Bea and I were having a little fun with shadows on the grounds of Dover Castle. It made me think about writing–and life. Life puts the raw material into our hands, and it is up to us to mold it into whatever work of art we envision. Look for the right light and context, and you can do so much with so little, and to great effect.
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Published by Naomi Baltuck
When not actually writing, I am researching the world with my long-suffering husband and our two kids, or outside editing my garden.
My novel, The Keeper of the Crystal Spring (Viking Penguin), can be read in English, German, Spanish, and Italian. My storytelling anthology, Apples From Heaven, garnered four national awards, including the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice. I am currently working on a contemporary women’s novel.
View all posts by Naomi Baltuck
Writing Between the Lines 
That is a beautiful picture of the shadow of the tree… and I think you’ve said something in this post, that is important for all artists. It is a mistake to think that looking for a beautiful scene in nature, or a beautiful person, to paint or photograph… or a fascinating story to tell… is the key to producing art. It is the artist who puts a little of himself in all his work, that produces the truly memorable art. Enjoyed the post.
I love this, Shimon. You said it so well! Thank you for your insight. It is always lovely to hear from you.
Hi,
Great photos, and I love the shadow of the tree, and the bottom limbs look like little fingers reaching out, well done. 🙂
Dear Mags,
Those are my daughter’s hands–she was hiding behind the tree, blending shadows!
Well she did add to the photo, the shadow of her hands looks perfect with the limbs of the tree. 🙂
I stared at and reread that last line over and over again. The “right light and the right context” — a wonderful, maybe life-changing, concept to ponder on. Thanks, Naomi. 🙂
Deat Tita, you are such a special person. I read and reread your words, and think about how you are the sort of person who will always be able to find meaning in the world all around you, and in everything you see. I am so glad our virtual paths crossed!
Cute!!
Thank you, Terri!
what a terrific shot!
Thank, Kavi. We had a lot of fun with that one. Thanks for stopping by.
Priceless shot!!
This is probably one of the most creative pictures that I’ve seen so far; I love the tree hands 🙂
Nicely thought Naomi 🙂
Wow! Thank you, Pablo!
Takes me back to something from childhood to do with talking trees, but can’t think what it is.
Your picture really does bring the tree alive and it is almost as if it is bending down to listen to a small child – such an interesting metaphor when trees indeed generate and give us so much energy and expansion. Very yin yang.
This is great!
Clever, fun photos! Thanks for sharing the wonders!
I know you have a way with words, Naomi. You have a great eye as well! Superb shot. Very ingenious!
Thank you, Madhu. At our house we call these “cracker shots.” That goes back to when I first began taking photos, as a teenager. I was holding a pilot biscuit, noticed that it had holes, and held it up to the sun. I was fascinated by the effect of the sun’s rays bursting out of the biscuit hole, and photographed it.
I should start practicing with crackers then!
Ha!
Were you at the castle recently? Great shot. Not to be confused with Great Scott! haha
Great Scott, mj! It’s great to hear from you! I hope you are well. Bea and I were there a couple years ago. Thanks for stopping by.
Naomi, you are just so creative with your blog. Its a joy to visit, visually and intellectually.
Dear Sabrina, you are so sweet! Thank you for your generous comments.
This tree is laden with personality. Well done!
Hi Cara, Thank you. I appreciate the follow, and look forward to following your blog.
LOVE this! So playful and clever. The tree is giving out free hugs!
Hah! Puts a whole new spin on “tree hugger!”
This photo adds a new perspective to tree-hugging. Love this clever and novel photo. 😉
Thank you! We do have fun! I appreciate your visit, and your thoughts.
Clever — and delightful.