Who among us hasn't had a 'flying dream', where, on our own power, we soar into the sky and find a new uncontrolled freedom? Jonathan's shot this week reminds me of my 'flying dreams'. The clouds are so inviting you just want to walk in among them, take a cushy rest on the fluffiest and take in the rest of the universe. It's difficult not to believe in angels when we see such a beautiful depiction of the heavens.
In the morning mist of New Zealand this Fern frond unfurls in the early light. It is new life ready to face the world and share its splendor. Jonathan knows that with the election that we are unfurling to the world a new America and for the first time in decades ready to show our splendor. He could have not picked a more perfect picture for this week.
I think you'll agree with me that Jonathan picked one of his best pictures for the weekend before this unbelievably important election. The sun is rising over a classic Americana landscape. It could be the fields of Iowa or the Central Valley of California or even the orchards of Georgia. Wherever it's shining its light, what's revealed is the beautiful promise of a brand new day. That is what is at stake on Tuesday.
When I first looked at Jonathan's picture of the week, my thought was that the formation appeared to be the outline of the state of Virginia. Then I realized that I seriously needed a break from the Obama campaign when I start seeing outlines of battleground states in the most beautiful of pictures. Jonathan took this at Arches National Park in Utah and rarely has the sky looked so vivid blue outlining an almost violet cloud.
Jonathan's "Mother and Child" once again reminds us all the lessons that wildlife gives on a daily basis. These magnificent creatures - who must survive in an ever-narrowing world - still can find affection and kindness with each other. In Sabi Sands, South Africa, a cub gently licks its mother and you can witness the contentment in the face of the mother. What a sublime moment of intimacy and caring. If we all could just learn to match it, the world would certainly be a more gentle place.
With stark and beautiful black and white, Jonathan takes us to Bear Island in Maine. The lone soul basking in the early morning dawn might have found one of the few places of peace in these turbulent times. I wonder if he is capable of shutting out the world and finding his spiritual center in such stunning beauty. I know I envy him this moment.
Sometimes the beauty and simple quietude of an extraordinary photograph needs no further comment. Peace.
Over the last several weeks, Jonathan has presented us with photographs that seem to be just right for the moment in time. This week he continues with his prescient streak. The people of Bali have an amazing artistic flair and you can find their art all over the island peppered with the lingering fragrances of intoxicating Plumeria flowers. This photograph captured by Jonathan on a recent visit curiously reflects the chaos of the past week. In the lower left hand corner there seems to be an almost metaphysical burst of anger that puts the rest of the frieze in motion. The statues are intertwined, fighting, yet reaching out to each other in an attempt to allay the bad karma emanating from the bottom. Brilliant timing on this photograph. Thank you, Jonathan.
Jonathan's serene photograph this week was taken at the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. At first glance it appears that indigenous Maoris warriors in ceremonial dress are lining the shore waiting for the Gods of the Sea to arrive. The stately trees give such dignity to the bay and seem to be performing for the small islands off shore. The scene is just perfect. Thanks, Jonathan, for giving us this beauty.
This week Jonathan takes us to Rome, Italy and the stunning Basilica S. Andrea Della Valle. Considering the time actual splendor needs to coalesce, the magnificent structure took over 70 years to complete. You look up toward the sky and see this beauty in every direction with focal points of 'light'. One has to be amazed at the patience of the builders who were willing to work on a building many of them would never live long enough to see completed. Imagine such dedication in today's corporate world where very few have real vision and it is all about the 'now'. Maybe what this Basilica teaches us is the fact that real beauty is earned and not found in quick fixes.
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