How can I keep from singing

It's that time of year again here up north when the creation starts bedecking itself with a multicoloured coat. Like so many opportunities that come by in life, you need to grab hold of it before it disappears.

We were having a typical fall day of blustery winds pushing along threatening clouds alternating  with momentary flashes of bright sunshine and blue skies. I set out for what I promised would be a quick trip to a favourite nearby spot to check how fall colours were coming along. I pulled myself away after 'only' two hours, knowing there'd be more opportunities. soon.

It's amazing how such peaceful beauty can be found so close to home. Reminded me of a song from another of my favourite artists (yes, I have many), Eva Cassidy - click the link below the photos and sing along while you enjoy the good creation given to us by our faithful Father:

you might recognize this road if you've visited my blog before

we've had an abundance of rain this summer/fall and the wetlands were, well, wet ...

 as you can see from the first photo, there's still a lot of green, however, there's also lots of fall colour

 while leaves are starting to fall, the grass is still green

 looks like Monsieur Monet also stopped by

Yes, How Indeed

This song came to mind as I went out recently to revel in how our Creator has clothed his creation. (if you'd like to hear it too, just click on the link below the photos)

Mmm...

My life goes on in endless song
above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.

Above the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

Oh though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
Oh though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble with fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
How can I keep from singing?

Lord, how can I keep from singing?
Oh, how can I keep from singing?

From the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly observed in what He made. As a result, people have no excuse. (Romans 1:20)

October's Party

"October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band."
 
     [George Cooper, October's Party]

I trust you're not tired of autumn quite yet. Why not take a moment out of your day (since you're here anyway) and listen to one of my favourite singers (click on the link below the photos). Then walk along these country roads with me and marvel at the Creator's handiwork.

One man band

I believe I saw one of the most co-ordinated, even if not superstar-level musically talented, performers today busking for a pretty decent crowd near the beach. I mean, this guy could play the guitar, several cymbals, a couple of drums, and a few other instruments while singing, and keep everything in good rhythm. And when he wasn't singing, he could also play the kazoo. Didn't look like there was an ounce of extra weight on him either, what with all the hopping around he had to do to produce sound from his collection of instruments.

(10-22mm  f5.6  1/1600 sec  ISO200)

click on photo to enlarge

(70-200mm  f7.1  1/640 sec  ISO200)

(Day 239) Tickling the ivories

I admire those who can play a musical instrument well - not just technically proficient, but also with a real feel for the instrument and the music. I once aspired to learn to play the piano - my oldest daughter, who was quite young at the time, was taking lessons and I decided I could learn too. The realities of raising a family, working full-time, and earning a university degree through part-time evening studies soon pushed practice time to the background, and I withdrew from further lessons.

I thought back to those days again today when I saw the grand piano in our church. I made a few images of some parts of that instrument that produce, with the right person tickling the ivories, some of the most moving music known.

(60mm  f4  1.3 sec  ISO200)

(10-22mm  f11  2 sec  ISO200)

(60mm  f11  2.5 sec  ISO200)

(Day 71) Sing me a song, you're the piano man ...

I seem to be on a musical theme the last couple of days ... the only thing missing from this photo is Billy Joel in glass slippers! Music is a great gift and I admire those who have the ability to play an instrument well. I'm sure if King David had had a piano back in his day, he would have used it as accompaniment for the psalms. Of course it would have restricted his mobility a bit, unlike the harp and lyre.

(60mm  f11  13 sec  ISO200)