Chasing Dreams

Don't let life catch up, so that is captures your energy and you find yourself lost in the abyss. Even in retirement without demands of an alarm clock, we can get ourselves trapped in routines, projects and the honey do list.

We downsized! Decided to simplify life more so aging in place and retirement could mean less demands, yet somewhere on this path it has been months of "get it done" so we could live simpler. Darn, no new posts even for several months.

It seems we spend our entire life preparing.

Prepare for the future

prepare for Winter

prepare for setting certain goals and milepost in life

prepare for retirement

prepare prepare prepare, until you are caught in the vicious circle of never ending to do list.

“Many people die with their  still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

Stop!!!!! Take a break and don't forget to chase a dream. Or recently I just chased a "bucket list", once again another list to prepare for........before you die?

I chased the Aurora! It is not easy for a morning person to chase a nighttime phenomenon. It is not easy to chase something that can't easily be caught with the naked eye, unless you live way North. They are called the Northern Lights for a reason, and most nights we are too far south.

Then we have to factor in, clear skies, no bright moons, and timing! Yes timing, you can't just decide I want to stay up to night to see something that is not there just waiting for you.

This subject matter is really not much different than any other photographers dream capture. First you have to learn about the subject. What makes it appear some nights and not others. Then you have to find a place away from city lights and pollution, with a clear vision of the North, and not just looking North on the compass....you need a nice open field of vision of the North. It is kinda like chasing a rainbow, now you see me now you don't, and if you try to follow it, it fades away.

I have chased after mountains, bears, Eagles, sunrise and sunset....it all takes timing, right lighting, patience as you can show up many times and its not there. When your subject does appear, sometimes it can hang out or just come by for a quick hello. Like other subjects it also takes practice and set up with your camera. Shooting the night is not like capturing wildlife, the lighting and settings are different. Then when it does all come together after many trials, attempts, patience, persistence and many let downs.....when it happens, its like magic.

" We can never know about the days to come

 But we think about them anyway

 And I wonder if I'm really with you now

 Or just chasing after some finer day

Anticipation

 Anticipation is making me late

 Is keeping me waiting" - Carly Simon