Why is it we like to make mountains out of molehills? We all have times in our lives when we are expected to climb a mountain. I simply wonder why is it when we have a small bump in the road we want to treat it like a mountain. Life is hard enough, I say hop over the bumps with a smile and save the sweat for the mountain. 
The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.
The Mountain from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.
This was filmed between 4th and 11th April 2011. I had the pleasure of visiting El Teide.
Spain´s highest mountain @(3718m) is one of the best places in the world to photograph the stars and is also the location of Teide Observatories, considered to be one of the world´s best observatories.
The goal was to capture the beautiful Milky Way galaxy along with one of the most amazing mountains I know El Teide. I have to say this was one of the most exhausting trips I have done. There was a lot of hiking at high altitudes and probably less than 10 hours of sleep in total for the whole week. Having been here 10-11 times before I had a long list of must-see locations I wanted to capture for this movie, but I am still not 100% used to carrying around so much gear required for time-lapse movies.
A large sandstorm hit the Sahara Desert on the 9th April (http://bit.ly/g3tsDW) and at approx 3am in the night the sandstorm hit me, making it nearly impossible to see the sky with my own eyes.
Interestingly enough my camera was set for a 5 hour sequence of the milky way during this time and I was sure my whole scene was ruined. To my surprise, my camera had managed to capture the sandstorm which was backlit by Grand Canary Island making it look like golden clouds. The Milky Way was shining through the clouds, making the stars sparkle in an interesting way. So if you ever wondered how the Milky Way would look through a Sahara sandstorm, look at 00:32.
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Music by my friend: Ludovico Einaudi – “Nuvole bianche” with permission.
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…Sammi This video showed up on my Facebook wall posted by Audubon California today and I was immediately consumed with it. I’ve already watched it 5-6 times. The video clip is not from California but they (Audubon California) loved it so much they just had to share it. I completely understand why, this short clip is amazingly beautiful. Whether you have seen it before or it is new to you…just enjoy!
Years ago there was a movie out called “Winged Migration” that literally took my breath away! This clip brought back all the memories of that movie. I ran into the living room pulled the DVD out from the back of the shelf, blew off the dust, loaded it up, made myself a cup of hot tea and now I am ready to watch. Whether you have seen the movie before or it is new to you if you like this clip you will love “Winged Migration“.
Relax and Enjoy!
Peace…Sammi
You should be able to rent “Winged Migration” from most movie rental businesses but here is a link to Amazon in case you are interested. 
Image of the Week – “Zion Glory”
Another glorious creation by God…
As I shared with you in my Travel Log we spent last week exploring North Rim (Grand Canyon), Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Arizona and Utah. We had watched a documentary on “The Grand Staircase” that peaked our interest and launched us into the planning mode. Being forest and ocean fans we generally gravitate north when traveling so this trip was a definite change of venue for us. We were amazed by all three wonders but fell in love with Zion Canyon in Zion National Park. With all the trails we were able to get off the main roadway and really become a part of the canyon. If you haven’t visited this area before I highly recommend it. We are already planning a return visit! 
Queens Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon - Heading down into the canyon. The problem was we had to come back up!
Tahoe Mystery (#1052) by CapturingScenes
Every scene I run across while out in NATURE tells a story. That same scene will tell a unique story to each individual experiencing it. This was a slightly overcast day in October. We were hiking on the Granite Lake Trail at South Lake Tahoe when I saw this tree and envisioned the mystery story. That is the beauty (and mystery) of NATURE this same scene at this same moment could tell a completely different story to someone else.
I loved the shape of the branches on this dead tree so I added some special effects and created “Halloween Fun”. I have a few other “Halloween Fun” pictures to share with you during October.
Peace…Sammi 
Here is a short video of Silky our 11 year old chinchilla. I wanted to share this with you because it is such a simple message from the animal kingdom. This simple act of a chin and belly scratch is what makes Silky happy and seems to bring him contentment. Somewhere along the way we (humans) started believing that contentment was found in the car we drive, the house we live in, the brand of jeans we wear…
Watch the contentment in Silky’s body language and think about your life. Where does your real happiness and joy come from? the touch of a child, the hug of a friend, the little back rub from a loved one…
NATURE has so many great lessons of life to teach us. Be open to receiving the lesson!
Take a nap and enjoy it!
“NatureShare” is my term for social activity with family and friends using NATURE as the backdrop!
"NatureShare" with my brother and our families!
It seems our life starts spinning out of control and before we know it a year, two years, three years have passed since we have spent time with those loved ones that are the core of our true happiness. In the last 4-5 years I have been able to use NATURE as a backdrop for outings with those I hold close to my heart.
"NatureShare" with my "Soul Mate" and new friends!
Nature based outings can be found everywhere and anywhere. They are a quick and usually inexpensive way to spend time with family and friends.
"NatureShare" with longtime friends!
Whether a picnic in the city park or a hike through a national park, NatureShare, always pulls through to leave me with cherished memories.
"NatureShare" with my Soul Mate!
"NatureShare" with my daughter!
"NatureShare" is making memories!
Missing someone special in your life? “NatureShare”
I am touching base on one of the postings I lost last week.
Can you have physical cravings for the SUN?
Heidi Girl soaking up the sun at Wright Beach
I shared with you how I had come home from work early not feeling too good. I was achy and couldn’t decide if I was hot or cold. I got home and crashed on my bed sleeping for about two hours. I woke with a definite craving for sunshine.
No food! Nothing to drink!
I just wanted to feel the warm sunshine on my skin. I grabbed a book and proceeded out to the patio to bask for awhile. My cat and dog soon joined me and after about an hour I felt much better.
They say our body tells us what it needs…listen to it and you just may feel better!
Scenes from drive along the Sonoma Coast-
I’m a photographer and definitely not a video producer but I enjoy sharing these little clips of nature with you.
The Beauty of NATURE? It is Not Man Made!
I appreciate the marvelous things in this world that are man made. Trust me…I am a techno junkie! I would be lost without things like my iphone and as much as I hate to admit it, my car. I commuted over the Golden Gate bridge for years yet I still catch my breath when I come through the tunnel and see it’s red splendor. Wow! I could go on for days about the man made comforts I rely on.
However, there are moments I experience with NATURE that create an overwhelming warmth in my soul and I know that this is a perfect moment, a perfect site, a perfect preview into the Heavens. A moment so perfect that it brings a tear of joy to my eyes and I know I am not alone. Man cannot create waves white and foamy, yet calming. Man cannot place the majestic storm clouds overhead, bold and strong, yet comforting. Man cannot create a break through those clouds and send a stream of golden light to rest gently on the ocean. This moment in NATURE was not brought to us by man, it was a gift from Heaven.
Appreciate the gifts of man but keep your eyes open and don’t let the gifts from Heaven slip by!
Being a NATURE lover is a two-way relationship! You take and give…
View of Russian River and Pacific Ocean
One of the new ways I found to give back is through a local non-profit organization called Landpaths which allows me access to beautiful areas for hiking in return for my participation as a stewardship or patrol of the land. By attending a short one hour orientation to learn about the property I received a special pass to access state owned property and hike on some land with incredible views. In return I pick up trash if I see any. I notify Landpaths via email if I see any repair work needed on the trails such as fallen trees or washed out trails.
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LandPaths’ mission is to foster a love of the land in Sonoma County. LandPaths creates ways for people to experience the beauty, understand the value, and assist in healing the land in their local communities.
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Wilow Creek hike looking at Pacific Ocean~
Another local non-profit which works similar to Landpaths is Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. If you are interested in wildlife there are also great ways to give back through volunteer work; locally I have non-profit organizations such as Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue or The Bird Rescue Center. These types of organizations are as much in need of someone to volunteer a few hours of their time as they are for someone to write a check.
Look around there is a local non-profit organization open to you either giving back by donating your time if cash is short or donating cash if your time is short! 
Snow in June! If you were in Yellowstone there was!
It was great fun to watch this coyote in Yellowstone. He was the closest thing to a clock we needed while there. He (or she) was out every morning and evening hunting for breakfast/dinner along a small stream. There is a simplicity to a lifestyle that you 1) Get Up, 2) Survive and 3) Go Back to Bed that I as a complicated human, with a self-inflicted stress filled existence can only envy. 
Peace and Enjoy…Sammi
Let the stresses go…take a slow, deep breath…and enjoy a jellyfish dream!
We all love the little, cute, wild animals we see out in NATURE!
The Squirrels with their cute, little hands. The deer with their big, brown eyes!
I know! I know!
We all love the big, scary, wild animals as well…when they are behind a fence or even better on a TV screen. I love, love, love watching all the nature shows. I am a Discovery Channel, National Geographic, A & E junkie. I still get a rush watching our DVD’s of the Planet Earth series despite knowing everything that is going to happen. When the mean, crocodile jumps up to the grab the wildebeest or the the mean, great white flies out of the water to catch the seal I just close my eyes until the scary music ends.
The thing about real life is when NATURE jumps into action you just have to accept it, respect it and appreciate all the players. Last summer we were traveling across Lamar Valley, in north Yellowstone when we just happened to catch something happening in the distant valley. I grabbed my camera and caught a few brief moments of wildlife living as it should. We watched the scene unfold as if we were watching it on the TV screen at home but this time we were true witnesses to Nature In Action.
As the saying goes “there are always two sides to every story”, NATURE is no different!
Wolf and Prong Horn - 1
Wolf and Prong Horn - 2
Wolf and Prong Horn - 3
Wolf and Prong Horn - 4
Wolf and Prong Horn - 5
Had a CRAZY day?
This moment of relaxation is brought to you by NATURE!
Just for You!
A preview of the latest addition to the Capturing Scenes online gallery. This also gives me an excuse to share even more of my random thoughts about NATURE with you!
Pink Lady (#1048) by CapturingScenes
This is an image I took walking through my neighborhood last fall. I am always caught off guard by the simple yet graceful beauty of flowers like the Pink Lady (Naked Ladies) and Calla Lily. It seems like sometimes we take these gifts from nature for granted. They patiently wait around for us while we ohhh and ahhh over the likes of roses and orchids and then when we least expect it we stumble upon the blessing of their gracefulness.
So as the craziness of everyday life is bearing down on you make sure you take time to stop and smell the roses… Whoops! I meant…stop and enjoy the Calla Lily. Peace…Sammi
It would be hard to deny that there are insurmountable healing powers to be found within NATURE but what is it about the simplicity of just being in nature that makes you feel so good inside???
I was on a short hike with my friend the other day along the Sonoma (California) coastline. We were walking on a trail up above the coast and the weather was a perfect 75-77 degrees. We stopped alon
g the way for a rest and to enjoy the view…that led to our discussion about how we both turn to nature for inner peace and spiritual healing. This got me to thinking what is it that draws me to nature and away from the city when I have things to sort out in my head, my heart or my soul?
I really don’t have a clear answer to this I just know that it works. I actually have cravings to get out of town…it might be to just drive through the mountains, watch the sunset over the ocean, or go for a walk along the creek in the morning fog. Just a few hours is all I need to feel stronger and ready to take on another day with all that it may bring! I get my best ideas, enlightening thoughts, and problem solutions while I’m out bonding with mother nature. I don’t really know all the why’s I just know it works for me!
So if you need some inner healing give NATURE a try, take a walk in the park, a bike ride in the country or just a drive out of 
the city limits…it just may help! 
Be careful walking in front of me…I always have a camera…:)
The thing about NATURE is that despite how hard we try to destroy it, alter it, tame it, or simply change it…it seems to find a way to survive and reclaim what is rightfully hers.
Late 1960's
Last fall I made a visit back to my Grandparents property in Stevenson, Washington a small town that sits right on the Columbia River. I have these grand memories of standing in my grandparents yard and watching the barges move down the river. It fascinated me that we could be standing in their yard in Washington and look across the river at Oregon.
You have to look closely to see the house! 2009
I hadn’t been to the property since around 1995 and still had this vision from my childhood memories of running across the grass and watching the river. You can just imagine when I returned last fall my shock at what I saw. The river was not even visible from the property only the top of the hills on the Oregon side. Though it still remains in the family the property has been vacant since the late 1980′s. Nature has reclaimed what was hers to begin with.
Can you believe this guy feeding hummingbirds out of his hand?
There is something about birds that is intoxicating to me!
They come in all sizes and colors. Some are great singers and some are quite obnoxious sounding. Despite all the differences there is one thing they have in common; it is the fact that I see them as having some type of freedom that I just can’t have. They just fly off when someone or something upsets them…I’m sure they don’t have to attend “conflict management” classes! The view of the world they have is something I can only dream about. I am a realist and fully understand that there could be down sides to being a bird versus a human…it’s just that at this moment I can’t think of any. I love this time of year when their activity level is running in high gear. It does not matter if I am walking down the street near my house or I’m miles out on a trail watching them brings a smile to my face! 
So if you are having a rough day – find a bird, any bird, and enjoy the gracefulness of their movement, the song they are sharing or the flirtatious lovestruck games they play and soon you will have a smile on your face.
It is interesting how our thought process works sometimes!
We have been talking about getting out to get some photo’s of the wildflowers. It has been the focal point of our Friday evening conversations. “OK! Let’s get up early and we’ll be out on the trail by 8:30 and catch some great shots of the new spring flowers. Yeah!” . We have twice now checked all the camera equipment, loaded it into the car Friday night, got up early on Saturday morning (Ugh!) and drove to the chosen trail head. We have loaded ourselves up with our backpacks full of equipment, made sure we had bug repellent, hats, tripod, chap stick…you get the picture! We have hiked (which is good) and shot several hundred images, set-up the tripod, took down the tripod, set-up the tripod, etc…
All said and done we are walking the dog down the bike path in our neighborhood, it runs along a little creek, we walk it every day, twice a day when it hits me there are some incredible wild blooms right here…in my neighborhood! We are so conditioned to think that seeing something beautiful and natural means traveling to some distant land or hiking out away from civilization on a trail that has to be difficult or you’re not going to see the really beautiful side of nature. This strange mental conditioning almost cost me the enjoyment of the spring awakening right in my own neighborhood.
So keep your eyes open and stay alert for the gifts of nature right in front of you!
There is a quote by Albert Einstein that I have always related to my amazement with nature and the vastness of what it offers us.
“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.“
-Albert Einstein
For me those slight details are revealed in nature. Exploring nature is an ongoing spiritual journey for me.
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