Each snippet of the past is shaped by contrast. Then and now. Before and during and after. The light that was and the light we now see. The place where we stood, the air we breathed, the living and the dead.
When I took the above photo, I was struck by the near-perfect parallel positions of an eternal rock and a juvenile Plover (who may have been preening or its opposite, hiding from relatively giant petite me). They shared cream undersides and identically angled topcoats of variegated rust and oak.
A single sentient being and an eternally evolving rocky shore, perfectly positioned together in the millisecond I captured them.
And each photo I take represents another contrast: I am both outside and in my own head, here today and somewhere in the past.
In a single image you may find opaque and transparant, solid and liquid, shallow and deep. Man-made and nature-born. Straight lines turned to wavering reflections. Black and unbound color. Earth and fire and water and sky. Day and night.
Earthly and ethereal. Prickly and soft: an adorable peril. Black and white.
Oil and water. Aloft and anchored. Vibrant and fading.
Liquid and solid. Water and ice. Trapped and free, by degrees.
had been piecing together
Finished and unfinished. Work and play. Practice and perfection. Hits and misses. Monsters and men. On and off base.
Sound and silence. Alone in a crowd.
Gone and still here.
Love in the Spaces 
Beautiful contrasts, Stephanie! The sunset image is stunning, say the least. Love the contrasts of colors, liquid and solid is like a beautiful painting. All are beautifully captured. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Thank you so much, Amy!
Beautiful images and words to resonate with the soul. So many contrasts to consider with life. Your posts are always powerful, this one no different. Loved the icy puddle, and, I think it’s a porcupine.
Thank you so much…..and now I can only see the porcupine!
How can we laugh when old memories fill the screen of our soul, if we don’t welcome the tears that come after looking through the ViewMaster of our lives? How can we recognize love if we don’t acknowledge the selfishness and disdain that we sometimes carry? “Both” – “and” is within and all around, and that is as it should be. Otherwise, all would be a bland, neutral, monotone, horizonless, existence. I would imagine it being alike all matter being made out of silly putty. Although, that sounds fun too! Wonderful post and images!
You certainly do have a way with words! Many thanks (and I always see something new, and in a better light, after you comment on it)!
Stunning photos Stephanie. I love the night sky (or is it dawn) over the pier. Memories captured forever.
You’re right–it’s night falling. Thank you!
beautiful.
Powerful sentiment illustrated beautifully as always Stephanie. Of Course ‘Gone and Still Here’ about says it all. Thoughtful, creative and moving.
Thank you, Tina!
Wonderful post, full of heart and gorgeous photos.
Thank you, Sofia!
You’re welcome.
Wonderful examples of contrast! Great post.
There’s poetry in your words, Stephanie. Beautiful reflections and images.
Thank you so much!
Beautiful post. your words are so true and put so eloquently.