In the Pink...

Google informs me that the phrase "in the pink" means in perfect condition, and is used especially of health.  I like the cliche for its implications.  "In the pink" is certainly apt description for how I feel when I can get outside.  Sometimes I am drawn to particular places; always I am alert to the presence of wildlife--the winged ones, the four-footed, even insects. I like the feel of wind on my face and I like the still, meditative feeling of the very air holding its breath when the breeze abates. No matter what's the matter, I always find solace, strength, serenity, whatever I need in the outdoors.

Afterglow

Lately, I've been drawn to pink. And yellow. I'm not imagining the pretty pastel wardrobes of spring gardens, though with another colder-than-usual winter I am not adverse to that idea! Rather I am seeing shades of pinks and yellows as backdrops to something else, different hues where I usually see blues or grays. The more I think about these shades, the more they seem to appear. The other afternoon as I was driving home from a wonderful encounter with my first ever Snow Bunting, thanks to the generosity of fellow photographer and birder Jeff Lewis who called to tell me where it was, I had pink on my mind.

Snow Bunting, Bodie Island

By the time I reached the road into my little island home, the sun set, turning sky and sound into a glorious wash of pink. I stopped at a small public access and photographed some Canada Geese floating in what looked like hot pink and purple ribbons.

Last month I watched a group of Snow Geese take wing into paler pink skies.

All of these outings and sightings definitely help me stay "in the pink." Hopefully you will feel the same way.