Early Morning on the River: When there is nothing to say or too much to say…
I sit in the early morning—5:30am—as the sun is coming up. I listen to the birds chirping across the sky and to the watermen on the river trolling for crabs or oysters, also with lines down for perch or trout or occasional catfish.
I’ve come downstairs to let my dog out. The morning is beguiling as it awakens with mottled light spreading on the water and the river humming with early traffic, so I let my day begin and sit on the porch listening and watching.
I’m always surprised how clear sound travels on the water. I can hear a little girl on a boat talking with her father though I have to adjust my camera to zoom in ten times the distance to get a silhouette. I can’t entirely make out the words, but I am eavesdropping though I am at my home on the shore, and they are drifting by.
Summer’s solstice has recently passed. There is much summer left, but I am sorry the light will now recede a little each day, though perhaps I’ll get more sleep. I never close the curtains and so often rise with the sun. I don’t like dark rooms. I want to know when the day begins.
Photo credits: Joanne Leedom-Ackerman
I also want to know when day begins.
I would expect you too would be up and out early!
Lovely pictures, lovely thoughts. Thank you, Joanne.
Thank you, Kate!
BEAUTIFUL !
thank you
Thank you, Bob!
What a beautiful slice of life!
Yes, an early summer morning with light and water reflections. I know this too above Lake Geneva. But sounds travel great distances as you mentioned and sometimes it seems I hear the terrifying explosions from Ukraine.
Thanks, Joanne for evoking peace and tranquility. The photos are fabulous. Keep on shooting. Malcolm
Thank you, Malcolm. A photo can often speak more clearly.
Beautiful and inspiring…follow the light as the day unfolds. Thank you, Joanne 💫
Thank you, Dorie. Yes, following the light…
I share with you that desire to wake at first light and I never close blinds or curtains. Moments of serenity are much needed now, thank you.
Thank you, Marian, and see you are finding it too in your new home!
During these sad days it’s a gift to feel a bit of transported peace
and beauty.
Thank you, Pati. Listening without the din around, there is a quiet we all need and seek.
Still, still with Thee when purple morning breaketh
Yes, exactly. A favorite hymn!
Thank you for sharing the beauty of the morning so beautifully.
Thank you, Chris!
Joanne,
There is a great sense of stillness and peace both in what you write and in the tranquil, lovely photographs.
I love your dog. Can we see more of her/him?
Thank you
Julia
Yes, I’ll share more of Amie (Amy). She is so sweet and smart and fast as lightning. She takes everything in, the sights and sounds and I half expect her one day to turn around and talk to me because she has figured language out.
Beautiful pictures! Thanks for the poetic writing you have shared with us! Power to your pen, ipad or whatever you use to write!
Thank you, Danson. Writing as you know well starts with a few words, a thought, a feeling and in this case went straight onto the computer, though sometimes goes onto a pad of paper.
Thank you for this gift of tranquil beauty. Your words and photos inspire calm and contemplation…both are needed and appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you, Sally!
“The morning is beguiling as it awakens with mottled light spreading on the water…”
I relate to that right down to my toes.
Thank you, Mark!
There’s nothing like the glory of the morning! Your words and photos capture it beautifully!
betsi
Thank you, Betsi!
I certainly understand the magic of the water whether still or turbulent. Our thoughts engage with it on multiple levels. So pleased you are able to use it for quiet reflection and inspiration.
Thank you, Lynne. You know the calming landscape, the flow of the river and the rising sun!
Thank you for your gifts of serenity and Amie (Amy). Both are critically needed these days!
Thank you, Jackie! Hope to see you soon.
We live near a river here in rural Maine and there is nothing like the early light…
Yes, the light rising and the river flowing—movement of life all around.. Good to hear from you.