New stuff to come!

I'm currently working on Christmas presents, I look forward to sharing very soon. But until then, I have been taking more autumn pictures from around this beautiful area that we live and call home.  I am truly blessed.

This was on my way to work.  I thought the tree looked so interesting through the rain on my windshield

I am in love with the marshes this autumn.

I was early to work so I stopped in a little parking lot by a cemetery.  I decided on a whim to drive into the cemetery and found this little piece of heaven bringing me right up to the marshes.  Have I mentioned that I love the marshes?

This was an unexpected little bridge at Maine Audubon while my son and I were taking a little walk before visiting with Granny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where did you find beauty this week?  Did you take the time to marvel at the beauty that's all around?

Ocean

I spent the weekend in York Beach Maine for a very beautiful wedding.  I drove down early in the day for a couple of reasons, one: I wanted to be there to offer help to my brother and Meghan if they needed someone to help with last minute details etc. and two: I wanted to take a look around York Beach area for photo opportunities.  As you might assume, I've been a little bit interested in taking pictures lately.  My first and somewhat unfortunately only stop was Nubble lighthouse.  I fell in love with the place instantly.  There were many people sitting quietly on benches that were scattered around, and many climbing the rocks looking for that perfect picture, as I was.  I was able to help a family by taking their picture so they could all be in it, and then I was on my way.  Above is a picture of the lighthouse itself which is on it's own little island.
However, I was also fascinated by the ocean and the rocks below me.  Here are some of the pictures I took of the waves crashing and swirling below me.

I did also manage a very quick stop at Long beach on the other side of York Beach when I got lost on my way to the light house.  I got this great picture with a yellow lab running on the beach, unfortunately I missed the picture of the tiny dog giving chase.  I was already in my car and turned in the right direction.

Ah well, and life goes on.  While running errands with my brother we drove by Long beach again and did see this peculiar sight:

There were actually about 50 people skiing on the beach.  It was so surprising that I rolled down my window and snapped this picture as we were driving past.
What have you seen lately that has surprised you lately?

Sunset

I have always loved a good sunset.  The colors are amazing and very awe inspiring.  However, I an also in love with the trees at sunset.  I don't know, but to see the trees back-lit, making these wonderful patterns of lace grab me every time.  I find myself driving around at dusk, making every excuse looking for that perfect picture.  Now I will probably never stop looking for these pictures, but I found a couple of great ones the other night.

 What's your favorite part of a sunset?  Is it the glorious colors?

Marsh

Have you ever taken a walk through the marsh?  Have you ever even driven by and looked out the window as you pass?  It's an amazing sight if you really look.  All the life, the birds, fish, bugs and I'm sure plenty of other animals besides.  I had the opportunity the other day to take a walk on a lovely path through the marshes of Scarborough.  It was stunning, I don't have a good enough camera to get some of the pictures I wanted of the birds, and I certainly don't have the time right now to spend as much time as I would like waiting patiently for that perfect shot! But I did get a few shots of the winding stream that runs through the reeds and grasses.  I think it's lovely, do you?

Where did you find beauty today?

mushrooms

I went for a hike up Bradbury Mountain yesterday.  Wow, I can't remember the last time I made it all the way to the summit.  What a beautiful view.

Though the view was breathtaking from the top, I found just as much inspiration along the way.

The most fascinating was the mushrooms.  I have been seeing them everywhere this year.  I don't think I ever realized how many different varieties there really are .   While walking up the mountain, albeit the easy trails,  I stopped to take pictures along the way.  I took the summit trail back from the top.  This is a very rocky and steep trail.  As I stopped to take some pictures of the mushrooms I found a very kind older gentleman stopped.  We struck up a conversation about the mushrooms.  He seemed very interested that I would take the time to takes pictures of them.  He was also very concerned that I might take my fascination too far and eat one.  I assured him that while I do like mushrooms, the only ones I eat come from a grocery store.  Wildlife of all kinds are only for pictures and to enjoy from afar.  He seemed relieved with my answer and we soon parted ways.  What a nice man he is to take the time to caution a fellow person on the dangers of mushrooms.

Where will you travel today?  And what beauty will you find there?

More pictures

As you might have noticed, this summer has mainly been about the photography.  I took many pictures this summer of flowers.  I don't know why I was moved to do so, I just was.  I've never been overly interested in flowers before, but this summer was different.  So I had my phone and camera with me almost constantly.  I snapped pictures of the flowers in my yard, my parents yard, my clients yard.  I even went to gardening stores as well as snapping a few at Trader Joe's.  But what was I to do with all these pictures?  Now, I'm not a professional by any stretch of the imagination.  No training, just point and shoot and hope for the best.  I have to say, some came out amazing.  I was actually impressed with myself.  But I still didn't know what to do with them.  I have a few ideas kicking around for future projects, but still.....  Then I walked into my massage room in my house and looked at the blank wall.  Eureka!  I have it.  When I go shopping I always see these large collage frames.  I found one that filled the wall beautifully and this is the result.  Hope you like it as much as I do.

Trust me, it looks better in person.  I should know.  I now walk in there just to look at the pictures.  My father, who is a brilliant photographer, suggested that I take pictures in every season, so I can switch them out throughout the year.  What a great idea!  I'm already thinking of what to do for the other 3 seasons.  More to follow on that as the year progresses.
I played around with my new software last night.  My son even played with it too.  He was so delighted with all the silly things he can do with our pictures.  I'm sure in a blink of an eye he will be much more adept at navigating this stuff, and producing amazing art himself.  Here is some of what we did last night:
These are Will's:

And here is what I played with:

Have an art-filled day.......

Photos

Today I got some photoshop software.  I've been having a lot of fun with it, changing some of my pictures I've already taken.  I can't wait to spend more time with these apps.
This is my son Will waiting for the bus this morning.  I love to see his smile.

 This is a picture I took about a week ago at one of the homes I work at.  I had a lot of fun with this one.

 And these last two are flowers in my own yard that I've taken the last couple of days.

Autumn

We are now fast approaching autumn.  This is my favorite time of the year, time to think about apple picking, pumpkins, leaf peeping.  However, it is still summer and I find it a little sad that I have already seen so many leaves start to change and fall.

But I feel an excitement in the air, my son is in school, if I can juggle work and appointments I may get a couple of days where I can explore the wonders that are out there.  Taking pictures and maybe getting back into drawing.  The thoughts of a couple of hours being able to nurture myself in ways I haven't for years is so exciting to me, and therapeutic as well.  Let the autumn begin!!