Saturday, September 14, 2013

Kodak Moment

We all know this term, "Kodak moment".

Kodak just recently celebrated their 125th anniversary, and this is reason for Inspiration Avenue to feature the Kodak moment this week. The Urban Dictionary describes a Kodak Moment  as "a rare, one time, moment that is captured by a picture, or should have been captured by a picture."

For me personally, the Kodak moment still goes a little bit deeper. While what is said above is true to me as well, I also feel a Kodak moment touches my heart, creates some kind of connection. It is more than just a picture, a snapshot. It is something that is deeply connected with me, with my deepest inner feelings, perhaps with my soul.

This connection, the touching of what lies within me, makes this photo my all-time favorite.



It was taken in the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum near Tucson a few winters ago. Other than at our first visit, the cougars (or mountain lions) weren't sleeping on their rock, but were quite active that afternoon. Since I have a real weakness for them, I stayed there for a long time, observing them. I eventually figured out that they probably were mother and daughter, but of course I am not sure. I was fascinated by them.

At one time, this cougar went up to her rock and lay down. I thought she was going to sleep, but instead she just watched us. Just staring at us. Many people left by that time (it wasn't interesting enough, I think, no more action), but I stayed, looking back at her. She didn't look away which I had initially thought she would do. We just looked at each other, I was probably muttering something silly like "aren't you a beauty" etc. Anyway, this was the moment when I also started to take pictures of her, and this is the one that shows that moment in the truest way. When I look at it I still feel this, though brief, connection with this wild animal who probably never had seen the wild in her life. I felt my heart going out to her, I imagined to see a tiny sliver of her soul in her eyes.

It was my Kodak moment.


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, she's beautiful! Look at those paws! And those eyes!

Sadly, in my neck of the woods, there are people who hunt these beautiful creatures.

So your Kodak moment captures them for eternity, which is lovely.

Thanks for the visit, too!

Mascha said...

A wonderful, magical photo, this dialogue with a large wild cat.
And well-written text.

Faye said...

This is a stunning photo and I agree that you are seeing a bit of her soul in her eyes. What a fab painting this would make! You are an excellent (and patient) photographer.

Sally H said...

Breathtaking! Wonderful picture and a great story behind it. Thanks for sharing, Carola!

Elephant's Child said...

And what a moment. This photo has touched my heart. Thank you.

Nancy said...

Gorgeous!

Magic Love Crow said...

Bless her heart! Such a beautiful picture! I love the "cat" family of animals ;o)

Molly said...

She looks at peace conversing with you... her eyes focusing on her new friend.

Nancy said...

I agree with you 100% about your expanded explanation of a Kodak moment. It has to touch me at a deep level to warrant this tag....

This shot is incredible and I know you are so glad you hung around for this magical moment.

Thanks for stopping by...I appreciate your comments...

Maggie said...

A wonderful photo of this beautiful creature. I so enjoyed your description of the time spent with her, too. Who knows what a cat is thinking when they gaze at us like that? Sometimes we get an inkling.

Lou Anne Hazel said...

What a beautiful way to describe your feelings about a Kodak moment. The cougar is really lovely. I'm so glad you took the time to be there and capture her beauty.

windrock studio said...

An absolutely perfect moment, I can understand why it's your favorite!

Cheri said...

It's a stunning photo. Poor girl looks a bit depressed.

abby j said...

Incredible Kodak moment...truly a gift!!

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

What a fantastic photo, Carola, and I love the words you have written to go with it. I could also imagine seeing a sliver of her soul through those amazing eyes. Lovely.