We decided that while we were here, we should finally make our way into New Orleans. We’ve passed by it before, but never actually stopped. Camping on the north side of the lake made it feel like the perfect opportunity.

To get there, we crossed the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway—a stretch of road that seems to go on forever. At nearly 24 miles long, it’s the longest continuous bridge over water in the world, and for miles you can’t see land in any direction. In the early morning light, with hardly any traffic around us, it felt peaceful… almost like we were floating across the water rather than driving over it.

We went early, hoping to avoid the rush of people. There’s something about experiencing a place before it fully wakes up that we always prefer. As we drove into downtown New Orleans, we took it in as best we could from the car—streets, buildings, glimpses of a city full of life. But it didn’t take long for us to realize… this wasn’t our place. Too many people, too much movement. Beautiful in its own way, but not where we feel most at home.

So we kept moving.

Our plan was to head toward a nature preserve on the south side of the city, trading crowds for quiet. Along the way, we came across a beautiful building that immediately caught our attention. From a distance, it looked like an old church—strong lines, classic architecture, the kind that makes you slow down without even thinking about it.

We pulled over, of course.

After taking a closer look, we found out it was Hope Haven Adult Health Care. Not a church, but just as striking. The architecture alone was worth the stop, and we took a few moments to capture it—those unexpected finds that end up meaning just as much as anything you planned.

Sometimes the best part of the journey isn’t the destination at all… it’s the quiet decisions along the way—the turn, the stop, the moment you almost missed.

24 Mile Long Bridge

When we entered the park, we noticed a large home facing the water. This is Otis House, originally built in the 1880s as the family home for sawmill owner William Theodore Jay.

The Otis House rests like a memory that refused to fade.

Beneath the long, bending arms of ancient oaks, their fingers draped in silver moss, the house seems to breathe with the past—slow, patient, and unhurried. The white fence in the foreground stands like a quiet boundary between now and then, between the world we rush through and the one that once lingered here.

It was later purchased and renovated in the 1930s by Frank Otis, serving as his summer home until his death in 1962. Mr. Otis left the property to the State of Louisiana to be developed into a recreational site for visitors.

The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

You can almost hear it—the soft creak of the porch boards, the low murmur of voices carried on warm southern air, the clink of glass at dusk as lanterns flicker to life. The columns hold up more than a roof; they hold up stories. Of summer evenings that stretched endlessly, of guests arriving in pressed linen, of laughter that settled into the wood grain and never quite left.

And then there’s the gift of it—this home, once private, now open. Not locked away in memory, but offered. Given so others can stand where time once paused and feel, if only for a moment, what it was to belong to a slower rhythm. To step onto that porch and watch the light fade through curtains of moss, knowing the night would come gently.

The Otis House does not try to be grand. It doesn’t need to. It is something rarer—a place that remembers, and lets you remember too.

If you stood there long enough, you might forget which century you’re in. And perhaps that’s the point.

Otis House

Louisiana – Our first stop is north of New Orleans. I try to pick small town campgrounds close to water especially this time of year hoping to see a lot of wildlife.

This one is right on the Tchefuncte River, Not even sure how to pronounce this one.

Beautiful morning views as I go for my early walk.

As the sun rose and began to cast its soft light across the river, I glanced upstream and noticed a series of statues and pillars standing near a home along the bank. Curious, I later looked into what they might be. It turns out that just behind this striking structure sits a private swimming pool—these pillars serving as an elegant screen, shielding the space from the view of passing boaters.

Louisiana

On the road again—this time heading west. We’re traveling a bit later in the season than usual, and I’m hopeful it brings a few new bird sightings along the way.

Our first stop is a campground wrapped in stunning live oaks, their presence timeless, as if they’ve been standing watch for generations.

There’s something incredible about the way these trees grow—their great limbs stretching outward, dipping low, and sometimes even meeting the earth, as if embracing it.

On the Road Again

Spring Flowers – I just love spring time. Fresh air after a spring rain. Vibrant colors.

My niece sent me a funny quote. The spring time meme is, April Showers brings May Flowers.

But my niece lives on a farm, She said April Showers brings, mudd, mudd and more mudd. With a smiley face of course. 🙂

Spring Flowers

Millie is the cutest little pup. She is the last dog I photographed at the campground before we started our travels. The leaves on the ground match her tan colors in her coat of gray.

Millie

Zeus – loves playing fetch. 🙂

Zeus

It is travel time once again—time to shake the dust off the RV after four quiet months and turn our hearts back toward the open road.

This past winter was a strange one. Our campground felt heavier than usual, with sickness making its rounds—colds and flu lingering longer than anyone expected. I had my own challenge with back issues, but I’m grateful to say that chapter has eased after finding the right chiropractor.

And truly, when I think about the record snowfalls up north and all that so many endured, it’s hard to complain about these smaller struggles while being blessed with the milder southern days.

Winter, though, was not without its deeper sorrows. We said goodbye to friends—two kind souls who will be missed in the quiet, everyday ways. And I also had to let go of my sweet little dog, who simply grew old as all living things do. She had a beautiful life, and I hold onto that with gratitude, even as I feel her absence.

But now, spring is here.

And with it comes renewal.

There is something about this season that gently calls us forward—new life unfolding, fresh adventures waiting just beyond the horizon. I feel that pull deeply this year. A need for new scenery, for wide skies and quiet places, for the kind of connection with nature that clears the mind and settles the soul.

So we go.

Back on the road, carrying memories with us, but also making space for what’s ahead.

From my heart to yours,
Sandra J’s Photography

It is Travel Time

Kite Festival – April Fun

Kite Festival Video Link Here

Kite Festival

Last Minute Dog Portraits before we hit the road again. Campground pups. 🙂

Last Minute Dog Portraits

Wide Angle Lens on my pet portraits. Always fun to use the wide angle lens close up on pet portraits. Especially on such a happy little dog like this miniature Schnauzer.

Wide Angle Lens

I set out for an early morning walk along a familiar path at the campground, one I’ve wandered down many mornings before. As I rounded a corner and stepped out of the woods into a small clearing, I glanced to my right—and stopped.

There it was. Perfect timing.

A man-made nesting box that the osprey return to each spring stood quietly in the morning light. Hovering just above it was the full moon, and nestled inside the box were two osprey.

I only had my phone with me, so I took the shot. Phone cameras don’t do their best work in low light—at least mine doesn’t—but I was grateful to have it with me to capture the moment.

I stood there for a few minutes, waiting for the moon to set behind the birds and took another shot.

Moments like this are reminders that you never really know what might be waiting just around the next bend. Sometimes, the most beautiful surprises appear when you least expect them.

Unexpected Moments

Have a great weekend.

This is Why I do it. I always have to throw away a small percentage of the photos I take. But the good ones keep me coming back. 🙂

Amazing Animals, have a great weekend.

This is Why

Editing Process, I also do pet portraits during these events. Not just the course jumps. First thing first, is the treats to get the dogs attentions.

I must admit though, most of the dogs here are so well behaved, they sit pretty good for their photos.

It takes a lot of work for the owners as well, especially when they want to get all their dogs in the shot. As we both try to get them all to look the same direction for some shots, and preferably their ears forward.

Once we master the look, I take lots of photos. The owners cannot take the collars and ropes off in most cases. We don’t need a loose dog on the grounds, That can be a problem.

So during the editing process I remove the collars and take away the ropes. Crop the photo so that the sides of the back curtain are not showing.

This is the result of all the editing process.

It is a lot of work, but I have been doing it for years. The process for doing all this is much easier these days. I work the show from 7 am to 5 pm, I go back to the RV, and edit as many as I can and print them out for the next days show. These are 3 day events.

I sell the majority of my shots when I can print them and sell them the next day so they can take a photo home with them.

Needless to say, by Monday I am exhausted. I stay up as long as I can at night doing this work and then start again the next day.

Editing Process

Behind the Scenes photographing a dog agility event. Most dog agilities are indoors these days For obvious reasons, weather mostly.

But, the issue is, it needs to be a big arena and that might mean poor lighting. Even though this photo below looks like it is really bright in this particular arena. That is the editing after I get the shot. I will say if the sun happens to be out when I am shooting at this arena, it does brighten it a bit.

As you can see on my camera screen, I am shooting at a shutter speed of 2500, I do adjust that depending on how fast the dog is running.

This year we did have better weather, more sun and no rain for once. This building faces north and south. The best locations to photograph is at each end where the sun filters in a little more, that helps a lot.

One of the dog owners wrote that she used to buy photos all the time years ago during her dog agility events. Photographers were willing to go to these events. But over the years, the photographers have quit going. Why? Because of the lighting in these arenas.

There is extensive editing that has to be done to make a good shot for the customers. It is not worth the time and effort for most photographers. Meaning, it doesn’t pay that well. We are not paid to be there, we only get paid if the customer buy’s the photos.

I completely understand that, I do this because I have the time, I love the challenge and I love providing this service for the folks.

Lets take a look at the issues. Example, dark colored dogs. So hard to get a good shot. This is how dark it really is in this big arena. My camera on this shot focused on the judge in the background. We are talking about fast moving subjects in a dark space.

This photo? 🙂 I see the collar on the dog and the mans face and hair really show up nice. 🙂

Panning with a moving subject, sometimes the camera just focuses on the closest object which results in a blurry dog.

Finding the right place to stand in this arena is also a challenge. I have to be far enough away to not be a distraction for the dog. Folks like to buy shots of their dogs going through the weave polls.

Every judge places the obstacles wherever they like. This one has a horrible background with people standing around and the sunlight blowing out the back of the shot.

Sometimes, it is just not a fast enough shutter speed for these unexpected moments. Still a fun shot even tho the eyes are blurry.

More about this and what keeps me coming back to these shows on the next blogs.

Behind the Scenes

The Jump – the concentration and confidence in this first picture is perfect as this boxer goes over the jump.

This next photo, the eyes are a little wider as if he is thinking, ” Oh no”,

This photo below, the eyes tell the story. 🙂 ” I don’t think I am going to make this one”, 🙂

The Jump

Have a great weekend.

Cuteness Overload

Cuteness Overload

As a morning person, I’m usually chasing first light, not the last. Sunrises feel like home to me — quiet, expectant, full of promise.

But the other evening, I chose something different. Instead of turning in early, I walked out onto a pier along the bay and waited for the sun to say goodnight.

The sky softened, the water held ribbons of gold and rose, and I was reminded that beauty isn’t reserved for the hours we’re most comfortable in.

Sometimes it’s found when we gently step outside our routine. The sunset felt like a whispered invitation — to slow down, to look up, and to remember that even endings can glow with breathtaking light.

Chasing First Light

Have a great weekend.

Beautiful Clouds

Beautiful Clouds

Have a wonderful weekend.

Today we took the backroads—our favorite way to explore when we’re out in the country. There’s something peaceful about wandering through farmland, seeing the quiet rhythm of rural life. Along the way, we came across this apple orchard, and I had to stop. I’ve never seen apple trees grown like this before—tall, thin sticks lined in perfect rows, each one loaded with bright red apples. It almost didn’t look real, more like a scene from a storybook.

Curious, I tried one of the apples… and it wasn’t very good. So now I’m not sure what variety they are or if they’re meant more for processing than eating fresh. Still, the sight of those rows upon rows of apples glowing in the afternoon light was worth the stop. Moments like this are why we love taking the long way around.

Taking the Backroads

Have a wonderful weekend.

The Doberman, who just happened to win best in show this year. Not this dog in my photos, I just finished making this portrait of this one when I saw it was announced that this breed one best in show. Beautiful dogs.

Have a great weekend.

The Doberman

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

As our travels carried us farther south along the shores of Lake Michigan, we found ourselves drawn once again by the quiet promise of another lighthouse. This time, it was Big Sable Point Lighthouse, waiting patiently at the edge of Ludington State Park.

We were camping within the park and decided, on one of our final days, to follow the trail marked for the lighthouse. What we didn’t fully grasp at first was just how much of a journey it would be. The hike stretched over two miles one way, winding through rolling sand dunes and stands of trees that seemed to hush the world around us. Each step felt intentional, the path both challenging and beautiful, inviting us to slow down and simply take it all in.

By the time Big Sable Point came into view, it felt less like a destination and more like a reward. Standing tall against the vastness of Lake Michigan, the lighthouse marked not only the end of the trail, but the closing of our time at Ludington State Park. This venture would be our last here, and it felt fitting that it led us somewhere so timeless and still.

With one lighthouse left to see along Lake Michigan, Big Sable Point became the fifteenth I have photographed—bringing me one step closer to sixteen, each one carrying its own story, its own light, and its own quiet calling.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Its February – Time is going so fast. I am starting the month where I left off last time. The unique landscapes around Mission point Lighthouse.

The day we got there it was raining so hard. It is like you can see forever at this point and the storm clouds made for beautiful images against the calm waters.

Such a beautiful location. Plus just because it is raining if you are visiting here, head up to the light house anyway. There were way less people and the storms move through pretty quickly.

Its February

Standing out at Mission Point Lighthouse, the landscape feels almost other-worldly. The water is unbelievably shallow for what seems like forever, revealing smooth stones and sandbars that look as if the lake has quietly pulled back its veil.

Yet just a little farther north, there’s that odd, straight line on the water where everything changes. Beyond it, the waves rise higher, rolling and breaking as if they belong to a completely different body of water.

On this side of the rock break, though—right where I took the photo—the water rests in a calm, glassy stillness. It truly feels like two worlds meeting.

What’s fascinating is that it’s likely not a tide at all. The Great Lakes don’t have true ocean tides because they’re too small to be significantly affected by the moon’s gravitational pull.

They do, however, experience something called seiches—wind-driven water sloshing that can raise or lower water levels for a short time and make it look like a tide.

Add in sandbars, man-made breaks, and sudden shifts in depth, and you’ve got these surreal patterns where one side of the lake is smooth as silk and the other is full of texture and movement.

Mission Point is one of those magical places where the lake loves to show off—and every time you visit, it tells a different story.

Standing out at Mission Point

Have a great weekend 🙂

Lower Michigan Landscapes

Lower Michigan Landscapes

Light House 13 – Point Betsie Lighthouse

Our travels brought us to the colorful and charming Point Betsie Lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan. Standing proudly since 1858, this lighthouse has a personality all its own—bright, welcoming, and full of history. In 2004, ownership was transferred to Benzie County, and ever since, the community has helped preserve its character and stories.

What makes Point Betsie even more unique is that it once had a bed-and-breakfast right on the property. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves and the sweep of the lighthouse beam drifting across the lake. It must have been something special.

Each lighthouse along Lake Michigan feels different, but Point Betsie has its own kind of magic—colorful, cozy, and timeless. Another little treasure tucked along the shoreline.

Light House 13

Our First Look at Lake Michigan

Short Description:
From atop the hill, we caught our very first glimpse of Lake Michigan—a shimmering stretch of blue unfolding toward the horizon. After miles of travel, the view felt like a gift, calm and inviting compared to the wild reputation of its northern sister, Lake Superior.

How much smaller is Lake Michigan than Lake Superior?
Lake Michigan is much smaller.

• Lake Superior: ~31,700 square miles
• Lake Michigan: ~22,400 square miles
  Lake Michigan is roughly 30% smaller in surface area, and Lake Superior is also deeper and holds nearly three times as much water.

Do the waves get as bad as Lake Superior?
Lake Michigan can get very rough, especially during storms, but Lake Superior is known for the worst waves on the Great Lakes. Superior’s deeper, colder water and longer fetch allow massive waves—over 20+ feet in extreme conditions.
Lake Michigan’s waves can still reach 10 to 15 feet, sometimes more during powerful storms, but they generally don’t reach the intensity or frequency of Superior’s largest waves.

When we left we drove done some backroads doing a little sight seeing and found acres of apples orchards. I have never seen apple trees shaped like this, they sure do produce plenty of apples.

Our First Look at Lake Michigan

McGulpin Point Lighthouse – This is lighthouse number 12, after crossing the 5 mile bridge we then went under it to go visit this light house on the west side of the bridge, along Lake Michigan.

This lighthouse is privately owned and they have made it into a museum. It is kept up very nicely. Lots of information of the entire area.

You can hike down the short trail to the beach where you can view the Mackinaw bridge from a different angle. It is very hard to get a five mile bridge into one photo, even from this distance and the widest angle lens I have.

Have a wonderful weekend.

When the Sun Melted Into the Lake

There are moments behind the camera when reality and imagination meet, and something inside me whispers, “Look a little closer.”
This sunset was one of those moments.

I was standing along the shore as the day softened into gold. The lake was calm, the air still, and a lone sailboat drifted quietly across the water as if it were moving through honey. The sun hung low — the exact sun you see here — glowing brighter than anything else in the world for those few last breaths of daylight.

But when I looked at it later, I didn’t just see a sun.

I saw gold.
I saw warmth spilling downward.
I saw a moment where heaven reached out and touched the water.

So I let my imagination take over — something I’ve started doing more and more when my photos spark a story. I added what I felt in my heart: the sun melting, dripping golden light into the lake like liquid fire. A surreal little daydream hidden inside a real, quiet evening.

That’s what I love about creating.
Sometimes nature gives the scene…
and imagination gives it a voice.

The other morning I looked up and saw cloud formations unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. They curled and stretched across the sky like brushstrokes from a hand far greater than mine — almost like a portal opening into another dimension. For a moment I just stood there, quiet, humbled, and amazed.

Moments like this make me aware of how vast creation really is. We live our days on solid ground, but above us is a sky layered with wonders we rarely stop to notice. And lately I’ve been reading articles where scientists are talking about the possibility of more dimensions beyond the four we’re familiar with — length, width, height, and time. They speak of patterns in physics and tiny particles reacting in ways that hint at something more than what our eyes can see.

I don’t pretend to understand how they measure or observe those things. Science has its own language, its own tools, and its own ways of exploring the world. But when I hear them speak of “more,” my heart doesn’t run to doubt — it runs to awe. Because if anyone would craft a universe with depths beyond our understanding, it would be the One who spoke it into being.

For me, these discoveries don’t threaten my faith; they deepen it. Every new layer scientists uncover simply reminds me how much bigger God is than anything we’ve mapped or measured. The heavens still declare His glory, just as they always have. And maybe part of the beauty is that He allows us little glimpses — a strange cloud formation, a new discovery, a question that stirs inside us — just enough to spark wonder.

So when I look at these clouds, I don’t think of science versus faith. I think of how the Creator can use even a passing sky to remind us that His world is far more intricate, mysterious, and breathtaking than we can imagine.

And maybe that’s the point:
To be reminded that we are small, He is big, and every now and then He paints something in the sky just to lift our eyes upward.

Windows in the Sky

Picturesque

Picturesque

Have a wonderful weekend.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse where the waters meet.

There’s something timeless about the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. Standing at the very tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula, it has watched over the place where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet for more than a century. I love wandering near it in the early morning, when the water is calm and the bridge is waking up in soft light.

The lighthouse feels almost like a storyteller — its brick walls holding memories of storms, ships, fog, and the steady work of guiding travelers safely through the Straits. Even on quiet days, you can almost imagine the beam sweeping across the dark waters long ago.

Every time I photograph it, the scene feels different. Some days the sky is full of drama, other days it’s peaceful and still. But the lighthouse remains the same: strong, grounded, and full of history.

Places like this remind me how small we are in the flow of time, and yet how beautiful it is to stand where so many have stood before — looking out over the straits, listening to the wind, and capturing a moment that will never look quite the same again.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Morning Views of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge – There’s something extraordinary about standing on the south side of the water, looking out toward the Mackinac Bridge. This is the place where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet—two great bodies of water blending and moving as one—and each morning brings a completely different scene.

Some days the water rests in perfect stillness, barely a ripple touching the shoreline. Other mornings, a soft blanket of fog drifts across the straits, wrapping the bridge in mystery so only its towers appear, rising out of the quiet. And then there are the crisp, clear mornings when the light catches every line of steel, turning the bridge into a silhouette against the sky.

No two days ever look the same, and that’s what keeps drawing me back with my camera in hand. The straits have a way of offering something new—new light, new colors, new emotion—every single time.

The night shots are their own kind of magic. When the sun slips away and the bridge lights glow across the water, it transforms into something peaceful and powerful all at once. Those will be coming soon, and I can’t wait to share them.

Morning Views of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge

Crossing the Mackinaw Bridge – I went across this bridge a few times back when I was about 6 years old, traveling with my grandparents.

Now, 50 some years later, I finally crossed it again. Amazing how some structures can last about a life time. I don’t remember crossing the bridge at that age, my sister says we did a few times

I have to say, as an adult, I did not like crossing the bridge. I have a bit of a fear of heights these days. That bridge is a long one and you are so close to the edge of it with a short railing on each side.

After we got to the other side, I was good, we camped at a park on the south side of the bridge and this is the view the next morning at sunrise.

Crossing the Bridge Video Link Here

Crossing the Mackinaw Bridge

Have a great weekend

A Christmas Note from My Heart

As Christmas Eve is here, I just want to take a moment to thank each of you who have followed along with me through the years. Your kind words, encouragement, and shared love for the beauty around us mean more than I can say.

My world is filled with the gifts our Father has placed before us — from breathtaking landscapes to the quiet presence of little ones like this stray cat who stopped by to rest awhile. Each moment reminds me that creation is full of wonder, both great and small.

It’s my hope that through my photos, I can share a glimpse of that beauty with those who might not be able to see it for themselves — to remind us all of the grace and joy that surround us every day.

Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Christmas season, filled with warmth, love, and light.
From my heart to yours,
Sandra J

A Christmas Note from my Heart

The Ship with a Smile — Edwin H. Gott

When we visited the Soo Locks, the Edwin H. Gott was the largest ship we saw that day — a true giant of the Great Lakes. At 1,004 feet long, it moves millions of tons of iron ore each year between Lake Superior and the lower lakes.

But what caught my eye most wasn’t its size — it was its face. Through my lens, the front of the ship seemed to smile, almost as if it knew it was putting on a show for those watching along the shore. There’s something endearing about seeing such immense power softened by a touch of personality.

In that moment, the Gott wasn’t just a freighter — it was a reminder that even in industry and steel, there’s beauty and character waiting to be seen.

Ship with a Smile Video Link Here

The Ship with a Smile — Edwin H. Gott

Have a wonderful weekend.

The Parade of Lights semi show in Mackinaw City is quite an experience. We arrived just in time for the big event and found the perfect spot that evening to set up our chairs and watch as the beautiful trucks rolled by, each one glowing brightly against the night sky.

Every year, this northern Michigan tradition brings together truckers and spectators alike. The semis cross the Mackinac Bridge and follow a parade route through town, giving everyone a chance to see an incredible variety of rigs decked out in colorful lights.

This year marked a record number of entries, and each truck shone with pride. Their polished chrome reflected the brilliant lights, creating a stunning display of color and craftsmanship. It was a wonderful celebration of dedication, community, and the spirit of the open road.

If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it—but don’t forget to bring some earplugs! Between the sound of those beautiful horns and the occasional Jake brake symphony, it’s a noisy (and fun) experience you won’t soon forget.

Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more from this event soon!

Parade of Lights

Saint Marys Falls Hydropower Plant – a very interesting area if you ever get up there. Lots to see from museums to ships. We loved our tour of the area.

Tucked beside the mighty Soo Locks, the Saint Marys Falls Hydropower Plant quietly channels the force of the St. Marys River into clean energy. Built in 1902, this graceful red-brick structure is one of the oldest operating hydro plants in the United States. Its 74 turbines once powered the locks and local industries, and today it still produces electricity for the region—more than a century later.

Standing along the riverbank, you can feel the deep hum of water rushing beneath the arches, where engineering and nature meet. It’s a reminder of how innovation and the Great Lakes have long worked together to move both ships and people forward.

Saint Marys Falls Hydropower Plant

Lake Superior Bay Mills Area, one can always find a variety of polished rocks along the shores of Lake superior, in all sorts of colors.

The tall building is a viewing area that has a high speed elevator in it. I did not go in it, the high speed sounds like it would turn my stomach. 🙂

The Saint Marys Falls Hydropower Plant, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a historic facility that harnesses the power of the St. Marys River as it flows between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Lake Superior

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Where the Waters Remember

There’s a quiet strength in the light that stands at Point Iroquois — a keeper of time where the great waters of Superior meet the flowing heart of the St. Marys. The waves whisper the stories of those who came before, of the Ojibwa who stood their ground and the Iroquois who met their fate upon these shores.

Here, history and horizon merge. The air carries the scent of pine and the sound of gulls, and the lighthouse — steadfast and weathered — still watches over the restless blue. Standing in its presence, you can almost hear the echo of canoes, the toll of ship bells, and the eternal rhythm of the Creator’s hand upon the lake.

🌅 Today

Today, Point Iroquois Lighthouse is part of the Hiawatha National Forest and serves as a museum managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors can tour the keeper’s quarters, climb the 65-foot tower, and enjoy sweeping views of Whitefish Bay — where Lake Superior’s moods shift from calm beauty to fierce storms.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Morning on the Bay – a touch of clouds giving way to a warm sunrise over calm waters. My favorite time of day.

Morning on the Bay

Size Comparison – photos do not always relay proportion of a subject by itself. Sometimes one needs to show a comparison shot like below.

The normal size fishing boat in front of the ship helps to put the size of the ship into perspective. 🙂

Size Comparison

Ships and Tour Boats – It is December all ready, time goes so fast.

More boats and ships passing through the locks.

1. Average transit time:
   • Typically, it takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for a ship to pass through the locks from start to finish.
2. Details of the process:
   • Ships first queue if traffic is heavy. Waiting times can be several hours to even a full day in peak shipping season.
   • Once in the lock chamber, the filling or emptying of water to match the upstream or downstream level takes roughly 15–20 minutes per lock.
   • Maneuvering in and out, securing the ship, and safety checks add additional time.
3. Factors affecting time:
   • Ship size: Larger freighters may take longer to secure.
   • Weather: Ice in winter or strong winds can slow operations.
   • Traffic volume: Summer months are the busiest, especially for iron ore and coal shipments.

So, while the actual lock passage is under 2 hours, including waiting and docking, a ship could take several hours total from approaching to leaving the locks.

Ships and Tour Boats

Light House Glass

Type of glass / lens
The glass is part of a Fresnel lens — a multi-prism, stepped glass optic used historically in lighthouses to concentrate and project light efficiently.

I looked up information for this light glass in the photo below.

It has a weight listed as ~ 3,485 pounds

White Fish Point Museum

This museum had a lot of information and a very nice display of the interior of the light house from back in the day.

The Light Station was operated exclusively by the U.S. Lighthouse Service from 1849 until 1923, when the U.S. Coast Guard established a Lifeboat Rescue Station here.

The Lighthouse Service merged with the Coast Guard in 1939; the Coast Guard closed the Lifeboat Station in 1951, and took all personnel from the site in 1970.

Light House Glass

Rainy Day at the locks today.

he main cargoes moving through the locks are bulk commodities, mostly related to industry and raw materials. The primary cargoes include:

1. Iron ore – by far the largest cargo historically and currently. Mines in Minnesota’s Mesabi Range ship iron ore through the Great Lakes to steel mills in the lower lakes.
2. Coal – used mainly for steel production and power generation.
3. Limestone – used in steelmaking and construction.
4. Grain – such as wheat, corn, and soybeans, shipped from the Midwest to export ports.
5. Salt, cement, and other bulk materials – smaller in volume but still significant.
6. Petroleum products and chemicals – some tankers pass through, though bulk dry cargo dominates.

In modern traffic, iron ore pellets are the dominant cargo, making up most of the tonnage.

Two different ships passed through on this day.

Rainy Day

Have a great weekend.

How Many Ships pass through the locks?

I think we saw 5 or 6 go through while we were here. They say Mondays are their busiest days.

How Many Ships

Soo Locks – this was on my list to visit and we finally made it this year. First you have to pass through the security gates, as this area is along the Canada border.

Gates all along the lock area.

They made a wonderful viewing platform for visitors to watch the ships come in.

• The first State Lock (on the U.S. side) was completed in 1855, to bypass the rapids of the St. Marys River.
• Before that, cargo and canoes had to be carried (portaged) around the rapids by Native Americans, explorers, and early traders.
• The Ohio government (Michigan) built the first lock, which was operated by the State; later, in 1881, the U.S. Government took over, and the locks became toll-free.

Over time, additional locks were added to accommodate larger vessels

Soo Locks

First Ship View – before we head to the Soo Locks, we went down river to a little park I found on the map where the ships go by on the way to the locks.

There is a great app called Vessel Finder, that shows most all ships and boats any where you want to look. So I pulled up the app and it showed this ship was about to be at this small park.

We went down there and here it was passing by. Love this app. It usually gives the name of the ship, how big it is and where it is headed.

This one is named the Erie Trader. My neighbors brother lives on the other side of the bay right by the water. He says the earth shakes a bit when these ships go by his yard.

First Ship View

More ships next week, have a great weekend.

Sunrise on the Bay – the next morning I walk over to the water behind all the buildings. I found a quiet place where the water is calm and the sunrise is gorgeous.

It gives way to a beautiful reflection on the horizon.

The sun is shining, time to go exploring.

Sunrise on the Bay

Sioux Ste Marie – We are staying not far from the Soo Locks at a place called Bay Mills.

We are enjoying a few days with some friends that we camp with during the winter here at Bay Mills Campground.

This is a wonderful place to visit, especially to see the ships going through the locks. Plus more historic places here that I will show over the next couple of blog post.

Sioux Ste Marie

Wide Angle Lenses

What is a wide angle lens?

Let’s start by defining what is wide angle anyway. Technically it is any lens that has a wider field of view than what the human eye sees.

What does a wide angle lens do?

Wide angle lenses distort things and enhance perspective.

What that means is that objects closer to the camera appear larger than ones farther away, even if they are the same size in reality.

When should one use a wide angle lens. Well, whenever you want to get that wow factor. I use mine for lanscapes at times.

But I love using it for animals such as the photo below.

Wide angle works great for donkeys. I just love his ears.

Where as this photo below is his normal look. Don’t forget to use your wide angle lens on your phone cameras as well. Most all phones have them. Adds a little fun to your shots.

Wide Angle Lenses

Have a great weekend.

Ship Wrecks on Lake Superior – November is referred to as “The Month of Storms” on the Great Lakes. The storm that hit when the Fitzgerald went down was one of the biggest, and the worst that Captain McSorley said he had ever seen. In the Fitzgerald’s storm, winds as fast as 45 knots were reported, with waves as high as thirty feet. 

Estimated total shipwrecks in Lake Superior: about ~550

Estimated sunk “at or near Whitefish Point” / the Shipwreck Coast: about 200–240 ships

• Open lake (offshore water): usually only 45–55°F (7–13°C), even in midsummer

🌡️ Below the surface:

• Just a few feet down, the temperature drops quickly — the deeper layers of Lake Superior stay around 39°F (4°C) year-round.

📍Whitefish Point area:
Because it’s exposed to open, deep water and the cold upwelling currents, the surface temperature there in summer typically ranges from 45–55°F (7–13°C), rarely higher.

Ship Wrecks on Lake Superior

Light House 10 – I almost forgot about lighthouses. I am seeing a few on this trip. First one is this East Channel Light house, it is located on Grand Island and visible when you take a boat ride along Pictured Rocks.

In June 1864 and June 1866, Congress appropriated money to build one or two beacon lights at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, at the entrance to Grand Island Bay and Harbor, Lake Superior.

A light or set of lights was needed to allow vessels to use Munising Harbor as a major harbor of refuge.

The Lighthouse Board spent the funds in 1868-70 building the East Channel Light and a pair of range lights on shore. The lighthouse, a wood framed keeper’s house with an attached square wooden tower operated only until 1913 when it was replaced by the new range lights installed at Munising in 1908. George Prior was working as keeper at the East Channel Light at the turn of the century and was probably the last person to serve at the post.

Restoring the Lighthouse:

Long abandoned, the lighthouse was in danger of crumbling to the ground until just a few years ago, when a group of private citizens, including the owner, decided to do something about it. They repaired its stone foundation and supported the tower and house with a series of cables. Now a much sturdier building rests on the sandy shoreline of the island.

Its deep brown foundation shows signs of the repairs, but its wood siding has not seen a trace of paint or other decoration. The wood has weathered to a dark gray and the square tower is capped with a dome of green copper roofing and exposed to the elements.

The next evening, we went to a little parking area along the shore of Lake Superior, word has it that the northern lights were going to be out that evening.

Light House 10

White Fish Point in the UP is where you will find Light house number 11 on my list. It also has a ship wreck museum that includes information on the Edmund Fitzgerald Ship that sunk only 17 miles from shore.

The waters are very ruff up in this area as the November winds increase. Even on the day we were there, the winds were higher than at most every other place we stopped along Lake Superior.

Most of the areas along the lake have been calm like this photo below.

White Fish Point

Fall Colors, a few sprinkles of fall colors. Happy Monday.

Fall Colors

The Famous Tunnel where you can boat under the rocks. Another thing crossed off my list to see.

Pictured Rocks Video below or click here; Pictured Rock

The Famous Tunnel

Lake Superior Northern Lights – I woke up about 2 am on this particular night, or lets say morning. Husband wakes up and says, ” Do you want to go look?”

At 2 AM, tired and unsure, I almost let the moment slip away. I said yes, lets go.

The beach at Lake Superior was so calm that the water mirrored the sky, and though I couldn’t see the northern lights with my own eyes, I set up my camera anyway.

To my surprise, it revealed what I would have missed—the softest hues of pink and yellow lingering on the horizon, the last whispers of the aurora.

This once-in-a-lifetime image reminds me that sometimes the most extraordinary beauty is waiting just beyond our hesitation, if only we take that extra step to look.

Lake Superior Northern Lights

Pictured Rocks Late August, I can imagine come full fall colors it is even more amazing. That will have to be another day though.

Pictured Rocks Late August

Upper Peninsula Michigan, continuing our trek across the UP, Pictured rock is a place I always wanted to see. We finally made it there this year. It was a beautiful day and the views are amazing. A must see if you are ever up here.

Lots of colors against the rocks where water drips down. Plus water that is just so clear and beautiful colors of turquoise and blues.

Upper Peninsula Michigan

Monarchs at Peninsula Point

Perched where Lake Michigan meets the Bay de Noc, the 1865 Peninsula Point Lighthouse once guided schooners through treacherous waters and now serves a gentler purpose each autumn.

As summer fades, thousands of monarch butterflies funnel down the peninsula, pausing on golden sprays of wildflowers to rest and refuel.

From this quiet Michigan shore, these delicate travelers will soon embark on an astonishing 2,000-mile journey to the mountain forests of central Mexico—a migration as enduring as the little limestone light itself.

Video of Monarchs and Bumble Bees or click this link here; Monarchs of Peninsula Point

Lantern for Wings

Ring Billed Gulls, gulls are everywhere. Some people don’t like them, I on the other hand do like them. They come in so many different color patterns and are easy to photograph. Mainly because they have become used to people and hang around looking for food that we leave.

But, I did find out that these birds do eat a lot of bugs, which I did not know. I watched them towards evening one night and they were picking bugs out of the air, all over the ground. I am all for that.

We are traveling the UP of Michigan right now. I am behind on my photos because there is just so much to see up here. The lake is gorgeous. We are traveling just ahead of the fall colors, I hope to get some good shots of fall for you all. But, it needs to catch up to us as we start to head south. 🙂

Ring Billed Gulls

The UP, also known as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the folks are known as Yoopers. I am a yooper, even though I moved away for awhile. I was raised up here and have moved back here.

We are traveling the UP this fall, I will be sharing photos as we go. Have a great weekend. 🙂

New Pet Art

New Pet Art

Chasing the Perseids Beneath the Milky Way

Every August, I look forward to the Perseid meteor shower. It’s a time when the night sky puts on one of its best shows, and this year I set out with my camera to capture not just the meteors, but the Milky Way stretching high above the trees.

As I reviewed my photos later, I noticed something curious. There were so many streaks across the sky—but not all of them were meteors. Thanks to some help I received recently, I learned something new: most of the long, evenly bright lines in my photos aren’t actually shooting stars at all. They’re satellites.

Here’s how you can tell the difference:

• Satellites appear as long, straight streaks of light. They tend to be uniform in brightness, and many of them are nearly the same length across a long exposure. Sometimes they even show up with a faint bluish tint.
• Meteors (shooting stars), on the other hand, look different. They can flare brightly for just a moment, often with a glowing head and a tail that tapers off. Their lines are not as uniform—they’re sudden, sometimes irregular, and they often stand out against the steadiness of the satellites.

Learning this changed the way I look at my night sky images. Instead of being disappointed that not every streak is a meteor, I feel even more amazed at how much is happening above us—meteors burning up in the atmosphere, satellites silently gliding in orbit, and billions of stars making up the glowing river of the Milky Way.

Standing under that sky, with my camera pointed upward, I felt small but deeply connected—reminded that every night, there’s a vast universe at work above us, whether we notice or not.

Have a Great Weekend,

Chasing the Perseids

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On the Road Again – Every time we start to travel again, the song, On the Road Again pops into my head. I think Willie Nelson sang it.

This is one of my favorite views as we travel north to the lake.

As you crest this hill, it almost looks as if the road is climbing straight into the water. The deep blue band on the horizon is Lake Superior, but the way it appears higher than the roadway is a trick of perspective.

The land between the hill and the lake is covered with dense forest, and from this vantage point you can’t see much of it. Because the treetops are relatively dark and flat compared to the brilliance of the open water, your eyes are drawn past them to the lake itself. The curvature of the earth and the way the horizon meets the sky add to the illusion, making the lake appear to rise up like a wall in the distance.

In reality, the lake sits much lower than the roadway—you’re just seeing the vast expanse of water meeting the horizon. It’s a reminder of just how immense Lake Superior really is: so big it looks like an ocean, and so wide that the horizon line can easily trick your eyes.

On the Road Again

The Living Roots of the Beech

At Dixon Springs State Park, the American beech trees stand like ancient guardians of the forest. Their smooth gray trunks rise tall, but it is their roots that stop me in my tracks. Instead of remaining hidden beneath the soil, they sprawl across the ground, immense and powerful, gripping the earth as though holding on for centuries.

These roots tell a quiet story of survival. Beech trees grow with wide, shallow roots, spreading outward instead of digging deep. In the thin soils of this rocky landscape, erosion slowly pulls the ground away, leaving their anchor system exposed. What might seem like vulnerability is instead a display of resilience: roots transformed into sculpture, strength revealed rather than concealed.

And yet, even in their strength, these roots create space for tenderness. In the grooves and hollows between them, small flowers push through—violets, spring beauties, tiny blooms brimming with color against the gray bark. The tree’s great foundation becomes a shelter, a cradle for new life. Mosses creep in, insects find refuge, salamanders slip into damp pockets. Life gathers at the feet of the beech, nourished by its presence.

There is a lesson here. We often think of roots as hidden things, unseen but essential. Yet the beech reminds us that what is exposed—our struggles, our scars, our grip against the shifting ground—can be just as vital. In showing their roots, these trees reveal not weakness but strength, not barrenness but abundance.

The next time you walk beneath their branches, pause to look down. You may find yourself staring at more than a root system—you may see a living testament to endurance, shelter, and the surprising beauty of resilience.

The Living Roots of the Beech

Perseid Meteor Shower, well, not many shooting stars. Still to bright out with the full moon every night this week that I took these photos. Barely see the milky way.

Did one star trails combo facing the camera north. That is always fun to do. Making a circle out of the stars movement after you stack them. This one took 237 photos to make this one shot. I took them with my little go pro camera. Just put it on a tripod, turn it on and go back to bed. 🙂

This one below is 327 photos stacked facing SW.

Perseid Meteor Shower

Autumn is Around the Corner

Autumn is Around the Corner

Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂

Crooks Bridge, we only went to 11 bridges out of the 32 bridges in the area. This one we did not drive across. Most of them you can drive through.

But this one here is leaning a bit, it is hard to see but there is a cable from the bridge to the tree on the right. That is what is holding this one up. It leans just a tad.

Amazing craftsmanship goes into building these covered bridges. I had no idea they looked like this on the inside. They sure look sturdy enough with the heavy duty lumber.

Crooks Bridge

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Working Mills and Covered Bridges, if you are ever near Rockville Indiana, make sure to drive around and see some of their covered bridges. They do give out maps to find them all as well. Plus some of the areas have fall festivals like this place in the photo here.

They have a campground in the back, lots of things to do. We were there during the off season. So it was like a ghost town. But the mill in the photo is an working mill.

The man who owns it showed us around, they mill their own flours and such. We told them what we do with photography and he asked if we would take an aerial photo of his mill.

So we took the one below and gave it to him.

Working Mills and Covered Bridges

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Its a Boy, well this was a surprise to see a buck up here. I hardly ever see one. I am guessing it is her baby from last year. The new fawn was hanging around with him like the are related. 🙂

Have a great weekend.

Its a Boy

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Perseid Meteor Shower, a couple weeks ago I stayed up late into the night to photograph the Perseid meteor shower. Well, it did not disappoint, except for the full moon rising that night, I could still see a lot of movement in the heavens.

The cameras has a hard time picking them up because it just did not get dark enough. But on this photo, the moon made the wispy clouds light up the sky for a bit. I like that.

My tiny little go pro camera picked up this strange light, only one photo of it. I have never photographed this ever in all the shots I have taken. Plus I was only shooting at 10 second shutter speed, sometimes 5 seconds because it was so bright.

I pointed this camera to the north and it caught this. So I asked the internet what it thought it was. It says it is a plane, more than likely. The straight lines are the lights on the wings and the lights down the middle is the one that blinks under a plane.

Makes sense to me. I will go with that. 🙂 Never know what you might see if you step out at night and look up.

Beyond the trees at the end of the road, is our little cabin in the woods. No one can see us back there but the sky’s are wide open to us on the other side of those trees. What I like to call my little corner of this big old world. 🙂

Perseid Meteor Shower

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A Storied Legacy at the Heart of Rockville

The town of Rockville has around 2500 people, it is very small and it has a wonderful old main street with a few shops still open. But, what surprised me the most is this building here. You can see the clock on top from anywhere in the town.

The town is the county seat, but to find such a building like this in such a small town, is quite a surprise to me. So I had to look up the history of it.

Early Structures (1826–1832)

• When Parke County was established in 1821, Rockville was chosen as the permanent county seat in 1822. A modest log courthouse, also used as a church, was completed on the town square in 1826 P

The Brick Courthouse (1832–1879)

• That initial log structure was replaced with a more durable two-story brick courthouse in 1832. This functional building served the county for over four decade.

Current Courthouse (1882–Present)

• In 1879, county officials commissioned Thomas J. Tolan and his son Brentwood, a prominent Fort Wayne architectural duo, to design a grand new building.
• Completed in 1882, at an approximate cost of $79,000, it was dedicated on February 22—George Washington’s birthday.

• The courthouse is a centerpiece of the Rockville Historic District, which earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993

Why So Grand for a Small Town?

• The courthouse wasn’t just functional—it was a statement of civic pride and permanence. The size and ornamentation symbolized Parke County’s aspirations and identity, establishing Rockville’s stature as county seat.
• Built in a popular architectural style of the era, its grandeur projected power and stability—a common trend across American small towns looking to cement their place in history.

A Storied Legacy

Now we know 🙂 have a great weekend.

Covered Bridges of Park County- we were told about a small town in Indiana named Rockville where they have over 30 covered bridges around their town.

So we had to stop for a visit and check some of them out. I have never photographed or even drove through a covered bridge. Very interesting and quite the technology that goes into to building one of these.

Most of them were built a long time ago as well. This one was built in 1867.

While Parke County’s covered bridges are now beloved tourist attractions—and the county actively moves some for preservation and accessibility—most bridges were originally built locally over the last 150+ years. Only a select few have been relocated for reasoned preservation and public display.

Underneath this bridge I found this old rusty wagon, those must have been a ruff ride with those wheels.

Covered Bridges

Old Buildings, I do love old buildings from barns to small town main streets that seem more like a ghost town than actual old buildings.

But the old main streets look like something out of a western movie from back in the day. Except for the mountain dew machine and the coca cola sign.

These buildings are not that old actually, it was a small town in Indiana that was just shut down for the off season.

Old Buildings

My Favorite Color – occasionally I will stop by an old car show. I actually had a 69 Nova SS back in the day. It was so fun to drive.

Now I don’t know cars at all, I don’t know what this car is here at all. I am sure maybe one of you might know. All I know is that out of all the beautiful colors parked along the street. This one caught my eye.

My Favorite Color

Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂

The Snow Shoe Hare – This guy finally came out of the woods as well this month. Such a beautiful rabbit. I will have more photos of it later. They having amazing eyes and of course huge snow shoe feet. 🙂

The Snow Shoe Hare

I Love September – normally September means cooler weather and the start of fall colors. Normally I saw, because one never knows for sure and it depends on where you live.

The fawn is growing up and making its appearance in our yard. Still showing its little spots.

Video below of Mom deer getting her morning coffee. 🙂 Or click here, Mom deer morning coffee.

I Love September

During the night a couple weeks ago, two meteor showers peaked simultaneously

Southern Delta Aquariids – Alpha Capricornids

I could not get a good photo at all because of the smoke lingering in the atmosphere and some clouds every night.

I only captured one or two shooting stars. I could barely see them without the camera.

This next shooting star night called the Perseids is happening in August. If I get some shots I will share them with you soon.

This is about the only colorful lights I saw during the event. Two lights from a town glowing in the night sky.

During the Night

Highly Compressed Photos, sometimes folks send my a photo that they want touched up a bit. But, there is only so much I can do with them because of compression. Here is an explanation as to what happens.

I can still work with the photo and make it into a painting. One can’t enlarge the photo into a huge print because of the loss of pixels. It will still print, if you print smaller sizes though.

Why Photos Lose Quality When Sent by Text or Social Media

When you send a photo through text message or social media, the platform doesn’t send your original, high-quality file. Instead, it compresses it to make it smaller and faster to send.

Here’s how compression works:

• The file is shrunk – The service looks for areas in the image that look similar and merges them together, storing less information.
• Tiny details are tossed out – Subtle textures, fine lines, and small color changes often get blurred or smoothed over to save space.
• Resolution is reduced – Many platforms lower the number of pixels in the photo, which means less detail when you zoom in or print it.

The more times a photo is sent, saved, and re-uploaded, the more it’s re-compressed. Each “copy of a copy” loses a little more detail—like photocopying a photocopy until it looks fuzzy.

This is why, when I turn a texted or social-media photo into art, I’m often working with fewer fine details than in the original. I can enhance it, sharpen it, and bring out color, but some of the original crispness is gone forever—compression makes sure of that.

Before, a text message photo

After, a double exposure art print of the above photo, to soften it.

Highly Compressed Photos

Creating images that speak to the heart.

Each photo I take is more than just an image—it’s a piece of a story, a glimpse into a moment that stirred something in me. Whether it’s the pure joy of a child hugging her sheep or the quiet bond between a girl and her horse, my passion lies in capturing the emotions that live within these simple, beautiful connections.

I don’t just take photos—I create art that I hope will make you feel something too. Even if just for a moment, may it lift your heart, bring a smile, or remind you of the beauty in the everyday.

Creating Images

Have a wonderful weekend.

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Horse Portraits, a couple of horses I photographed at the fair we were at. I don’t know the folks who owned the horses. In scenario’s like this. I like to photograph what catches my eye. Looking for a pose from the horses with the ears up and looking at something.

I use these as my sample portraits for my customers on my website. Plus sharing the beauty of horses with all of you. 🙂

Horse Portraits

The Hand Shake , one of my favorite parts of a show is the hand shake from the judge. No one knows who is the winner at this point. The judge does not line them up by 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

He lines them up and then pauses for a moment. Having everyone watch in anticipation. Then he goes up and shakes the hand of the winner. Always a fun time.

The Hand Shake

Fair Time – A Summer Favorite

Fair time has always been one of my favorite parts of summer. It’s more than just a local event—it’s a true celebration of community, bringing together people of all ages. One of the best sights is watching the younger kids proudly show off the animals they’ve raised, all hoping to take home that coveted grand prize.

But the fair is about so much more than ribbons and trophies. It’s a hands-on way to teach the next generation about animal husbandry—how to properly care for livestock, understand their needs, and take responsibility. It’s also a chance for kids to get outside, work hard, and learn the value of dedication… all while having a great time doing it.

There’s something special about the mix of tradition, learning, and pure summer joy that makes the fair unforgettable every year.

Fair Time A Summer Favorite

Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂

My Cat – I think my cat likes to mess with me. Some days she is just chilling, looking peaceful and sitting quietly as I photograph her.

Then she does this sudden move and looks at the ceiling like a giant spider is going to land on my head. As I am looking all over trying to see what she is looking at.

The next minute she as a look that says, ” Just Kidding”, nothing there, Gotcha. They are way smarter than we think they are. 🙂

My Cat

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August Heat Dreaming of Snow

August Heat Dreaming of Snow

Gus and Bentley a couple of my watercolor dog portraits I made for customers this week. Have a great weekend. 🙂

Gus and Bentley

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Morning Dew and Warm colors of early butterfly arrivals. Along with a beautiful old barn near a campground we were at.

Have a wonderful day. 🙂

Morning Dew

Just a Corn Field, July is the time of month to see some of the prettiest farm land. I think corn rows in a field are just perfect.

As the first day of August, the green fields of corn will be turning to that beautiful harvest gold soon.

Have a great weekend.

Cat Eyes

Photography has a beautiful way of revealing the unseen—those fleeting sparks of light or emotion that the naked eye might miss.

I love stepping outside the box with my camera, especially during moments like the Fourth of July. Using a long lens, I draw closer than usual, not just to fireworks, but to the magic hidden within them.

In this shot, what might seem like just an explosion of color turns into something more—golden trails that resemble glowing eyes circling the light, watching, wondering. It’s in these surprises that photography becomes more than documentation—it becomes storytelling.

My hope is always to evoke a feeling, to stir a smile, and to offer a moment of wonder for anyone who takes a moment to look. Let your imagination run free—maybe you’ll see something entirely your own.

Have a great weekend

Where Light Meets Imagination

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Last of the Baby Bear – I believe baby bear has moved on. With the hot weather they probably stay in the deep forest where it is cooler.

Mom dropped this one off in our yard and she never came back. She did this last year also. As if we are the new drop off center for the kids. 🙂

We are downed to having just one mother deer that stops by to see if there is any food. We used to have over a dozen deer. Now it is just one.

Have a great weekend. 🙂

Last of the Baby Bear

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Almost a Perfect Heart – I do love going for rides into the country. I enjoy looking at livestock in the pastures. We pulled up to a stop sign at this corner here, I got the camera out because I saw the calf is close enough for a photo.

Then I noticed the heart shaped marking on its for head. How cute is that. 🙂

Almost a Perfect Heart

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Abe’s Grill, when we are out traveling, one of the things we like to do is find original places to dine at. Small mom and pop shops where the food is authentic and usually pretty good.

We found this small little hidden jem of a restaurant in Corinth Ms. On this day, Abe, the owner and founder was in the building. He loves to talk and tell the story of how it all came to be.

The man cooking in the this photo is Abe’s son. As you can see, Abe has collected many things in his travels with his wife.

He told us he built this place 52 years ago. He built the place himself with his wife. Back then he made .18 cents an hour. $9.00 a week.

The man in the black shirt is Abe, he actually still works the walk up window and takes the orders from folks there. He hands the order to his wife, who gives it to their son to make. The restaurant is a very narrow place, you can’t help but to talk to folks in that tight of quarters.

We enjoyed our visit with him. Have a great weekend. 🙂

Abe’s Grill

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This Old Barn, nothing is prettier than old barns. we came across this one in Indiana. The sign on it says Livery Barn.

A livery barn (or livery stable) was a place, especially in the 1800s and early 1900s, where people could:

• Rent horses or horse-drawn vehicles (like buggies or wagons)
• Board their own horses temporarily (like a parking garage for horses)
• Sometimes get basic blacksmithing or tack repair services

They were usually located in towns near hotels, train stations, or general stores — sort of like today’s rental car lot meets animal boarding facility.

So if you see a sign or reference to a “livery barn,” it’s often connected to a historic setting or an old-fashioned service for travelers.

This Old Barn

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Where Stillness Speaks

There are treasures in the forest that many never see—not because they aren’t there, but because life moves too fast for most to notice. But when I step into the stillness of the woods, I find a different kind of richness.

Moss growing quietly on stone, like a miniature world of its own. Trees bent and twisted by time and weather, yet still reaching upward in quiet perseverance.

Wildflowers blooming in places no one planted, a gentle reminder that beauty doesn’t need an audience to exist.

Out there, away from the hum of the world, I find a place where I can listen—not with my ears, but with my heart. In the silence, I hear the unspoken words of life.

Of resilience, wonder, and the quiet artistry of our Creator, who placed these treasures not to be rushed past, but to be discovered.

Where Stillness Speaks

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“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”

As we step into the weekend, I’m reminded how life itself is a canvas—brushed with moments of joy, wonder, and the quiet companionship of our beloved pets.

Whether it’s the soft strokes of fur in a hand-painted portrait or the breathtaking artistry of a sunset sky, we are constantly surrounded by beauty—crafted by my hands, and far more masterfully, by the hand of our Creator.

May this gallery of pet portraits serve as a reminder that art is everywhere, waiting to be seen, felt, and celebrated. Here’s to a weekend filled with inspiration, gratitude, and the simple joy of noticing the beauty that surrounds us.

Beauty by His Design

Have a Great Weekend.

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“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”

New Art Form – it is hot across the country this past weekend. So, I go outside for a bit and than back inside.

Being inside, I always have computer work to do of some sort. This past weekend I saw a form of art that I found appealing. I begin researching how I could make a similar version to what I saw. It looked like stencil art to me. It took me most of the weekend, but I figured out how to do a version of it that I like on my computer.

I find it to be a unique art form to add to my collection of animal portraits.

I am still perfecting the tones and textures. Always thinking outside of the box. 🙂

New Art Form

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“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”

Summer Colors, some wildflowers in Yellow, they are growing in the driveway. My basket of flowers are doing really well so far.

But I have to say, my vegetable garden is not doing well at all. It has been a cold spring. With it being the middle of June, I don’t think I will see much produce before we leave.

It is a very short growing season up here. 🙂

Summer Colors

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“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”

Close Encounter with Mama Bear

Living next to a national forest, I’m always aware that wildlife—especially black bears—can show up anytime, especially in the spring when they’re hungry and looking for food.

At our place, bears usually come out of the woods from the same spot on the east side of our yard. They tend to follow the same paths year after year, especially if they’ve found food there before.

One morning around 6 a.m., I walked out to check on my garden, about 30 feet from our cabin. Like always, I glanced toward the woods as I wandered around. Our Jeep was parked between me and the forest that day, so I didn’t see anything at first. But once I walked past the Jeep and looked up—there she was. A mama bear. Standing just 50 feet away.

I froze and thought, “Oh crap.” I had no phone, no bear spray—nothing.

She started walking slowly, so I did too—heading calmly back toward the cabin. Every time she stopped and looked at me, I stopped. When she looked away and moved, I’d take a few more steps. We did this little dance three times.

Finally, I got within a few feet of the cabin. She looked right at me again, and I quickly slipped around the corner, onto the porch, and into the cabin. I grabbed my small .22 pistol—not to harm her, just to make some noise.

By the time I got back out, she was already running back into the woods. I fired a shot into the air, just to reinforce the message: this isn’t a good place to hang out.

I’d never want to hurt her or her cub, but we do share this land, and it’s important to set boundaries—for safety on both sides. I haven’t seen her since, and I’ve decided not to put out any bird food for the rest of the summer.

Video below of baby bear getting up on the table or click this link HERE, Baby Bear

Surprised by Momma Bear

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Part 2 Mama Bear – the other day a bear came out of the woods. Just the one, looking around. Then to my surprise her cub comes wandering out of the woods as well.

Needless to say, I have put my one bird feeder away. Normally it takes a few days of the bears coming back to look for food. But once the source is gone. They go on their way looking else where for food.

I don’t want them hanging around, so the birds will have to move onto someone else feeders as well. But it is always nice to see them about once a year.

Part 2 Mama Bear video here

Part 2 Mama Bear

Spring Visitors, very big Cat, his name is Bob, 🙂

We had a bob cat wander through the yard last week. I did not get a photo of it because it was during the night and my trail cam picked it up.

Click on the link to see the video if you can not view the video on my site. He looks like a pretty good size one.

Spring visitor video link Here

I got another spring visitor in the yard last night. I see you 🙂

I will post more photos of Mama Black Bear Wed and Fri.

Spring Visitors

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“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”

Southern Porches – I love porches on houses and down south they have some beautiful ones with giant pillars and inviting rocking chairs.

I saw this one as we were out driving around and took the photo through the window of the jeep.

I had to edit it just a bit to add some soft glowing porch lights in the lanterns and brighten the flowers and leaves. Sometimes our cameras don’t always pick up exactly what I see.

Have a great weekend.

Southern Porches

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Navy Helicopters – at first I thought these were coast guard. But after doing some research I found out it is a Navy Sea King Helicopter.

They were doing some practicing at this particular air strip. So I was able to take some photos and a quick video.

Video below or click Here; Sea Kings

Navy Helicopters

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June is Here and some storm clouds rolling by. Interesting cloud shapes above, I was standing next to our Jeep looking at the clouds when I noticed the reflection in the hood of the jeep. Makes for an interesting shot. 🙂

Have a wonderful day. 🙂

June is Here

Pets and Landscapes – to end the week I am sharing a photo of my nieces view from her porch. That old oak tree has to be over 50 years old.

Two pals

A new dog that came wondering over to our place from the neighbors.

And some horse art. Have a great weekend. 🙂

Pets and Landscapes

Shrimp Boats at Bayou La Batre Alabama, you can always find plenty of shrimp boats parked along the inlet in this small little town.

Shrimp Boats

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Her Big Beautiful Eyes, My Chloee

This little one enjoying the spring day, she loves sitting in the sunshine. She is 19 years old this summer.

Her Big Beautiful Eyes