Dream Home in Colorado

How many of you have dreams of living in that perfect home in that perfect setting? It could be in the mountains or on a seashore or in a pine forest.  Hold on to your dreams.  I dreamed of living in the mountains of Colorado since the first time I saw the Rocky Mountains. My husband and I never let go of that dream.  It took many years, but with that focus and intent we made it happen. First we moved to Colorado from the Midwest, then we found a way to purchase some land, and finally we built our dream home.  We lived in our mountain dream home for over 12 years before deciding we were finished with that dream and it was time for a new one. So follow your heart.  It can lead you to the most unexpected and happy places.  This log cabin in Aspen, Colorado was once someone's dream before it became a reality.  It is here to remind you that dreams really do come true.

Cabin Dreams

Architectural photography of a log cabin in the woods on a hillside in Aspen, Colorado.

log cabin art

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Bridge over the Roaring Fork River in Aspen, Colorado

I love the trickling sound of a mountain stream and can never get too much of a beautiful Colorado day like this one. We were visiting Aspen and taking a break from hiking the rugged mountain trails, as much for our sake as for our physically challenged dog. This gentle hike was on a city trail that meandered back and forth across the river and through the bucolic gentle woodland.

Bridge over the Fork

The beautiful Roaring Fork River meanders through a green woodland with a foot bridge crossing.

Roaring Fork River, Aspen, Colorado

river art

colorado photos

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Woodland Spring in Fort Collins, Colorado

We currently have a covering of snow here in northern Colorado, but I am reminded that this replenishing snow will fortify our woodlands for a burst of springtime pink and white cherry blossoms  very soon. This photo was taken on an urban nature walk through one of our plentiful open spaces in Fort Collins last year. Take heart. Spring is coming!

Woodland Spring

An urban woodland path meanders through ancient cottonwood trees and wild cherry blossoms of pink and white.

Fort Collins, Colorado

woodland spring art

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Rocky Mountain Beach on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado

Walking along the Roaring Fork River in Colorado is a beautiful experience. You are never quite sure what you will see. It can be turbulent and wild creating a roar to the senses like in this waterfall photograph. Or it can be serene and lovely like this particular image where the river quiets down and nestles in the rocks.

Rocky Mountain Beach

The Roaring Fork River is banked by rocky granite outcrops and a woodland pine forest.

Roaring Fork River, Pitkin County, Colorado

rocky mountain river art

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Stairway to Heaven in Aspen, Colorado

I was enchanted by stumbling across this rustic old stairway when I was hiking in Aspen last fall. I wanted to creep up those stairs and peek at what might be at the top. But instead I let my imagination create a fantasy of fairy gardens and enchantment. What do you see at the top?

Woodland Stairs

Woodland stairs photo, of an aged and rustic stairway through an enchanted forest. A perfect way to add the serene feeling of nature to your home, office, or bedroom decor on the path less traveled.

Aspen, Colorado

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Colorado Woodland Forest Landscape

Hush. Do you hear it? The silence that permeates the forest and envelops each branch, twig and creature. Listen. Breath. Sigh at the pleasure that nature grants us every day without asking for any return of favor. Now you hear it. Now you feel it. The beat of your heart, the whisper of a breeze, the rhythm of life.

Misty Pines

A pine forest in the northern Colorado Rocky Mountains takes on a serene glow in the foggy mists.
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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Cabin Ruins in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

Last September I journeyed over Pennock Pass on the way to Pingree Park in the northern Colorado Rocky Mountains. On the way is this abandoned mountain cabin. I had been here before and wanted to come back and get more shots. One of my earlier photographs, Natures Return, was taken here in 2006. The stark contrast between the cabin ruins and the beautiful mountain forest is evident. I am not sure whether I look at this as spoiled wilderness or as nature's amazing ability to reclaim. How do you see it? Which photo speaks to you?

Hidden Cabin
The dense aspen forest crowds close to an abandoned mountain cabin in the remote northern Colorado Rocky Mountains.
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Return to Nature
Ruins of a derelict mountain cabin spew out into an aspen and pine forest in the remote northern Colorado Rocky Mountains.
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Window of Green
The bare framing of an abandoned mountain cabin creates a triptych of green aspens and pine. Northern Colorado Rocky Mountains
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They Left
There is a stark contrast between an abandoned mountain cabin in ruins and the green aspen forest that surrounds it. The desolation begs one to wonder why they left their remote mountain paradise. Northern Colorado Rocky Mountains
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Crystal Fire in Northern Colorado

Although I am not sure if I have the words to write about our close proximity to this fire, I did want to share my past week with you through my camera lens.

Quick Facts on the Crystal Fire as of April 8, 2011
(from Larimer County Emergency Information)

Fire Start Date: 04/01/2011
Cause: Under Investigation
Fire Size: 3,200 acres
Contained: 55%
Total Personnel: Approximately 398
Additional resources: 5 crews, 4 helicopters, 27 engines
Burned Residences: 15

Crystal Fire in Redstone Canyon
The Crystal Fire though looking tame in this photo taken on Monday
comes to life again on Tuesday with high winds.
(The house at the bottom of the photo belongs to one of our volunteer firefighters and is safe as of this post.)

Crystal Fire Horse
A horse grazes near the smoldering mountain pine forest of the Crystal Fire.
(The horse is safe. Valley residents did not have time with this fast moving fire to trailer their horses to a safe location and instead set them free in the open range. The horses run from the fire and are later caught and returned home.)

Crystal Fire in Black and White
The pilots of these helicopters made numerous trips through the smoke to drop their load of water on the fire's hot spots.

Helicopter Bucket Drop
A helicopter bucket drop on the Crystal Fire in Redstone Canyon, Colorado.

Helicopter Tanker
A helicopter tanker flies over my home on its trip from the reservoir to drop its load of water on the Crystal Fire.

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

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Icy Forest in Northern Colorado

My boots crunched on the icy crust of snow. My breath steamed. The dogs' whiskers stood out in frosty contrast to their dark coats. My camera was inside my coat, warm and ready for the shot I was after. I had arrived. I took my camera out, pulled off my mittens, and fumbled with the settings as my hands stiffened in the frigid air. Satisfied that I had captured the moment, I put the camera back inside my coat and pulled my mittens back on over numb fingers. Calling to the romping dogs I turned and then headed back up the steep incline with thoughts of returning to my warm home and crackling fire. You may want to have a cup of hot chocolate ready when you view this shot.

Icy Forest
A snowy Rocky Mountain pine forest with an icy patina in Northern Colorado.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Blustery Day - Colorado Rocky Mountains

It was a blustery day in the northern Colorado Rockies. This view from our deck, looking southeast, is often the direction we see weather coming and at times it can be dramatic. A small snow squall was heading toward our home quite quickly and I ran outside to shoot some photos before the sunny blue sky was covered by the cloud of swirling snow. The wind likes to follow the contours of the land and the first icy finger of the small storm raced up the ravine next to our home. I admit it. I love watching weather!

Blustery Day
A snow squall blows through a pine forest under a blue winter sky in northern Colorado.
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Etsy JulieMagersSoulen