Life -
Lately, I've been reflecting on my life and realizing just how blessed I am for all the different paths I've traveled, all the experiences (both wonderful and extremely challenging) I've had, and realizing how each one of those things was part of making me the person I needed to be right at this moment, here and now.
One of the most important things I've learned about life is that it is a continuous process of adjustment. Just when you get to a point where things seem to be exactly how you want them, life comes along and changes them so that you have to adjust again. And then again. And again.
When I think back over all the different careers I've had, I see that my career as an actor taught me the most about adjustment because when you choose that path, your sense of certainty is forever challenged. Acting, especially in the theater, leaves you with a feeling of uncertainty every time you step onstage because no matter how well you prepare, things will inevitably change because theater is live. Therefore, anything can happen. Just like life.
Nature -
And just like life, nature adjusts with each passing season; symbolizing the changes that, we, as humans, all go through.
I find nature to be the greatest teacher of life.
It reveals to us that life is a continuous movement. At times it appears to accelerate and at other times slow. Change is synonymous with movement.
-Spring: a time of phenomenal renewal. The earth reawakens from her slumber and explodes with new life. Spring is symbolic of starting new projects, sewing new seeds, and coming forth with new ideas.
-Summer: a time of light, joviality, expression, and wholehearted action. To be sure, this season is symbolic of the vitality inherent within every heart.
-Autumn: a time of transition, taking stock of all the bounty and provision we’ve been afforded. A time for itemizing our blessings and recounting our joys.
-Winter: a time of introversion, contemplation, and going within. Winter invites us to quiet the mind, still the soul, and crystallize our inner workings; gaining purity and clarification.
For me, spending time with nature is paramount because not only does it ground me, but it also clears my mind, and strengthens my body.
Living in a city, with all its over-stimulation, spending time in nature is essential to achieve a balance. Particularly now, with all the negative energy, crime, and violence encompassing this city, I find nature an energetic healing salve. So, needless to say, I spend a great deal of my free time in our parks.
This past Sunday, I grabbed myself an Americano at a new coffee shop in Old City and then walked to several of my favorite small parks that are tucked away on side streets.
After spending time in nature, I come away feeling much more at ease with the things that make me feel stressed and out of control. Nature gives me the perception to notice all the good and beautiful things in life, which makes the stressful things dissipate.
By the end of my afternoon on Sunday, I felt renewed.
Sharing Spring -
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Ron, don't ever apologize for sharing your photographs. I always enjoy looking at them. You have such a great eye! The colors you captured are gorgeous. Did you shoot these on macro mode? I can't believe how close you got. And they're so sharp and clear.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, your words of wisdom have inspired me. So true what you say about life being an ever-changing series of adjustments. GOD, how true! I'm going through something right now where I am struggling with not wanting things to change. However, I know from the past that things will change regardless of whether I want it.
And you're right, nature is such a perfect example of that.
"Nature gives me the ability to notice the beautiful things in life, which helps me with the stressful things in life and feel more in control of how I move through them. " -- gonna spend some time in nature this week!
Thank you for sharing your life, Ron. You da' man! xoxo
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweet lady! :) And yes, I did shoot many of these photographs on macro mode! The flowers and colors were do gorgeous that day, I wanted to capture it up close! And believe it or not, I took ALL of these using my cell phone camera.
I too am going through something right now, that has to do with living in this city. So, I'm trying to stay positive and focus on the good and the beauty, until I get a clear "knowingness" of what I can do.
That's why I've been spending A LOT of time outside in nature. It's amazing to me how much better I feel after doing so, and how my whole perspective changes.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a grrrrreat week!
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"-Spring: a time of phenomenal renewal. The earth reawakens from her slumber and explodes with new life. Spring is symbolic of starting new projects, sewing new seeds, and coming forth with new ideas."
ReplyDeleteThat is SO TRUE about spring because that's exactly how I feel at this time. I feel that way about autumn as well. Both seasons seem to be a time a change, growth, and rebirth.
Each one of these photographs are so lovely. They have such a beautiful texture to them. And that photo of the single green leave in bloom is stupendous. I love the contrast between the delicate leaf and the rough wood chips!
I never tire of your photographs, Ron. So continue to bring them on!
Good evening, Candice!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that explanation so spot on?!?!? And me too, that's exactly how I feel at this time too! And as you know, autumn is my VERY, VERY favorite season, so I feel that way when October gets here!
" Both seasons seem to be a time a change, growth, and rebirth."
YUP!
Thank you! That photo of the single green leaf is one of my personal favorites. I like it because it's simple, but potent. Green is one of my favorite colors (pink being the other). That's why I included a GREEN section in my collection. LOL!
Always so nice to read your comments, Candice. Thanks so much for stopping by tonight!
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Ron, these photos are INSANELY gorgeous! You have such a talent with the camera, man! I don't remember if I asked you this in the past, but did you go to a school for photography, or had any other kind of training?
ReplyDeleteThat yellow flower towards the bottom is incredible. The petals looks so delicate. That flower is so perfect, it looks artificial. I looks like a silk! And that red one above it? The same. It's stunning.
Green is one of my favorite colors, so I love your pics with all that luscious green.
So true about the ever-changing constant adjustment to life. I used to think that when finally got my life in order that it would stay that way and I'd live happily-ever after. lol! NOT!
I enjoyed your reference to the changing seasons and how they reflect the changes of life.
Beautifully expressed post, Ron. As usual!
Hellooooooooo there, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteMuch thanks, my friend! And no, I never had any formal training in photography. I'm self-taught through trial and error. I learn best that way. But every since I can remember as a kid, I always had such an attraction to photography. I would sit for HOURS in a library or bookstore and look through countless books of photographs, especially black and white photography. Herb Ritts and Richard Avedon were my all-time favorite photographers.
"Green is one of my favorite colors, so I love your pics with all that luscious green."
OMG!!!! I can't believe you said that because GREEN is my favorite color too. And I love all different shades and tones of green. It's such a calming and healing color. I also like pink. It's such a happy color!
" I used to think that when finally got my life in order that it would stay that way and I'd live happily-ever after. lol! NOT!"
HA! Me too! But that's the way I was taught (by both my parents and school teachers) when I was a growing up. Once your life was in order, that meant security. NOT!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! And for you kind words. Have a faaaaaaaabulous week!
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Ron, I love the quote you shared in that final photograph. I love this whole post! And you couldn't have timed it any better because I'm currently going through the process of adjustment, but your words give me hope and confidence that I can do it. Funny how life imitates nature, and nature imitates life, hu? But it's so true!
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are just beautiful. I look at them and find it hard to imagine them being from a city. They look like they were taken out in the country. I am so glad you have parks where you live so that you can spend time in nature. So important to have "naturetime."
That tree trunk surrounded by greens leaves is my favorite. It's gorgeous.
Thank you for sharing the beauty in nature, Ron!
Ron, you're so right about spring and autumn, they are the quickest of all the seasons. However growing up, they (as with all the seasons) seemed longer and more definate. Now, they seem to flip-flop back and forth to the point where I can't tell what season it is. They seem to be happening all at once. LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou captured some stunning photos. Each one more beautiful than the next. The colors jump off the screen! The 5th photograph from the top looks like a delicate lotus. Gorgeous! Love the texture of the tree trunk/roots.
What you said about this city is so true. My husband and I find ourselves not going out after dark. Where I live, the crime and violence is becoming more and more the norm. And what confuses me is why nothing is being done about it. But have you noticed more people leaving Philly? I have.
Thank you for sharing the beauty, Ron. I admire your ability to always look for the good. xo
Morning, Abby!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that quote stellar? I found it online and thought it was perfect for this post.
I think a lot of people are going through adjustments right now. There just seems to be a great deal of tension in the air, not only in the U.S., but all over the world.
"Funny how life imitates nature, and nature imitates life, hu? "
Yes!
And you're right, it is so important to have "naturetime." I always feels so much better (renewed) after a day in the park. Philadelphia (as crappy as many areas are) has some beautiful, tucked-away little parks that I like to go to. They allow me to disassociate from all the negativity and focus on the beauty.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! Have a great Tuesday and week!
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I enjoyed reading the different symbolic meanings of the seasons, Ron. Thank you for sharing that. Like you, I definitely enjoy getting out and exploring nature. I’m glad you have those parks to go to, because otherwise, you’d go nuts living in the city!!! But I cant believe how many different blooms you found!?! Were you really at Trader Joe’s in the flower section?🤣🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteYou found some beauties. I’ve been enjoying the trees so much this year. I think most are crabapples and red buds, but even the bushes with white flowers are pretty.
Thanks for another pretty post! Enjoy your week, my friend. ❤️
Gooood morning, Elaine!
ReplyDelete"growing up, they (as with all the seasons) seemed longer and more definite. Now, they seem to flip-flop back and forth to the point where I can't tell what season it is. They seem to be happening all at once. LOL!"
You are SPOT on about that! I remember when I was a kid and it would be very cold in October. Now however, it doesn't get cold until January. Last year we had 80 degree weather at the end of November! You can hardly tell what season we're in. Ha!
You're right, that does look like a lotus!
" Where I live, the crime and violence is becoming more and more the norm. And what confuses me is why nothing is being done about it. But have you noticed more people leaving Philly? I have."
I think that's the question on everyone's mind here - WHY is nothing being done about it? And yes, I have noticed people leaving Philly. I've had many of my clients tell me that it's time to exit the city. One of my clients who has a home here and in France, is moving back to France this summer because she's OVER this city.
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Stay safe and have a fabulous week!
X
"Were you really at Trader Joe’s in the flower section?🤣🤣🤣"
ReplyDeleteOMG, that cracked me up! It DOES look like I took these in the flower section of Trader Joe's!!!! The majority of these were taken in a beautiful little garden behind a church in Old City. Others, I took in various places such as, flower boxes in front of a hotel and window boxes in front of a few homes in Old City. Aren't the blooms STUNNING? I was so happy I was outside that day because I discovered a plethora of beauty!
" I’m glad you have those parks to go to, because otherwise, you’d go nuts living in the city!!!"
Meeeeeeeeeeeeee too! And sometimes I think I AM going nuts. HA! On my days off, I have also been taking the Regional Rail Train out to the burbs because it's so much more calm and peaceful there.
Yes, aren't the trees beautiful this year?
Thanks so much for stopping by this morning, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!
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Ron, your posts are always so beautifully and professionally put together and published. Love reading them!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular photographs! The colors, textures, lighting, and composition are WOW!
Several years ago, I read the book - "The Healing Power of Nature" - and truly believe that nature DOES heal. " I find nature an energetic healing salve." -- Me too!
Thank you for sharing your photos and the wisdom of your life.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Robert! One of my favorite things about blogging is preparing a post. I LOVE doing that! And I also LOVE the sense of community you get from blogging. Blogging is all about quality, not quantity.
ReplyDeleteI will look for the book you mentioned because just from the title, it sounds like something I would really enjoy. It's funny because for most of my life, I considered myself a "city person" 100%. However, I am slowly becoming more of a country/nature person.
Much thanks for stopping by, Robert! Have a beautiful week!
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I'm very much the same, Ron. I learn best through trial and error. DOING is learning. Isn't green such a wonderful color? Yes, it is healing and calming.
ReplyDeleteI was (and still am) a fan of Herb Ritts. His photographic style was/is one-of-a-kind!
"DOING is learning"
ReplyDeleteMy feelings exactly! For me, it's in the "just doing it" I learn the best.
"His photographic style was/is one-of-a-kind!"
Yes, I TOTALLY agree! In case you're interested, here is a link to a post I published about Herb Ritts years ago. Being a fan, you might enjoy it.
Oh Ron, thanks so much for sharing the post. What a beautiful tribute to Herb Ritts. LOVED the photos you included. He was such an artist with his camera. His lighting was always stunning!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Daniel! I knew had a feeling you would enjoy it.
ReplyDelete"He was such an artist with his camera. His lighting was always stunning!"
He was the KING of lighting!
Always keep sharing your photographs. Especially of nature. I love them so much.
ReplyDeleteI was just telling someone in my comments section how much I love that I was born in the spring. It's my favorite season because everything is waking up after sleeping all winter. My favorite photo that you took is of the leaf with the bud in the center. New life.❤️
I love how you bring us all along on your walks. Never stop doing that, my friend.
You're such a treasure, and I'm so grateful for you.
Have a great week, my friend.
Ron, I love the symbolic meaning of the seasons! I think I've always known that somehow, but this is such a clear enumeration of it ... and so very true. I hadn't really thought of Spring and Autumn as being the shortest seasons -- I mean, they're all pretty much the same actual length, aren't they? -- but I agree that they *seem* and *feel* the shortest. Probably because we love them so much!!
ReplyDeleteAnd my friend, I can't get enough of your gorgeous flowers and nature photos -- you could post them all season long, and I wouldn't complain! The colors and detail are phenomenal, almost as if I was right there with you looking through your camera lens. And truly, I'm a huge nature-lover, too, and derive much inner peace from being outdoors whenever I can, so I "get" that pull you feel to be outside.
We're supposed to have rain -- again, sigh --- much of the next few days. Spring is happening all around me, and I'm not able to get out to enjoy it. Doggone it! Hope you have a great rest of your week! xx
Thank you so much for your sweet, kind, and encouraging words, Kari!
ReplyDelete"I was just telling someone in my comments section how much I love that I was born in the spring. It's my favorite season because everything is waking up after sleeping all winter."
OMG, I LOVE that!!! You know, I truly believe we were each born in the month we were supposed to be born. It's like our entrance into the world! I feel that way about the month I was born in, October. That month feels deep within my soul!
You're a treasure too, my friend! Sending you (and your family) much Reiki and love as you move through this!
((((((((((( XXXXXXXXXXXX You + your family XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ))))))))))
Thanks so much for stopping by! X
Hellooooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"I love the symbolic meaning of the seasons! I think I've always known that somehow, but this is such a clear enumeration of it ... and so very true. "
Isn't that fantastic? I found it online. And like you, I think (deep down inside) I have always known (sensed) that!
" I hadn't really thought of Spring and Autumn as being the shortest seasons -- I mean, they're all pretty much the same actual length, aren't they? -- but I agree that they *seem* and *feel* the shortest. Probably because we love them so much!!"
Yes, I think you're absolutely right! Each season is technically 3 months long. However, the way the weather has become over the past 15 years (bipolar ), I can no longer tell which season we're in because they seem to all mush together. Summer, which is my least favorite season starts earlier each year, and then goes on through October, and sometimes November. Spring and Autumn often seem to fly by so quickly. I think with me, it's more of temperature thing. I don't like being hot (or even warm). And it seems that heat is predominantly where the seasons are going. I think it's time I move to Antarctica and dance with the penguins on a glacier. LOL!
"And truly, I'm a huge nature-lover, too, and derive much inner peace from being outdoors whenever I can, so I "get" that pull you feel to be outside."
Don't ya just LOVE nature? And I know you understand that because you're the same. You enjoy the outdoors. It gives me such inner peace as well. In fact, this afternoon, I took a long walk and sat in a park while sipping my iced green tea. I felt completely rejuvenated!
Yes, were scheduled for rain again too. A few weeks ago, it rained for an entire week.
"April showers bring May flowers"
Thanks so much for stopping and sharing your love of nature, my friend. Wishing you an the Monk a great rest of your week!
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Just like these photos, your message was absolutely beautiful. It's funny how when life feels so chaotic or stressful, nature is always there for you and gifts you a much needed reset, even if you didn't initially seek one. Thank you for this lovely post.
ReplyDelete"It's funny how when life feels so chaotic or stressful, nature is always there for you and gifts you a much needed reset, even if you didn't initially seek one. "
ReplyDeleteBeautifully expressed, Kelly! And you are absolutely spot on about that!
I've got to take you to the lovely, little park I sat in that day and took these photographs. It's in Old City!
Thanks so much for taking the time to drop by and leave a comment. I appreciate that!
See you on Saturday, my friend! X
P.S. Just so you know, I placed your sign-in information (name, email) in my pre-approved comment section, so that if you ever leave a comment in the future, it will automatically be published.
Beautiful post! Beautiful photographs! I love how you often blend topics together; each one complimenting the other. I enjoyed reading about what acting taught you about life.
ReplyDeleteI love the 7th photo down. The one with all the green leaves. It almost looks like a garden of spearmint leaves!
Ron, what kind of camera do you use?
Thank you, Clair! 🙏 Acting taught me so much about life. It was a great example of trusting, letting go, and adapting.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it does look like a garden of spearmint leaves!
I use a Canon Rebel t5. However, all the photos in this post were captured with my cell phone camera!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy Hump Day!
❤️
Ron, the longer I live, the more I am learning that life is a continuous process of adjustment. And I'm discovering that more I just go with the flow and adapt to that process, the easier it is. And not only that, but I'm also discovering that I don't always know what's best for me, so life takes me down the paths that ARE best for me.
ReplyDeleteAs always, dude, outstanding photos! Love them all!
Thank you, once again, for sharing your journey.
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteI love what shared here because it is sooooooooooooooooooo true!!!!!
"I'm discovering that more I just go with the flow and adapt to that process, the easier it is. And not only that, but I'm also discovering that I don't always know what's best for me, so life takes me down the paths that ARE best for me."
Yes! And it's only in retrospect that we SEE that. So, we often have to trust and go with the flow. I am STILL learning that!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your wisdom (and your journey), my friend! Hope you're having a fabuloso week!
X
Thanks, Ron. You too!
ReplyDelete😊🙏
ReplyDeleteYou can never post too many pictures, Ron... of spring flowers, or anything else. It's always enjoyable to look at them!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever experienced things in my life to be exactly how I want them to be, so maybe that just means I'm more aware of all the constant changes. Some subtle, others felt like a big whomp from out of nowhere, but just part of life. Trying to go with the flow of it all.
Lately, I've been spending more time outside. Many root bound plants from our porch need fresh soil and bigger pots. And a couple flats of flowers from the garden center will hopefully be pretty blooming baskets sometime later this spring.
I'm glad you have cool coffee shops and nice parks to enjoy amidst the craziness of the city. That balance sure is necessary to find. We were in Philly not too long ago. We ate at a Midtown restaurant called 'Darling Jack's Tavern' which was very nice.
Better carry an ice bucket with you this week, whew, temps will be up there. I don't mind easing into summer, but one day 60's and the next up to high 80's... well, the a/c will be on today for sure! lol
Aw...thank you, Mary! Spring and Autumn I tend to get a bit over-zealous with taking pictures; trying to capture their beauty!
ReplyDelete"Some subtle, others felt like a big whomp from out of nowhere, but just part of life. Trying to go with the flow of it all."
Bravo! And that's the most healthiest outlook - to just GO WITH THE FLOW.
" Many root bound plants from our porch need fresh soil and bigger pots. And a couple flats of flowers from the garden center will hopefully be pretty blooming baskets sometime later this spring."
Sounds FABULOUS! Don't ya' just love how being outside (in nature) feels so nourishing? I always feels more balanced.
"We ate at a Midtown restaurant called 'Darling Jack's Tavern' "
OMG, no lie, I live only ONE block from that place! Glad you had a good time there!
"Better carry an ice bucket with you this week, whew, temps will be up there. I don't mind easing into summer, but one day 60's and the next up to high 80's... well, the a/c will be on today for sure! lol"
Yup! That's why I got outside very early this morning and ran all my errands. I have a feeling that this summer is going to be the absolutely WORST. Pray for me, because as you know....I DESPISE SUMMER. LOL!!
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Stay cool and have a great week!
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