Tangerine Dreams

I got my first point and shoot camera about 10 years ago. I always had an interest in photography, but my lover affair with photography began with that first P&S camera. I have a few of my photos from that camera that are still in my top favorites of photos that I have taken over the years. "Tangerine Dreams" is one of those photos. I took this photo on a visit to Naples, Florida, from the 5th floor of our hotel balcony. The sunset with the sailboat just cruising on the water made it a scene that will always be a souvenir in my mind, of that wonderful trip!

Inviting Warmth!

Happy New Year to everyone! I am hoping that 2014 brings joy and happiness to people everywhere. In Michigan, it seems to be the coldest I remember in decades! It is actually -13 degrees outside right this moment. That is on top of the 12-15" of snow we received in the last two days. I wonder if people in Alaska live like this all year round. Since it is so cold, I thought that this photo would invite us to feel warm and fuzzy inside. If not, there is always marshmallows to roast! Stay warm wherever you are.

Through the Path of Colors

Fall is a special time of year in Michigan, where everything changes in preparation for Winter. The air outside is crisp and fresh, the leaves on the trees change from green to golden yellows, oranges and reds, just before falling off and covering the ground with a great deal of leaves that crunch under your feet as you walk the ground around you. This is a photo I took in the park a few days ago as the winding path was a backdrop of gorgeous fall colors!

Dawn's Early Light

Last Sunday, 9/29/13 was 9 months since my step-son passed away. I woke up with this thought on my mind, and thoughts of him. I looked out one of my back windows and saw that the sky looked like it was kind of pink. Then, I went to my front window, where our house faces Lake St. Clair about 4 miles away. The view unfolding before me was spectacular! The sky was such an amazing color with the clouds rolling by in different shades of yellow and orange. Somehow I knew at that moment, that my step-son was ok, and that he knew I was thinking of him, especially on this morning. It was also a reminder that life has to go on, and there is still beauty in all the world has to offer. So, this is the "Dawn's Early Light" as the sun came up last Sunday.

Summer's Harvest Colors

Still going through all of my Summer photos, and I feel so blessed to be able to look back at all of the things I was able to see and do this Summer. I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my Mom who is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. She recently had surgery a few weeks ago, and the anesthesia that was used on her took away her short-term memory, which looks like it is permanent. So while I am secretly mourning her memory loss, it gives me comfort to know that we had so much fun this Summer. If not for my camera, I would not have the reminders of all the new things I was able to let her experience. This photo is of a flower who's identity I do not know. The many brilliant gold and orange colors remind me of Fall. Hoping to get out with my camera soon, and have the opportunity to catch many more Fall colors! Nature's beauty never disasppoints!

Exactly As I Saw the Sunrise!

Nature and landscapes always amaze me. I went down to the Lake early one morning last month to try and catch the sunrise. I figured that maybe I was too late judging by the sky. Was I ever wrong! This is what I saw the moment I parked my car and got out to walk towards the lake. You just can't make this stuff up! A few moments later, I saw the beginning of a red ball rise from the lake. It was absolutely beautiful! Will post some photos of the big red ball rising in another post. Enjoy the day, it's going to be in the 90's here in Michigan today. Thanks for looking!

Tail Up!

One of my days up north, I had just walked in, and saw this guy at my hummingbird feeder. Of course, I grabbed my camera as fast as I could since I have never seen a bird like this. He had beautiful orange and yellow colors, and definitely bigger than a hummingbird. I was able to grab a few quick shots before he flew away. This bird was so funny to watch, as he kept looking underneath the feeder, instead of trying to get some food from it. Really, he looked like he lost something and thought it would be found on the under side of the feeder! I think he was tipping the feeder to catch the drops of food that would spill out, due to his weight. I found out from one of my twitter friends (thanks Marianne!) that this particular bird is called an Oriole. It is actually the state bird of Maryland. While I am still trying to get my hummingbird shot, this guy gave me a great laugh watching him keep dipping under the feeder every few seconds, while I got my view of "Tail Up" the whole time! Hope you enjoy!

Fire in the Sky

One of the advantages of being surrounded by the Great Lakes of Michigan, we have the opportunity to see some truly beautiful and amazing sunrises and sunsets on the waters. At out summer place on Lake Huron, I only have to drive about 3 miles to go and watch the sunrise on the lake. To see a sunset on the same lake, I have to drive about 15 miles to see it. As you can see from this photo, the 15 mile drive is so worth it! When the sun finally starts to drop down into the water, the whole thing lasts only about 5 minutes, as it drops really fast. The beauty of the water with the backdrop of the changing sky is incredible to watch. This is something I could do everyday and never get tired of seeing. I hope you enjoy this "Fire in the Sky" as much as I did!

Sunrise Freedom

As I came down to the lake a few morning ago, I felt so peaceful watching the sunrise. I was all alone, with the ducks, the geese, and my thoughts. Of course, I was trying to think of how to create a beautiful sunrise photo as I watched the sky slowly change from darkness to the beautiful sky seen here. My other thoughts were of the meaning of this Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is always bittersweet for me because of my great memories of celebration every year as a child, and handing down the same traditions to my two kids. For the last few years, my memories of this weekend are of my nephew Steve. Steve was just 19 years old when he joined the Army. When he was 20, he was stationed in Iraq. He was there for 4 months when he was killed on Christmas Eve in 2008. To this day, it is so senseless to me that we have lost so many lives fighting for this country. Steve was one of the best. A great smile, infectious laugh, funny sense of humor and I always loved having him around. So, as I am able to "freely" stand here and see another beautiful sunrise, I am giving thanks to those that paid the ultimate price and gave all!