Summer's Over - (enlarge)

If you saw my 2 previous images you will have seen that I had

enjoyed an afternoon in late August with two engaging boys who

were just so happy to be catching frogs, snakes and enjoying any

other adventure that nature brought their way as summer was

winding down. I was at our Ecology Park where the summers are

enjoyed by children of all ages. There is Summer Camp where the

children learn all about the Habitat at the Ecology Park, late night

nature walks where the sounds of the Garden, the nearby River and

night atmosphere take on a magical dimension. They learn about

gardening, composting, how to treat the natural habitat around them.

There is also a place where you can purchase young trees and view

the Vegetable Garden. I had just finished exploring the Vegetable

Garden and was on my way back to the Pond when I saw this

Crayon hanging from a tree. At first I wondered why anyone would

do that??? I knew the crayon could be hanging there for many

reasons depending on the 'mood' of the person who put it there.

Whether it was to protect a curious animal or young child, I decided

that maybe someone had stood on one of the picnic tables and hung

the crayon perhaps as a symbol of 'Saying Goodbye' to the many fun

Summer Memories enjoyed during countless days spent with the

young children of our neighborhoods. It's nice to see that while so

many things change, there is still a use for the simple 'crayon' in the

hand of a curious child. (your visits and thoughts shared are always

appreciated, :)Gail)

Gail,

A very creative shot.  Your image is tack-sharp, well placed, and has an excellent DOF.  Well done. 

Nice image. I like your use of shallow DOF. The comp is good and I also like the colors. And your commentary is good too.

Less is more!!!

A very nicely composed beautiful and original result, Gail!

Hi Gail,

  Only you my friend could create a creative image out of a crayon.  Beautiful creative image with wonderful background.  Take care, Patsy

A great and simple reminder of pleasant times and thoughts. Well done Gail, not just the image, which is technically fine, the thought process behind it. Take care my friend.

Best Always,

Holger

You have a wonderful "eye" for a photograph, and the unusual nature of this one makes it outstanding. 

I like to dwell a moment and ponder the reasons why a child or anyone for that matter would hang a crayon from a tree, and it could be interpreted that after a visit to the nature park, that the person was so inspired that they decided to leave childish things behind to dedicate their life to the protection of wildlife and nature, and so hung the crayon in the tree as a symbol.  On the the other hand they could have just invented a small swing for a bird : - ) 

Great find and presence of mind to take the shot! 

Very well done Gail! 

Alf 

Actually, during the summer while the day camps are going on, it is not unusual to see young children colouring and doing crafts at the picnic tables. They seem to have such a good time in this atmosphere. I kind of wondered if it may have been one of the young Staff members that did it. Or perhaps it was just a teenager who wandered through later in the day. I will never know but I like your thoughts expressed!!!

Hi Gail,

I am always impressed with your creativity and ability to get the most out of a macro lens.  The detail and depth of field here is perfect.  The detailed stands in the rope or string and the weathered detail in the crayon are nothing short of amazing.  Great composition and bokeh too.   And, best to you ( a little rhyme.)   Larry

I was not sure I would get this capture as I was aiming the camera over my head and my shoulder was still quite sore. But I surprised even me. I was very excited when I saw the Bokeh. Thanks for sharing your input Larry, much appreciated.

I just noticed that you and I have both been PN members for 7 years.  It's been very enjoyable to see your work evolve and grow.  Would you have thought outside the box to see this photographic opportunity 8 years ago?

Marvelous, my friend!!!

Hugs!!

An interesting image with lovely bokeh.

The simplicity of this picture is very attractive..together with the title make a conceptual picture. Well spotted.

A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and yours!!.

Warm regards,

Dimitris.