There is a painting in that sunrise!

   That time just before the sun shows its face above the pines on the opposite side of the Bayou is my favorite time of day.  Usually by then, I have been up for a while and have most of my indoor chores completed.  I can head to the pier to collect the thoughts before starting in on the garden.  Between the pier and garden, I am not sure which would be called my "favorite place" but that pier sure has a strong hold. I go to watch the sunrise and see Mark off as he heads fishing.  He and I fully agree that "There is nothing like fresh fish for lunch."

  Sometimes, that sunrise can stir the brain a bit and cause the imagination to set in motion.  This probably comes from time spent with my grandparents as they both encouraged my creative endeavors even at a young age.  Granddad, especially, would push me with "Can you see a painting in that sunrise?"  I could and I would try.  My painting abilities never reached the quality that I wished but it matters not.  I still "see" that painting.  

  A couple of days ago, Mark and I were remarking about how the fog had settled in on the marsh just enough to make the sun stay dark until it was well over the tops of the pines.  I took photograph after photograph of this mysterious beauty, all the while, hearing Granddad's voice reminding me to look for the painting.  I can see it.  I wish I could paint it.  Perhaps, Darling Daughter will fulfill that wish for me. Granddad is the inspiration, I will provide the photograph and she can work her magic on the canvas!  

Rude Awakening

  This morning, I headed to the pier with a mug of steaming coffee and the camera.  The sun had not made its appearance yet so it was still quite dark.  The only sound that could be heard was the hooting of a large owl on the opposite side of the Bayou and the quiet sloshing of an otter catching little mullet.  This was the perfect time to prepare for the day ahead.  Silence and solitude...the perfect combination for a bit of meditation.  It did not hurt any to have the enthralling view of the ever-changing horizon.  Dawn...the time just before the sun rises.  Dawn...my favorite time.

  About that time, I began to notice that the eastern side sure is becoming devoid of trees.  This used to be a peninsula that jotted out from shore and curved around almost touching the opposite shore on the south.  Then a few hurricanes came and hit at the right spot to carve a cut clean through making the outer portion an island.  No problem.  There were still plenty of trees to keep the place "grounded".  It stood that way for many, many years but "progress" happens and houses started being built.  Well, the people did not want trees obviously so the thinning began and now there are only about a fourth as many, if that.  What used to be a lovely, thickly wooded wildlife habitat has now become an ugly, sparsely treed human habitat.  Sorry but I call it like it is.  It saddens me.  My goodness!  Build your houses but leave the trees! I guess they do not realize that once the trees are gone, the land will be gone, too.  Hurricanes have a way of eroding shores rather quickly.  Those tree roots are what holds the place together.  My lovely morn had turned to a dismal realization of how life is changing and not for the better.  My critter friends are being run out of their homes on all sides of me.  The hideous head of progress is rising.