winter’s grip

winter's grip

New Buffalo, Michigan is not exactly known as a winter-get-away-from-it-all kind of destination. Especially if you live in Chicago! It’s about an hour and fifteen minute drive from our home and dear friends allow us to stay in their condo, so it has become our destination to celebrate our anniversary. This image, and the next, were taken on a cold winter day, when the wind was especially angry and simply did not grant you permission to take another step without wondering if your internal temperature would leave you looking like Jack Nicholson at the end of The Shining. When I took this, I thought the sun might win, but the wind, snow, and clouds seemed to lock it away in some cold, celestial prison where they might play with it, impervious to the immeasurable heat and radiation. We loved it…. and had a great time.

sandstone

colored sandstone

Final picture from a recent hike at Matthiessen State Park. This is a good example of the numerous sandstone formations that are found in the park. The soft surface makes a great canvas for names, messages and other markings.

in stillness

roots and water

just listen in stillness

echoes of paradise

calling to the deepest

places in your heart

where oneness

awaits your surrender

a quiet bow of the head

on your knees

you listen in stillness

the eternal song

beckons you

to the peace

of forgiveness and rest

end of day clouds

end of day clouds

Serving up a little Midwestern sunset sky for your enjoyment.

happy new year and thank you

winter's tree

Dear WordPress Family: thanks you for your kind words and encouragement. Thanks for stopping by, you are always welcome. May your new year be filled with a little more laughter, a tender hand to wipe away the tears, and the joy of family and friends. Remember this favorite quote: “The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” Happy New Year.

trees and tracks

trees and tracks

This is the second of a set of three images taken on a hike that I took this past Fall. Sorry for the long pause between posts. We just finished up our Christmas production at church. Each year I write the script and coordinate musicians and other artists. On a sad note, I lost a dear friend who passed away suddenly. I also sang at a service for a young mom who passed away in our community. So, there has been lots of sadness, amidst the joy and celebration of Christmas…

happy thanksgiving

happy thanksgiving

Be grateful. You’ll feel much better. I promise.

good day sunshine

good day sunshine

My impression of what I saw on a crisp, bright, beautiful, Autumn day.

I need to laugh, and when the sun is out
I’ve got something I can laugh about
I feel good, in a special way
I’m in love and it’s a sunny day  —  The Beatles

there is no why

cool sunset

Another take on the beautiful sunset from last week. I am sure there is a psychological, spiritual, and emotional explanation for why I love sunsets so much……. or why I love the shore….. but it really doesn’t matter…. I just love them….

untitled

untitled

Taken at the wind farm I recently went to. Any ideas for a title?