend...and it will be a bit better.


I also meant to say that I hope you'll show us a lot of the photographs both with and without people.

margie said...

reunions. good for the soul.

georgia b. said...

hearing more specifics about the reunion is heartwarming. so true about taking the people pictures, too. especially while you have them all together. my extended family is all over the country—even some in other countries. it's difficult to get pictures of just some, let alone all at once.

i love the two photos together. almost the same photo color- and composition-wise. and even both with a similar feel—of innocence and simplicity. so so lovely.

the antlers shoot sounds so neat. you are lucky to have a cooperative model. my nephews cover their faces if i just point the camera in their direction. what's your trick? :)

robin bird said...

you describe so well the experience of being with your family. i too can hear the sounds of the children, feel the lamb's sweet coat and imagine the taste of the food. i am really looking forward to seeing your (taylor) photos of your antlered faerie! please get them up as soon as you can!
XO

Gayle said...

Oh, family reunions are the best! We used to have them at my grandmother's house when I was a kid. They are such a fun memory!

Relyn Lawson said...

OK, T - We've gotta see more of those pictures. This one is a small blessing. L, I am so glad that you enjoyed such a marvelous time. I've missed you while I've been away.

gkgirl said...

such sweet photos...
:O)

{and i heart reunions...}

ELK said...

oh the metaphor between the two images ...such clear beauty in the reds and whites, I hate goodbyes.....

Puna said...

Such a great line that you draw in your diptych.

footnote

The photos on the left are taken by me, Leslye, the mother. The photos on the right are taken by my daughter, Taylor – unless otherwise noted. Comments are always welcome. thanks
If you care to visit, I, Leslye, have another blog - AutumnSun where I ramble around different paths and pleasures of my own.