I brought the hour glass to the beach for no other reason then to use as a prop for photos. The morning light was perfect, the seaweed was a welcome additon, and I was able to capture the flow of the sand before it sifted to the bottom of the glass. 

Timing is everything.

And today, as I type from the passenger seat of our Jeep, I gather my thoughts from our five week trip around the US and Canada. It feels natural to host this week’s challenge with a focus on, Time. To be honest, I want to share every detail of our travels with you, but tidbits is what you will see today. Instead, I want you to think about what time looks like through the eye of YOUR lens.

We all have the same amount of time each and everyday.   How we use it is up to us. 

The measurement of time is what we are most familiar with. Work, bus schedules, school, and even church bells dictate our days and quite frankly keep us, on time, don’t they?

At Mackinac Island, we go back in time. Located on the north side of Lake Huron, it can only be accessed by ferry.  The clip-clop of horse’s hooves, and the smell of fudge permeating the streets will let you know you arrived. And since no cars are allowed, bikes and horse-drawn carriages take a little more time, but will get you where you need to go.

I don’t necessarily want to go back to change things. I just want to feel a couple of things twice.– Drake

And of course, as photographers we love, time of day. At Duluth, Minnesota I took my coffee to the camp dock with hopes of seeing the beaver we heard gnawing on a tree during the night. No luck, and in truth, the trail cam we set up had more photos of me, and my impatience. It’s all good. The golden hour is still the optimal time for peace, quiet and unfettered glory, isn’t it?

Our stories will continue to be written as surely as sunrise follows sunset.

In Quebec, Canada, Montmorency Falls was an unexpected surprise. Here, I used shutter speed to soften the falls, and also freeze time of a little girl skipping through a nearby fountain. (Note the use of triptych – the set of three photos as a series/sequence)

Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still -Dorothea Lange

Isn’t it nice that we all have our time to shine?

And that brings me to probably the most profound moment of our trip. I found my niece in the hotel corridor the morning of her wedding. Rain was in the forecast and everyone was trying to convince her to move the venue inside, but it was her day, her wish.

It rained. But a few minutes into the ceremony I whispered to my husband: “Wait for it.” And as if on cue, a double rainbow appeared as the vows were read. There was not a dry eye in the garden. You see, my dad passed away a few months ago, and the groom’s mother passed away just after they met.

Perspective is a moment in time that cannot be fully appreciated until that moment has passed – Tibor Salman

Wind Kisses, Donna

Time: It can be wasted, saved, and can slip through our fingers. Some of us have too much, others not enough. Is it high time? The last time? Time for Fall? Taco time? And whatever you decide, I am sure you will agree there is no greater gift than time. Have fun with the endless possibilities this week. Thank you. Remember to link your post back to mine and include the Lens-Artist Tag so we can find you.

Thank you to Anne for her inspiration with Black & White/Monochrome last week. Like many of you, I am learning. Did you love seeing the timelessness, and detail of B & W, as well as, the power monochrome brings to photos?

And now…I am honored to introduce Egidio of Through Brazilian Eyes as our next guest host. In addition, to his stunning photos, his blog shares his love of travel, a unique connection to the natural world, and his ability to put that connection into words. He will inspire us with: RECHARGE. Don’t miss it, next Saturday, noon EST

Interested in knowing more about the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.