An Upside Down World

by Cathy

Do you remember as a child when you would hang upside down and see the world from a different perspective? I remember spending a lot of time during school recesses hanging upside down on the monkey bars watching the other kids playing. I pretended my world was right and they were running around upside down.  As I’ve aged I have found a way to experience the same magical perspective without being upside down and all the blood rushing to my head. I see reverse perspectives through water reflections.

Reflections are especially wonderful this time of year when the rich fall colors reflect on the blue water’s surface. While water itself is not blue, water gives off blue light upon reflections. The deep blue fall skies make the water even more blue. I spent some time recently near a lovely lake and was fascinated by the reflections.

One thing I really like about water reflections is that they’re easy to take. There’s no magic formula to follow. The hardest part is paying attention and learning to see them. When you find a shiny surface, whether it's a body of water or even wet pavement, pay attention to your position and what you see reflected in the water. Sometimes the reflections are better if you’re standing, but sometimes they more interesting if you’re at a low angle.

You also have the freedom of no rules to be followed. If you want the water’s edge across the horizontal center, put it there and you’ll find amazing symmetry. You alone decide where you want the water’s edge, how much you want to include in the photo, or how much you want to exclude.

Still water and moving water create totally different images. Still water gives you a crisp reflection, while moving water blurs that reflection. One of my favorite things to do is zoom in close and fill the frame with the reflection. Sometimes I leave a little bit of reality like the branch in the photo below. Filling the frame creates a gorgeous impressionist image.

As your contemplating your photo, remember to look for the light and see what it’s doing. In the photo below the morning sun rays were coming over the mountain to the left. Look toward the bottom and you can see those rays reflected in the water.

Sometimes you’ll find neat optical illusions such as in the photo below. The water is running down the spillway and suddenly takes a sharp turn to the right. By zooming in close, an image can be created that has others wondering "what is happening here?"

Our earth is covered with about 71% of water, take advantage of that. I encourage you to spend some time searching for reflections. Fall is the perfect time. The colors are so rich; the yellows, oranges, reds, and the blues of the water. 

As Terri mentioned on Monday our focus for the month of November is gratitude. As I stood by this lake with camera in hand I felt deep gratitude for the water we have to freely enjoy. 

The Power Of Water

By Cathy

Breaking waves, splashing fountains, gurgling creeks, rushing waterfalls, and dripping rain are incredibly soothing to listen to. When I reach a point where I’m stressed by everyday living and the many sounds that bombard me, something deep inside draws me to water.

I could sit for hours beside water, mesmerized by its sound, motion and color.

It doesn’t even have to be a lot of water. It can be a serene lake, a water fountain in a garden, a stream in the woods, or the sound of running bath water. All of these have the ability to take my mind to a peaceful place and give me a feeling of awe.

The calming effects of water is nothing new. In early Rome, baths were an important part of their life. There were pools that were thought to bring healing and there were baths where citizens went to find relaxation and to connect with others in a calm setting. I live near Hot Springs National Park which has been nicknamed “The American Spa.” Hot water that averages 143 degrees Fahrenheit flows out of the mountain from several springs. The first people to take advantage of the thermal springs were local Native Americans who build their sweat lodges near the springs. In the early 1800’s the springs were guaranteed as safe-to-drink water and bathing houses were established. Rich and poor came to bath in the soothing hot waters; to heal and relax. I’ve not taken a hot bath in the still existing bath houses, but I have enjoyed being near the springs and watching the stream rise as it meets the cooler air.

Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist, believes that we all have a “blue mind . . . a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment” that is triggered when we’re in or near water. I have to agree with him. When I’m near water I am calm, peaceful, happy, and satisfied with life.

If you can, treat yourself to the relaxation of water. Take a walk by the river or along a sandy beach. Sit quietly and be soothed by the sound of a waterfall or fountain. Take the time to relax, to daydream, and to restore your mind. Maybe you don’t have time for an outing, then simply wash the dishes or drink a glass of water. Whatever you do, stop to admire and appreciate the life-giving qualities of water.