It’s evenings like this that help sooth the soul.

I have often spoken of the mystery of surprise and the gift of wonder with my “work.” And this week’s photo is a brief confirmation. What a lovely evening in early June when the light is happy and just right for discovery.

After a brief visit to the Opera House for some performance photos, there was still some light floating about the harbor. Also a wonderful June phenomena when dusk trickles into spaces heretofore left unnoticed. A benefit of the season as we approach the most daylight in our yearly trek around the sun. Things pop up!

The scene shared is not uncommon nor unfamiliar to us all, but when our atmosphere offers a perfect coordination of focus, it’s fun to be available. I went for a walk from the Opera House just as the sun had set in the west which leaves a trickle of glow in the east over the harbor. This time of year, if things align, namely the tide, the sky, the water and me, magic happens. Any one of those elements can throw a wrinkle into the composition, but when everything happens, for just a few perfect moments, it’s lucky to be a casual observer, and have a camera handy.

To be honest, this scene would have been just as wonderful without a camera, actually. This is a common lapse for me. I have found myself, camera in hand, so smitten with a scene that I forget. We have become so overtly documented with our technologies that little escapes. But there is still an opportunity to observe and appreciate some pretty exceptional things without cameras or phones, recording with only the mind’s eye. I know, we are inclined to want to make a record of the beauty we observe, but sometimes it’s perfectly fine to just watch and enjoy.

For those who may not know, this image was seen from the parking lot below where once lived the old bowling alley, now an empty space where plants are growing and ledge protrudes. Many of us recall that location and the coming and goings of other institutions which occupied the area. My thoughts recall Irene’s on the “By-Way,” one of my first eating experiences upon arriving in Boothbay Harbor, many years ago. Now that was an experience without the camera. I got some looks when I entered that space which at the time was a pretty well-visited spot for local fishermen and contractors. My shaved head at the time didn’t escape observation. The food was good though!

Anyway, stop, look and listen, as our new pavement message reminds, is a good rule of thumb for more than crossing the streets. We are on the cusp of more activity here now. Go for a nice evening walk before it gets too busy, with or without a recording device.