Grandmother Pine

Grandmother Pine stands where the cold winter wind blows the strongest. The gale is channeled up a steep narrow canyon and breaks over the ridge exactly where she stands. Her trunk is thick and twisted. Her branches are short and sturdy. She barely notices the brutal blast that pushes me about like the fragile being that I am. She offers sanctuary to every creature under her thick boughs where the air is quiet and the light dim. She stands protectively over all who accept her embrace. Thank you for your shelter, Grandmother Pine.

Thank you for your patience regarding my computer difficulties. I am up and running smoothly again, although a bit behind. So my return is a little slow, but I will catch up and have many new photographs as the week progresses. Check back often.

Grandmother Pine
An ancient and twisted ponderosa pine has withstood time and the severe weather on a mountaintop in Colorado.
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Reboot!

It finally happened. I'm having computer difficulties. Please accept my apologies! I hope you enjoy this earlier published post on some of my water photography.

SPLASH! (February 2009)

I am an earth mama with a water spirit heart. Living in the Colorado Rocky Mountains gives me sustenance for my earth side. Their solid permanence gives me strength. But once in awhile my water spirit thirsts for salty oceans, serene lakes, and rivers wet and wild. I have not had my ocean fix recently but instead have found untamed waters and calm shores right here in Colorado.

The first two photos were taken in Rocky Mountain National Park on a summer hike next to the St. Vrain River. It has been my favorite river in the park since I first discovered it in 1975. And as the surrounding terrain changes from fires and natural selection, the river still rages down the steep mountainside careening over the same rocks. I find timeless energy there.

The last photo is of Horsetooth Reservoir just west of Fort Collins, Colorado. It is about four miles east of my mountain home and I can see it out my windows with the morning sun reflecting golden off its surface or a full moon making it a pool of pale light.

High Country Cascades

The day was warm and sunny on our hike along the St. Vrain River in Rocky Mountain NP. The water was cascading and spraying when I spotted a small plant, moss, and lichen clinging to a boulder.
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Rushing Water
Swirling and turbulent frigid mountain water careens by a large boulder in the St. Vrain River in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
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April Terns - ON SALE!
LIMITED ONE TIME OFFER OF A FREE OFF WHITE DOUBLE MATTE WITH THIS PURCHASE. THIS IS A $20.00 VALUE! FRAME SIZE 16X20.
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March 2010 Calendar for your Computer

It is almost March. That means spring is just around the corner for most of us. The cold winter snow will be gone for one more year. But before it is totally gone the mists will surround the pines and flow like water down the mountain slopes in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Here is your new desktop calendar for March 2010. If you would like to purchase this photograph you can find the information on the archival quality fine art photo of Evening Fog here. I hope you enjoy your free calendar!

download your free desktop wallpaper calendar for March 2010 here

Easy Instructions
After clicking on the above link
you will be at my Flickr page. Simply click on
"Download the Original size"
at the top left of the page.
The file will then download to your desktop!

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Eagle in the Mist

Winter's breath frosts the landscape outside my window in every shade of white. Snow is lightly drifting falling floating from the sky. Fog creeps slowly through the pines whispering murmuring calling me outside. I can not resist. I love the softness of the world. I bundle up in layers of soft billowy sweaters. Camera in mittenclad hands I step forth from the porch. The dogs race ahead as I wander down the little trail away from our home.

The snow crunches under my heavy boots. I pass by tiny frosted firs glimmering in contrast to the fog shrouded dark pines, and head toward the saddle, a low point on the connecting ridges. With steaming breath held I watch as a single solitary bald eagle appears out of the foggy mist like a ghost bird and silently disappears. Our mission seems accomplished. With frozen fingers and paws, we return home to our warm cabin on the hillside nestled in the tall pines.

Frosted Pines
Chilling and frigid arctic air envelopes the tiny frosted fir tree in a northern Colorado pine forest.
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Eagle Pines
A snowy mountain hillside shrouded in a cold fog is the home of an American bald eagle.
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Cabin in Pines
A cedar sided cabin is perched on a snowy slope and nestled in a pine forest of northern Colorado.
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The Many Faces of Gary Heller

Gary Heller Photography caught my attention over a year ago with a stunning winter shot of a farm house. His photography of derelict barns is award winning; he was the Grand Prize recipient of the Historical Ithaca's 2009 Barn Survey competition. His New York water towers have been featured on Warner Bros epic series "V" on the ABC television network. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. His repertoire is vast and not only includes architectural features but also beautiful and dreamy nature photography.

Gary's photography has often been described by his peers with such adjectives as "unusual," "dark," "foreboding," "unique”. One fellow photographer has used the term "pleasantly strange". That description sums it up best for him as he strives for strange, yet pleasing compositions.

Gary says, "I was brought up in a household of culture and an appreciation for the arts. My mother is an artist and would spend much of her free time working on her paintings. I can remember as a child, sitting by her side as she explained to me the how and why of what she was doing. Her influence has been with me ever since. I approach my photography as I would a painting, from composition to post processing."

Gary's latest adventure with self portraiture is fascinating, humorous and inspiring in the technical purity and artistic flair of his work. Portraiture is an area of photography that takes a great amount of skill and to do self portraiture not only takes courage but a bit of self deprecation. Personally, I would love to see Gary do a whole book of these wonderful self portraits. Wouldn't you?

Visit him on Esty at Gary Heller Photography to see all of his award winning work or read about the behind the scenes production of Gary's work on his blog.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade garyhellerphotograph.etsy.com

Redstone Canyon Colorado

The hum of the tires turned into a grumbly growl when I turned the truck onto the dirt road. I felt my shoulders immediately relax as I looked at the familiar old cottonwood standing guard at the valley entrance. As I bumped down the twisty and narrow way home, I could easily imagine the day when it was still a rutted trail. Though not much more now it was still passable all winter. I slowed the truck to a stop at the cattle guard and jumped out to unlock the gate. Looking up into the foothills I could see the snow laden fog cresting the mountain top. Just a couple more miles and I would be next to a warm and cozy fire with a cup of steaming coffee. Life is good in Redstone.

Sunset Mesa
An ancient cottonwood tree guards the entrance to the valley into Redstone Canyon with its trademark red mesa in the background.
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Winter Mesa
A cold winter's day in the canyon brings snow and fog to the foothills of Colorado.
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Walk to Marymere Falls - Olympic National Park

I remember the day well. The air was heavy with the scent of trees and ocean. To this mountain girl used to "rare air" it almost seemed as if the air had enough substance that I could just lean back and float away. I was captivated by the fairyland of moss, ferns, and huge old trees. The light was special too. Not harsh, but soft and subtle to my eyes until I caught a glimpse of a golden pool. The color seemed so out of place among the soft shadowy greens that it stopped me in my tracks. I could not imagine what it was until I heard its soft murmur coming through the trees, the voice of a gentle brook flowing over stone and rock. I must be close to the waterfall. And then I heard a deeper rumble. Climbing up the last bit of trail I rounded the bend and the mist from the falls rose up in a cloud settling on my face. There it was, Marymere Falls plummeting 90 feet over hanging gardens and rock.

I hope you have enjoyed our little meandering walk through the forest of Olympic National Park.

Shimmering Gold
This photo of a bubbling brook in Olympic National Park was turned into a pool of shimmering gold by the setting sun.
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Forest Walk

A photo of a woodland trail dappled in the warm glow of dawn light and lined with towering moss covered trees.

Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

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Marymere Falls Trail

A photo of Marymere Falls seen between the trees on the last bit of the waterfall trail in Olympic National Park.

Marymere Falls

This photo of Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park is surrounded by lush hanging gardens.

Isopoda Pendant

Bill Martin at Purified Art is an independent artist from the Philadelphia area. He graduated from the Tyler School of Art and is currently working toward creating his functional and wearable art as his full time vocation. His inspiration often comes from the natural world but has that edgy and popular steampunk flair. Visit his shop on Etsy to see his whole collection. You will not be disappointed!

Isopoda Pendant
Isopoda sterling silver and brass hollow pendant. Width of pendant is 23mm. Comes with an 18" 1.7mm sterling venetian box chain with lobster claw clasp.
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Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade purifiedart.etsy.com

Blue Branches Fine Art Greeting Card

First I want to thank all of you that took the time to suggest which of my photos you would like to see as a greeting card. I have taken note of each suggestion and will be working on them in the next several months. I enjoy making greeting cards and spend quite a bit of time on each one. Here is my latest and newest card. I hope you like it. And remember, you do not have to give these cards away. You are allowed to keep it just for yourself.

Blue Branches Fine Art Greeting Card
This greeting card of delicate budding tree branches against a field of blue sky is printed on the inside as well as the outside in full color. The inside is a lovely soft and pale version of the branches and is ready for your personal message. Each card measures a bountiful 5.5" x 8.5" and includes a white envelope.
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Dreaming of Spring

Like a hibernating bear, I am dreaming of spring. Twitching for it. Yearning for it. Waiting for it. But Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter. And for the high country of Colorado I know that my wait for green meadows and bursting flowers will not be until June. So wish me luck and happy springtime dreams.

Spring Breeze
The old and twisted cottonwoods were wearing the lacy light green of spring and standing over a field of purple wildflowers.
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Dreaming of Spring
The silhouette of a single small bird perched in the bare branches of a tree is a harbinger of spring to come.
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Horizon
The lush spring grass stretches as far as the eye can see into the horizon with a rain promising spring sky overhead.
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How Do I Love Thee

Theresa, the dynamic creative force at Studio 618 is not only a talented metalsmith but also a practicing licensed architect. Her unique style shows her architectural background in the clean and bold lines of her work that is designed with the modern woman in mind.

She says, "My inspiration comes from my past experiences in life, my cultures, my environment, or a specific moment in time. Sometimes interesting techniques will challenge me to come up with different designs too. My work keeps evolving, with fresh ideas all the time."

Studio 618 uses only the highest quality materials with hand selected gemstones. She guarantees all of her work for the life of the piece of jewelry. Please stop by her wonderful shop on Etsy to see all of her precious metal work.

How Do I Love Thee, Cuff Bracelet
Sweep her away with this bold sterling silver cuff bracelet that carries a subtle message, whispered to her with finely scripted text. The carefully executed hand inscriptions display Elizabeth Barrett Browning's famous love poem, "How do I love thee..." in its entirety.
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Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade Studio618.etsy.com

Winter Garden

The winter garden is monochromatic unlike the chaotic cacophony of color in the summer garden. A frosted leaf or branch becomes the focal point, etching an abstract pattern against a cedar wall. A single dried flower against a backdrop of white invites one to look closer to see the abstract beauty of a seed. Have you been to a winter garden? What have you seen?

Frosted Coneflower
A single dried and frosty coneflower stands bravely against the elements of winter.
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Icy Cherry
The branches of a young Canadian choke cherry, lacy with frost, trace intricate lines before a cedar wall.
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