The early heatwave season affects my daily rhythm, it makes me hike in the Calanques in the early mornings rather than in the afternoons. But what is early? Sunrise wakes me up when the summertime clock is at six whereas Nature says it is five O’clock. It is sunrise either way.

The difference with mornings is that the sun stands on the other side of my usual hiking path, lighting up a part of the forest that I almost never take photos of – the East. Triggering new inspirations, that make me also turn toward black and white images in which contrast shines.

The morning summer light makes the wonderful forest scenery look more like detailed pencil sketches, or would that be etchings? Neither, they are b&w digital photos of spots of natural beauty, of selected parts that reflect the Whole. My souvenir collection of favorite hikes.

All Photos Copyright © 2019-2025 August Timmermans – All Rights Reserved

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I n M e m o r i a m

Victorine Balrak-Van Koolwijk 30 July 1946-29 June 2025

On the day that I announced Colorful Vignettes Forest Sketches, my beloved cousin Victorine passed away in the evening, after some days of struggle with her physical condition. Her children, sisters and brothers present at that time mentioned that she went into deep rest – and let life and loved ones and everything go … in her love and trust in Existence.

Her original beliefs on death she noted down in 2018 :

Kind of surrender – pinch your nose and go under water – wonderfully refreshing without sound – without fear – no brain activity – clear surrender – afterwards so much light and love from all my loved ones who welcome me. See my strength and weakness in all experiences – forgive myself. ​May communicate lovingly without body or time – will be more aware of earthly life and be grateful for all help (always present) ever there and where I am now.​

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All Photos Copyright © 2019-2025 August Timmermans – All Rights Reserved