- Toward the waterfall
I used to bush walk in Fitzroy Falls, a beautiful area, where it is easy to walk and think, amongst the sound of birds, and the smell of Eucalypts, or sit and meditate to the sound of waterfalls. Recently I returned to Fitzroy Falls, camera in hand, to take photos of a place I love.
My visit to Fitzroy Falls was twofold. To take photos and to hopefully gain some clarity about my future. My dreams have always had two themes. These two themes stem from my childhood. We moved a lot after arriving in Australia from Germany. I went to 5 different schools, and never felt good enough for my father. So the two themes my dreams focus on are security and being of value. While walking and taking photos I was hoping for an ‘ah ha’ moment.
Clarity’s a funny thing. Or maybe its my expectation of it. I expected ‘ah ha,’ but instead clarity revealed numerous ‘wows.’
As the song goes “On a clear day, you can see forever.” But when there’s a mist, ‘forever’ reveals itself in random segments when it is ready. Such is life.
In life there is so much we can control, plan and predict, but there is a lot of the unexpected, the unseen, that reveals itself when it is ready, not when you are.
beauty in the unseen
Today at Fitzroy Falls was one of those days. Snippets were revealed, amongst the beautiful unseen.
Today I became aware that I’m a detail person.
- tiny fungus growing on a rock
I notice and focus on little things, on detail.
- A native Scribbly Gum, with loving scribble
I found this out as I was taking photos of the falls and two men both with enormous lenses on their cameras, complained about the mist and lack of views.
As they walked infront of me and my camera with my small 80 mm lens, they missed all the things I saw and took photos of. All they wanted was the grand sweeping vista seen on a sunny day that brings the tourists to Fitzroy Falls….but there is so much more to see, if you see it.
It was one of those ‘wow’ moments, not just about the beauty I saw that they didn’t, but about myself.
I may not have had an ‘ah ha’ revealation that gave me the answer to my questions on what direction to take at this stage of my middlescence, but I love the fact that I find beauty, interest, excitement and pleasure in things along the way, to whatever my future holds, unrevealed in the mist of time.
P.S. Reap the wisdom of some more beautiful images of detail and nature along Talon’s journey of life:
phhhst
Our 17 year old border collie that passed away last week…his name was Fitzroy. So when I saw the title “Fitzroy Falls” I couldn’t help but wonder.
I enjoyed the underlying themes in this piece.
Jun 02, 2009 @ 1:15 am
brigit
I didn’t realise that. Fitzroy Falls is one of my favourite places. For me it can be a place adventure and discovery. I reckon its the sort of life Fitzroy would have had for many of his 17 years. It also has extremely peaceful spots. Next time I’m down there, I’ll think of you and Fitzroy and send you all the love and peace I feel so often when I’m there.
Jun 02, 2009 @ 10:29 am
phhhst
Well thank-you Brigit!
Jun 02, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Talon
There’s so much syncroncity at play if life…sorry for your loss, Phhhst.
Gorgeous photos,Brigit.
It’s true - it’s all the little details that make up the bigger picture. Lots of people miss the little things and those little things can be extraordinary.
The thing I’ve really come to appreciate in my middle years is that the journey is so much more important than the destination…
Jun 03, 2009 @ 1:22 am
brigit
Talon - I think we often spend a little too much time focusing on the destination. I also think each step along our journey is a destination within itself. As for little things - fungus is amazing isn’t it?
Jun 03, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
Joanne
I love the mist in the photographs. It seems so much more evocative than a clear vista. The mist lets our thoughts wander, suggests mystery … which so much of life is … and an ethereal beauty. Don’t you just love the way the camera lens opens up our vision?
Jun 03, 2009 @ 11:34 pm
Jen
Glad to know that having a big camera doesn’t always enhance enjoyment. I’ll bet your photos are much more interesting than the ones they would have taken– even on a sunny day!
Jun 04, 2009 @ 12:11 am
Eileen Williams
I am constantly blown away by your amazing photos! Your talent and the area you live in are made for each other. I’m so glad you’ve found this wonderful outlet–it’s YOU and I wish you continued great success!
Jun 05, 2009 @ 3:53 am
Grace
Hello, Brigit!
Hope you are well…I’m just getting around to visiting some of my favorite places after several months…what a lovely “new” place you have here!
Sometimes I wonder if those “Aha!” moments are all they’re cracked up to be. I mean, finding beauty, peace, excitement and pleasure ON the journey…well, that sounds pretty AHHHHHHH to me! LOL
Jun 06, 2009 @ 6:39 am
Lilly
“I love the fact that I find beauty, interest, excitement and pleasure in things along the way, to whatever my future holds, unrevealed in the mist of time.”
Just beautiful. Your photos are exquisite and I agree, you have a wonderful eye for detail.
Jun 06, 2009 @ 9:43 pm
brigit
Joanne - I live in an area, where there is rain forest - fairyland! Lots of mist. Perfect for a camera, great to contemplate life.
Jen - thanks. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it takes a lot more seeing from the photographer, rather than relying on the camera.
Eileen - Thank you. I’m very lucky to live where I live. It gives good food for living and creativity.
Grace - Every step of the journey, offers something. You need to be able to see it. Welcome back to the bloggersphere.
Lilly - Thank you. I hope the mix of images and words gives some of what I find inspirational to others.
Jun 08, 2009 @ 8:24 pm
Laura
The mist photo is amazing. Maybe that is the essence, to walk in the mist and know that there will always be clarity and confusion.
Jun 08, 2009 @ 11:01 pm
brigit
Laura - Good thought “to know that there will always be clarity and confusion.”
Jun 12, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
Amit Basu - Black and White Photography
Nice shots!
Jun 20, 2009 @ 12:26 pm