one more aspen hit

Because, tho' I went from the Pacific (see header)

to pronghorn antelope in one (glorious) day

this last weekend, I'm not feeling blog-posty.

So, here's this. =)

xoxobb

pointillism, schmointillism: aspen art

nature's pointillism

When I was in high school I got into pointillism

when both my English and French classes

were in art history mode.

And, there was Georges Seurat,

painting in such a strange way.

It was weird. And beautiful.

And I couldn't stop staring.

Le Chahut (1889-1890) by Georges Seurat

Last weekend, pointillism was everywhere.

And I couldn't stop staring.

Of course, cameras cannot fully convey this experience.

Those trees shimmer.

Each tiny leaf wiggles to and fro,

in the faintest of breezes,

flashing brilliant colors this way and that.

*sigh*

And, the "shshshshsh" sound is amazing.

(like the Seurat detail shots in text books...)

We'd stopped near Lee Vining,

seeing umpteen trucks pulled over at a really nicely lit group of trees.

Thought it was a photography class.

Nope.

Just two dozen photographers very quietly staring at

and shooting this amazing phenomenon.

The power of that beauty yielded a respectful silence.

People tip-toed here and there,

breathing it all in,

grateful to witness such a glorious exhibition.

=)

xobb

Tongue-tied Tuesday

aspen attack

Yesterday afternoon we scoped out the aspen action

in the Mono Lake area in eastern California.

Today I walked into the above aspen forest,

surrounded by possibly the most beauty

I've ever experienced in one place at one time.

I took 6 big steps forward,

then lay on the dirt & leaves,

and stared up.

gah!

[ed: bb left unexpectedly before completing this post. We assure you that she will post more aspen photos (accompanied by the usual blather) once she has recovered her faculties. We apologize for any inconvenience, and for her lapse in professional conduct.]

wow. whattaday. wordless, but whatever!

 
First, I whine for a millisecond about getting out of the house at dark time (earrrrrly) to get my haircut.

Then, I actually GET outside, and see this:

was much more impressive in person and about 45 seconds earlier...

I should have known.

I had the MOST amazing day.

Bear had asked what I was doing after getting my hair cut. I said something dull like, "uh, cooking those tomatoes into sauce?" and he suggested (WHAT is he THINKING?!?) instead I consider going to the park (Yosemite valley, specifically) 'cause fall is happening and it's really pretty, and it's supposed to rain this weekend.

Now, why would I do that?

Uh, because it's one of the most beautiful places on the planet, and (since we have an employee sticker) it's free?!?

Yeah.

So, yeah.

I went.

Pictures soon.

(okay, here's one)

 (do click on this--SO much better big)

In short: a spec-TAC-ular day, then looking for Bear at his office, ran into an NPS friend, chatted, got him to send me a few COOL pics that I may post, and saw another friend (USGS) which was delightful as ever, chatted with him a bit, then found Bear outside, who'd just run with a co-worker whom I've not seen in ages who needed a ride to his car, so I got the low down on how he became a SMOKE JUMPER since the last time I saw him!!!

Wow. Then went to eat at a place in town, and there were another 7 people I knew there. I SWEAR I saw every person whom I know in this county today. So, totally flying on the intensive nature hit, and then a huge social high from all those wonderful people.

Even learned about some new fungus sampling technique some folks recently used as part of a fungus bio blitz thingy that sounds a-MA-zing and you can BET I'll be sharing it once I learn.

Yow.


Oh, and got zero words written today (you know, for NaNoWriMo) but really don't care. SO happy.

Crikey.

Good night! (if I can EVER get to sleep)

bb

P.S. Predicting total exhaustion tomorrow. Typically follows insanely high energy day. =) Dood, I'll still take it!

High country & east side Mumday: Tenaya + Mono Lakes

 

 

bb