Sitting in a burlap blind at the edge of the vast Malheur marsh in SE Oregon, my camera on my lap, I knew I might have hours to wait before some creature appeared within range of my lens. I was new to wildlife photography, but I was aware that constant vigilance was a price the photographer must assume for success. Continue reading
The holiday season is upon us, that mathematically odd time of year when ads multiply, good friendships reap dividends, and politics remain as divisive as ever. My in box and mail box swell with promises of deals so good that if I only spend enough, I can surely become rich. Buy until you’re spent! No money down!
The sporting goods catalogs promote insulated jackets so well that the market for down is up. Which reminds me how our language (and corruptions of it) can bring us cheer well before happy hour. When I hear someone say, “I am going to lay down,” I immediately visualize that person ovipositing feathers. If those speakers realized what they were saying, I think they would be willing to lie a lot more readily.
Try to imagine this bird “laying down.”
Our language simply invites word play, and as a man, I manipulate it. Continue reading
Am I allowed to postdate a New Year’s Resolution?
Taking stock. No, I am not talking about financial matters—something much more important actually. The arrival of 2012 reminds me to reflect upon my life, not on transient accomplishments or on political or social disappointments. Few of those things are lasting, scarcely more significant in my life than the taste of yesterday’s breakfast. What was it that I ate, anyway?
What should be important is what I chose to share with others. My vow this year—one that is much more realistic than how many pounds I will lose, how often I intend to work out, or what yard work I may or may not get to—is to open myself to greater sharing. Sharing can take many forms, and my intentions are not limited to one form. However, in this essay, I am indeed focusing on one thing—the written word. For “in the Beginning was the Word.” Continue reading