lily pads

While walking over a low bridge at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center I noticed these decaying lily pads emerging from and reposing beneath the surface. The late afternoon sun cast dramatic shadows over gentle ripples and they undulated in dreamlike movement.

End of the Year Ceremony for the Ancestors

Today four sisters in Vodou went to the bay to offer our prayers to the ancestors and lwa. We constructed a simple raft and sent our words and offerings out to sea. I didn't realize until later that most of my photos centered on Abena. I was simply drawn, perhaps, to her devotion--so deep, so open.

Abena: "TODAY at the OCEAN building a Raft . .. to send out my PRAYERS to MY/OUR ANCESTORS . . .
The Sun came out BRIGHTLY . . . WE SHINE! The CIRCLE became STRONGER for the Right Reasons . . .
AYIBOBO . . . AYIBOBO . . . AYIBOBO . . . ASHE"

Shenandoah National Park - Thanksgiving Weekend Hike

Every year Donna, Liz and I hike in Virginia the day or two after Thanksgiving. This day we explored the Compton Gap Trail, about 10 miles south of the Front Royal entrance to Shenandoah National Park.

Donna in front of a beautiful rock formation and silver lichen. 

Liz in front of massive columnar jointing. A result of lava cooling millions of years ago. 

Donna and Liz in the exhilarating mountain top wind.