It started as a cool glow, like an ebbing ember in the woodstove. I took note as I sipped my coffee. Slowly, slowly it began to spread, like syrup on a pancake. It was reaching into the southern sky now, as the eastern sky emboldened itself. I thought to myself, “I will delight in you, but only for a moment, and you will be gone.” So typical of sunrises. I continued to sip my coffee and savored my time shared with this gorgeous display. Again I thought, it would be only for a moment. “Embed this into your memory,” I said aloud, “or it will be lost.”
But this sunrise was different. As it began to penetrate the sooty darkness I sensed a persistence. There was a resolve in this sunrise to become something greater than a fifteen second lightning burst. I poured more coffee. As I watched, a rapid flick of motion caught my eye. A Cottontail! It was weaving a course to its destination darting from tree base to tree base – ever mindful of the Great Horned Owls that were ‘somewhere’. I breathed a sigh of relief as it reached a dense thicket. Safe for the moment. But as it is with Cottontails and food chains, perhaps only for a moment.
Time for a plan of action
My attention was drawn back to the sunrise but I was still thinking about the Cottontail. Then I recalled hearing the Great Horned Owl pair ‘hooting’ back and forth earlier in the morning depths. Probably conversation regarding breakfast. Nature is a hard place to make a living if you are a Rabbit.
Now, regarding this sunrise. I could see it had energy, intensity and a goal to fill the sky. I thought about taking a photo but it was only sixteen degrees and I was still in my slippers. Besides, it would probably be gone by the time I grabbed my camera and got in a position along my east fence line. Hmmm. What to do?
Nope, I’m going for it! I mounted my Nikon 18 – 200mm lens to my backup Nikon D7000 and made a dash for the door.
Taking the plunge – but only for a moment
Brrrr! What was I thinking. I’m already freezing and that was just from touching the metal screen door handle. It was the equivalent of a Polar plunge for me. I made my way up the slope to the east line in the gray light, fumbling with my camera settings. The sky was ablaze in blues, reds and yellow hues. My heart rate quickened. My toes were freezing! But I was about immortalizing a moment in time. Nothing is more enriching for me.
I reached the fence line and had full view of the sunrise now. Wow! I had to collect myself as I was being carried away to days of past, special moments, magnificent sunrises. Time to focus! As I poked my lens through a break in the bramble I thought of my good friend and Mentor, Richard and said, “This one’s for you, Richard!” Richard loves Minnesota sunrises.
I set my camera to 1/125 second, f/4 28mm and an ISO of 100. The cold was a distant memory now. The intensity of the sunrise was drawing me in. After collecting a series of shots, I reviewed them, and returned to the warmth of home. Only for a moment, I thought. But this time it will be a lasting moment!
Life is little more than a series of moments woven together. Seek out those moments in your life that provide warmth, hope and peace. Let them be your place of comfort. A place of renewal – if only for a moment. I hope sharing with you this moment gives you a footing to find your archive of special memories. Peace.
P.S. – This sunrise will be available at the Red Barn Project for your continued enjoyment.
