Observation Exercise

This was an image that I saw as I came home last night.  Yes, the sky is really pretty here, but what really struck me was was the tiny plane, just off of the center of the picture, crossing fast across the evening sky.  I love to fly, but I rarely think of the miracle of flight.  That a giant steel contraption can cut across clouds, dart between mountains and still communicate with the ground.

This is a tree that I walk by every day on my way into work.  I notice it from a distance, but rarely take the time to look up, which I did just then and was struck with it's color contrast with the sky.

This is a flower that I got for Mother's Day from my Primary kids.  These children

This happened yesterday.  My students were sharing their soundtracks.  I wish the picture did the moment justice.  But they were intently listening t the girl presenting and having a communal reaction.  I was struck with the beauty of a kid allowing themselves to share something poignant and important and trusting other people with a piece of themselves.

This is the view I see every morning as I get out of my car and walk into work.  I often curse the sun for being in my eyes as I try to drive into the parking lot, due east.  But it really is a an amazing thing, the way that film can capture the brilliance of the sun that our eyes can't see.

I am fascinated with wood.  I love it's intricacy and I wish all wood was natural wood and not painted.  This is a table I came across in a pizzeria last night and I thought the detail on it was stunning.  My camera doesn't do the shading and lines justice.

And this is the pizza I had at the restaurant.  I have no time anymore and scarf down everything.  But when I allow myself to enjoy the food, and notice all the elements on it, it's kind of astonishing how each component makes a cohesive flavor and texture.

I think relationships of any sort can be beautiful.  This is a former student who graduated several years ago and has gone on to have much success in college and beyond.  I haven't seen her in quite a while and she stopped by to visit me.  I love this girl!  She has this smile that brightens a room and an ability to make everyone happy and feel important.  The beauty of this picture for me is the fact that, years later, we are still important in each other's lives.

This is the view outside of my living room window.  But my shades are usually closed and I usually get home late at night and leave early, so I don't often allow myself time to appreciate their beauty.  I took the time to study them last night.  It was lovely.

This is my tortoise, Giuseppe.  I think he is beautiful.  He is so gentle and likes to be held.  He is a red footed tortoise, which, according to many websites is the most attractive of the tortoise species.  I was never an animal person, and certainly never a reptile person until about a year and a half ago.  But I needed something constant in my life.  He is that constant.  And I think he is beautiful in an unexpected way.  Everyone who touches him can't help but love him.