Life is not about the memories of yesterday. It is about creating memories right now…..today. I have created my share but I regret that I rushed through a few friendships, and created far fewer memories than were possible. Never miss the opportunity to turn an ordinary day, or an ordinary friendship into one you will never forget.
My favorite species of turtle in this part of the world, is the Blanding’s. Their soft cartoonish eyes say it all. These gentle turtles are almost friendly. I have stopped my car and moved many turtles off of roadways. One time with a Blanding’s I stopped traffic to do so. Special friends need special treatment.
I will always remember this North American Beaver. That is partially because I found him at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area and that is a place of fond memories. I created those memories today, and then today soon became yesterday. It is also because this fellow let me get out of the car, set up my tripod and photograph him. A special animal in a special place creates a special memory.
The richly colored and textured Navajo Sandstone rock forms of Utah’s Arches National Park, burn in my mind like it was yesterday. My photographs are not necessary to keep the pictures in my mind. I can feel the morning light and a see the cool blue skies and the warm rock as they play with each other. I made friends while I was at Arches. Both the desert and the people are entrenched in my mind. I made this trip before most of us had the internet and those friends have long disappeared into my past. Just the same we made strong memories while we had the chance.
In two days (1992 I believe) at Arches I met exactly two serious photographers. One a pro and the other an amateur. There were a handful of snapshot shooters but most people satisfied their need for picture memories by purchasing books and prints at the gift shot. I was proud that a few years down the road, the photos that were being bought included mine.
Spring is surely coming and in no place is spring grander than the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee/North Carolina. This trip and the road this image was made from, are both great memories. Partially because the road was driven with my great friend Ron, and partly because it is a great road. Dirt, narrow, rough and high. Those are the things that make memories. That is Cade’s Cove and the famous little white chapel that you see down below. Never hesitate to make memories today, so they will be there tomorrow.
For today’s photographer links, let’s take a trip into the world of nature abstracts. While I am not the photographer to specialize in abstracts, I appreciate and oft-times revere the art. I have always made them when I saw them. There is nothing like exploring nature (and other places) for shape, color and light. Abstracts are rarely complicated or hard to figure out, they are most often simple and basic. It takes a complex mind however, to see the elegance and natural design within the picture. You will find that a good portion of abstracts are macros.
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I am always appreciative of the chance for us to visit. Please return, Wayne
Earth Images Blog by Wayne Nelson 
So true about the memories and friendships, hindsight is 20/20, an old expression that never gets old.
Well said Gary. I appreciate your coment.