INCURABLE OPTIMIST

Via Tumblr: Loyal Little Bird

Loyal Little Bird

The photographs you see show how a very determined male bird tries to save his female mate that has been seriously injured.
Here the female bird is injured and her condition is not good.
The male bird brings her food and attends to her with love and compassion.
Although he tries to help her, she is too badly injured and dies.
He is shocked over her death and tries desperately to bring her back to life, trying to pull her up and make her move.
He finally realizes that his sweetheart has passed away and will never come back to him, and brokenhearted - he cries over his lost love.
He stands by her side, calling and crying for help. He is devastated by her death.
Finally realizing that she will never return to him, he stands beside her lifeless body with great sadness and sorrow, unable to leave her side.
The photos of these two birds are said to have been taken in the Republic of the Ukraine. This male bird was bound and determined to save his female mate. The photographer sold these pictures for a small price to one of the most famous newspapers in France. All the copies of that newspaper were sold out on the day they published these photos.

Found this touching story via Himandher.

Photo: "The Long Road to Somewhere Exciting"

Who needs maps? Directions are ho-hum. Are you going to be that person all your life? Step it up. Change things. Be a catalyst for change. Evoke emotions. Allow yourself to be inspired. Inspire. Don't listen to this photo caption. It doesn't know you. You know You. Disregard this. Follow your heart. Be happy.

Photo: Pt.Mugu Sky @ Sunset

Photo: Complicated Cacti

More proof that beautiful traits are born and are within complex, thorny, complicated, people--err, I mean plants. Something beautiful exists in everything. Beauty is subjective.

-Farida

Photo: "No Machines, Hello Nature"

Hi-Note

Photo: Hi-Desert by Farida

Earth Candy: Oh Beautiful Planet & Beautiful Inhabitants

A reminder for all on this Earth Day.

Pretty simple message? Nothing brings me more joy than Discovery Channel's, "Planet Earth" series narrated by Sigourney Weaver. I have probably watched it a million times now. It never fails to amaze me. Here is one of my favorite clips from the series: It's the Paradise Bird. What a personality! Watch it HERE.

"Have you watched the cities move? Does nature fall before? This age of industry, For today I'll let it go. You've been good to me; Have I been good to you?" 

(Building and Mountains by The Republic Tigers) >>>Listen HERE

Photo: [Help name this Picture!]

I promise not to rehash my list of excuses for NOT updating my flickr page with photos from Big Island, Hawaii. One day soon I will finish my album. *crosses fingers*.

OK, need some feedback from you insanely witty people. What should I title this image? Buddha's Facing the Pacific? So not flowing. Any suggestions? Leave a comment if you have any.

Thanks!

Farida

[click picture to enlarge]

Photo: Green is beautiful

I promise not to rehash my list of excuses for NOT updating my flickr page with photos from Big Island, Hawaii. One day soon I will finish my album. *crosses fingers*.

Here is one of many: [click to enlarge]

Audio: Hear the Caged Bird Sing; While You Still Can.

A while back I turned a boring ho-hum Sunday into a soul nourishing day trip to the Dallas Zoo.  It was my Camera, My Companion and myself amongst the crowds of parents, grandparents, strollers and kiddies. It was a good day. Visiting the Zoo has always been a trip filled with mixed feelings. The beautiful animals bring Joy to the inner child in me. The caged cats and endangered animals with sad and lonely dispositions- break my heart. These are God's Beautiful creations too. Unable to speak in a language we can understand. They too, coexist in this world with us. They too, have families, Mom, Dads, babies, and even friends. Oh, I am really a sap and a softy. Can't help it, even if I tried to.

The Birds, they are the most fun. With their saturated plumage, striking eyes, and delightful calls. These Birds are more than our plentiful Happy-Go-Lucky Backyard Birds. These Birds have stories to sing. Some are "Critically Endangered". The Bali Myna or the Bali Starling is one such Critically Endangered Bird. What can you do? Preserve and respect the existing Wildlife. Educate your kids, nieces, nephews, etc. about the endangered species and finally make a decision to support Conservation efforts. Look into your local Sierra Club or Audubon Society for more tips. The Bali Starling is  A Gorgeous Bird with an even more gorgeous chirp.

I don't know if  the Cage is a Prison or a Sanctuary. What I do know is the Bali Starling sings. It has a Song.  Hear the Caged Bird Sing; while you still can.

I happened to record a sound byte of the Bali Myna on my Ipod for my readers and my sound library. The sound is a little noisy since it was recorded in a indoor sanctuary. I removed some of the hiss and clicks-so, you might want to turn it up. Take a listen HERE. The Bird has the cutest tweet. Seriously, I have said this before, but I am really in awe of all God's creations. 

I still feel somewhat lucky to have seen the Bali Starling and her friends. I hope I have done some of my part to document this beautiful Bird and her equally gorgeous caged friends.

-Farida

My Photo sets can be found HERE, HERE and HERE.

(click to enlarge the mosaic)

Trees That Pray

I know I have photographed this tree before. What can I say, I am in love with it. It's glorious and strong. I am in awe of all of God's Creations. I wish more people would protect these aging and maturing beauties. I can't imagine a world without Trees. I don't apologize for my deep rooted affection for nature. It is sad to see Land Developers clear out families of trees to make the bottom line. In the recent months I have met a few people who are into "Tree Preservation". They understand the need for homes, but their cause is to preserve. Earth Day is approaching in a few weeks. I will take it upon myself to plant trees in my yard. I encourage you to do the same, if you haven't already. It maybe beyond our lifetime when these trees tower and give shelter to countless bird species and squirrels. Don't let that discourage you. That will be your mark forever. Perhaps in 2058, there will be another Tree Hugger blogging about the beauty of the branches, another Soul resting under the shade of the Mighty Oak, another Mom refilling the bird feeder with her 4 year old, another Homeowner who will unwind from his hectic work day by watering the roots. Who knows really? I have posted an entry earlier about Humans being like Trees. Our branches may break and blister, but our roots are strong, and still provide nourishment, we always replenish ourselves. We always know when.

This picture is my Beloved Oak Tree in my Backyard. I think she is gorgeous. I think Trees take on a Feminine Role? No? Your thoughts?

Here is an old poem by Joyce Kilmer from 1914, about Trees. I wonder what Tree inspired this poem?

Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer (1914)