I believe that I have already established that I dig symbolism in my life. Everything means something in my world and I try to find a message hidden in every little gift that crosses my path. Sunsets are no different. There is the literal meaning in that the sun goes down and the day is done. There is the figurative meaning in that the sun has set on the events of the day, good or bad. It is time to put them away, rest one's mind and heart, and wake with the sun to a new series of occurrences. It can be, at times, the end of a chapter or the start of a new one depending one's point of view. It can also serve as the last page turned and the book is closed. My interest is piqued by the fact that I constantly find myself chasing sunsets. I often do not realize how phenomenal a sunset is going to be until it is fast approaching. It is at those moments that I find myself scurrying to grab the camera, convince Bertie that going "bye bye" is a fun thing so she'll let me leash her up, jump in the car and head west trying to decide as I go just which road is going to take me to the prettiest view? Often I take a new road hoping beyond hope that this is the road that is going to offer that "Hallelujah Chorus" moment that takes my breath away all the while breaking my neck to see around the bend or over the hill to catch a glimpse of what's next. Sometimes I arrive in time to see something beautiful. Sometimes I'm too late and the peak of color has passed. Sometimes I think I'm late, enjoy what I can, and head for home only to realize when I look in my rear view mirror that I'm missing the best part of the show. I am learning on this little photography adventure and on this little journey called life. I've learned to watch the clouds a couple hours before sunset. I've learned to gauge the humidity. I've learned to watch the farmers to see if they are harvesting late as the dust that is stirred by a combine makes for a really pretty light catcher. In life, I've learned to pay closer attention to the details of events and people. Something or someone that may once have not meant much at all might really be something special when it's full potential is realized. I've learned not to react quite so much but rather take things into my own hands and be prepared. I leave the tripod in the car. I drive out west of town just in case. I hope the thrill of what's around the bend or over the hill never goes away. I am excited by life and I am eager to see what's next. That doesn't mean I can't enjoy what's right in front of me though. It's ok if my timing is a bit off. I may not catch a prize winning picture but I still have a prize winning memory. Sometimes the picture is not made for print, but instead is just a little gift to me. Thankfully, I truly believe with all my heart that while I may have left too early a missed some darn good color, I don't believe the best of life is behind me. It is still around the bend, waiting for me to grab hold. I don't know what kind of picture it will be. It might be a lake. It might be a barn. It might be a tree. It might be glorious colors or a soft hue. Whatever it is, I'm ready.
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