I went out for a brief walk this evening, and the key word is brief. The humidity is quite high, making it very uncomfortable. We finally had some much needed rain last night and part of this morning. It was great for the grass and other crops, but wow, it definitely added a lot of moisture to the air. Everyhting is still quite dry, and much of the brush along the bank of this small pond appears dead. This one section was in the shade, so the bush along here had some protection from the heat of the sun, and it was a little greener (Sorry, but I liked the B/W version of this) I noticed there was quite a bit of trash strewn about, most likely left there by those who fish this little pond. It is so frustrating to see such a lack of respect for nature. I was standing there looking at the trash, getting more and more frsutrated, and then looked up and saw this sight. It made me feel better. I looked out across the pond through this natural frame and thought, wow, isn't life often like this? There is so much trash, I'm not just referring to paper and bottles, but hatred, the murders, racism, and the disregard for our fellow man. The news today is full of so much trash, and it is easy to allow ourselves to be weighed down with all the negativity and hatred around us. It is so nice to be able to look beyond all that debris, and to realize that in spite all the trash we encounter, there is still beauty around us. There are still those who are willing to love their fellow man without regard to race, color, or religion. I am so happy that we can experience that type of love and appreciation here on 365. It is a breath of fresh air. By the way, after I took a few photos, I put my camera away and went back to this immediate area and picked up a lot of trash and put it in the "nearby" containers. If it weren't for the humidity, I would not have broken a sweat.
I agree. It's nice to have a place where we are loved and respected...and especially after a difficult day. It takes just one person to clean up the world....!
This is so beautiful and I love the framing. I get so mad at litterbugs. How hard can it be? This is a great reminder to get the latex gloves in my car so the kids and I can fix things like this.
Great photo and message Rick. I agree with all you have said. There are days when I want to get out and start to pick up the thoughtlessly discarded trash but that is only the visible stuff. It is our responsibililty to our community just how to live in peace.
like the black and white. I get so frustrated with the trash that is so carelessly strewn about everywhere but you are right, we can't let these things drag us down every "rough" has its diamond. I like that you went back and tidied up, there is a theory that it is easier to throw trash if there is trash to throw it to, but if the area is clean of trash then it is less likely that many will throw the trash down because inside every one of us is a desire to see the beauty of nature and our surroundings. (this is a topic I could go on for hours about...lol)
We have lots of litter in our country too & I just can't understand why people would want to mess up this world like they do ! Great words & sentiments rick ! Lovely black & white study !
Lovely shot- peaceful and calm. I knew you'd pick up some of the trash because you're that kiind of person. You care about the world God made. Of course it has been my observation that used wrappers, empty bottles and bags and other leftover things are much heavier, than full bottles and cups, brand new items or uneaten food which is why no one has the strength to bring them home or throw them in the nearest trash container. You must be Superman.
I love you Rick.. :) even if you are an easterner..... lol
What a lovely shot and I agree with you. people are so greedy and full of themselves.. that they dont care about anyone but themselves....
One day...
This is so beautiful, Rick, and I'm so happy that it inspired you, and that you turned a negative into a positive by cleaning up all that trash. I agree with Allison - you are the one of the best examples of the best of 365. I am so grateful you decided to stick around for another year...and I know I am not alone in that feeling.
This is an awsome black and white. I have followed you for quite awhile now and I have to say your photos started out very good but now,,,,wow. Great job.
STUNNING CAPTURE! Your story made me think of this,
" This is a story of four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’ s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done."
And you pick the trash up! Very cool :)
Rick! Rick! You have such a natural way with words that touch all of us.
You say what we would like to, but can't find the words.
Good B & W shot. I'm always amazed at the rubbish around beautiful places too. Good for you picking some of it up.
You should write a book of inspirational thoughts & publish it :)
Rick I had a feeling while reading your words that you would pick up some of the trash and at the end that's exactly what you did..so proud..we also come across this what my daughter calls misbehaving only she says it to me in German "ungezogen" which translated means ill-mannered. and rightfully so. Love the pond and the reflection and also the two large trees
framing your picture.
Beautiful. I get frustrated by the people who do this as well. Yes, my car gets filled up with water bottles and such because I don't litter, but is it really that difficult to take a few minutes and put them in the trash?
When someone does just one good deed in my (anyone's) day . . .it makes all the difference. It's so much easier then to forget all of the negative things, isn't it? Thanks for the reminder, Rick. And keep on looking up.
your worlds are SO true! i wish certain things could be different. How nice of you to pick up the trash!! it is ppl like you who help keep our world clean and fresh :D Glad to hear you got some rain, but it sounds like you guys could use even more!
So true...all along our River there is trash. My granddaughter and I try hard to clean some away during every walk.. I took a photo once and said "Shame on You" but I never printed it. Beautiful B&W
We don't get much trash around where I live as it's mainly countryside and villages, small towns (the villagers have an annual 'Best kept village competition'), but when I hit the cities, it always shocks me somewhat. I like the extended metaphor you've added here, Rick. I believe there is always a better view out there despite any less than favorable initial impressions. It is still to be found. More often than not, that's been my experience of people and places throughout my life.
There IS beauty everywhere and you've found it. That's too bad that so many have so little respect for THEIR OWN SURROUNDINGS. It's very sad. Kudos to you Rick!
The b/w makes this feel steamy to me, which I bet it was. I like what you said too. If only everyone would do their part and just find the proper place to put trash and recycling. Thanks for making a difference, Rick.
August 29th, 2011
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What a lovely shot and I agree with you. people are so greedy and full of themselves.. that they dont care about anyone but themselves....
One day...
" This is a story of four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’ s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done."
And you pick the trash up! Very cool :)
You say what we would like to, but can't find the words.
Good B & W shot. I'm always amazed at the rubbish around beautiful places too. Good for you picking some of it up.
You should write a book of inspirational thoughts & publish it :)
framing your picture.