Ledges Lichen Trail Slide Show

http://tinyurl.com/Ledges-Lichen-Trail

Reflections of 2008

Time spent with friends, new adventures, magical connections, new awareness, a daughter's engagement, love, laughter, and the joy of being alive - 2008 has been an amazing year; I anticipate 2009 will be even better. Thanks for reading, watching, listening........

Let Yourself Imagine Going to the Place Where the Music is Playing

Skiing through the foggy woods and listening to 'Pachelbel's Canon in D', 'Legends of the Fall', 'Meditation from Thais'......I am reminded to be thankful for muscles that work, eyes that see deer watching me, ears that hear beautiful music, senses that feel wind and cold, and a heart that isn't afraid.

Snow Storm

Winter in Iowa can be peaceful and reflective - a time to contemplate new adventures.

Eagle on the Des Moines River

Kayaking in December

Winter kayaking - crisp, cold, exhilarating, and often the best time to see wildlife. What do you think would have happened if any of these folks had gone into their bank/convenience store dressed like this?.........Definitely the best time of year for sharing time with friends. Thanks everyone.

Steps in the Snow

Follow Your Dream

It's often more fun to kayak with friends. This photo was on WHO-TV today - other kayakers also make better photos too; thanks!

Water Music

When you were little did you believe that you could fly, or that fairy tales came true, or that things could really be magical? Natural rhythm is the beat of your heart, and nature's music can be as simple as the sounds of your breathing.

Day to Explore

Evening to Explore

I had an unexpected day to explore today; there are places in Iowa that are very beautiful. These photos were taken near the Des Moines River - they showed them on WHO-TV this evening.

Wavy Hair

Nostalgia

An old friend recently inherited a box of worn photographs from our not-too-distant youth and he was kind enough to send some of them to me......I realized that my hair has always curled when it gets wet, that my little dog could swim, and that I spent a lot of time in bathing suits. We cooked a lot more back in those days too. So here are the photos.....do you recognize me?

First Dog

Among the offices president-elect Obama has yet to fill is the special position of 'first dog', and it is my understanding that due to Malia's allergic tendencies they are reviewing the qualifications of 'hypoallergenic' canines. Hypoallergenic aside - the breeds they are considering shed less which has always seemed advantageous. One of the no-shed breeds being considered by the Obamas is the Portuguese Water Dog - a breed that has captured my heart for decades. They are energetic, happy, and above-all fun - but not for the faint of heart. They love water and demand exercise and attention - or they will find some 'work' of their own.....like rearranging the furniture......the perfect breed for me - their hair even curls when it gets wet like mine. Unfortunately, due to their high energy levels they are often abandoned - so sad for such a happy, social creature who promises unconditional love. I hope that the Obamas will seriously consider this wonderful water dog!

Moon Glow Lichen

Kayaking at Rathbun

Trick or Treat

Monochromic Sunset To Sunrise

Goshen Pass Virginia

Untitled – Diane Michaud

As I lay in my quiet desultory dream,
The sun came down with gentle rays and touched
me from within.
It seemed to kindly ask me in monotones of light
From whence I came and if I knew the consequences
of night.
I rose to speak to tell him of the notions in my mind.
To show him how the world could be so quiet and
sublime.
But as my lips did form to speak my feelings from
within,
He gently passed through my fingers and there was
darkness again.
Sad I was at first to find my friend had slipped
away,
But now I know that his purpose was met and he
had no need to stay.
Someday soon he will return and softly fill the room
and speak to me once again until the sky
Gives birth to moon.

Fireworks

Fence Posts

Rain Drops

Fast Waters

Montana Autumn

Red Tailed Hawk - Robert's Creek - Iowa

Yellowstone Reflections

Otavalo, Ecuador

Blue Footed Booby - Galapagos

Marine Iquana - Galapagos

You've Got to Have Friends. :)

My Friends

Audinot