Blue Moon 2012

The expression "once in a blue moon" means a rare event. And indeed a blue moon is a rare event. The definition of a blue moon according to Merriam-Webster is "a second full moon in a calendar month," and that only happens seven times in a 19 year cycle. 

As a child I'd heard this expression many times and always wanted to see a blue moon. Blue being my favorite color and the full moon a beautiful celestial event, I could not imagine a prettier site. So the first time a blue moon happened when I was old enough to know, I waited outside expectantly for the moon to rise. Imagine my confusion when the moon was still a luminous pearly white! 

We will be experiencing a "blue moon" this Friday, August 31, 2012. I will have to go check again, just to make sure it is not a cornflower blue. Maybe just in my imagination. 

 

Moon Fog 

A full moon rises in the night sky over an ancient cottonwood tree twisting in the blue gray fog.

 

 

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Giraffe Crisscross

Giraffes are one of those African animals that belong to the rich world of a child's imagination. The ridiculously long neck and patchwork hide of russet color make the perfect animal companion on a whimsical adventure in the Land of the Lion King. When this tall fellow crossed in front of the brick wall at the Denver Zoo I was delighted with the repetitive patterns crisscrossing before my eyes. I hope you enjoy it too! 

 

Giraffe Crisscross

Giraffe, a zoo animal from Africa with a very long neck, crosses in front of a brick wall creating a checker patchwork of patterns in russet orange.  

Denver Zoo, Colorado

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Polar Bear Paws

It had been years since my last visit to the zoo. This time was no different from my past visits with the exception of some new exhibits. My reaction was the same too. I was happy and sad at the same time. Happy that the animals were safe and protected. Happy to see them. But sad that they were not free to live wild. 

 I would love for this to be a perfect world where the wild ones can live safely in their natural environments, but that is not the case today. In the meantime, I like to think of zoos as modern day arks. A place of safe haven for endangered animals. 

The polar bear is one such endangered animal. They are disappearing at an alarming rate due to melting ice. They use the ice for hunting and resting when out on the sea.  They starve to death when they can not hunt.  I have chosen to show only a piece of their magnificent beauty, because they will never be whole until we can protect them in the wild.

Bear Paw 

A close up shot of the giant paws of a polar bear. Denver Zoo, Colorado 

You can see more of my work on Etsy or Fine Art America. 

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Raven

Ravens have had a place in many different legends from numerous cultures. In the Norse legend the god Odin had a pair of ravens who were his messengers. In the Middle Ages they were harbingers of death and associated with wicked priests. In Native American lore ravens represent the fool and the wise one; darkness and light; death and creation. 

Ravens remind me of playful intelligence. I love to watch them. They will look into your eyes thoughtfully, follow you on a walk, and croak their encouragements in many guttural sounds. If you listen long enough I believe you start to understand the difference between greetings and curses. Yes, I definitely believe that they have emotions too. 

 I have watched them many times. They can dive and soar in free abandonment or fight and claw an enemy. I have also learned that they can be accomplices with hunters. They have been known to perch above prey cawing loudly and drawing the attention of a lion or wolf to kill a deer knowing that they will have the left overs. This is one resourceful bird. So the next time you see a raven or crow give them a little nod of respect or the trickster may just play a prank on you. 

Raven 

On a recent trip to the American southwest this raven seemed to take an interest in me and my camera. He posed for many shots but I liked this one the best. 

You can see more of my work on Etsy or Fine Art America.

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.