Seeing 2009 (#30)

My wife and I had the grace and immense enjoyment of spending last weekend at the St. Francis Retreat Center (see entries 25 & 26) with a number of other couples, several of whom who are beloved friends. The weather was perfect, the talks enlightening and the overall experience was relaxing and renewing. Julianna and I found our bed to be particularly comfortable, and we indulged in a luxurious 2.5 hour nap before departing on Sunday afternoon.

Throughout the retreat, when not participating in the formal gatherings, I was able to divide my time up nicely between the experiences of warm social interaction, mindful meditation, and of course a bit of devotion to my art.

This image was taken from the Fireside Room's porch (the building featured in entry #25), facing north at 1:30 in the morning. The exposure was 695 seconds, and the scene was illuminated by a combination of natural light from the nearly full moon and (to a much lesser degree) from the chandeliers within the Fireside room's interior. Due to the considerable effect of the bright moon's light washing over the celestial vault the star trails are significantly muted, as there were simply fewer stars bright enough to make their presence known in competition with la Luna.

Oak & Stars, 1:34 a.m., #3381

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: June 7, 2009; Canon 20D; f/11 @ 11 mins 35 secs; ISO 100; 17mm.

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