Friday, July 29, 2011

Exploring the Glens

We came home from our trip a day early since Lovely had to go to work a bit earlier than we first expected.  It was a fantastic journey and as always it brought peace to us.  I love our state so very much.  I may gripe about the cold winters but all in all I’d never want to live elsewhere.  We did get to see a bear about two hundred yards from our cabin.  It was a very large black bear that was happily munching on something.  We watched it for about fifteen minutes and then it meandered off over the hill it had been sitting on.  I got nearly 100 pictures which I will begin to share once I finish my series on Ireland.  We are only going to be home for a week then be off to a new cabin that we’ve never seen and be gone once again for five days.  I hope to get even more pictures from that and share them too.  We are rapidly approaching our trip to the Philippines.  We will not see fall this year since we’ll be there in the tropics for two months…unlike many that have had terrible heat and humidity we have had a very pleasant summer…fall has nothing for me really and winter certainly doesn’t. 

 

Ireland is a place of mystery and history.  This time we explored much more of the countryside and that filled us all with wonder.  Actually it could really remind me of sights I’ve seen in Oregon.  I often find myself drawn to Macro mode on my camera.  I’m not a very technical photographer…I love angles that are interesting to me and shots that somehow speak to me.  Sometimes it strikes a chord in my own heartother times it just seems beautiful to me for reasons I cannot explain.  I am not at all interested in bragging rights for any picture.  Rather I love to share the experience and let people feel what they may from viewing these pictures.  Nothing could thrill me more than hearing someone say that they feel they are there when seeing these pictures.  I desire to share these experiences with any that are interested.  I want it to reach out so much that you can hear the sheep bleatand imagine looking on these things with your own eyes .  Can you feel the sense of familiarity yet at the same time wonder?  That’s what I felt when seeing these things.  Most of all I feel a sense of gratitude to God for letting me see these things with those I love the most.  I’m a simple person involved in God’s great plan.  Do you know you too are part of something bigger than yourself?  Thing in this life deceive and try to convince you that you’re alone and don’t matter but this is not true.  You are living because of divine providence.  Work in the field of life you find yourself in.  Remember that the greatest struggles life brings are all about your faith and you are not alone in this struggle.  We may live in different places and be going through things that are different on the surface but underneath it all we are together in this war over our faith.  May you continue to bear good fruit through the struggles you endureand may that fruit ever be pleasing to God.

13 comments:

  1. Beautiful Joe, absolutely beautiful, the photos and the words. Thank you so much!

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  2. Hi Joe,
    I think your photos are beautifully in the natural way your photography that I loved very much.
    As you know I'm found of anywhere by the nature countries.(not city)
    Enjoy your day,
    Michiko

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  3. Hello Joe,

    Thank you for a very positive encouraging blog, yes sometimes it is hard in this world, but God's plan and the things He surrounds us with and the people, should make us feel we are never alone in the struggle.

    Your pictures are awesome and do make me feel like I am there.

    God Bless - Nita.

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  4. Joe, no one does it better. It's like a pro travel log to see these blogs with the wonderfully executed photos to illustrate. Selfishly, I am delighted you're home. And bearless!

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  5. Joe each photo is just stunning. I love the two sheep and then I see the horse shoes and love them. I love them all . Have a wonderful holiday on your next journey. We should be gone but time is keeping us home for now.
    Your a blessing . Its a pleasure to view what you all see through your lens.
    and
    I love love the fern. Have a fantastic weekend.

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  6. i was wndering Joe Ur running from here there.
    I always have ur backpacks ready??
    and 2 months gone in winter I would love that to..
    The stay in that cabin is that not dangerous then Joe?? so imagine u go outside and then bang u have one in front of the door?
    i cant imagine wildlife so close.
    But i enjoyed ur writing as always.

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  7. Really enjoyed this tour, Joe, but THE BOSS says to tell you she loved it more that I did!

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  8. Joe I can sense your wonder in all that you see, and capture through your lens. I enjoy what you share in your travels,and how you draw us in as well by your photos and all that you share. Thank you for sharing from your heart. We can all relate to the struggles and the joys of this life. It is wonderful to be part of God's family, and be able to share from miles, and from far away Countries.

    Have a wonderful time away with your family at the cabin. Look forward to your next update.
    Have a great week ahead.
    Dianne :)

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  9. Joe I now know where you get your love and passion for photography. What a Legacy to have and pass down by not only by you but also your wife.
    Thank you for you kind comment Joe. Means the world to me and Im not kidding !

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  10. Joe I love all of your captures.. each one along with your words.. bring the viewer into your world.. I enjoyed my visual trip to Ireland..thank you for being us along..
    as for the bear.. "smile".. they are indeed out a lot this year.. wonderful to see.. as long as you keep a very safe distance.. looking forward to seeing your photos while your away at the cabin..
    stay safe.. and have fun.. soft hugs

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  11. Loved the photo's Joe, Have a great time away lucky you...

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  12. It truly is like taking a stroll with you while you talk. I love how you always stop to point out the fine details on different things. Always drawing our eyes closer to something we may have otherwise miss. Another wonderful walk where you once strolled. Thanks for sharing. Hugs Carrie

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  13. I came for a second pleasureable look.

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