I was looking through my “bird folder” and found a few photos I really liked but didn’t remember taking. They are from April and May. I brightened them up in Adobe Camera Raw and cropped them.
“All Good Things Must Come to and End” is a line attributed to Chaucer, a 14th century English poet. It seems fitting for my life right now.
First, I decided to no longer serve on the board of my women’s group. Then I learned a few weeks ago that the organization is caput. I believe it lasted for more than 30 years and I’ve been involved for about three. I was in charge of communication for membership and for the public, promoting our work and events. The group post COVID had dropped in membership from 200 to 20. Plus a lot of women are getting older. It just wasn’t feasible anymore.
Next, I decided to resign from the HOA newsletter. I worked on the newsletter for four years. I enjoyed it, but a new board was micromanaging and it was no longer a joyful experience.
Does anyone know what type of bird this is? I’ve only seen it once. I’m glad I got a photo.
I had my last photography class last week for the semester. I’ve really enjoyed it and have learned so much. There are five other students who have taken the class for three to nine years. I’m the newbie and this was my first semester. I thought this was going to be an ongoing experience for me. In our last class, I was the last person to present my final project, which I posted HERE.
Then the professor said he had some business to go over. He said the community college may be discontinuing the class. He won’t know for sure until January. So this too may pass.
A Harris’s hawk taking off.
The class is over zoom and there was complete silence when we heard the news. Apparently a student in another one of the professor’s classes was causing trouble for him. He didn’t go into detail, but said the other issue is low attendance. The advanced workshop is by invitation only. It’s not open enrollment. The group is very cohesive and everyone is talented and open to improving and trying new things.
There’s nothing I can do but wait for the New Year and find out if I have a class or not.
Mourning dove landing on the fence.
What good things in your life have come to an end?
Wow! What lovely birds! And even more lovely is your photography. Thank you so much!
I’m so glad you enjoyed my photos!
You are a great artist.☺️☺️
What a nice comment!
Have a flowerful day my dear ☺️☺️.
Life does change doesn’t it, but it can seem odd when many things happen around the same time. Not so hard when you know it’s time to let go but when it’s something you enjoy…that can be upsetting. I hope the class doesn’t go away EA, or that if it does you can find something else you enjoy with photography.
You’re exactly right. It seemed strange for all these things to happen in a matter of weeks. I’m not upset about the newsletter or women’s group. The photography class ending is upsetting. But I can continue working and find a new group or class to improve. Or continue to correspond with the professor and get his feedback.
Great photos. I love the dove photo the best.
There’s one good thing that never ends, and that is change. Whatever comes your way after this will be new and different, and hopefully just as enjoyable, if not more so.
Thanks! I was surprised to find these photos, including the dove, hidden away in my bird folder. I must have downloaded them from my camera without going through them all. Yes, it’s not a bad thing to have change and find new things to do.
A board group micromanaging the comms? Say it ain’t so Elizabeth? Ha ha, I’m sorry, I feel for you. However, you’re a saint for lasting four years!!!! Good luck to the next person. It’s most definitely the board’s loss. Change can be hard … but the good thing for you is that it opens up time for new things like your photography. 😎😎😎
Exactly! I did enjoy it for four years. I agree, I’ll have less responsibilities and more time for photography. Perhaps I’ll get back to work on rewriting my novel, too. 😊
Oh, I believe the yellow bird is a Vermillion Flycatcher! Great photos all around this time.
They say that when one (or five) doors close, another opens. I hope whatever comes next is even better and that your heart and mind remain open to all the possibilities. 😊
Thanks for the bird ID. There are several yellow birds in Arizona and I couldn’t wasn’t sure which one this was. Thank you about doors closing and another one opening. I have been writing since my kids were in pre school but have set it aside the past few years for all these other things. I’m excited to dust off my manuscripts.
very beautifull 💯
Thank you!
I hope the photography class continues, but even if it doesn’t, you can find another one online, or even in person. You’ve learned a lot that has improved your technique markedly.
Thank you. I have learned so much in less than a year. We live in an artsy area with weekly art shows and artists living all around. I’m sure I’ll be able to find something if the class is discontinued.
You’re welcome. I’m sure you will. And this is a wonderful skill that you’ve refined.
Thank you. It was so satisfying to learn something new and to see improvement.
I understand. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
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That sucks about the class. I know you’ve been enjoying it. Well, the teacher I like isn’t teaching the critique class anymore which stinks.
I thought I’d be continuing with the photography class for years. I’m sorry your teacher is no longer teaching the critique class. It’s so amazing to have an instructor that is truly helpful and can help you progress.
I suppose the bean counters at the college are involved in the class cutting? It’s been my experience that an HOA is a political game. Some residents like them like me while others despise them which leads me to say why did they buy a home in an HOA neighborhood? My HOA is cool, they do their job respectfully.
Years ago when I was with wife number three, we bought a home in an HOA. The person who kept an eagle’s eye on things sent me a letter about a very tall weed that was supposedly on my lot. It was not, it was just over the lot line. That is an example of a neighborhood you never want to buy a home in.
Our HOA has been very good. The neighborhood is 20 years old and they’ve never raised the fees. The common areas are well taken care of. We had a conflict with one person on the board. I felt it wasn’t going to be headed in the right direction. It sounds like you had a picky HOA over a weed not on your property.
I’m sure the bean counters are in charge of deciding about the class.
That situation with that stupid weed was incredibly ridiculous. I’m glad your HOA has been good!
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Agree. It’s like you don’t know where to go once you’ve established a certain connection
Yes, I’ll continue with photography, but I also see it as an opportunity return to my writing. It’s taken a back seat except for my blog.
I’m sorry about the class. 💜
You never know. I’m hoping for the best and that it will continue. I really learned a lot.
The wings and tail feathers on that dove are captured gloriously! You have made your photography instructor proud. Wishing you wonderful new endeavors as the old ones wrap up. 💕
Thank you for your kind comments on my photos! I’m glad you liked the dove one. I was so surprised I caught that. Thank you for your good will wishes!
My pleasure!
😊
It looks like that mourning dove is going to land on its mate’s back! Love the pictures.
Isn’t it interesting when things come to an end. The space sometimes feels uncomfortable but necessary for the next thing, isn’t it? I wonder if the new president of the women’s group help speed along the demise. She didn’t sound very artful.
Here’s to good things coming ahead!
The mourning dove looks like he has something in mind with his mate!
As for the new president, it was a part of it. But even without her, we were losing members. We had agreed and vote as a board to focus on growing the membership and not have a major fundraiser. We don’t have the bodies to pull it off. She overruled us a month later had said we were doing the fundraiser. That was it.
That looks like a Bullocks Oriole to me. The western version of our Baltimore Oriole…
I was going between Orioles and Flycatcher. He only showed up one day, so I have to go off that one photo.
I agree. It’s a Bullock’s Oriole. We get them a lot in southern Colorado. They nest in my neighborhood so I know them well.
We have Baltimores in spring and early summer, then they move on to Canada. Do yours stay all year long?
No, they are summer birds here.
Okay. I’ll go with the Bullock’s Oriole.
I hope you are able to continue with your photography classes. Your work has improved a lot and I’m sure there remains so much more to learn. I wonder if the professor could continue to teach your smaller, more focused group outside of the community college system.
Lots of great things (and/or once-great things) have come to an end over the years. Sometimes they are replaced with other equally positive activities, and sometimes their loss opens up a big hole that is hard to fill.
Thanks! Yes, I’m hoping if the class is cancelled, the professor will continue with our group. Or, I can send him some of my work for feedback.
I agree, that sometimes things come to an end, and it’s a relief. Others leave a hole.
That is true for many things unfortunately. So many projects and programs get discontinued here a lot. It is a pity about the photography course though.
I think that Dove had more on his mind than landing on the fence and she was ready for him too 😁
I’m sorry it happens where you are too, that programs get discontinued. Hopefully my photography class will survive. That dove photo looks like there’s something going on! 😉
Lovely photos.
Thank you! 😊
It’s a bit bittersweet when things we’ve put so much time and effort into come to an end—even if the ending is a bit of a relief, too. I do hope the photography class gets a reprieve for you, though. It’s clearly paying off in the quality of the images you post. I expect that is very satisfying for you.
I’m in the midst of getting more deeply involved in things right now, though I expect some things might eventually have to give way.
Thank you. I think it’s time to evaluate where we are spending our time. Especially if it’s taking away from where we want to use it. Yes, I hope the photography class continues.
I hope the class continues in the new year, but if it doesn’t, I’m sure there will be others to choose from. Lovely photos, and I don’t know what kind of bird that is, but it’s beautiful. 🙂
Thank you for the positive thoughts! I appreciate it. Two people commented that the bird is a Bullock’s Oriole.
😁
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Beautiful captures, and such a light mood from our feathered friends! 😊
What a nice compliment! Thank you.
it is heart touching
Thanks!
I have no idea what the orange bird is, but it’s stunning!
Wow, I mean, I understand you needing to step away from these groups who no longer bring joy or that you feel you’re serving as ‘they’ like, but the photography class is a total bummer. I’m sorry about that!
If the class does end, you will find something else that gives you the direction you are seeking: learning and enjoyment.
Thanks for understanding my feelings about stepping away. Some things we need to do. But if it’s volunteer work like you guys do, you need to feel it’s worthwhile and you’re making a difference.