Photo Pause: Of Earth, Wood and Stone

A temporary pause from words, to let the visual speak.

These images are the result of impromptu and cathartic camera play at Squam Art Workshops (Squam Lake, New Hampshire) a few weeks ago. I am drawn to their earthy pull; it has a very grounding effect on me.

moss on rock

spiral bark

the gulf

orange 'shroom

white rock and pinecone

a soft spot to land, and grow

lichen in afternoon sun

sunny moss on stump

Photo Pause: Prince Edward Island, Day 1

While we were visiting Mom & Dad on the east coast, D. and I took a few days for an overnighter to Prince Edward Island (PEI). We only explored one little corner of the Island, but already its soft and surprisingly varied landscape wooed us both, inviting us to explore it further.

Here are a few favourite photos from Day 1:

Confederation Bridge between New Brunswick and PEI,

seen from New Brunswick's Cape Jourimain Nature Centre.

(Note to self: next time allow more time to explore this wonderful centre and its hiking trails!)

We enjoyed lunch at the Landmark Cafe, in the beautiful (and tiny!) village of Victoria by the Sea. While we were there someone brought in the morning catch, fresh off the boat down the road, for the night's special. It doesn't get more local than that.

Canada's Smallest Library in Cardigan, PEI

Who knew? And could that view be any more cozy?

We discovered this gem of a beach by accident. It captured so many of the colours typical to PEI's landscape! A bonus? There were only three people on it, plus us.

 Still at the same little beach. I loved how the dune grasses created a rolling landscape,

and how the sun lit them against the dark skies ahead.

We spent about an hour there with our cameras.

 The view from our deck that evening. We ate Rick's Fish & Chips and drank

local Gahan beer (both delicious!) while we watched the sun set.

We stayed at the Inn at St. Peters in St. Peter's Bay.

The main restaurant at the Inn at St. Peter's, against the twilight sky.

That night we sat on our deck and watched shooting stars. Magical.

Day 2 delights to come later...

Photo Pause: Garden Play

In the midst of work-related navel gazing, dreaming and plain old elbow grease, the garden sits growing dutifully, waiting for someone to take notice.

I don't find my gardens this year to be particularly superb at first glance, but once one starts to look a little more closely, oh there is beauty to be found...

garden happy

sunny tendril

leaf light

white spire

shady tendril

Judi's bloom - this perfect bloom was in my friend's garden,

I couldn't resist capturing it with my camera

What beauty lies in your garden? Look closely, I guarantee you will find it.

Photo Pause: Vacation @ Cottage #2, Trees and Greenery

A photo pause of greenery from our vacation at the cottage. There are a few more photos than usual in this one. It was just too hard to choose.

pine forest on a calm morning

leaf, drop, treetops

climbing under a vibrant canopy

I couldn't resist the birches in the evening sun...

... nor could I resist the birch bark.

there were pines too, white and red

red pine bark

an enchanted forest right at our doorstep

A Sunny, Restful, Soulful Vacation

I am home from my week in the woods and ever so gently easing back into my workspace, missing the lake and the loons terribly, feeling re-connected to Centre, ready to continue my journey.

For seven days D. and I were immersed in silence and nature (no TV, no radio) with no where to be and nothing needing to be done.

Graced with an idyllic lake view, six out of seven days of sunshine and all the time in the world on our hands, we spent a restorative week doing whatever the heck we wanted to do. There was swimming, hiking, fishing, reading, sitting, eating - lots of eating, and even a bit of socializing.

At least once a day I looked at D., shook my head and spoke a low, awe-filled "wow." I'd say that makes it a pretty dang good vacay.

Here are a few favourite pics, there are so many to choose from!

Blissful Cottage #2 is nestled amongst the pines and birches.

On the first morning I enjoyed a peaceful cuppa on the dock...

... while D. went out for a paddle.

One morning we packed a thermos of coffee and rowed to the small mountain

(or very large hill) across the lake, and bushwhacked our way up to the top.

What a view! That little white dot along the shore on the bottom lake

was our floating dock.

Every meal was savoured at the sunflower table with a view...

... and almost always followed by some downtime on the dock.

(That little mountain on the left is the one we climbed.)

I miss the stillness and the presence of Mother Nature tremendously, but remind myself that, while perhaps it takes a little more effort, both can be found and appreciated right here in the city:

"For before you can find peace anywhere, you must have silence and quiet in your heart and in your mind.

Then when your eyes are opened and your ears are unplugged, you will see the birds that come to perch on your porch or on the tiny handkerchief lawn that you have before your house. You will notice the lonely bush of lilacs that blooms in the neighboring yard or in a park.

Like St. Francis of Assisi, you will find many little animals and birds to talk to right where you live. What is more important, you might even learn to listen to them."

~ Catherine Doherty, foundress of Madonna House, Combermere, Ontario