Daily Walks | Diane Varner

Such Celebration

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 9:44:00 PST

on the day you were born
such celebration

* * *

This one is for my husband, Bob, on his birthday…
how I love this gentle man.

— Diane

Perfect Morning

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:30:12 PST

oh perfect morning
you are my
soaring prayer

* * *

There are those perfect mornings when everything seems to soar without effort,
especially when you’re on vacation! Took one week off and spent the last week
focusing on my photography goals… when and how to take the next step. For years,
I’ve promised prints to those of you who have written to me and have decided to
finally dive into it and start the process. Let me put it on record (to keep myself
honest)… this will be the year prints, and hopefully other items, will be available.

Thank you to each of you who left your thoughtful comments on my recent postings.
I look forward to sharing many of my vacation images from the Northern CA coast.

— Diane

Winter Woods and More

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:39:00 PST

Let your deepest longings lead you towards the light.

I want to let you know that I am taking some time away from the virtual world to
go walk in the winter woods. I have arranged for a few images to post automatically.
Enjoy and have a wonderful week everyone.

— Diane

Universal Energy

Thurs, 12 Jan 2012 14:42:00 PST

When you connect with the power of your inner being, universal energy is released.

— Diane

Night of the Moon

Tues, 10 Jan 2012 17:12:00 PST

in january
on this night
of the moon
warm winds
wandered
downhill

Strange weather here in California… the days are absolutely gorgeous.
Soaking in the warmth, there is wonder, and quite honestly, worry of this changing climate.
I long for the winter rains and the contemplative rhythm they bring. There is hope that
both will still come.

— Diane

Stretching

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 8:12:00 PST

frosted morning
early rise
the branches
everything
stretching
seeking warmth

* * *

Thank you for all your visits, everyone!
Happy Weekend.

— Diane

True Nature

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 17:23:00 PST

Step into the forest of your deepest being and let your true nature shine.

Diane

Oh Happy Day...

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 8:29:00 PST

… a new one has begun.

Wishing all of you a very blessed one!

Diane

Set the World Aglow

Thurs, 22 Dec 2011 8:38:00 PST

The Winter Solstice

On this, the darkest day of the year, I watched the sliver of the moon rise as the
glorious dawn began to open. The branches shivered with the rush of the morning
wind and so did I as I thought about all the love shared during this season. So
much light in each of us… enough to set the world aglow everyday of the year.

I want to wish all of you much LIGHT & LOVE as you gather with friends and family.
And I want to say THANK YOU for all that you have shared with me this past year,
making my life richer and lighter for it.

With much gratitude,

Diane

Releasing

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:30:00 PST

Not until
the winter solstice
will the last fall
in sunlight
and celebration
releasing, rejoicing
each and all

— Diane

Snatched

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:10:00 PST

I recently rented a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens and immediately
took it out to a new area with hopes of finding some wildlife. It was
exciting to see hummingbirds, squirrels and sea birds all within a few
feet. This Great Egret, in particular, caught my attention. I watched
it for some time as it slowly waded in the water and had my camera ready
as it eagerly snatched its prey.

When I saw the detail of the fish on my computer, I couldn’t help but
imagine what it must feel like to be suddenly snatched out of one’s
environment. I suppose, in some way, we will all experience this one
day. Until then, I’m going to keep swimming!

Happy Weekend, everyone.

— Diane

Dream of Dawn

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 19:10:00 PST

In the dream of dawn, the sacred threshold opens with an invitation
to walk through.

— Diane

Daily Gristle

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:20:00 PST

We chew and chew the daily gristle of life until one day we realize…
we need something far more nourishing to sustain us.

— Diane

Autumn's Last Blush

Tues, 29 Nov 2011 12:42:00 PST

This was one of those magical mornings, when color and fog mingled to create
a beautiful glow. The air was crisp and it felt like winter had quietly drifted in.
I consciously tried to soak in all the color, knowing that it might be autumn’s
last blush for the season. She definitely exits in style!

Thanks for all your visits, everyone.

— Diane

Like A Flame

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:05:00 PST

at night
like a flame
and a fleeting thought
the luminous light
branched out
upward and beyond

A more quiet one to start out this week.....

— Diane

Every Path

Thurs, 24 Nov 2011 5:40:00 PST

"Let every path be one of passion and if not passion, than play."

To all my US viewers, I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. And to
everyone... a heartfelt THANK YOU for all your support and encouragement.
This blog continues to be a path that keeps my creativity moving forward
and without sharing it with each of you, it would be a lonely journey and
certainly, not as fun.

With gratitude,
Diane

Certainty of Light

Tues, 22 Nov 2011 11:19:00 PST

Between the edges of darkness, there is certainty of light.

— Diane

White Hawk Dives

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:26:00 PST

I recently had the thrill of watching a white hawk dive again and again,
for its prey. When I returned home, I was even more impressed while looking
at the multiple images up-close... the precision of flight by which this hawk
flew and positioned himself for the dive was truly remarkable.

This image is composed from 7 separate photographs. I have included a few
close-up images, showing the details of this beautiful bird.

— Diane

Moment Before Leaving

Thurs, 17 Nov 2011 12:05 PST

There is a moment before leaving when no one wants to let go...

Thanks so much for all your visits, everyone!

— Diane

A Morning to Remember

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 9:55 PST

Wishing each of you, the very best this week.

— Diane

Under Arched Limbs

Thurs, 10 Nov 2011 14:11 PST

with quietness
under arched limbs
thoughts loosen
body softens
all becomes
more supple
even ancient
branches

— Diane

Chance Encounter

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 14:32 PST

Sometimes brief but always persistent, is the chance encounter. Once upon us,
It beckons and bestows a glimpse of something beyond our ordinary impression
of what is and offers the possibilities of what might be.

— Diane

Poised With Perspective

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 16:54:30 PST

When poised with perspective, possibilities prosper.

— Diane

Behold

Tues, 1 Nov 2011 11:00:30 PST

behold the sanctuary
behold the simplicity
behold the new day

— Diane

Softly Sway

Tues, 25 Oct 2011 13:00:30 PST

As you drew closer, all began to softly sway.

— Diane

Autumn Leaves No. 5

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:08:30 PST

Vibrant Presence

It is your vibrant presence that uplifts my being and keeps me afloat.

— Diane

Early Morning Harvest

Thurs, 20 Oct 2011 7:22:30 PST

This one is for my husband, Bob who has been rising before dawn since
September to carefully care for his grapes. He’s out for an early morning
harvest today. Just a few more to go! We both are looking forward to having
this season come to a close.

Thanks for all your visits and thoughts, everyone, especially on the last
posting. All are greatly appreciated!

— Diane

Autumn Leaves - No. 4

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:40:30 PST

Become More Golden

I recently wrote of the passing of loved ones… one of them was a 92 year old
friend. Though his death was not unexpected, it was still sad, especially for
his wife of 67 years. I was with her as she sat with her husband shortly after
he had died. Through her deep, mournful tears she said to me, “Diane, life is
so, so sad.” And so it was, especially at that moment.

In the days that have followed, the autumn light has become more golden and so
too, have the memories. This couple had spent 67 seasons together, a span that
I can’t even begin to imagine. I know they shared much joy and too much sorrow
yet it was a journey together. How my friend will go on without her husband,
I’m not sure but this I do know…

Life requests that we be fully awake in the most sorrowful and most joyful of
moments. For only in doing so can we experience a lifetime of richness and
enlightenment that each season brings.

— Diane

Higher Dreams

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:10:30 PST

When pursuing higher dreams,
honor all your efforts.

— Diane

Autumn Leaves - No. 3

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:17:30 PST

Surrounded by friends, you softly fell...

In the last 3 months, I have experienced the passing of three loved ones.
Each of their deaths were marked with a mixture of sadness and celebration
combined. It is my hope for each of us, that when our time comes to depart,
we will find ourselves surrounded by all those we love. And that our
leaving will be soft...

— Diane

A Moment

Thurs, 29 Sept 2011 13:29:30 PST

if only for a moment
rest and see reflected
all that is right
and beautiful
with this world

— Diane

Shedding the Summer

Tues, 27 Sept 2011 10:09:30 PST

The landscape wastes no time in shedding the summer as
the crisp, autumn winds start to stir.

To each of you who let me know you have stopped by... thank you!

— Diane

Out of Here

Mon, 26 Sept 2011 8:49:30 PST

If it’s really Monday morning, I’m out of here……

Welcome to a new week, everyone!

— Diane

Upon Brittle Limbs

Fri, 23 Sept 2011 7:41:30 PST

light upon
brittle limbs
much warmth
so much hope

Thanks so much for all your visits, everyone. Have a good weekend. — Diane

Life More Simple

Mon, 19 Sept 2011 9:19:30 PST

Laid bare, all became clear and life, more simple.

— Diane

Autumn Leaves - No 2

Fri, 16 Sept 2011 18:55:30 PST

Wishing you a weekend of sunlit, peaceful paths...

— Diane

Autumn Leaves - No 1

Wed, 14 Sept 2011 16:15:30 PST

Just as the leaves change, so must we.

I love everything about autumn… the warm light, the luscious colors and the
long shadows that remind us, everything changes. The descending leaves
of course, are the greatest reminder of this. I have always tried to show
some self-control each year in how many images of leaves I post but have
decided this season to let go and let them fall where they will. They won’t
necessarily be in unison or so colorful but be forewarned, they will
be plentiful.

— Diane

Such Sunlight

Wed, 8 Sept 2011 9:35:30 PST

And so it was,
such sunlight!

— Diane

Finally Home...

Tues, 6 Sept 2011 10:05:30 PST

...and back to work!

Thank you for all your correspondence these last few weeks.
Looking forward to catching up with everyone!

— Diane

Far Beyond the Landscape - The San Joaquin Valley

Wed, 10 August 2011 17:35:30 PST

It is a valley filled with miles and miles of open space that lets your mind wonder and wander far beyond the landscape itself.

— Diane

Life...

Wed, 3 August 2011 13:40:30 PST

Life...

beautiful
brilliant
baffling
colorful
complex
constraining
intangible
incredible
inspiring

All at the same time!

— Diane

Sweep It Away

Friday, 29 July 2011 13:40:30 PST

sweep it away

though the dust never settles
and flowers loose their petals

sweep it away

though loved ones leave
and there’s no reprieve

sweep it away

though frazzled and frayed
with so much dismay

sweep it away

though we must grieve
let us still believe

sweep it away

* * * *

Last March, on a very cold morning walk in Cambridge, MS, I came across this
beautiful broom. I loved its “character” and couldn’t help but wonder about
all it had swept away. I often think about how our personal objects absorb
and reflect our emotions; hence the poem…

— Diane

Sweet Dawn

Monday, 25 July 2011 18:35:30 PST

Such is the sweet dawn with gentle breezes wandering through.

Thank you for all your visits and thoughtful comments!

— Diane

Contrasting Glow

Thursday, 21 July 2011 8:35:30 PST

I complained of life’s starkness… you reminded me of all the contrasting glow.

— Diane

Perspective is Everything

Monday, 18 July 2011 5:05:30 PST

Perspective is everything... especially on a Monday!

— Diane

So Much Light

Wed, 13 July 2011 14:39:30 PST

Among the darkness, so much light...

— Diane

Beyond the Obscurity

Wed, 13 July 2011 13:04:30 PST

Just beyond the obscurity of our textured lives, lies the simple clarity of it all.

— Diane

Save Them

Wed, 13 July 2011 12:40:30 PST

If I could, I would... save them all!

— Diane

Out of the Fog

Fri, 1 July 2011 8:55:30 PST

There is nothing like coming out of the fog...

Have been in a bit of a creative slump recently so decided to spend
some extended moments with my muse (hence, the quietness here at my
blog). Have used this time to experiment and explore different
techniques both with my photography and post-processing. Light
continues to be my main focus but I am now combining it with more
color, layers and textures. I look forward to sharing this work
with you as it progresses.

Thank you, thank you for all your comments and correspondence.
I am deeply grateful for each and everyone!

— Diane

Gentle Journey

Tues, 15 June 2011 19:15:30 PST

Nature has a way of encouraging a more gentle journey.

— Diane

Scarlet Landscape

Sun, 12 June 2011 11:50:30 PST

In the scarlet landscape she knew that her most passionate
yearnings had the power to set all of life aglow.

— Diane

Wisdom You Seek

Tues, 7 June 2011 14:20:30 PST

You cast your eyes upon mine as they spoke:

The wisdom you seek is upon the very breath of your own voice.

— Diane

All Transcends

Sun, 5 June 2011 11:30:30 PST

All transcends this beautiful gift of life.

— Diane

Possibility of Magic

Thurs, 2 June 2011 8:25:30 PST

With uplifted wings, came the possibility of magic taking flight.

— Diane

Shifting Reflections

Tues, 31 May 2011 23:39:30 PST

shadows
and shifting reflections
shimmers of joy
floating above
the sunken pain
all swimming among
the restorative waters
that keep us quenched

I’ve been away far too long! Getting back in the flow of it all.

— Diane

Meditation Three - Breathe In Beauty

Tues, 10 May 2011 23:35:30 PST

Meditation is a daily practice of noticing the everyday nuances of life. It is about being aware
of our breath and all the beauty surrounds us each and everyday.

This is a collection of 30 images that have made me take a moment to pause and yes… breathe.
May they remind you too, of the beauty that is right there, awaiting your glance and deep exhale.

Breathe In the Beauty…

— Diane

Meditation Two

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 7:18:30 PST

Quiet.

— Diane

Meditation One

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 20:59:30 PST

It all begins with meditation one.

— Diane

Touch This Earth

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:03:30 PST

go touch this earth in early spring…
and bask in all that it brings

smell the freshness of it all
and watch the petals gently fall

go rest in a lazy sprawl
and listen to the ducks as they call

touch this earth in early spring…
you’ll never again need lift a wing

Happy Earth Day, everyone. May we cherish it, preserve it and see our own reflection within.

— Diane

Truly Matters

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:13:30 PST

All that truly matters is often indescribable and definitely indestructible.

— Diane

That Which Is

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:13:30 PST

How brave we are
to rise each morning
and fly into
that which is
yet to be revealed.

— Diane

Hushed Refuge

Tues, 29 Mar 2011 11:35:30 PST

Life chatters without pause while I seek a hushed refuge that I know is just a short hike away;
getting there is the challenge. Busy days. Lots of traveling to and fro to places I need to be.
All good and yet, I long for more hours to devote to my art. I remind myself… everyone is busy,
time is a luxury and there is always… the “art” of patience.

Each of you keep me inspired with your thoughts and support for my photography… thank you!

Have a good week, everyone.

— Diane

Heartbeat of Silence

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 7:15:30 PST

Finding solitude in the heartbeat of silence…

To each of you, thank you for all your visits.

— Diane

Extend Your Wings

Tues, 22 Mar 2011 7:37:30 PST

On that busy day, you gently reminded me to take my
time and fly with grace… as I watched you rhythmically
extend your wings up and down, towards heaven and earth.

* * *

Took this image while rushing to an appointment to see
the dentist recently :-) Always good to bring
the camera along!

— Diane

Forever Fly

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:45:30 PST

Come
Let us leave behind
All our storms
And forever
Fly away
Towards Peace

Wishing each of you, a safe and rejuvenating weekend.

— Diane

Aging Colors

Tues, 15 Mar 2011 19:00:30 PST

Her aging colors spoke of the the wind that had
caressed her, the rains that had quenched her
and the branch that finally set her free.

Thanks for all your comments and visits, everyone!

— Diane

Very Thin Web

Tues, 08 Mar 2011 8:00:30 PST

From darkness to dawn we travel each day,
via a very thin web of consciousness.

— Diane

Beautiful and Perfect

Tues, 08 Mar 2011 7:55:30 PST

In your small space among human spirit you stood,
knowing that you were born beautiful and perfect.

— Diane

Stranded Silence

Tues, 08 Mar 2011 7:50:30 PST

Stranded silence swept through the grass
as the fog horn echoed its distant call.

— Diane

Fluid Reflections

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:50:30 PST

drifting and skimming the surface
of memories and fluid reflections
all released into the calming
restorative waters of silent slumber

Wishing each of you, a good night’s rest :-)

— Diane

A Brief Exchange

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:48:30 PST

With one graceful swoop, the snake was snatched.

My heart quickened with exhilaration and sadness as I watched this
scene of life and death unfold.

I took many quick shots and only when I returned home, did I notice
this one. Had there been a brief exchange of words? And if so, were
they expressions of gratitude from the hawk to the snake, for
the ultimate sacrifice? I'd like to imagine this being so.

— Diane

Leaving Home

Tues, 22 Feb 2011 8:50:30 PST

I speak often of change and the graceful way of accepting it. Regardless though of
how poetic I may make it sound, change more often than not, is undeniably difficult.

This past weekend, I watched my parents decide to move from their town of 50-plus-years
to an independent living community in another city. They will be leaving behind their
home that has been filled with a lifetime together; a place where they built their family
and careers and made deep, long-lasting friends.

A difficult change, most certainly. But my parents exemplify the very essence of what I
write about… the ability to accept transitions and all that they bring (sadness, humor,
anxiety, etc.) with dignity and anticipation for the days ahead.

I ask myself, would I have the courage to do this with such grace? I doubt it. After all
these years, my parents are still showing me the way it’s done.

I went for a walk near my parents home and passed a blooming almond tree that I’ve
photographed forever. Not surprisingly, the blossoms seemed especially gorgeous on
this particular visit to my home town… a place that I too, will dearly miss.

— Diane

The Sacred Altar

Tues, 15 Feb 2011 10:00:38 PST

The sacred altar of life is everywhere… in our kitchens, our cafes, our cafeterias,
our forests and deep within ourselves. It calls to us with open invitation:
Come gather round me and be together; bring nothing but your peace,
respect, compassion and immense love.

— Diane

Great Lovers

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:02:30 PST

Such is the grace of great lovers...

Happy Valentine's Day to each of you!

— Diane

oooOOHHH!

Thurs, 10 Feb 2011 8:35:30 PST

... we're goin' for a ride!

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

— Diane

This New Day

Tues, 08 Feb 2011 10:05:30 PST

no doubt
with this
new day
upon
the wide
open sea
we will
find again
our effortless
buoyancy

— Diane

So Much Green

Thurs, 03 Feb 2011 11:37:30 PST

into the dream
we catch
glimpses
shimmering
sunlight
shifting winds

pass over
our barriers
into the forest
of memories
graced with
so much green

with deep,
deep breaths
a sacred sigh
we remember
the roots of
our own story

— Diane

One Morsel

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:45:30 PST

As I sat at my computer, you kept me company. We
worked together for a long while, each of us pecking
away, looking for that one morsel that would sustain
us, energize us and completely feed our hunger. In
the end, with evidence of leftovers, we both flew
away completely satisfied.

* * *

I have been out of the “loop” recently. Hope to make
up for it this week. Wishing each of you a good one!
Thanks for all your visits.

— Diane

Unexpected Beauty

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 9:12:30 PST

Had the pleasure of being down at the ocean last week
during a VERY low tide. It was accompanied by unusually
warm weather and a full moon that was just spectacular!
One didn’t have to venture out too far to come across
incredible creatures such as this one. Once again I
was awed and reminded that just below the surface of
everything, lies unexpected beauty.

Thanks for all your visits, comments and emails.
Each and everyone are appreciated!

— Diane

Carried By Its Current...

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 9:09:30 PST

Carried by its current, the sacred river of life sweeps us along in its eternal flow.

— Diane

Within the Circle

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:35:30 PST

There, within the circle, is the light that always surrounds us.

I have no idea why this circular fence was built, only that
I came upon it in brilliant sunshine. It literally made me
stop and shiver despite the visible warmth that was present.
This structure reminded me of its symbolism… mainly, the
continuation of everything and the light that always
surrounds us along the way.

— Diane

A Reflective Gaze

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 9:10:30 PST

Sometimes, it is all we can do but to gaze out
beyond all that is and hope for all that can be.

For all the turmoil and sadness… may we somehow make
peace within ourselves and finally, peace with others.

— Diane

There Will Be Color

Thurs, 06 Jan 2011 13:52:30 PST

Every year you arrive early… wet, windswept and with promise
that despite the steel-blue skies, there will be color.

There is a field next to my home that grows wild
with the winter rains. It often holds the first
signs of something beyond the chilling cold.
Each year, this particular flower shows up in
her almost-too-bright color. Like clockwork,
I too can be found in field, photographing her
as she whispers her perpetual promise… despite
the steel-blue skies, despite the sadness,
there will be color.

— Diane

Outstretched Arms

Tues, 04 Jan 2011 11:21:30 PST

beyond these shallow shores
and with outstretched arms
let the tide take us
to depths of deeper seas

— Diane

2010: Best American Photoblog

Tues, 04 Jan 2011 11:15:30 PST

A heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you
who made this award possible. Being voted
in by fellow photographers makes this
all the more rewarding.

I also want to say a special
THANKS to Cool Photoblogs,
the sponsor of this award.

— Diane

It all Begins

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:41:30 -0700

Thus, it all begins anew.

As we embark on this new year, may we heed the call of the deep,
quiet, place within that speaks of mystery, magic and incredible
potential that all new beginnings bring.

Wishing each of you, a very Happy New Year!

— Diane

Love in the Season of Light

Thurs, 23 Dec 2010 22:50:30 -0700

It all remains a mystery…

the quietness, the joys, the sorrows…
the miracle of life and all the seasons
that cycle again and again, bringing us back
to this time of year.

Ultimately, in the end and in the beginning,
it is the love and the bond between each of us
that gathers up all the uncertainties
and brings everything into perfect focus.

Wishing for each of you, the gift of LOVE in this season of Light.

With sincere gratitude,

Diane

Light No. 1

Thurs, 22 Dec 2010 11:45:30 -0700

In honor of the season...

There is a deep longing in the chill of winter that calls to us
from the shadows of our own being. It asks only that we step out,
into the light, and be illuminated by that which immensely and
profoundly matters most to each of us.

With gratitude,

Diane

Quietness No. 7

Thurs, 16 Dec 2010 11:55:30 -0700