AN AUTUMN WEEK IN EASTERN SIERRA

One autumn day, an email came in from my friend and fellow photographer, Michael Seldin. After catching up on our lives and the state of affairs of the US, we both quickly gravitated towards the subject of our photography. Michael mentioned that he had been to Eastern Sierra and Death Valley a couple of times in 2018, and what a magical wonderland it is for photographers. With one look at his beautiful images, I quickly started researching and within a couple of weeks, my husband, Bob, and I were on our way there. We had missed the full bloom of the fall foliage but enjoyed the quiet and tranquil hikes that we had all to ourselves. We never made it down to Death Valley but instead went through the spectacular Tioga Pass and into Yosemite where I had the thrill of tracking a Great Grey Owl. It was indeed, a magical trip, and we have Michael to thank for sharing his enthusiasm and encouragement to visit this area.

View many more images here: http://dianevarner.com/autumn-in-the-eastern-sierra

- Diane

MAMA RACCOON

Spring has arrived early in California; the fruit tree blossoms are already abundant, the birds are singing and raccoons are finding their multiple mates. 

This beautiful raccoon will soon be a mama. My husband and I had the unique opportunity of watching her mate in the wild. I wondered how long it would take before her babies were born and learned it would be just nine short weeks. She will raise approximately 3 to 5 “kits” entirely on her own. The babies will be blind the first few days and deaf for the first three weeks, making them completely dependent on her. Immediately vocal, the infant may sound like a human baby if in distress. If confronted by danger, this mother raccoon will furiously protect her young. They will learn to forage for food with their mother and will remain with her through the first winter until they gradually leave. Their short lifespan is only 2 to 3 years in the wild but they can live up to 20 years in captivity, which makes me want to coax a few home with me!

I ask myself, what will I do in the next 9 weeks as spring gushes with growth. If this raccoon can be so prolific, then I certainly can too. I won’t be bringing any new babies into the world, but I am inspired to to go forth and bring new creative life into fruition!

See some wonderful raccoon videos on PBS. This one is the babies first night out.

A STIRRING

In the hush of quiet, comes a stirring... 
It is a life passing by.

- Diane

WE MUST GLIDE...

... and take it all in stride.

Nature always has a way of reminding us what we need to do.

- Diane

COMPLETELY NOURISHED

Surrounded by all that could sustain her, she knew it was not enough — for only when she could run free, would she be completely nourished.

* * *

This little critter (aka gopher) was caught one day when it had the courage to run across the yard. Just a baby, it most likely didn't know better and was lulled upward by the warm sunshine and blue skies. Upon catching her, I put her in a bucket of veggies and took her for a ride to a larger field where she could run free. Just before releasing her, she looked up at me with her sweet, knowing gaze — it was one of those looks that I shall recall whenever our lawn starts erupting dirt mounds. I now can't help but love these little beasts!

— Diane Varner