Gus and Bentley
Gus and Bentley a couple of my watercolor dog portraits I made for customers this week. Have a great weekend. 🙂
Gus and Bentley
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Morning Dew
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
Mallard Family
Mallard Family, I hardly ever see ducklings these days. This little family is out for a stroll at one of the campgrounds we are at.
The duckling in the middle could end up being a very unique looking mallard. It has more white feathers on it then your average duck.
Mallard Family
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Just a Corn Field
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
Chic Chic Chickadee
Chic Chic Chickadee, so many different poses. Taking a photo of these little birds perched on a branch is easy, and lots of different looks. But trying to get them flying is more of a challenge. Fast little birds.
But oh so cute
Chic Chic Chickadee
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Where Light Meets Imagination
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Finally Made it to a Waterfall
Finally Made it to a Waterfall – sometimes summer’s can be busy. We always try to take a couple of days to go for a walk at some waterfalls in our area.
Finally Made it to a Waterfall
Overlooking Its Domain
Overlooking Its Domain – I am just getting to my eagle photos that I took a couple of months ago. I never get tired of seeing these amazing birds.
This one has one eaglet in the nest behind it. Amazing when you can find a nest and just sit back and enjoy watching them.
Have a great start to your week.
Overlooking Its Domain
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Last of the Baby Bear
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
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“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
The Hot Days of Summer
The Hot Days of Summer are here. The little birds like staying in the shade of the thick bushes.
They sprint out quickly to grab a quick bite and off they go.
The Hot Days of Summer
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
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“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Almost a Perfect Heart
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Abe’s Grill
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
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This Old Barn
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
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Northern Flicker
Northern Flicker, I was sitting on the porch watching this beautiful bird as it is looking for food. I have a pair of these that nest near the cabin every summer.
They love going in the soft dirt of the garden as they hunt for food. I don’t seem to have that many birds this year. But I can always count on seeing a couple of these.
Have a Wonderful Weekend
Have a Wonderful Weekend
No matter how many twigs you drop, you’re still my favorite 🙂
Have a Wonderful Weekend
Where Stillness Speaks
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
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“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Beneath the Wings of Glory
Beneath the Wings of Glory
There’s something sacred about the moment a bird soars overhead—whether it’s the commanding wingspan of an eagle, the graceful glide of a pelican, or the mysterious sweep of a raven.
Each flight reminds me that life is vast, full of movement, and always reaching forward. Like wings catching the wind, our dreams and opportunities lift us—sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes after long waiting—but always with purpose.
As I look up and capture these moments, I’m reminded that creation is alive with wonder. From the skies above to the stirrings of our hearts, we were made to rise, to explore, and to be continually amazed by the artistry of the One who gave both wings and dreams.
Video below of Eagle Perched High above me or click HERE, Eagle
Beneath the Wings of Glory
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Beauty by His Design
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.
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Why the Long Face
Why the long face, 🤔😉
Forced Perspective Photography
Is a technique that manipulates how we perceive size and distance in a photo, creating illusions where objects appear larger, smaller, closer, or farther away than they actually are.
This is achieved by strategically positioning the camera and subjects to play with the viewer’s depth perception.
Have a wonderful day.
New Art Form
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
When the Raven Flees
When the Raven Flees
This morning, I watched a raven—a mighty bird in size and strength—being chased off by a much smaller blackbird. The raven didn’t fight back. It simply flew away, retreating from the smaller bird’s fierce determination to protect its territory. I captured the moment with my lens, but it lingered far longer in my heart.
It’s a scene I’ve watched many times in nature, but this time it stirred something deeper. I couldn’t help but think about what’s happening in the world—the constant unrest, the senseless killing in countries across the globe, the headlines filled with pain and violence. It’s relentless. And it’s easy to feel helpless, or worse, numb.
That raven reminded me of how even the strong must sometimes retreat. That courage isn’t always about fighting back—it’s about knowing when to move, when to rise above, and when to find refuge.
In the chaos, I find myself returning to one safe place: my faith in our Creator. The world may roar around us, but there is peace in His presence. There is order, purpose, and rest. It’s not always found in the news or the noise, but in the quiet of morning light, in the beating wings of birds, and in the whisper that reminds me I am held.
Maybe today, instead of trying to make sense of the madness, we simply lift our eyes. We look for beauty. We choose compassion. We stand firm in truth, but we also know when to fly—not in fear, but in wisdom. Just like that raven.
Have a wonderful weekend.
From my heart to yours,
Sandra J’s Photography
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Summer Colors
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Surprised by Mamma Bear
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
Baby Bear
Baby bear has come back twice without mom. Doing a little exploring on his own.
I have a feeling mom isn’t far behind him though. More about that on Monday where I had a little to close encounter with her.
Have a great weekend. 🙂
Baby Bear
Part 2 Mama Bear
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
Spring Visitors
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
“Capturing the world, one breathtaking moment at a time.”
Southern Porches
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
Navy Helicopters
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
Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors
Real Christianity the Great Awakening
By RJ Dawson
Thank you for stopping by.
