Gauley River – Page 5 – LLOYD'S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

Quiet Time

Do you ever wonder where all the great thinkers are today? The inventors, philosophers and problem solvers? Who are the real world leaders? I think I have an answer. They are you. You are the greatest resource on planet Earth. You, the individual. The human mind is the only known creation on planet Earth with the ability to reason beyond the moment. You have the capacity to dream and to forge that dream into a reality. Sure some are more skilled at different forms of creativity than others but that’s a measure of quality not capacity. As a human, you are singularly able to change your world to suit your vision. That’s why quite time is so important. You generate your visions in those times when you can get away from the noise of all the other voices in the world and have free thought. It’s how you sweep away the clutter of the mind and bring dreams into focus to obtain that clear vision.

The featured image is one such place where I like to go. It’s a spot on the Gauley River just below Summersville Dam. As the water pours out of overflow tunnels it forms class six rapids and the roaring river blocks out the noisy world. This is birthplace of many dreams and a refuge for a busy mind.

Gateways

Color Photography

There is something meditative about watching the river roll gently by. With the sky reflected on the water’s surface I began to understand why ancient cultures looked at bodies of water as gateways to the “other world”. The river itself is a contradiction. It’s always in motion but always in the same place more or less. Beneath the water’s surface truly is another world. Fish, crustaceans and turtles roam around exploring an alien landscape that’s just beyond our vision. What sunken treasures roll by unseen on the bottom? What secrets lie beneath that second sky below?

Adventures In Writer’s Block

Color Photography

Somewhere in the deepest recesses of my imagination there’s a magic bridge that can take me to any place that’s real or imagined. I can go to any point in time. There will be mystery and adventure. Tonight as I try to crossover into my adventure I am faced by an opponent who blocks my bridge and tries to prevent my crossing. He’s an ugly little troll who demands his toll! His name is writer’s block. He has the nerve to set himself right in the middle of my bridge and refuses to budge. How shall I overcome this terrible little tyrant? The pen is mightier than the sword, or so they say. But he simply ducks each stroke and laughs. Well then little troll we should turn the pen and simply blot you out. No good. The little troll just sneers and reappears with a mischievous grin as he begins heckling and taunting me. From my bag of tricks I draw forth musicians and poets. They sing and dance at my command as I orchestrate a playlist the way a general would direct his army. The music fails to remove the troll but I can tell that I extracted a toll of my own. I have the troll “on the ropes”. He is beginning to wear down. It’s time for a coup de gras! A few good stories from my fellow authors should inspire a dream that will seal the little troll’s doom. And that’s where I call upon you my dear readers and friends. There are comments allowed below. Tell me, how do you defeat the troll and take back your bridge to adventure?

The Memory Of A River

Color Photography

From foundation of the world I came forth. Yes, I know the voice of God Almighty.

I remember the time before your ancestors came. And the time before those who first walked here.

As the ages passed this bounty was my joy to provide. My purpose in creation was providence.

I remember your laughter along my shores.

I know the names of every young boy who laid aside his responsibly to draw a fish from my waters.

I remember when your young maidens played and danced here.

I have worked without rest to deliver the boat and it’s cargo. My strength is yours to command.

I remember your struggles and the days when brother killed brother.

I remember the hard times when you had very little money and yet so much joy.

Today, I weep with you for I remember the things which you have forgotten.

Perhaps, if you can just put away your little black gazing box for a little while. Put it back in your pocket and pull the wires from your ears.

Gaze on my shores instead. Listen to the songs of birds and insects in the day. And, the frogs and crickets by night.

Do your legs remember running? Can you still feel the joy of racing the wind along my shores?

The melting ice will soon give way to a blanket of moss.

The warm sun will awaken the bloom and color will return.

Awaken yourself. Return to me. Come and play in my waters.

I am the River.

A Promise

Color Photography, West Virginia

Every storm should end with a rainbow. The Bible says that God gave us the rainbow as a sign that he would never flood the entire world again. When times get dark and stressful we should look for the promise that things are not going to be tough forever. The storms will eventually pass.