Capturing Solitude: A Winter Morning with Nature's Symphony

When winter approaches, and the mornings are filled with crisp clean

air, I find it refreshing to spend my time within nature and see what I

can find through my camera. I prepare for the weather and me and my

gear set off along the trails. As the sun rises, a world of sounds fill

my soul. Birds chirping and small animals running through the forest

floor. What I hear in the distance is the hooting of two owls. They

are actively calling one another as mating season has started. I am

surrounded by pine trees and looking everywhere as I try to get closer

to the music I'm hearing. I walked through many trails, as my footsteps

pressing on broken sticks and winters fallen leaves. Sometimes I would

stop, look and listen to the quite environment surrounding me and take

in it's beauty. Although I am alone, I feel at peace. I giggle to

myself as I continue to hear those owls calling out. The sounds are

becoming louder. As I looked out into the perimeter of pine trees, I

see a Great Horned Owl perched on the edge of a limb. My heart starts

to beat frantically and as my hands are holding the camera I'm shaking

slightly with excitement. My hopes are that I'm not seen nor heard and

I'm able to photograph such a stellar master of wildlife. My whole self

becomes rejuvenated and I can't help but smile when an encounter like

this happens. My personal experiences create lasting memories that I'm

able to share. It creates a calmness within my body.