Negative Pathways

Life is a journey that requires us constantly to make decisions about which path to take. Sometimes we choose well, but sometimes we choose a parallel path that leads nowhere... I call these 'negative pathways'.

Best viewed large...

UPDATE: There has been some speculation as to what this is. My original idea was decision pathways in the mind (I should probably get out more LOL) and this is what I chose to illustrate that concept. If you said, leaf - go to the top of the class. It is indeed a section of a large leaf (some kind of weed I found in a lost corner of the garden) backlit and converted to B&W in Lightroom. I still wasn't quite happy with the effect but then I had the idea of turning the image into a negative and I liked it better - voilà...negative pathways!

[Claire]

Nice shot, really like this...like your words too...so true!

[Linda1949]

Thanks for the inspirational thoughts today!

[Steve Davis]

I like the shot but am confused as to what it is

[TheRubySusan]

Beautiful, Richard! (Wait till you see my book club post - you put me to shame!) I'm guessing, in order of certainty, - vegetable in origin, weathered wood or perhaps a wide leaf.

[Richard Sayer]

@bassflyer65 @therubysusan Hello both - thank you for your kind comments. I struggled a bit to come up with something arty/abstracty for today, but in the end I'm reasonably happy with this. What is it? Well, I think I will keep you guessing a while longer... but all will be revealed in the fullness of time!

[TheRubySusan]

@vignouse I look forward to the revelation! That's one thing I love about close ups - how mysterious they make things.
I'm going to be that kid in the class who never understands the directions. I missed out on the "abstract" altogether! But at least I'm trying!

[Tom]

Very nice monochrome in shades of gray

[Linda]

Perfect harmony between picture and words. What is this? I can't decide...
(Linda, @se7en)

[Katie]

Fascinating texture, and I am definitely curious as to the guessing game! At first I was thinking leaf but now wood ..

[Keith Porteous]

Cool image! Leaf?

[Shanne]

great focus and b&w conversion - I'm with the vegetable origin - possibly a leaf

[Joan Robillard]

You're having fun keeping everyone guessing. Looks like my gobbler neck in b&w. LOL

[Meredith McNay]

Well done again. I thought it was wood, but on a closer look not sure. Now I had better catch up with the book club and do some post processing.

[Karen H]

super texture.
all paths lead to where we are supposed to be at that time.

[Keith Porteous]

Come on Richard, give it up!

[Richard Sayer]

@bassflyer65 @therubysusan @happysnap @archaeofrog @shannejw @joansmor @wanabe @kporte I've put you all out of your misery - you'll find the answer in an update at the top of the page. Thanks for all your interest and kind comments.

[Joan Robillard]

I thought leaf and then discarded it. Always go with your first impression.

[Pete Roberts]

Very nice Richard I am glad you told us what it was

[Steve Jaques]

Very nice Richard, you keep posting these pics that I'd happily put on a wall and this is yet another one.

[Richard Sayer]

@smunty Wow, that's quite a compliment Steve - thank you.

[Katie]

@vignouse Whoo-hoo! Giving myself a gold star.

[👑 AnaZad]

I know I'm late for the mystery, but funny that since I opened it, realized it was a lead... not looking for brownie points... LOL. I like your interpretation of negative paths - you're so right.

[Fisher Family]

Great picture to go with some interesting musings on pathways, the philosopher in you breaking out? Katharine

[Niki]

I love black and white because it makes you look at the finer details. Nice!

[Kevin Wallace]

Brilliant in its clarity. Thanks for followup!