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!

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.

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!

Gulls In Flight

So last year in May, I went to Jacksonville, FL to make a road trip back to Michigan with my daughter who decided to move back to Michigan. I was only in Florida for a few days, but oh how I am in love with the ocean! I spent much of my time at the ocean, wishing at that moment I lived there. As I was walking along the shore, kicking my toes in the water one evening, I turned around and saw these guys fly right in front of me. I just grabbed my camera and blindly shot at the birds. I got this photo, and was really happy when I saw it later. It is still another one of my favorite shots. Hope you enjoy looking at these Gulls in Flight!