"Pause for Absolution"

It's times and places like this that I find myself pondering our world and our current situation. For me, I feel I can find absolution when I am confronted with such natural beauty. It strips away all of my misguided values and makes me appreciate the very present moment. The world stops turning and I stop yearning. All I need is what I see. I wish most from our society could stop looking for solutions where they won't be found; in boardroom meetings, in courtrooms, in facilities of legislation, in congressional hearings, in international summits, in big white sterile buildings. I believe they could find more solutions if they would consider not looking for them at all. Sometimes no solutions are needed, just give it up and let it go and be happy with the very present moment. Stop the world from turning so fast and stop the incessant yearning, find peace first from within before demanding it from others. Stepping out and looking for more intangible solutions, stripping themselves of a tough thick skin that covers a soft heart. This is where I shed my skin and soften my heart. It will work for anyone!

Thanks for pausing for a moment. Heed these words and become refreshed! I do

believe the Larger version will give you pause!

i am sure this place is somewhere in heaven. Great pic. Thanks for sharing.

Amaizing, beautiful photo. Very well done .

Thanks for sharing...great shot!

Fantastic color, such an enticing scene. Wish I was there!

Well found, well shot and well produced. There are those (I have heard) who are uncomfortable out, away from city and people. The unknown of the more wild places fills them with fears and uncertainty of the unknown. They are missing much.

Mark Hello, I enjoyed your beautiful landscape photo and your take a pause comments your wrote. so true. well done on both. Great work. Take care

Thanks Arup, Aivar, Ryan, Tim, Craig and Paul! I use the word absolution in a broader context than it's more precise meaning. To me, absolution is more than the absolving of sin, it is the purging of worry, doubt, burden and guilt from one's mind. Our needs are simple; food, water and air are certain needs. We often tell ourselves we have many more needs, but they are really often only wants and desires. When I sit and look out upon this, I don't feel the need. I am absolved. Craig, there is treachery all around us, but most of it resides in what we think is safe haven; our very own homes, neighborhoods and towns, not in fields out in the wilderness. I'm the nonconformist, I find comfort when I am out and away. I'm guessing you do as well!

Beautiful image! Up to your usually high standard of images shared with us here at PN. Knowing that you are a stickler for details, I am presuming that the rocks were that tinge of blue. Warm regards,

Rocks? What rocks? Those are icebergs! Now really Tony, do you think those rocks are blue. They are only as blue as the ambient light that reflects from them is. Actually, I warmed the foreground exposure before blending, so they are reduced in blue. Yeah, I could further color correct them locally, that might make things pop a little more, but I don't want to manufacture anything. All in all, I like the coolness of the scene working off of the hot area around the sun. As far as the lupines, they are very blue and really incredible!

Incredible moment in time and an absolute absolution. I so agree with your sentiments as the simple beauty of creation can do more to console our troubled times than all the plots and legislation can ever do. Just stop and smell the lupines if you will, ponder the sunsets, the colors of the day and the inner peace these things can bring. Haven't been doing much myself lately but I cherish those special moments such as this that you have found. I so appreciate your talent in finding them or as Marina Cano says letting them find yoou. Special moments, congrats, rek.

Wonderful colour and perspective.

hey Mark

fantastic! Great comp. colors excellent. I've heard of this area. Like to get there

next spring. Well done as always. also great narrative. all the best....mark.

Mark - Now my fav of your recent shots. The explosion of color is fantastic, detail throughout. The boulders and trees draw me deeper into the view, past the obvious colorful lupine. With the larger view, a bright highlight at the far left, top third catches my eye-maybe a reflection off of a roof?. My minor nit might be to subdue it slightly. I am envious of you spring - only muddy flooding out east!

 

Harry

Mark.... I've been in a rush lately and am trying to catch up with your new work. This one just jumps out at me. Just a splendid shot. Thanks for sharing... Mike

 

(I'll have to come back for the others.)

Thanks so much Richard, Margo, Mark, Harry and Mike. Harry, I think it is the blurred headlamps of an approaching car. I will clone out the pesky distraction, thanks for pointing that out. Richard, I like that reference; them finding me. I might change that a little to "they are calling me, I go out and find them". Hey Mike, wondering if you have been out shooting. I hope you can get in a spring trip to the Smokies, I would love to see some new landscapes from you!