I am not an artist. Nor can I say I posses any knowledge of art, nor much appreciation for the works of others. I have, however, been continually astounded by the beauty of nature. So at the risk of appearing arrogant I have included the following story alongside the images of masters. I do so only to point out that everyone, not just the great artists, nor even just the skilled or insightful student can encounter, appreciate and even personalize beauty in the natural world. So go for a walk, see the beauty around you -- in the obvious, flowers; the despised -- insects; the abhorrent -- the colors of bacteria growing in a tidal pool. See what there is to see.

I have always been in love with water, with its graceful movement, its sound and the landscape it leaves behind. Throughout my years wandering through the wilderness i have also deeply enjoyed the zen-like experience of balancing one thing upon another. A few years ago, while birdwatching in Maine, the two came together in a way I will never forget. Even thinking about it now brings a smile and sense of calm to my day. Below are the photographs I made to document the experience (Click on an image for a larger view):

I spent about two hours getting the round stone to securely balance on the pointed stone. The series of images above were taken over the span of about 45 minutes as the tide rose. Shortly after the last image was made a passing lobster boat knocked the round stone off it's pedestal and the show was over.