Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Four Blackbirds

Actually, I think it's only two...
:)

This morning found me in a world of worry and sadness.  Things are not improving here and the stress level continues to rise over concerns about job and house and finances.  But what was most distressing today is that our worst scenario for our son seems to be playing out and he's going to fail a couple of his classes.  He's always struggled in school and we've had a terrible time working with the district to get him the support that he needs.  He completely fell off a cliff this semester....I'm sure that all the uncertainty here at home just exacerbates things for him.  If we can turn him around, he will still probably be able to graduate with his class next spring.  But we are SO worried as we just can't seem to get through to him how serious this is for his future and though he's pleasant, he just can't seem to get with the program where school is concerned.

I found myself up early and so overwhelmed with this that I had to just leave the house and distract myself to save my sanity.  I headed to a nearby park/preserve that has a HUGE meadow.  The flowers are just starting to bloom and it will be just gorgeous in a week or so.  Today my thoughts were of the first blossoms and the birds.

rwbb3

I'm especially proud of the four images I'm posting today.  I've always found red winged blackbirds to be especially challenging to photograph.  They're skittish and you can barely look in their direction before they fly.  I've tried for years to catch good shots and have only had limited success on a couple of occasions.  Today, even though I was still a good distance from them, they stayed around long enough for me to get a solid focus and shoot.  I was on my game...my exposure straight out of the camera was spot on!  All they needed was a crop and a touch of sharpening. 


rwbb2

The birds were a true distraction from all that's challenging me right now.  And the sense of accomplishment gave me something to feel good about.  I hope it can hold me over now for a few days....the heat wave is on it's way.  Today, it was gorgeous with a high of 79.  Tomorrow they say 97, and Thursday....102!!  Next week, that meadow will be spectacular! I'll post a little preview tomorrow!

rwbb4

rwbb1

I've missed linking in with Carly and her photo a day project for at least a week now. So, Carly....here's four pics to catch up!

5 comments:

Jon said...

Kat, it always hurts to hear about your problems and subsequent stress, because I'm presently going through the same thing. I wish I had something positive to say, but my pessimism is profound.
I can only hope that, for both of us, there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
Undoubtedly, the stress in your home is having some effect on your son and his grades.

On a brighter note, your photos are delightful. The light summery green background compliments the beautiful birds!

Gillian Olson said...

Beautiful birds.

RURAL said...

The shots of the birds are beautiful, and lets hope that the heat and sun bring better news for you and your family.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

marigolds2 said...

Stupendously wonderful photos. I'm so sorry that stress continues to reign in your world. You deserve a life where birds and blossoms and your amazing eye for all things lovely in the natural world triumph over all the rest of it. I'm glad that you can find this escape, this respite in the meadow, if only for a while!

Anonymous said...

These are amazing photos and I came over from Xanga.
Grannys_place from Xanga