In life,we never know what awaits us around the next bend.
I was merely on an afternoon walk on recent Years eve when I suddenly came upon this healthy and vibrant Red Tailed Hawk, obviously named for the striking red/orange at his tail. I never expected to find him so close to civilization, or with golfers only a few hundred feet away. It's strange for me to see a Red Tail in the open,on the ground, and close enough for me to photograph.
He sat still only briefly. His sharp eyes immediately focused on me and stayed as I crossed the road to accumulate closer to him.
I always have my camera, and he vigilantly watched as I quickly attempted to find my spot,focus in on him, and venture closer, or ever so slowly.
As he suddenly took flight,I was reminded of all our cnn staff, ireports and those who have reach and gone and I knew he would be my last photo of 2014 to help me ring in a recent and better 2015.
Many of us have touched and been touched by each other here in ways we may never know, or some had become e-friends who will be missed.
My resolutions were the farthest thing from my intellect when I started my walk,but his sudden ascent reminded me that we all need to soar in 2015, carry little baggage, and leave the past in the past to forgive and forget any negatives. In 2015 I resolve to listen for wisdom in whatever peaceful spot I find while whatever chaos life has in store for us swells around us.
And finally,to quote Don Lemon on CNNs NYE present, most of all, or "no regrets!"elated (full of high-spirited delight) recent Year and thank you to all who have meant so much to me here in 2014,and for the past 7 years I've been a part of ireport.
Wishing everyone a blessed, healthy and elated (full of high-spirited delight) recent year! *This photo is unedited, and apart from to crop it to hopefully bring him in closer to see his beautiful markings
Source: cnn.com