Rocky Mountain Waterfall on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado

Can you imagine sitting on this rock, listening to the rush and tumble of the never ending water? Do you ever wonder where the water comes from? I always wonder in amazement that the strong flow never stops. This waterfall on the Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado is not very far from the Continental Divide. The winter skies bring snow and the slow melt sustains the mountain rivers until the cycle begins again. And again. And again.

“Do you have patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?” - Lao Tzu

Rocky Waterfall

An amazing Colorado Rocky Mountain waterfall cascades over boulders and rocks into an aqua blue pool. 

Roaring Fork River near 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.

An Interview of Me?

I do not usually do interviews, but I made an exception. Diane Fergurson over at the Mind Body Spirit blog does such a wonderful and professional job at drawing the best out of people with her great interviewing style. I can truly say that when I first saw it I was humbled at the good fortune of being asked. So if you are curious about my personal back story go to Mind Body Spirit and check it out for yourself. You may find out something about me you did not know.

 

Colorado Rocky Mountain Goat 

11x14 Fine Art Photograph 

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.

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.

Free Matte with Photo Purchase

PLEASE NOTE THIS OFFER HAS EXPIRED.

I would like to thank you for the continued support and inspiration that you give to me everyday. To show my gratitude I am offering a free double matte on your purchase of any 8x10 photograph. Select any of my photographs from Etsy. Be sure to type FREE MATTE in the message box when you place your order.

An example of Ruby Jewel matted.

This off-white textured, double matte is a standard frame size of 11x14 and is a $15.00 value for free! You may even request a special listing if you do not see your favorite photo offered in an 8x10 size. Simply email me your request.

An example of High Country Cascades framed and matted.

1. Choose your favorite photo in an 8x10 size on Etsy.

or

Email me with your choice of photo for a special listing in an 8x10 size. (Please note that in most cases I can adjust the size, but there are a few exceptions such as squares.)

2. Purchase your listing and type FREE MATTE in the message box.

3. That's it! Sit back, relax, and wait for it in the mail. I'll cover the extra shipping too!

Supplies are limited. When the mattes are gone they are gone. So order your favorite photographs today!




A close up of the double matte.

An example of Aspen Light matted.

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Flock of Seagulls

Seagulls seem to be everywhere. You can find them around almost any body of water and here in the West we refer to them as terns. These photos were all taken on the Pacific coast so I believe they are true gulls.

There are many interesting facts about seagulls. Gulls are resourceful, inquisitive and highly intelligent birds. They demonstrate communication skills and a highly developed social structure; such as, many gull colonies attack and harass predators. They also can drink fresh or salt water. And ahem, some of you may recognize that, "A Flock of Seagulls" was the name of a rock band from the 80s.

Flock of Seagulls Set of 3
This is a set of three artistically enhanced black and white photos of seagulls in various patterns of flight.
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Seagull 1

Seagull 2

Seagull 3

Seagull 4

Flock of Seagulls Set of 4
This is a set of four 8x10 artistically enhanced black and white photos
of seagulls in various patterns of flight.
get purchase information for this set of photos

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

The Element of Water

The siren of the sea calls to me a least once a year and I hear her all the way to Colorado. If I can not follow her call to the ocean then I find her in a wild river cascading and tumbling down a rocky mountainside. Her music fills my parched soul that our too fast, too complicated world in turn sucks dry. Nature is my friend and water, you might say, is in my inner circle. Feel the spray, scent the perfumed air, and let your imagination take you to the home of the siren of the sea.

Bow Bubbles
The ocean blue water rippled and foamed as the large ship steadily moved forward creating a path of bubbles.
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High Country Cascades
The cascade of water misted the small plant, moss, and lichen clinging to a boulder during summer run off in the middle of the St. Vrain River in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
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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 during the summer run off.
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Water Shadows
The shadows of two people wave to unseen water sprites as their ship passes.

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Lizard Love

Lizards have gotten cute lately. You know, the little guy that sells insurance for instance. Personally, I have always thought they were cute little creatures the way they cling to every imaginable surface. Did you know that the largest lizard is a Komodo dragon. Or that the smallest is a dwarf gecko. It is so small it can fit on the tip of your finger! Click here for more interesting fun facts on lizards. In the meantime, enjoy some lizard inspired art for your home or to wear.

Lizard
Does anyone know what kind of lizard this is?
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Silver Nighttime Gecko Necklace by jorjanm
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Leather lizard cuff bracelet by Leather Design
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Moonrise at Twilight

The city lights twinkle like stars spread out on the high plains of Colorado. Since my first look at this astonishing view the tiny lights have extended like a slow spreading spill of jewels. Tonight the moon adds brilliance to the vista from my high eyrie. As Luna slowly dances and sways seductively up her high path in the clouds the rest of the world pauses to appreciate her beauty.

Moon over City Lights

The autumnal full moon rises over the city of Fort Collins on the high plains of Colorado casting a glowing blush in the sky of pink, mauve, and lavender.

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Blue Moon

The full moon at twilight is reflected in a cloudy sky and is presented in a monochromatic blue.

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Dark Moon

A sepia print of the full moon rising over the silhouette of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

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Please note that framed prints are for display suggestions only
and are not included with the purchase of the photograph.

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Frisbee Dogs

Dogs are some of the nicest people I have ever met. I admit to being head over heels in love with a couple of them. So this summer when I had a chance to watch a young man with his dogs perform before a small crowd at the county fair I was right there in the front row. Hope you enjoy the show!

This dog is fully engaged and ready for the frisbee throw.

The crowd cheers as the dog gets ready to pounce on the flying frisbee.

A dog jumps high and is totally focused on catching a frisbee.

This dog loves to go for a spin in his boy's arms.

A totally airborne dog catches the spinning disk.

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