Photography Philosophy #1Liner Wednesday

If a tree falls in a pine forest and Cheryl is nearby, will there be pictures of it? 

You betcha’! 

We had a few days of heavy winds up in the mountains and the usual bajareque (misting rains) that produce the gorgeous rainbows I love to chase. Two nights ago the wind was really howling through the pines. It was 3 am and I heard a distinct “craaack”, follow by the sound of thumping on metal. I put on some pants and my shoes and stepped outside to make sure nothing had hit the rooftops of any homes on the property. Just last year the tree beside our house was split in two and part of it fell away from this place and hit the roof of the big house, also damaging the rock wall. Nothing seemed disturbed so I went back to bed.

At around 8 am I was awakened by a rather insistent mockingbird who jumped up and down on the roof and screeched his heart out. I got up and went to the window to find this sweet gift from Mother Nature. 

I was so excited! I dressed, put on my hoodie (cuz.. the misting rain) and went in search of the best view. I just love when I can see the whole bow. I had to walk past the pines of course to get to that perfect spot but I found it. 

I took my photos with my little phone and went home happy.

Then came the text from our friend Tony saying he had been there and happened to look up and saw a pine had fallen halfway and that we should not go into the pine forest until someone took it out. 

Okay, I know, I know, another philosophy quote comes to mind, but:

I couldn’t see the forest for the rainbow. 🤦‍♀️

Of course I ran out to search for this broken pine, trying to not get too close. Fortunately, the road skirts this little ‘forest’ and I got some cool shots. 

That pine was strategically pointed between the main house and the casitas. We wondered how long it would take to get an expert up here to take the tree down. Here in Panama nothing is done halfway but sometimes things take awhile. Within a couple of hours a very nice older man with an orange and yellow vest showed up (with his helper and his family) in his SUV and started assessing the situation. 

Before too long we heard the chainsaw warming up and I grabbed my phone and went to find the best viewing spot.  Timing really is everything and I got settled just in time…

The man had skills!! 

We didn’t even lose power when it skimmed the lines. 

I hope your week is going well

Adjusted Philosophy #ThursdayDoors #JusJoJan

There is a hillbilly philosophy that goes something like this:

“Calories consumed when traveling outside the county you live in don’t count”~

In other words, vacation splurges are A-OK.  I kind of enjoyed that guilt free view of indulgence and decided it could be adjusted to living outside the country you were born in. 

So, for today’s contribution to Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors prompt I decided to share the door to one of our favorite local indulgences. 

Our favorite little bakery, Panaderia Lidia. You can smell the delights from way down the road, beckoning your senses to succumb to your deepest desire for the much maligned king of goodies…BREAD and cakes! 

My $3 lunch! 

These are the best puff pastry beef empanadas ever.

 With Modelo Negra to wash them down, of course. 

It is my new understanding that philosophy is malleable.

Can I get an “Amen”? 😉