Trees now silent
Near Winters End - Trees Now Silent
“A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease.” – John Muir
I’ve been remiss in my posting this past week — time spent reading, thinking, contemplating and sometimes just existing. Perhaps like the trees in the quote, we are sometimes silent but our songs never cease. 
Update:
Near Winters End - Trees Now Silent - bw
In a comment, Ray Ketcham asked how this image looked in B&W — I converted it using Nik Silver Efex. I have to admit I like it as a B&W as well — what do you think? (You can click on the image to view a larger version.)
don
I like the fall tree across the image as a foreground object. Wonderful mist/fog effect adds to the beauty of the woods behind. Very well done.
Earl
Don, hey thanks! On this morning there light fog with a gentle breeze just beginning to stir causing the fog to roll through the trees. Normally this shot would be overly chaotic but I felt the fog simplified/softened the background just enough.
Monte Stevens
Gorgeous shot!!! And, yes I noticed you were on the silent side as I also have been. It’s okay for us to be there and glad you are in such a place!
Earl
Monte, you’re too kind! These “silent moments” come and go. I use to try and push through them, mostly unsuccessfully I might add, but have found it easier to relax and go with the flow now.
Steve Skinner
You know Earl, there is nothing wrong with the song of silence. Trust me, I spent many days in the woods when the wind was blowing hard and it just wasn’t much fun!
Earl
Hey Steve. I always enjoy your comments because so often you share some bit of information/wisdom that gives me pause to view things from a slightly different angle. Silence certainly isn’t a bad thing.
Markus Spring
I like the tension between the bright, glistening sunlight and that fog or smoke creating an immense sense of depth her, matching the depth in the John Muir quote. Silence is golden, as they say, and sometimes this is the best way of expression.
Earl
Markus, it was a light fog which the beginnings of a slight breeze was rolling through the trees — within 30 minutes the fog was gone. I’ve often thought that what’s not said or heard often has the strongest impact. Thanks for you take on this.
Alan M. Collopy
Earl,
Whether you write and post every day, or miss a few days. You are always thought about and here with us. Love your photo. We all need a few days off to think, put the camera down “well, maybe not that one”, LOL. Thank you,
Alan
Earl
Alan, thanks, I appreciate that.
Ray K
Earl I got to ask what does this image look like in B&W? Well done.
Earl
Ray, I’ll let you be the judge. I updated the post to include a B&W version. Which do you prefer?
foto-rolero54
Excellent composition..bw
Earl
Thanks, glad you like it.
Paul
Earl, good to see you back. Believe me, I know about those silences and that need to contemplate or just exist. Now, as for these two wonderful photos, I’m rather surprised to say that I like the color a little better. The only reason, I think, is that the colors are so subtle and seem to work better.
Earl
Paul, yea, these silent spells hit every once in a while. I’ve gotten so they don’t bother me — actually I enjoy taking a break from the blog once in a while but after about a week I feel pulled back to it. I guess that’s a good thing.
I can understand your picking the color version — as you said the colors are very subtle.
Ray K
B&W version.
Mark
This image reminds me of my many walks in the woods – and the vast number of details there are to explore. Nice job Earl.