Colors of Fall

Bringing my blog back to life, as promised

Here is a small collection of photos taken in September and October. I absolutely love all the photo opportunities of the autumn season, bringing such bright and beautiful colors.

September

Already the first month of fall is here. I’ve said it before – and I’ll probably say it again – how time flies! Well, if for nothing else, it’s a good excuse for taking some more pictures

A mushroom shimmering almost like gold

Mr C insisted on bringing the umbrella outside – on a sunny day. I told him there was only blue sky to be seen, but he wanted to be sure in case of a sudden rainshower

Here he has found himself a nice collection of autumn leaves. He studies their beautiful colors carefully, and then..

Oh, are these really for me?

Another mushroom in the grass

You may wonder what this rose is doing among autumn photos. Well, it was just growing there, right next to the mushrooms, blooming in all it’s beauty. As if to remind me that even if fall is here, there are still some warm, sunny days ahead for us to enjoy. Besides, I love roses. And that’s really all the reason I need

Some more wonderful colors

And a few more.. ah, now I see why he wanted to bring the umbrella. He noticed that the colors were matching!!! Have a nice weekend

Moments to Remember

There’s a lot of good things to be said about photography. I can make you a list if you like.. But I’m sure most people would agree that the best thing is that it gives us a unique opportunity to capture that special moment in time – and keep it forever. Perhaps we don’t fully understand what a miracle this is. Personally, I often wonder how people even survived before the age of photography

Some moments are so special to us that we would never forget to eternalize them. Simply because we know their importance and how we will wish to keep and treasure them in the years to come.

But as we know; our journey through life is also made up by all those small moments along the way. Like today, when I was headed home from the grocery store and suddenly spotted a hedgehog crossing the road just in front of my car.

In less than a second, and without really thinking – I pulled over, opened the door to the back seat and quickly dragged my 4 year old out of the car. He looked somewhat puzzled, but there was no time to explain to him what was going on. I just put my finger over my lips and pointed at the hedgehog that was now approaching the bushes nearby (amazing how fast those little feet can move). And holding each others hands, we silently tip-toed towards him, afraid we were going to miss our opportunity.

Luck was on our side though: we made it. With a smile on our faces, my son and I sat by the roadside, staring into the bushes for more than a minute. Two pearly black eyes stared back at us. We were hardly breathing. It was a magical moment – until mr hedgehog decided the meeting was over; unceremoniously turned his back on us and simply wandered off.

Mr C was thrilled however, having had his first encounter with a real hedgehog. And honestly, although I have seen one or two before – I felt how the experience really brightened my day as well.

My only regret was that my camera… was at home.

Without a doubt, life brings to us lots of memorable moments. Sometimes we get to capture those moments on camera, a wonderful opportunity for which I am truly thankful. And sometimes we get to keep them only within our hearts – which is also good.

But the best thing is, when every now and then.. we are fortunate enough to get both.

Some hedgehogs have all the time in the world and don’t mind posing for a photo.. those that are made from polyresin, that is

Enjoying the Simple Things

As a child, I was fortunate to spend part of the summer at my grandparents. Their house was situated in the countryside, surrounded by open fields and woodland. They even had a dog for me to play with, and I always enjoyed my visits there.

The best part however, was their garden. A real, old fashioned garden; you know the kind that is filled with herbs and colorful flowers, apple trees and a variety of tasty berries, in addition to numerous secret hideouts. And a swing. In other words; a true wonderland for a little girl.

My granddad has passed away, but my grandma, now well into her 80s, is still very much alive. She is in many ways a remarkable lady; always well informed and with a clear mind.

Through the years I have learned a lot from her. She taught me that there is wisdom to be found in reading the words of others, always providing me with books (some with inspiring photographs too:) From her I learned that there is beauty and peace to be found in the love and respect for nature and its inhabitants.

I learned that some of our greatest treasures in life, lies within our own imagination and ability to create. And she showed me how happiness is really about the small things in life. That what truly matters, what bring to us the greatest joy and satisfaction, are quite simply – the simple things.

A very good example of the above; raspberry jam. Home made, of course, from her own garden. Mmm…

Beautiful bluebells. I remember how I always used to pick some for her, just to be rewarded with that special smile. They were clearly her favorites. Now that I have kids of my own, I find it easy to understand her joy. I love them also.

Another one of planet earths tiny miracles; small but perfect.

Below are a few more details found in my grandmas garden. Also a quote that I like; about finding joy in the simple things, and being truly alive.

If the sight of the blue skies

fills you with joy,

If a blade of grass springing up in the fields

has power to move you,

If the simple things of nature

have a message that you understand,

Rejoice, for your soul is alive.

~ Eleonora Duse

After the Rain

Have you noticed; how after a rainfall the colors of nature seem to come out more clearly and beautifully than before?

Everything has been cleansed by the millions of raindrops falling..

Now mother nature takes a deep breath; all renewed, shaking off the very last drops of water

Ready to embrace the warmth of the sun

Month of June

June. The sun wakes me up in the morning. I take my camera for a stroll. Hear the bees buzzy song, feel the warmth against my face. It’s a good start for a new day.

The small people in my life are hardly indoors these days, there is so much to explore out there. Their adventures are neverending. Their days are never long enough. Neither are mine.

I put some music on, and do my work with a smile. Then spend a few minutes in the shade. Closing my eyes, feeling how it’s good to be alive. Wildflowers nearby nodding their heads in the breeze, as if they agree.

The evening envelops everything in a softer light. I’m letting my thoughts wander, looking out over the lake. Trying to figure out the mysteries of life, while dipping my toes in the water. Tomorrow is yet another day.

This is what I am longing for, all winter.

Amazing Planet

If you – like me – are fascinated by majestic landscapes and beautiful nature scenery; here’s a link that you must not miss out on.

It will take you to a site called Amazing Planet, and that’s exactly the right word for it: amazing. This gallery shows a variety of breathtaking scenes from all over the globe; sunsets, waterfalls, beaches, trees and forests, and more.

It makes me remember two things. One: that planet earth itself is one of our greatest sources of beauty; it surrounds us, we just have to look beyond our everyday struggles to see it. And two: how I really wish to spend a lot more time with my camera close at hand (and perhaps even a few airline tickets in my pocket)

Enjoy!

Click on the photo to visit Amazing Planet

A Touch of Summer

Here’s a few more macro photos, this time with a more summery touch.

Yellow – the color of sunshine

Ready, steady – fly!!!

With my nose (and lens) well down into the grass, I found this little funny looking guy. He is actually no more than 1/3 of an inch. He looks kind of puzzled don’t you think? I can only imagine what I must look like to him..

Oh, look! A photographer!!

Water – something we can’t live without

These were taken yesterday. It was actually quite windy outside. I know, not really a good day for macro shots.. the sharpness probably could have been better.

The summer is long, though (that’s a good thought isn’t it) Hopefully it won’t be too windy, as I would love more opportunities to explore this fascinating world of macro.

There is a Silence

This photo was taken last year in May. It’s something of a personal favorite. Not necessarily because of its quality, but because of the feeling it brings. I remember that evening stroll well; just me and my camera. It was one of those quiet evenings when it seems like nature itself is holding its breath. Even the wind was still. The only sound I can remember was that of a few birds taking off from the nearby lake.  It was almost magical; an evening for walking slowly and quietly.

“Within each of us, there is a silence, a silence as vast as the universe. And when we experience that silence, we remember who we are” Gunilla Norris

Great thoughts are wonderful. They can really lift us and make us reach for what seems to be impossible, pushing us to accomplish wonderful things. And I admit; I love that approach towards life. However, every now and then it’s good to think quiet thoughts, to balance the mind. I believe this is crucial to us, as most of us do live in a fast-speed and somewhat noisy world. That’s part of the reason why I have a genuine love for nature. To me, few other places bring such peace and renewal to the soul, or in other words; an opportunity to recharge my batteries.

Seeking nature is something I have been doing ever since early childhood. There were summers I hardly slept indoors at all:) Perhaps that’s why this quote really makes sense to me; I need that silence every now and then, the silence of nature which leads to that inner silence. To put my mind in order. To remember who I was. To remember who I still am.

I think it’s a good thought.

Take care. L

A Walk in the Forest

The house will be up for sale soon. Thus, there are quite a few preparations to be done; keeping me somewhat busy these days. But today, I decided to treat myself to a little time with my camera after all.. the weather was just too wonderful to stay inside.

Ah! Finally! What brings more happiness than to stroll along a forest path seeking out (more) signs of spring, while the last snow is melting into water and the sun warms my face.. ..and everything is just coming to life around me.

The old giving way to the new.

Hey, look who’s coming over to say hello.. or was it more like “miaooo”

Apparently there’s something up there.

A mysterious shadow..

No need to worry. Just a couple of trees enjoying their moments in the sun.

These are reaching for the warm sunlight as well.

Shine on me

A glimpse of the blue sky. Simply beautiful.

Oh yes. I know. The house. Better go pick up that paintbrush again..

Amazing how time flies when you’re having fun