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Do Not Give Up

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Even when something seems too far out of reach, just about impossible, don’t let that stop you from at least going for it. If you do nothing by giving up, you may well have passed up a golden opportunity that would give you something you thought unreachable.

That happened to me yesterday. Here I was at my fav park with so many cars in the parking lot I was forced to park on the grass. No parking spaces were available. Wow I said to myself. I’ve never seen this! Did I leave cuz you know it was just too crowed and hey I wouldn’t be able to capture anything? No I did not!

I have been trying to get a picture of a Belted Kingfisher without any success for three years. Three years! These birds are SO darn smart and elusive that the moment you appear they are gone. As I was walking down a trail, I heard the call of a Belted Kingfisher. They’re back, I cried silently! Oh how wonderful! I know where they tend to hang, so I made a left onto a less traveled path being very careful to be quiet.

I heard his cry again. And then through the trees I saw a flash. My pace quickened as I held my stealth hoping that somehow I’d catch that son-of-a-gun this time! As I approached the pond, I saw this bird fly into a tree wayyyyyyy far away across the pond. Did that stop me? No! The picture that is at the start of this post is the tree where I spotted the Belted Kingfisher. Did you perhaps see him in that tangle of branches?

I managed to shoot a whole series of images choosing carefully in the editing room the one I thought would be the best one to crop. The results? Not a very good capture to say the least, but this is the first time I have ever been able to capture a Belted Kingfisher. Those results?

 

As for part of this lovely pond this bird is fond of fishing in, here is an image of that.

 

 

The moral of this story is, no matter how hard something deems to be, do not give up! No matter how long it takes to achieve that something, do not give up! If I had given up when I saw the huge number of people at this park I’d never been given the chance to capture this bird.

And if I had said no way the distance is too far away to shoot this bird, I would not have been able to get the picture I did. Even it it’s not the best image, so what? I got it! So go for it and do not give up!!

Photography/ “Do Not Give Up” / March 2020©AmyRose Photography
http://www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com
All images watermarked for protection.

 

90 thoughts on “Do Not Give Up”

  1. Beautiful photos Amy and yes, you got it 😀
    When we choose to view the challenges with positive eyes, they seem more reachable, than contrary. Never give up – is a great motto.
    Much love to you ❤

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    1. Thank you, Irene! I could tell you story upon story about how IF I had given up no way no how would I be where I am today. No, do not give up! I believe you understand perfectly!! Much love to you and stay safe!! xo

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    1. I got to see this bird with my ears, Mark. I followed his sounds. And then my eyes saw the flash. And then …. my a-hem talent lifted my heavy camera and lens and locked on that bugger all the way across that huge pond. Gotcha! LOL Three years is a long time to wait to capture a bird. I hope someday I will be able to get this bird to trust me enough so that I can get closer. Much love to you! xo

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      1. You’ve done your apprenticeship with this bird now Amy. Tomorrow it will be sitting in the tree outside your house waiting for you. Much love to you also my friend xox 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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    1. Oh this is one very cool bird, VK! He does not like people believe me. To photograph him even if it was wayyyyy across the pond is a huge accomplishment. I love the way his hair stands up on his head. That probably means he is on alert or excited or is eyeing a female. Hugs back to you!! xo

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  4. It’s amazing that the “Belted Kingfisher” as we call it, has crossed the Atlantic on at least four or five occasions and been seen in Ireland, Scotland and England. Not by me, though, sadly!

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    1. John, the kingfisher is a very elusive bird. He does not like to be spotted. When I heard his call I was elated and I was just so determined to at least first see him and then to photograph him. My image is not the greatest but that bird was all the across the pond. I’ve got a very powerful camera and that is the only reason why I was able to crop in as close as I did.

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    1. Dan, if I told you the compilations of my stories about how IF I had given up and what would have happened, I most definitely wouldn’t be here typing this response to you, for starters. Oh OH to give up is like a burr under my saddle. It would just bug me! Life goes by so quickly and my aim for a long time is to fit in as much as I can while I can. (smile)

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    1. Rob, you are so welcome!! This is not a very good image but due to the circumstances I can brag it is a great composition. This bird is very evasive and does not like to be seen whatsoever. When I heard his cry (oh yes that cry that has haunted me for years LOL!) my heart started thumping and determination went sky high. I just had to see this guy! I honestly didn’t think any of my pictures would turn out cuz the distance was so so great. But!! You were able to view a bird from my efforts, not a lot of people see so that really brings a huge smile to my face!! Hope you had a great day today!! xo

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    1. It really is, Gigi. And also very very evasive. I’m considering myself extremely lucky to have photographed this guy yesterday. The hoards of people were worth it getting this rare picture!!

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  9. Beautiful and I noticed the bird right away in your first image. This experience you shared was just what I needed to hear today. It feels like a guiding light to my spirit. Thank you!

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    1. Catherine, you are so very welcome!! You made my day knowing I assisted a lifting of your spirit today. I look to Mother for my guidance and then I share that here. Much love to you! xo

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  10. Great catch Amy! Beautiful bird! Here we have Kingfishers (near water) – never seen one in the flesh but would love to. Exactly – good thing you didn’t give up! Just saw some little birds here going in and out of the bird box – can’t wait for some little fledglings! Lovely having life around!! Much love to you! Donna

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    1. I just found you in my SPAM. I actually met up with the Kingfisher again just the other day and again captured him. I know he now knows me. Just can’t shake that feeling. It is lovely to have life all around. How refreshing! And how cool you are going to soon have babies. Awesome! Much love to you!!! xo

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  13. YES!! If I could stand and applaud you right now, I would! ♥ How many times have we given up on something in life right before our greatest breakthroughs and open doors? Nothing worth having comes easy, does it my friend? We always appreciate most that which we have believed and stood in faith we’d see for the longest. Your incredible shot of this Forest Kingfisher is the perfect example! What a spectacular bird, Amy. Thank you for sharing it with me!

    Needed the reminder today not to give up. As always, you are a gem with words of encouragement much needed in this crazy world. Thank you Amy. You are loved and appreciated. 🤗

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    1. Holly, it is darkest before the dawn. Just remember that. Ignore the chaos, the insanity, and know just know the dawn of a new way is coming in. Whatever it takes get into your calm place and stay there. For days on end my anxiety had been so great I had problems sleeping, and eating too. It’s taking me a while but I am simmering down and cruising into calm. Thank God!
      Yes this bird is spectacular. He does not like people nor does he allow himself to be seen much. To have finally captured him is a huge feather in my cap!! YAY for me!
      I am so touched I encouraged you. Stay strong!! Stay well! Stress all by itself harms the immune system and makes you more vulnerable to dis-ease. Do whatever it takes to keep busy. You are loved and appreciated in return. BIG (((HUGS)))!! xo

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    1. THANK YOU, Wendi! I consider this a huge feather in my cap! I texted a photographer friend of mine telling him of my success, who for about FIVE years has been attempting to capture this bird. He calls it that effing bird. LOL They really are very difficult to photograph. Now that this bird has officially allowed me to really see him (and yes he knew …. why else would his head hair be standing straight up in alarm?) he will allow me to get closer to get even better pics of him. I would love to get him when he is fishing. So much to look forward to!! Much love to you! xo

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me these very uplifting words. I hope that over time this bird who now knows who I am (oh believe me he does!) will allow me to get closer to him in order to get better shots. So much to look forward to. Bless you for stopping by and reading words that brought a positive note to your life. Wonderful!! xo

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    1. GROAN! This bird I did research, Eliza. Darn it! I stumble and bumble and really am so grateful to those people who correct me. Thank you! I will make the corrections on my post. Will I ever get this right? LOL

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    1. Aw, thank you, Colleen!!! I have quite the huge feather in my birding cap now! When I told a friend of mine just today about this bird who has been trying to capture a fisherking for FIVE years, his exact words were …. that effing bird! This is probably one of the most difficult birds to photograph that I know of. Much love to you! xo

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  20. Great photo, it is so exciting to photograph something you have been waiting to see. I came across some Trumpeter swans by accident last week and got a few shots. They have been on my list for a long time. They are always so far away as they were this day. But I got a few shots anyway.

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    1. What a feeling it is to finally capture something you have been wanting for long time! Good for you getting those trumpeter swans! It’s still so early here so I am like an eager beaver for more birds to get here. I shouldn’t rush the process or wish to rather …. between my gardens, my macro photography, my landscapes and my birds and such there are months that I can barely breathe and it seems as if I have a camera attached to my hand at all times. LOL
      You’ll laugh at this. I told a friend of mine about the Belted Kingfisher, even texting him this picture seen here. His response? He was amazed by my success for in his words he has been trying for 5 years to get that effing bird and still no go. It’s as though he has bells on his sneakers only that effing bird can hear. OH my gosh! LOL

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      1. That is so funny, and so true. When I am out and about the ducks and geese are always right there, but if there is a new bird in town, I cant even get close to it. I even bought a camouflage jacket this year so I blend in better in their world. 🙂 even a camouflage hat. It does help.

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      2. I do try to blend in. I’ll be more aware of the colors I wear so I do blend in. Right now it’s hard to do with everything so bare. You get that. LOL

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      3. I know, I was watching a video on photographing wild life, it said you should actually ware gloves also, the sun light can reflect off your skin on your hands and that will spook birds, they are sensitive to that. I did get the brown camouflage, probably have to get the green one also. 🙂

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      4. It goes something like this with me …. the birds “know” me. And trust me. I have no other explanation. I have a story I will be telling soon that will rock your socks. It did mine. (smile) xo

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  25. Big Hug my dearest virtual noble friend ((()))) How much I have missed you and your beautiful work. I enjoyed the beauty of this post thoroughly and also you spoke to me clearly – don’t give up! I wasn’t giving up either but I am taking all support to keep going – inward is where I am headed. It is crowded on the way there in some different ways 😉

    I will take the time ongoing now to visit your past posts – they keep me nourished. You unknowingly have trained my eye for the magic of mother nature – nudging me to take pictures as they call me. Spirit moved me towards one such glimpse that also gave inspiration for a whole blog post after a long time! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it 🙂

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    1. Pragalbha! How wonderful to see you here! It’s been a long time. I am thrilled this post spoke to you … I’ve been getting some very strong messages and I am writing just as I am guided to.
      I am heading over to see your post. Welcome back!! BIG (((HUGS)))!!! xo

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    1. Thank you, Pam! You’re not going to believe me, but just yesterday when I was again at this park, I saw the Kingfisher (male this time) and again was allowed to use my camera. Pinch me!! I feel like I’ve walked into another world …. a better one!! xo

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    1. Thank you, Miriam! If I allow fear to take a cruel grip on me, I wouldn’t be able to function. It seems all the Guidance as to what to post on my blog all these years has been leading up to this very time. I’m not saying this is easy for me. Being an Empath I feel TOO much. Again today I go to immerse myself in the forest. There Mother will ground me and bring life to my cells as the toxins that have found their way to me are negated by Mother Herself. You stay healthy and well too, dear friend!! Much love to you! xo

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      2. Story coming soon about how ignorant of the social distancing some people are. No one ruins my forest walks and IF someone gets too close I yell for them to get back. What is wrong with some people anyways? Hope your forest walk gave you exactly what you needed!! xoxoxo

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  32. Brilliant pictures, Amy. Thank you for visiting my blog. Sorry, I had not visited lately. My family is at home, so I have little time to visit many of my favourite blogs. Stay safe and take care.

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    1. Aw, wow, thank YOU! I have a huge lump in my throat! I love what I can do with my camera and I love sharing that! No worries about visiting! I’ve not been here as much either. Family comes first and I pray many people are learning that. You stay safe and well!! Much love to you!! xo

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  33. Beautifully said Amy… Also loved your previous post on not allowing the fear to rule us.. And yes it is not my reality either, though the media is pushing like I have never seen it push before… And for the most I see here at least in my community respect and common sense… Though I am sure there is always an exception to that rule somewhere..
    I am also seeing kindness, sharing and caring…
    We have neighbour across our cul-de-sac who had cancer treatment last year, he is in total lockdown now and even his children speak only through the window to him, bringing him and his wife shopping to leave on the doorstep…
    My neighbours have also volunteered to do our shopping, but while being sensible and distancing we are managing..
    And in my reality I hold no fear Amy…Like you… But there is something much more beneath going on that is beyond those whose fear is gripping tighter.. my Knowing tells me so much more is going on..
    And people are as yet not questioning a government here in the UK whose austerity measures were in place since 2008, who had no money for this or that who are now throwing Billions of Pounds every which way you turn… Something is not adding up…
    So dearest friend..
    Keep that close eye on nature my friend… She is also our barometer…. Enjoy your woodland walks and NO.. Never give up, or give in….
    Stay Positive and Safe my kindred sister…
    Love and Hugs…
    Sue ❤

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    1. There is so much to respond to here, Sue. The “demonic” demonstration from the news is soul crushing and that is exactly its agenda. Why? There is something far greater then anyone of us knows that is going on. What we are seeing is a smokescreen to hide the truth of what is really occurring. I keep my thoughts regarding this matter mostly to myself for they are just so radical for most to grasp. My blog is not meant to shock or to push my beliefs on someone else. But when I do run across someone like you, and because this is not my feature post, I speak freely of what I “feel” is really going on. A war of epic proportions is unfolding right now. POW’s are people’s minds, those who are paralyzed with fear. Although, I don’t think that is working out as good as planned for I am seeing SO SO many completely ignoring now any fear mongering and in fact, beginning to make jokes and laugh about the insanity that is going on. People are WAKING UP. Die hards who must watch the news are no longer doing so. Hubby slowly is shutting the news off for he is seeing the conflicting and out right misinformation there is.
      As for this FREE money …. I agree. It does not add up. Our government is trillion of dollars in debt yet everyone is getting money. Where is this money coming from? I already know what I am getting before this money becomes null and void. My birthday is coming up and so I am getting bird binoculars. My gift with the free money I am getting.
      I’m still unsure what Mother is telling me yet with my next story soon to come, I will show how when you become ONE with Mother in consciousness, unbelievable things do happen. Is Mother telling me that all I have to do is step into the Moment and She will guide me all the way? Is She telling me that those who look to Her will survive all this hell that is raging upon this earth? I don’t know what is coming next, and we for sure cannot worry about it for that in of itself will drive us over the edge. No. What comes, comes. I’m also of the belief that people are uniting all over the world and in so doing, becoming stronger.
      Enough. I could go on and on. It’s getting late so I need to get what I have to get done in order to lay my head on my pillow tonight. Take good care, Sue. We will get through this and understanding will come in time. Be happy. And know you are loved. xo

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      1. Thanks Amy… Yes a big agenda that has been brewing for some time by those powers that be… And those awake are sensing and seeing this… I am hearing the internet will be next to go into Lockdown.. As it fails… And when it comes back on line it will not be the same internet … if you understand me..
        And as for the Billions of pounds and dollars.. well, lets say the are all zeros on a computer… Nothing is there that backs up this system anymore.. and those who can’t see this are fast asleep and will never awake… When I spoke about a Consciousness reset on my blog post the other day, that is not the only reset going on as we know…
        We often cannot put into words what we do know.. because there is no way of explaining our Knowing… which comes in through our downloads of information of Knowing!!! 🙂
        So yes Amy… Hang on in their with Mother… She is going to be friend or foe… Depending on energy timelines and focused intent..
        Love and Well wishes my kindred sister.. 🙂 ❤

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      2. Sue, I “feel” the expansion of energy and have for a few days now. It feels like a warm bubble bath.
        Thank you for reminding me about the internet …. I do most of my shopping on it and so today will make sure all my supplies are OK. And yes I do know what you are talking about regarding the internet. Everything is being resetted!!
        Money ….. as you say there is nothing to back it up. Our economy and money will be changing hugely after this. It has to. How can something exist with nothing to support it? I cannot think about this …. I can ONLY be in the NOW.
        I’m picking up Mother will be our Friend. I believe however there is a condition with that. People must keep respecting Her as they are now. That means limit air traffic. Limit vehicle traffic. Or else start using the CLEAN means we do have to run our cars and planes. Stop polluting. I also think there will be pockets where the vibrations frequency will signal Mother to keep a “net” over those who line up with Her. I don’t know. This is only speculation on my part. All I know is I am not afraid and I feel as if I am falling in Love so so deeply with my life and with Mother. Everything else does not matter. Much love to you! xo

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      3. The world will never revert back to how it was Amy.. But we who understand our timeline collective realities know we are all part of the changes we perceive and envision.
        My world is not going to be dominated by fear or control..
        And I see as people collectively ‘Clap’ in gratitude around the world how it is bringing in its own energy of upliftment which in itself will help disperse the shadows which are trying to grip the world..
        So thank you Amy… Enjoy your weekend my friend.. I will be meditating in the early hours where I will set my alarm to wake me… But I am already feeling there is a brighter , lighter feel to the day…. As I feel the energies move.. ❤ ❤ ❤

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      4. I am meeting you in spirit, Sue. There is a hush today and this morn there was fog on the ground, a harbinger of “change” as in weather. We can also take that as a sign for the present times.
        I too am seeing more and more people as if relieved leaving them happy, carefree and laughing. None of us knows what this change will bring, yet with faith, we who envision a different world are. My world has been based on love for years and to see that ripple out in this world, excites me!
        I will enjoy my weekend. I continue with my gardens. Hubby went for a mulch run yesterday so I have plenty in stock to work with.
        Interesting note: Our lawn and our gardens are all alkaline. IF we have been getting acidic rains, why I ask is the earth alkaline? I have acid loving plants and trees so this too needs to be addressed.
        Much love to you, dear friend!! Let’s cheer for a better and cleaner world! AMEN!! xo

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