green and yellow

Today was for the outdoors. The park was entirely carpeted in yellow and green. That is my message. It may not be a sophisticated message, but it is mine and hopefully the pictures reflect that. :-) 

There was a large group from the synagogue cleaning up the park this morning. This afternoon I saw kids climbing up a hill without a trail, trying to explore nature. I saw some other kids who asked if I liked their fort. 

I saw that the giant birds living nearby are vultures. I saw a duck and thanks to my editing program was able to reduce the shadows and see the face. 

The family says they like the pictures, but most importantly, they love that I was there for their sister. If you ever wind up doing something like this, the 135mm full frame equivalent is a perfect focal length for discretion and intimate shots. Of course, this was a wonderful time for Fuji to have replaced my first camera body so I could use both with different focal lengths. I was so focused on being discrete and out of the way that I didn't take any close-ups of the mother in the casket. My friend would have liked that actually but I understood she wasn't in a state to talk and so I didn't ask her. 

A poem was read as part of the eulogy and I loved it. Here it is: 

Don’t Look Back 
by Poonam Rajora 




As you travel through life there are always those times when decisions just have to be made, when the choices are hard, and solutions seem scarce, and the rain seems to soak your parade. 


There are some situations where all you can do is simply let go and move on, gather your courage and choose a direction that carries you toward a new dawn. 


So pack up your troubles and take a step forward - the process of change can be tough, but think about all the excitement ahead if you can be stalwart enough.


There might be adventures you never imagined just waiting around the next bend, and wishes and dreams just about to come true in ways you can't yet comprehend! 


Perhaps you'll find friendships that spring from new interests, as you challenge your status quo, and learn there are so many options in life, and so many ways you can grow!


Perhaps you'll go places you never expected, and see things that you've never seen, or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds and wonderful spots in between! 


Perhaps you'll find warmth, affection and caring, a “somebody special” who's there, to help you stay centered and listen with interest to stories and feelings you share. 


Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your friends are supportive of all that you do, and believe that whatever decisions you make, they'll be the right choices for you!


So keep putting one foot in front of the other, and taking your life day by day... There's a brighter tomorrow that's just down the road - Don't look back! You're not going that way!