lonely playground

 

lonely playground

playground poem

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

stairs are to your right

stairs are this way

Matthiessen State Park is a wonderful place to hike throughout the year. The next few photos are from a recent hike there.

end of day clouds

end of day clouds

Serving up a little Midwestern sunset sky for your enjoyment.

bridge and light

bridge and light

One of my favorite spots to photograph along the Illinois River. Must have been in a somber mood when I worked on this image 🙂

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.

bridge and sun

bridge and sun

This is the final image from a hike that I took earlier this Fall. You can see this bridge at the end of the tracks in this post. It’s a relatively short hike and a fun spot to explore. Just can’t figure out – yet – how to get to the top of that bridge. Shhhhh….. 🙂

Merry Christmas 2014

merry christmas 2014

Dear WordPress family: may you have a blessed Christmas, filled with the love of family and friends. Thank you for being a part of my journey! God bless.