BIG GEESE

The snow was literally intermittent all day today, even though the storm was virtually over. Those two observations on my part do go hand in hand. 
One thing that constantly amazes me is how fearless our Canada geese have become this spring. They even walk right up to the house, or at least within ten feet or so. They are the most beautiful and graceful creatures, bringing us a wonderful sense of spirit. They are not as large as this obviously manipulated image might suggest.

PATTERN

My Digital Media class is working on "backgrounds" at this time, and this particular piece was created from the photo shown below of the shore in front of our house.

Now this brings to mind the question of virtual versus literal. Has the "manipulated" image become its own entity and therefore literal (real) or is it a virtual version, a metaphor of sorts, for the original piece?

I would ask any readers to take a moment to reflect upon this and respond in the comment section below, as I apparently need some help here.