Where’s the Slice of Life?

When I need a slice of life, I get up, grab my camera, and step out. A walk around the block usually gives me something to notice and note.

Stepping out the door I hear the birds talking. I can’t see any birds, but they are definitely vocal. No picture, but I file the sound in my mind. I will need that detail for my slice.  I’m still walking down my driveway, should I turn around and call it good? No, not yet. I need a picture.

Strolling down the street, I notice the neighbor has two bird nests in his tree. I zoom in on the closest one. I wonder how many bird’s nests are in the neighborhood. Now I have a focus for my walking. Better not stop yet.

This nest is pretty small, I wonder if it was built by a hummingbird.

WhThis nest is pretty small, I wonder if it was built by a hummingbird.Whil

While I was focusing on the nest, I happened to look up. Crisscrossing lines streaked the sky. Snap, snap, snap went my camera.

IMG_0750

I love studying trees in the winter. I began noticing some trees had lots of little branches growing out of the main branch. Some were so smooth, you would think someone had whittled away the bark. They would be perfect for roasting marshmallows. A few of the trees were already beginning to create leaf buds. Promises of foliage to come.

IMG_0752

Back home, I glance at the sky to discover, in that short period of time, the lines in the sky were obliterated by the clouds moving in. Glad I didn’t wait to take those pictures. Just in case you were wondering, I spotted fourteen bird nests. Wonder how many more will join them this year.

So next time you are stuck for an idea, take a walk and a camera. You never know what you might notice.

30 thoughts on “Where’s the Slice of Life?

  1. Love the photos you got on your photo walk. I talk a lot of sky and tree photos, as well as flowers and shadows. There are some great photo challenges – Shadow Shot Sunday (my fav. posts on Sat.), Sky Watch Friday (posts Thurs.) and lots of flower and macro ones as well.

  2. Physical exercise, Photo Fun, and Fantastic reflection.

    Beautiful images — love the looking up to the sky crosshatch of jets above your quiet neighborhood.

    Thanks for sharing.

  3. I’ve been noticing buds and birds myself. Just look how many ideas you could take off on. I am going to remember this way to collect ideas, not only for myself but also for my class.
    Thank you!

  4. beachhousefarmhouse says:

    Elsie, these photos are beautiful. I love visiting your blog. It is such a happy and peaceful place filled with beauty in so many ways. It is Sunday morning here and I am getting my camera out today. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂

  5. I always love your nature posts, elsie, but it never occurred to me that you sometimes grab that camera for the specific purpose of coming up with a slice! I love nature & pictures too, and I think I definitely need to take your advice next time I’m stuck for an idea! Thanks for the shift in my thinking! 🙂

  6. Great idea, and one I will use. I am looking out at a blue sky…and it might be a good time to take some shots. I love the nest picture you took…and I did wonder how many nests you might find on your walk through the neighborhood. I like taking a camera with me as it forces me to take my time…to be watchful…and I end up seeing things I would have missed if I just went for a stroll.

  7. Stunning.
    I love the way you and your camera catch nature’s variety of colors, shapes and textures and how the tree lines are mirrored in the sky lines. The bottom right sky line almost has a little nest at the end of it.

  8. All of a sudden, birds are much noisier & I’m hearing different ones. Still can’t ‘see’ them, but they’re busy, I guess building nests. Love that camera, Elsie. The first nest pic is wonderful.

  9. I am beginning to believe that you and I are kindred spirits. We both love nature and we both write about the small moments in nature that are so wonderful. I love your photos and hope I can get this technology under my belt this year so that next year I can post photos, too! You are my inspiration.

    QiGong…Not for Sissies!

  10. Lynn says:

    Beautiful photos! I actually love to look at trees my favorite are trees without leaves…I know sort of sounds weird but I love to see the architect of the branches! Great slice!

  11. As always, a great idea and beautiful photographs! It’s amazing when you force yourself to slow down and notice — you do! It’s a beautiful day here and we will spend most of it outside. I’ll be observing, noticing and snapping! Happy Saturday, Elsie!!

  12. I love the suggestion to get outside with a camera! It is a favorite hobby of mine, often I find the pictures useful in teaching or blogging.

  13. Judy C. says:

    Thanks for the idea. This morning I’m stuck, trying figure out of Max should speak or if I should find something else. It’s amazing how many things we are oblivious to when we go for a walk. Need to open my eyes and look – if it ever stops raining.

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