One of my favorite things to do is to chase the sunset. Here’s today’s result:
I typically am involved in something else—tonight it was returning from Home Depot with lumber—when I notice the sky.
I just tipped off the whole point of this letter.
Much as I appreciate the beauty of a spectacular sunset, it’s not the beauty I’m chasing. I’m cultivating the habit of noticing the world around me, and of cherishing the passing of time.
When you notice that the sky is about to burst into a display of magnificent colors, you have to move fast; you only have minutes before the display fades and darkness settles over your community. It’s at this point in the day when changes happen quickly, so fast that you either pay attention or miss the whole thing.
In contrast, at most times of the day—say 1 p.m.—there’s not much difference between that moment and a moment ten or fifteen minutes later.
It’s good to know yourself, and I know that I tend to pay much closer attention when it really matters. The rest of the day, I’m often deep into one idea or the other, and things slip past me.
The other quality that defines my behavior in the midst of natural beauty is tenacity. I took this photo 15 minutes before the one at the top of the page. It’s pretty good, but I wasn’t thrilled with it.
So we got in the car and headed for home. But… the sky was still incredibly colorful. There was only one other spot that might still support a better photo, I thought. It’s up on a local bridge, about 150 feet above a river gorge. So we raced (this verb is mostly for dramatic effect… we actually drove 34 mph) there, and got the shot.
You may not have a waterfall or a river gorge near where you live, but I guarantee that you are surrounded by beauty, if you take the time to notice.
Beautiful photos, Bruce.
In that same vein, I have been observing the planetary alignment that has been happening. I am up early enough in the morning that I am able to observe this string of planets across the sky. It makes me realize that the world (universe?) is much larger than I will ever totally comprehend. So, I just admire the beauty.
Love the photos. I never grow tired of seeing sunsets. Next time I can see a sunset at the ocean, I'll reflect on your words.