In today's busy world, there isn't always time to watch a snail...
© Christine Mastroianni, all rights reserved
In today's busy world, there isn't always time to watch a snail. After all, it's common knowledge that they don't really move very quickly. Even if we have afforded ourselves the time to meander alongside Manuel's River in Newfoundland, or any river for that matter, we are too busy watching the path, watching the kids, watching the time - we aren't watching snails. Besides, what good would that do?
Well, lots. One of my mantras when I am really busy is: "time spent with your kids is never wasted". It's kind of sad that I have to remind myself of that, but I prefer to think it's good that I at least DO remind myself of that. Another one should be "time spent watching nature is never wasted". Why? It forces us to slow down. It reminds us that there are other progressive things taking place while we are busy keeping our household and our families running sanely and effectively and contently. It reminds us that it's okay to stop for a while and just sit (or lie on our stomachs) and watch a snail wander as we feel our breathing and heartrate match its pace. And it reminds us that getting from one end of a rock to the other really can be a major accomplishment.
Truth: I wasn't actually lying on the river's edge when I took this. I adjusted the view screen of my Nikon so that I could lay my camera on the ground and still see what the camera was seeing. However, it's important to note that stretching out on the earth would have produced the same result, and had I not had the screen's flexibility, (and often even when I do), I would not have hesitated to do so. You, too, should never pass up the opportunity to do this if it allows you to get down to the level of your subject. Lie, crouch down, kneel, sit. It makes such a difference when capturing images of your children, your pets, and of course, your snails.
Well, lots. One of my mantras when I am really busy is: "time spent with your kids is never wasted". It's kind of sad that I have to remind myself of that, but I prefer to think it's good that I at least DO remind myself of that. Another one should be "time spent watching nature is never wasted". Why? It forces us to slow down. It reminds us that there are other progressive things taking place while we are busy keeping our household and our families running sanely and effectively and contently. It reminds us that it's okay to stop for a while and just sit (or lie on our stomachs) and watch a snail wander as we feel our breathing and heartrate match its pace. And it reminds us that getting from one end of a rock to the other really can be a major accomplishment.
Truth: I wasn't actually lying on the river's edge when I took this. I adjusted the view screen of my Nikon so that I could lay my camera on the ground and still see what the camera was seeing. However, it's important to note that stretching out on the earth would have produced the same result, and had I not had the screen's flexibility, (and often even when I do), I would not have hesitated to do so. You, too, should never pass up the opportunity to do this if it allows you to get down to the level of your subject. Lie, crouch down, kneel, sit. It makes such a difference when capturing images of your children, your pets, and of course, your snails.
I gasped when the portrait of this incredible little snail appeared on my screen with his gold and bronze shell glimmering in the light.
ReplyDeleteYour words are a delight to read and go so nicely with your images. Thank you for taking the time to post this. I'm grateful to have found the time to enjoy your blog. So well done.