Forest Floor
Memories of seasons past

“Reach out for the joy and the sorrow. Put them away in your mind. The memories are times that you borrow, to spend when you get to tomorrow..” – unknown

There’s a beauty in memories not unlike the remaining beauty of fallen leaves in the following winter season. However, with time the details or reality of that memory fades. We’ll still remember, but the details become more general and often the memories will be more emotionally based and can become skewed to fit acceptable perceptions. I believe my strongest memories from years ago are those which are tied to the strongest emotional experiences. Moments of love, pleasure, hate, or hurt — some of which still hold power over me. Yes, your milage may vary, but that’s what I’ve found.

This photo is a recent scene from a forest floor simplified to a degree using Topaz Simplify. I find in certain images I prefer the simplifying effect. Perhaps there’s too much detail in some images for my mind to feel comfortable with and perhaps it’s a blessing and gift that some memories become “simplified” as well.

On pleasant memories — today is my beloved wife, Bonnie’s, birthday. Certainly a day I always celebrate. Happy Birthday!

11 Comments
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Eric Jeschke
13 years ago

Happy Birthday, Bonnie!

Anita Jesse
13 years ago

Another Happy Birthday to Bonnie.

What a touching post, Earl. Not just the birthday sentiment, but the beautiful quotation and the stunning photograph. It is so rich, it makes me blink. The colors seem almost to glow and reach right off the screen. It is quite simple and yet extrememly powerful. One of my favorites among all your impressive work.

Steve Skinner
13 years ago

Earl, your image brings me back to sunny but cool fall days spent working in the woods. Thanks for the trip back in time. Best wishes to your wife on her special day, have a great celebration!

pj
pj
13 years ago

A good quote to go along with a fine photograph Earl.

Here’s wishing a Happy Birthday to your dear wife.

don
don
13 years ago

I like the golden look of this leaf. The image is a fine reminder of warming days with such nice light.

Monte Stevens
13 years ago

And, Happy Birthday, Bonnie! I enjoy what I see people do with Topaz software. Have a good weekend!

Alan M. Collopy
13 years ago

Earl,

I really like the look and detail of this image, and the story you tell. A Happy Belated Birthday to Bonnie. I’m drawn to the warm tones of the image, and memories of a past season.
I know, all too well, moments of hurt…and they linger on. I’m an optimist though, so better times are always ahead of me.

Alan