This is the first 4th-of-July in a number of years I haven’t taken photos of the local fireworks and/or celebrations. The holiday came at a point where I needed to take a break from blogging as well as photography for a few days. I hope everyone had a good weekend…holiday or not.
Not only didn’t I post anything but I haven’t done my normal daily blog reading/commenting either — I’m so far behind I may just reset and start fresh from today. We owe it to ourselves both as photographers and human beings to allow a start over now and then. As the Italian racer character, Franco, in the 1976 movie “The Gumball Rally” said as he ripped the review mirror from the car, “What’s-a behind me is not important.“
Today’s photo menu is turtles, served with a little sprinkle of Topaz Simplify post-processing. This image was taken during out earlier weekend visit to the Outer Banks of NC.
I like it when others take time for themselves, back off from self imposed pressure. I have over the past few months unsubscribed to a few blogs I was trying to read and comment on. It was too much to keep up with, taking me away from other things I needed and wanted to do.
And, I spent the 4th of July in San Antonio, Texas where they did not have fireworks due to the severe dry conditions. I never missed it.
Yea, I personally tend to let things accumulate until their “weight” reaches a point of recognition, then I take a little time to adjust or reset to more reasonable levels.
With jobs and the economy being what it is I can’t help but think the money spent on fireworks this year could have found better use but then I acknowledge celebrating is important too. We only saw a small fireworks displace at a local small town — not counting the ones our “redneck neighbors” were setting off in the street in front of their house scaring our dogs half to death. :-)
It’s a fine turtle shot…one thing about turtles is that they pose for considerable amount of time! :-) You’re right… forget what’s behind at move on!
Don, Well, there’s not much you can do with turtles but as you say if they’re out of focus it’s probably the photographers fault — it wasn’t from an sudden movement by them. Thanks!
I take breaks too just in bigger chunks than most :)
Hey Ray, Good to see you! I guess a break should fit the need and it’s only not a break if you don’t come back! :-)
I hope all’s going well for you.
Having just crawled out from under my rock, I applaud the idea of breaks. I was under the weather and we didn’t get to do much about the weekend celebration. I was disappointed. There isn’t much I would rathr celebrate than the birth of our free country, but we can never have fireworks in Bear Valley because of the fire hazard. I missed not getting to see our local parade, because it is such a simple, homey joy. I am glad you are back, Earl.
Anita, that under the rock thing is too negative…I’d rather think of it as you having come back from the solace of a needed retreat. ;-)
I’ve been afraid the southern/western drought will expand to include more of the southeast, but so far we’re getting scattered evening thundershowers which makes the 90+ temperatures and 70+ humidity a bit more bearable. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
Oh, I never stay gone too long…after a few days I miss it and feel out of touch with all my on-line friends. Thanks, I’m glad to see you back as well.
I’m in the midst of a mini-break myself, but not self-imposed. Computer power supply problems have my trusty HP down for the count and I’m using an old XP back-up that is not suitable for image editing. In a way it’s a good thing and I’m discovering other things I like to do. It’s all good.
I have a trial of Simplify on the HP that I may never get to use, but this is really nice.
Ken, I hope you get the HP problems resolved but like you I sometimes find positives in those times away. We walk tightropes with our time and attention and sometimes breaks help to restore a more healthy balance.
Simplify is a more narrow focused plugin which works well on some things but not at all on others. I use it on occasion and like it’s results on some subjects. Thanks!
Those breaks are necessary, I think. I’m having a little one myself, as I expect to blog daily during my trip. We’ll see. It seems that, right around this time every year, people start slowing down in their blog posts. Perhaps it is because of the weather and people are out doing more. I know that, on a personal level, it’s so hot outside that there are many times when I just don’t feel like shooting and sweating at the same time. LOL.
It’s good that you enjoyed your break from both reading and writing. I think that those turtles have got it right! Slow and steady wins the race. :)
Paul, yeah, with daily routines it’s sometimes hard to come up with something original or interesting to write about. That certainly shouldn’t be an issue on your upcoming trip! :-)
Gotta admit, I’m a little green with envy of your upcoming trip. Wring out all the “gusto” you can my friend! :-) I’m looking forward to your photos and reflections from the trip.
I suspect turtles don’t care much about racing in any form!
I know exactly what you mean Earl. I have been taking a lot of those breaks myself lately.
Hey, even Mac’s need to be shut down and rebooted once in awhile. :-)
That is a beautiful image of those turtles, I especially like the overall green tones, they create a very calm and relaxing atmosphere.
As a photographer and artist, I think it is essential to take breaks and allow yourself to recharge the batteries. To be able to create imaginative photos your soul needs to be inspired! I need to take such breaks regularly and afterwards I’m always full of motivation and new ideas.