Surrender - (enlarge)

Back in High School, I loved my Gymnastic Class. I made the team

to go to the final LAKE ONTARIO MEET. I was so excited, yet very

scared as well. The Uneven Bars were my chosen event. The bars

have to be adjusted to each individual girl. I am quite short and in the

Practice Gym the bars could not be adjusted for me. While warming

up, I injured myself quite badly. My Coach, Mrs. Glennie (she was

married to one of the Maple Leaf hockey Players) told me I shouldn't

compete. Not wanting to let down the team, I told her I was

determined to compete. A lesson we had practiced was

a 'Trust/Surrender' exercise. You basically free fall backwards,

surrendering to your fear. As you did that, I believed the negative

energy would pass through me and my body would release it. Those

gathered behind and below would catch us. This was an exercise to

enable us to TRUST our spotters. I had one move where I 'kipped' off

and out from the top bar and as my body was falling downwards, I

would wrap my waist around the bottom bar, my hands following to

grasp the bar, and I would do a full turn on the bottom bar and come

to a resting position. Well, things went differently. Instead of doing

one full turn, I was hurting so badly I could not stop. I recall looking

into Mrs. Glennie's eyes and she whispered 'keep going!". It was like

slow motion. I ended up doing 5 full turns before I was able to stop. I

placed SECOND in the Gymnastic Meet gaining extra points for

inventing a NEW MOVE !!! Of course I was elated, but the biggest

lesson of that day, was surrendering to my fear, and trusting my

spotter would 'CATCH ME IF I FELL'. Now that I am older, I try to

use that act of 'surrender' in my 'FAITH', knowing that if I ever FALL,

there is SOMEONE who will be there to CATCH ME. (any visits are

always appreciated, ;-) Gail)

Wow Gail, the detail and color on that bee is incredible!  And the petals on that petunia are so soft and pastelish.  It indeed looks like the bee could fall out of his perch.  But perhaps, like in your wonderful story, there is something there to catch him.  He looks like he has faith.

Hi Gail,

An excellent image well shot technically.

You listened to me when I was teaching you about how to better use your camera and lens, rather than to surrender to all of those that have not ever learned the truths and follow "here say" and read books that just pass along "false information " (like so my web sites do today).

I would say that you learned many important lessons over the years. You over came your fear in the gym that day by not surrendering to fear but embracing your own faith.

Warmest Regards, Mike

Making different settings for photos we did can learn indeed if the result are better or not,from our experience from what other said I think we go step by step from a level to other one,I feel this pleasure and this is a so good thing.I like the result here with nice colors contrast,details of this ''worker '' well seen,also a nice shine on the wings.

sincerely radu

A beautiful shot with very nice details, Gail!

 

Splendid image, compliments to the QUEEN OF MACRO!!! Ciao, Maurizio.

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful macro with amazing details & colors.  Take care, Patsy

Beautiful macro, really makes me appreciate this bee.  I guess that is what good art is suppose to do.  Now, if we could just stop Mike from taking so much credit.  (Sorry, Mike, I can't help messing with you.  You remind me of a dear friend of mine who I love messing with too.) 

Gail,  You tell quite a story about fortitude and hanging in for the team.  But, no need to worry about surrendering, your image is quite a success for you and the bee.  I don't suppose you could ave gotten more of the flower's edges in focus: that's fine.  You are good with the macro lens.   Best to you  for health and more nice images.   Larry

Beautiful, Gail, doing a good job, this bee is great, funny how she holds for dear life. Bellisima! Abrazos.

This is really great, Gail.  It is as if the bee is just flattened out in his food.  I love it!

 

--Lannie

Hi Gail and Wayne,

Gail is aware of how pleased I am with her progress with camera and lens. Her dedication to wanting to learn more about the science of photography is reflected in much of her work. I enjoy teaching her and others that I have become involved with here on PN.  

Wayne, I enjoy your "messing around", as I take no offense by it at all.

In my line of work, I face many technical challenges from my clients that can be quite demanding. Even my skilled staff becomes overwhelmed by some of the work demands that we have to face daily.

I enjoy my role as a leader, a teacher and senior research optical scientist , too.

Warmest Regards, Mike

Hi Gail, A big bee in a little flower. Perfectly content. Well captured with nice colors and good detail of the bee. Have a great day.

BR,

Holger

Really nice shot of this bee and the textures of he wings and the fuzzy parts.  Reminds me of a kid sticking his whole head in a vat of chocolate for something.  

Magnificent work!

Excellent image and story. And yes listening to Mike pays off.

 

Ben

Hello Ben! good to hear you enjoyed this one. I'm rather amazed how the bees are able to not end up falling when their wings are not moving!! Yes, I certainly 'test' the info Mike gives me and it seems to work! Always good to have someone around who has tested the equipment I am using!

many thanks for your visit, I'll be by to visit you soon, Gail

Many thanks to each one for your visits and support. I appreciate that you enjoyed this capture! ;-) Gail

many thanks for your visit Phil. I imagine in Nature, it is a 'built in' ability for the bee, they seem more fortunate in that department. We have to either earn someone's trust or 'exercise' ours, or sometimes, I think we 'test' the waters a bit before we are sure.

I think it was because I did 'trust' Mrs. Glennie so much. I admired her character, her faith in me while training, and it is not always easy to come by when you are only 16. I was very shy back then and she did help my self esteem tremendously. I had no doubt that she would 'take care of me' while I attempted my 'routine'. I think over the years we all find  people that we will remember as life goes by, those who 'took us under their wing', who had faith in our abilities, who were interested enough in us to 'care', who saw something in us, and knew if they had 'faith' in us, that we would not disappoint them. Actually you will always be one of those people for me. How often does one join a Photography site, and finds someone who probably could use their time 'in so many other endeavours' but takes an interest in someone just starting out, and  has the Patience to help them learn the basics of their equipment, and fine tune their skills as they go along. Not too many people would be bothered, but you have made it your 'credo' to do just that, and so many are benefiting from your 'knowledge base'. Even a Photography class in my home town would never provide me the deeper understanding of my Camera and Lenses. I am sure over the years, your passion for your life's work has enabled you to help many more. My sincere thanks for all the help you've given me. I am beginning to be able to pass much of this info on to friends here on Pn who have been exactly where I was in the beginning. Almost like 'Pay it Forward'!!!  I find each time I share some information, I reinforce it within as well.

 

Sincere regards and appreciation, Gail

You are so right Radu. I seem to take 'baby steps' and some times I have to take them AGAIN...but it is always rewarding when you enjoy Photography so much. I am happy to hear you liked this image. I hope you and your lovely wife enjoyed a very pleasant weekend.

Sincere regards, Gail

Great photo with marvelous color. But its the DOF that wins it for me! Very sharp on the top of the bee and then a beautiful soft focus as the photo gradually gains depth. Really works here! Terrific!

Sincere thanks Warren, you are such an inspiration and source of encouragement....always been there from the start. I hope Fall is a 'good' season for you and your family.

Sincere Wishes, Gail

Wayne - Many thanks for stopping by, glad to hear you enjoyed this one.

Mari - yes I don't quite know how they do it!! thanks for your encouragement and support Mari!

Mau - thank you for that very 'generous' compliment. I dont' think I have earned a 'crown' yet, but I don't give up trying!

Larry - Sincere thanks for your visit and sincere words of critique Larry. I was using Spot Metering and had the Bee in the 'circle' of the Focus Ring in the middle, I don't know if that would make a difference or not. I was looking a bit downwards at the bee as well, that could have done it.

Lannie - The bee does look odd, but I often see them like this!! Many thanks for your visit!

Holger - Bees will always fascinate me. Many thanks for your kind words, you always bring 'cheer' to my page!

Donna - Very good 'association'!!! I often wonder if the bees get a bit 'high' when they immerse themselves in the Pollen??!!