SYMBOLS OF SPRING

After a period of intense (!) self analysis I have come to the conclusion that I get more pleasure out of what I see than most people do. I think I would die if I lost my eyesight.

I am always surprised that so many people are willing to spend a substantial amount of money to explore a new country or some beautiful location but are content to just look and have no interest in capturing it through photography. I think there are people who get their joy primarily from doing, and those who get theirs primarily from seeing. For example, some people, on seeing a beautiful sea shore, want to go surfing...I want to take pictures of it! Now of course most of us are not completely one way or the other, but I think we tip in one direction.

As I get older, I am becoming increasingly intolerant of winter. I am a color person, and winter is black and white. Here are a few photos that symbolize what is so wonderful about Spring.

Tulip Lovers

The owner of the house in the background has a very large lot next to the road and each spring, passers-by are treated to this display of tulips. I can only imagine what the cost of all those tulips bulbs must have been.

Old and New

Tulips growing wild beside an old abandoned house.

Crab apple blossoms

Six red tulips. We've had such a cold, wet spring that it must feel like Holland, because the tulips every where are thriving. The light from the late afternoon sun highlights the beauty of these flowers.

As the first breath of Spring arrives at the Wasatch Front, the Bald Eagles begin arriving in large numbers at the Wild Bird Management Area on Farmington Bay of the Great Salt Lake. When the ice on the Bay begins to break up, the Eagles begin eating the fish and small animals abundant in that area. They are wary, though, and it's difficult to get close enough for a good photo. This bird was about 150-175 yards away.

On most days, during decent weather, there are usually 15 or 20 cars of people observing this magificient bird, most with cameras with looooong lenses (500-600mm). This shot was taken with Canon 20D, Canon 70-200mm L IS lens with a 1.4 power teleconverter. Equivalent focal length 448mm hand held. If I had used a tripod it would be sharper.

As I was looking down on Brigham, I was reminded again of the miracle of a child. As I placed my hand against his he instinctively grasped my thumb, and as I gazed in awe at the tiny fingers and miniscule finger nails of his hand, I wondered, how could anyone abuse one of these little ones?

After recovering from a bad cold, I finally was able to go down to Ben and Jaime's house to see my new little grandchild, Brigham Benjamin Griffiths. (Such a large name for such a small baby!) He is only 5 days old, so he spent most of his time sleeping. I did get to feed him and hold him though. He is a very good little baby, rarely cries, but has his days and nights mixed up, so his mom is very tired!

The Last Leaf on the tree. This photo symbolizes the feeling that creeps over you from time to time when you get older. The expression is, " I feel like the last leaf on the tree and the wind is blowing".

Christmas Lights. Our neighbor across from us put up

a small net of lights over a bush. I threw the lights out of

focus and took this shot.

Pass complete! BYU beat San Diego State Saturday, December 2nd, to end a second undefeated season in conference play and another Mountain West Conference championship. We had season tickets this year.

This is the next frame of Max Hall's pass in the BYU to Utah game. Hall's receiver is nearly hidden behind Utah #94. (continued!)

BYU's QB, Max Hall, prepares to throw in the final quarter of the game against the University of Utah. His receiver is not visible in this photo. BYU went on to win, 17 to 10 in the final one and one half minutes on a 4th and 18, 49 yard pass to Austin Collie. Very exciting. (Canon 70-200 F/4 IS with 1.4 converter. I am in the North end zone, the action is a the 50 yard line.)

Autumn Leaves

Sunlight makes the Autumn leaves appear tranlucent in the morning light.

Delicate Pink Rose

Taken with Canon 5D & 24-105MM L IS