This is an image of a Spring Sunset. This is not a blended image, only 1 click.. .. a slight bit of vibrance added to reflect its intent It is dedicated to my niece who has been facing metastatic breast cancer.. The setting was on a small hill in Shasta Valley surrounded by impressive mountains . The view is facing northwest. A storm front with multiple lightning strikes (on the left of the image ) was moving eastward and another storm front with multiple lightning strikes (on the right of the image )was moving westward. The sun , setting between mountain and storm, was casting a beautiful warm glow over the valley. The rain falling in the distance (the golden band extending from left edge) was beautiful illuminated by the poetic blaze of the day's end . The foliage in the foreground was beginning to bloom, providing a wonderful palette of color and textures to behold. The converging power of the storms , centering over the hill , was palpable . Due to the consuming winds and thunder coming from the storm from the east, I and an accompanying friend tried to linger , but thought that it was wise to leave ,even as the colors were seeming to intensify. I contemplate that the image is both literal and figurative. The spring sunset is that of a young, blossoming life . The dried thickets , withered by winter, represents the unrelentless cancer which seeks to consume every bone and organ. The converging storms signifies the dark, pressing weight of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, broken bones, hospice, palliative care .. And all the exhaustive entries on a list that is way too long . The flowering tree in front of the sunset indicates the love, grace, laughter and humility that she exemplifies in her desire to shield those whom she loves from the approaching reality of the spring sunset. The brilliant yellow glow shines like her mantle of resilient joy that impacts everyone she encounters . Such remarkable strength , grace , warmth and compassion Yes, It IS spring and the dried thickets will eventually blossom also; yielding to the splendor of new life. Their presence seeks to change my perspective . 'Hope springs eternal"; their presence clearly relates not to death seeking to consume life, but eternal life victoriously consuming death. For each of us, In time , the sunset will yield ; those who love you remain to ponder the stars ; embracing hopes of an awesome beauty and an unending joy to greet you in the sunrise.
