Exploring Metaphors

Metaphors, parables, analogies, similes, symbols...



The metaphor, then, is not simply a figure of speech. It is a habit of thought, one we must develop in order to see.  The habit of metaphor allows us to see the large from the small, the pattern in chaos, that which is not expected, that which is expected, in new ways. Metaphor allows us to see relationships. Ultimately it is the relationships which constitute nature, not collections of individual objects.--Steven J. Meyers

A few weeks ago, after being at my computer for about 8 hours straight, I headed home to get caught up on some things I had been putting off.  Because I had been indoors since just before daybreak I did not realize this particular fall day was so lovely.  So, on the ride home I decided to put things at home off a little longer, grab my camera, and go for a walk. After taking some long deep breaths and delighting in the time I would have with God in His creation, I asked Him, "What do you want me to see?"

My destination was a pond that I had been to just weeks before. I quickened my pace to get there in time to capture the sunlight on the pond at sunset.  I quickly walked past some late blooming day lilies.  It intrigued me that on an early November day I would still see small yellow flowers.  Then from the corner of my eye I saw a late bloomer that I could only conclude had been transformed by the frost into something unique.

After thinking about the flower's yellow beauty only a few short weeks ago, a metaphor started to take shape in  my mind.  I began thinking about what is left behind when we leave this life. Even though the color/flesh is gone, there is something beautiful  that remains. The picture in this post represents that for me...

What memory of you will be left behind when you leave this life?  What transformed your life here on earth?  As you look through a different lens and contemplate the quote above, think back to photographs you have taken when a similar thing may have happened. Have you been able to develop a metaphor from any of these pictures? Please post your experience--I would enjoy hearing about it!

Celesa
ReflectionsThat Come

Megan's Spring Image

Photograph by Megan Wright (c) 2010

Just wanted to share this spring time photo I took because it comes with a special Easter message. When I took this shot of the Bleeding Hearts I didn't notice until later, after I down loaded it on my computer, that the hearts were positioned over a cross section in my garden fence. I enlarged and cropped the photo so you could see the cross. When I saw it, it was a God-moment for me. Wow, I thought, God shows His love for us in amazing ways! We just need to be aware and look.

Megan Wright

That's awesome, Megan. Thanks for sharing your image and it's message. :0)

I just love springtime...

grace & peace,

deAnn

Bob's Springtime Images - Photo Challenge

Photography by Bob Brown (c) 2010

This chipmunk makes me giggle. It's so cute!

 Photography by Bob Brown (c) 2010

The nice bright colors of these kayaks makes me jealous because I can't fit into kayaks to paddle on Muddy Creek. Maybe late summer!

Photography by Bob Brown (c) 2010

Out of your collection, Bob, I'm drawn to this one too - maybe it's because my road bike is collecting dust right now. But, hopefully by mid-summer, my Eddy Merckx and I can be reunited and hit the macadam once again.

Great springtime activities captured digitally, Bob! For more images taken by Bob, click here.

Eric's Springtime Image - Photo Challenge

Cherry Blossoms by Eric Martin (c) 2010

This image is refreshing to me...I love it! It was taken by Eric Martin, it's his mom's cherry tree in full bloom. I love springtime... Thanks, Melody, for sending this in!

Our tulips are about to burst open and I can't wait to get my macro lens on them! Keep sending in your images of springtime, one can never tire of such beauty.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Evan's Spring Images - Photo Challenge

My soon-to-be 15 year old son, Evan, took these images with my Olympus E-500 yesterday. He used the close up kit (the cheap kind) to capture his images. He takes after me in so many ways!

A newly budding Tulip. He told me he separated the bud "leaves" a little bit so he'd get a better shot! That cracks me up.

A tiny grassland - all in our backyard. 

Awesome job, Evan! (p.s. the cover image on the hot-off-the-press April Inklings was taken by Evan).

With these crazy way-too-warm summer temperatures we've had the past few days, we may bound right from the newness of spring into the fulness of summer. I'm not ready for that. A little more spring, please?

If you have images of springtime, please email them me. I'd be happy to post them on the arts blog.

Stay cool outside today! A high of 86 is expected. Ugh.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Jutta's Spring Images ~ Photo Challenge

(I think this one - above - is my favorite!)

Beautiful "new life sprouting" images, Jutta!

Images by Jutta Stallman (c) 2010

Do you have images of spring-time in bloom? If so, send them deAnn and we'll post them here on this blog.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Jane's Budding Spring Images

Photograph by Jane Leech

Photograph by Jane Leech

Thanks Jane for submitting your image of the newness of spring!

Please send in your images of the first signs of spring around your neighborhood! Email them to deAnn.

grace & peace

deAnn

PhotoChallenge: First Signs of Spring

Today's beautiful weather prompted me to slowly investigate any signs of life on the surface of my garden's soil. To my surprise a few slivers of greenery are poking up through the salty cinder remnents, decaying leaves, and last springs retired mulch. While spending a few moments snapping photos of the first signs of spring, one thing really hit me - the fact that my heart is much like the soil - thawing and somewhat ugly because of the harshness of winter - yet, fertile and ready to spring forth with abundant life. Through this quiet practice, God reminded me that I am alive and He longs to bring new things of beauty to life through me, just like He does every single spring since the beginning of time. I found myself deeply humbled in His presence. It's amazing what we can experience through our creative nature when we are open to His voice.

With all that said, how about a photo challenge? With your camera in hand, head out to your yard and look for first signs of spring. While you do this, consider the ways in which God is sprouting (or longs to sprout) new things of beauty in your life. Send me your photos and I'll post them on this blog.

Grace & peace ~

deAnn