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: 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

Find Your Birdsong

songbird, 2009, Mud Lake, Ottawa

When I'm feeling blah, angry or frustrated I need only to sit in the sun and listen to birdsong. It's balm for the soul this weekend.

Find your birdsong and be with it.

Photo Pause: New Growth (and Trust)

Another trek to my beloved Mud Lake had me seeking and capturing new growth with my camera.

I feel like I'm in the same space - a space of promise and expansion. The only difference is I suspect the seedling knows it will grow into a tree whereas I do not know where the next growth spurt will take me.

Or maybe the seedling doesn't know at all and simply trusts...

vibrant growth

soft growth

grounded growth

mama pine cone and her little ones,

nurtured growth

growth in flight