—OH MY! Well, not really. But now that I have your attention, I’m hoping I can keep it long enough to get you to view my weekly photography blog.
This week I braved the frigid air and wandered into a dense forest to photograph things in the wild. Okay, okay…It was an arboretum, in the ‘burbs of Chicago, but there was wildlife…birds and squirrels count, right? Anyway, I waddled around in my snowsuit like a winter piñata and tried to find things to capture for your viewing pleasure.
Morton Arboretum is a treasure for people who love nature. I was amazed at how many people were out there enjoying it with me; lots of dedicated runners and cross-country skiers. At one point in my adventure, I found myself captivated by a bunch of beautiful cattail plants. As many of you know, cattails are a sure sign of water in the near vicinity. Well…I learned a lesson that day. You see, I grew up as a country girl down south, so I also understand how to read nature’s clues, but my stubbornness causes me to ignore the obvious sometimes. I was so intent on capturing the essence of these plants that I was oblivious to the fact I was walking on a partially frozen pond. Several days before we had a snowfall ranging from 4-7 inches, and in my defense I must say that the pond was nicely camouflaged. Thankfully I was barely knee-deep when the ice under my feet collapsed and you can bet your last dime that I scampered out of there FAST!
Needless to say, I didn’t get a prize-winning cattail shot, but I hope the images I did get will make it up to you. Who knows? Maybe this is the post that makes you become a ‘wisdom begins in wandering’ follower. In any case, I hope you find my work enjoyable. Stay warm everyone (and for God’s sake, keep your distance from cattails!).
© Sonya Williams 2012
© Sonya Williams 2012
© Sonya Williams 2012
© Sonya Williams 2012
© Sonya Williams 2012
Wisdom Begins in Wandering 
Love it, love it, love it!
The briar twig with the beautiful shades of magenta is my favorite. Good stuff! stay dry.
I love them all. They made me cold, but I was drawn back to the last one. The one with the thorn. What a creative eye to even shoot that one.
OUNCE AGAIN you HAVE MANAGED to bring your work to life for us. . So real. That I thought i was right there …. Now about those cat tails….
I hope you had on your wading boots! lol Goofy girl!! Love all the photos, but the first two are the ones which captured my attention … and the one with the naked, cold trees in black and white.
I like the pine cone as it would be related to all things southern – even though I know you’re in Chicago, it ties into those Southern roots. I like the second one with the one tree in front “protecting” trees behind it from your “paparazzi camera,” and then the one of all the trees in black and white with the snow … just because it makes me think of my mother.
My mother always loved the old, dead trees and talked about taking photos for a coffee table book.
Sonya,
Thoroughly enjoyed your site today!!! As always, amazing! Love The butterflies. The fire must have been an incredible experience for you!
Love …love ….LOVE!