Chris and I went walking out in the snow today. We certainly didn’t expect snow here, especially so early. For me, being so recently from California these many years, the powdery snow looks quite inviting!
“Snowy Walk in Vancouver” photo of Vancouver, WA by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
Last night listening to the news, we learned the area is not that well prepared for snow. Last night it seemed like the whole of the cities of Portland and Vancouver were slipping and sliding! It was reported that today many businesses and schools were closed.
Fortunately for us, we bought chains yesterday. Nevertheless, rather than drive to the store this afternoon, we decided to walk.
“Snowy Bramble and Trees,” photo of Vancouver, WA by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
It wasn’t nearly as cold as I thought it would be. The snow was already starting to melt despite the low temperature outside. It just hasn’t been that cold that long here for the snow to really stick. Nevertheless it was/is beautiful!
The news is that it will be staying cold the next few days, before it warms up next week. Everyone here I hear is looking forward to the return of more temperate rain!!
Well some say the unthinkable just happened. It did catch many of us by surprise I have to admit. But I think The DNC and media here in the USA were playing with fire when they did not give Bernie Sanders a fair shake and actually seemed to give Donald Trump a lot more news coverage than was his due. I think they figured who in their right mind would ever vote for The Fool?? And thus they believed Hillary Clinton would be a shoe in despite the fact she wasn’t that popular…
It was obvious that the public really wanted a change. I know I did and do. So in that sense I am not surprised Trump won in the end despite his blundering blustering ego. Better him than politics as usual was/is the likely reason he got elected. At least as a human being he seems real and occasionally gets something right, despite his extremely inappropriate views on social and environmental issues. Plus it really does seem like he is less likely to go to war than Clinton who was often seen rattling her sabers.
Copper Red Blue River photo by Bea Garth copyright 2016
No matter what happens I believe we have to take the future into our hands by centering ourselves in a grounded way and then take positive action within each of our abilities. The earth is here for us to appreciate and take care of. We cannot just sit by the sidelines. We must do what we can to make a positive difference and build towards making a better future.
Maybe one positive of a Trump presidency is that he will be so bad he will force many of us to take action and get involved for once. Who knows, maybe an effective third party will grow out of this.
Black Triangle Silver River Sunset photo by Bea Garth copyright 2016
I believe this election really showed that the body politic will not be ramrodded over, especially in this day of the Internet where manipulations of the public are becoming much more obvious.
Tangled Black Trees in Front of Sunset photo by Bea Garth copyright 2016
Thing is, we have got to learn how to work together despite whatever polarizations. And yes, its likely polarizations may grow despite the soothing words Trump espoused during his speech saying how he wants to work at healing America. I hope he is speaking the truth, but of course don’t really trust it given what he has espoused along the campaign trail.
Meanwhile, late this afternoon just before the sun went down Chris and I went for a walk along the Columbia River. It simply amazed both of us. These things are important. Preserving the healing beauty of Nature is no joke.
Trump still thinks climate change isn’t real. This attitude cannot stand unopposed.
No matter what happens with this new presidency, it is time for the rest of us to breathe and make new connections and alliances. I believe it can be done. And perhaps it will finally be possible since what other alternative do we have?? We just have to give it enough consistent effort and time to grow. Certainly for once it truly seems possible.
Chris and I visited Vancouver Lake yesterday afternoon. I got some good shots of the sun getting lower in the sky as we began our walk back towards our car further on down the path. It was just a simple street and path, but the light made it truly beautiful.
“Chris Facing The Light” photo by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
I am blown away at how amazing nature is. It seems to really call to me.
I am beginning to think I should put some focus on photography in addition to painting etc. After all, with modern photographic methods, there is no longer any danger of getting toxified from the chemicals like I did back in the day. Chris tells me I still have the touch.
“Light on Thoroughfare” landscape by Bea Garth copyright 2016More of the light coming through the trees.
The thing is is that Chris and I spent some time talking with this one fellow whose wife was taking pictures of the lake with her huge new camera.
I just had my little cell phone for these, but honestly felt like the day was so perfect it invited the photographer in anyone. Ever feel like that?? It had been raining quite a bit for a few days, so the sun came out and pulled out all the stops. The land was green and glistening.
“Light and Dark on Path” photo by Bea Garth copyright 2016
To top it off, the trees are turning color so it was a riot out there!
Went for a walk yesterday evening and took a couple of decent shots of our local Vancouver area before there just wasn’t enough light. I love how soft and inviting it is here! And how trees, vines and bushes are so abundant.
“Tree-Vine Tangle” Vancouver scene photo by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
This photo is of a favorite vista I often see during my daily walk:
“Soft Horizon” vista landscape of Vancouver by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
Chris and I took a walk along the Columbia River here in Vancouver to celebrate the glorious day. This beach below was towards the end of the trail. You can see the plane about to land.
“Plane Landing” near a Vancouver beach along Columbia, photo by Bea Garth copyright 2016
These photos were taken when we went to Rooster Rock Beach the other day, getting towards sundown. Am enjoying being so close to such a large and beautiful river as the Columbia! Its so big it has islands. Rooster Rock Beach represents one of them–you have to walk out to it, often through shallow water, though we didn’t have to in this particular case since the water was at low tide. My experience previously has mostly been of ocean beaches–even though I often depict river beach scenes in my artwork. Interesting fact, eh? It may be because I was born near the Columbia river and spent time there as an infant and small child…I lived in Portland years ago, but did not spend much time at the beach on the river. Instead I went to Coast. The nice thing about the river in places like this is that the water is warm and not too deep. Makes it fun to swim in.
Bea Garth laughing at Rooster Rock Beach. Photo by Chris Arcus, copyright 2016.Panoramic View of Rooster Rock Beach. Photo by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
“Sunset Glow on Columbia at Rooster Rock Beach” photo by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
We saw this grey heron over at Rooster Rock Beach along the Columbia River a few days ago. The sky was magnificent, as was he with his wings unfolding. I felt the bird and I have a connection. It got me thinking of this new phase in my life wherein I am finally released from other obligations and can focus on my art full time again.
“Heron About to Take Flight” photo by Bea Garth, copyright 2016
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