Tuesday, June 16, 2009

sunday at the lake


bill and i drove an hour north on sunday morning so we could kayak at this peaceful lake. the weather was perfect with a slight overcast and a steady breeze. we saw mallards, geese and cranes galore. shortly after bill snapped this photo of me skimming along the shore, i closed my eyes and paddled along for a bit listening to the sound of the birds and the wind rustling the leaves in the trees. every sound was so much louder, clearer and crisper when heard with no visual clues. even the sound of my paddle sluicing thru the water was profound.



the lake was peacefully still allowing me to capture some great shots of tree reflections. i enjoyed watching several father-son pairs fishing along the shore. one little guy literally basked in the glow of his dad's attention. my heart was touched.


a pair of mallard ducks took cover in this bed of lily pads, catching my attention and drawing me in to snap a few photos. again, the quiet and stillness of nature was intoxicating.


my camera was never out of hand during the drive. the cloud formations were quite dramatic in the morning. photoshop helped bring out a bit more character and color in this shot.


three hours of paddling and photography and then an hour drive home created the perfect level of drowsiness. i slipped back into my pajamas and my bed for a long nap. the fresh air, exercise and snooze rejuvenated my tired body.

i'm behind on visiting your blogs but hope you all know i'm thinking of you. thanks for staying in touch and your always encouraging comments.

drea featured the original she bought from me on her blog today. thanks, drea, for your sweet post!! please take a minute to stop over at drea's blog and welcome her to bloogyhood. she is into crochet and has a wonderfully creative sense of humor!! she offers her delightful wares in her etsy shop!!

24 comments:

Petra Sohns Didion said...

I dont have much time on the Computer these days, but whenever i get a moment i come to your space and you work inpsires me so much
i also love the series of your interpretation of Rain
just wonderful Julie

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Your art makes the day look like magic. And I love the mermaid on your summer header!!

PrairiePeasant said...

Your words and photos took me right into my own memories of similar moments canoeing on quiet waters. Thank you!

Tess Kincaid said...

What a refreshing Sunday! I enjoyed hearing about it, Julie. I'm going to pop over to Drea's and take a peek...

steviewren said...

The hours you spent on the lake sound perfect....just drinking it all in. The nap afterward sounds like icing on the cake!

lori vliegen said...

you look so cute with your paddle and your kayak!! i love it that you closed your eyes to experience it in a whole new way! glad you had a great day!! :)

supplies overflowing! said...

I guess I will start at the top- I love the header, your sunday at the lake sounds like a wonderful way to rejuvenate oneself, and the pictures are lovely.
Your rain photos and poem are beautiful. We sure have had a lot of rain over here, and there is much more predicted.
And last but not least- I love your Presley Hugs- His expression is adorable, and he reminds me of my Tiffany who is long gone now.
j.

Annette said...

I love your Photoshop photos! Awesome! Do you know where to get a used copy of photoshop, an older version that doesn't cost so much?

Annette said...

I love your Photoshop photos! Awesome! Do you know where to get a used copy of photoshop, an older version that doesn't cost so much?

me said...

LOVE your new blog header. Wow! =) Thank you for sharing your picture series. Beautiful.

ArtistUnplugged said...

What a serene trip you had, wonderful descriptions and awesome photos. Love the new header.

Christine said...

gorgeous photos, Julie, the cloud formations really got my attention.

Betsy Brock said...

Oh lovely shots of the lake! It has been incredible weather-wise!

Kristy Worden said...

I love to kayak! isn't it great, so quiet and peaceful (assuming you're not running a river) I got a new camera on Monday- and am busily trying to see what it will do... like your new 'header' artwork - mermaids... fun

Brandi said...

I have never been kayaking, but from your description, it sounds wonderful.
I love your description of the father and son fishing. I don't know what it is about dads alone with the kids, but whenever I see a pair like that, it almost brings tears to my eyes.
Thanks for reminding me about the simpler things in life. Have a GREAT day!
Oh, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the artwork you did of you and Presley. It's wonderful! (I have always wanted a mini schnauzer)

The Itsy Bitsy Spill said...

You have a great eye for beauty and magic comes right through. It's very tranquil and invites me right in. I love the way it makes me feel in the center of a wonderful dream. I'm in love with your mermaid. I started another mermaid yesterday night, not finished but I think today she will start swimming. Morning to you Julie. I'm having a cup of coffee enjoying another rainy day in the woods.

Have a lovely Morning!!

Rhondi said...

Hi Julie
What a perfect day and I love the photos.
((hugs)) Rhondi

Shannon said...

That is something I have yet to try... sometimes my fear of drowning gets in the way of some really fun sounding activities. Your descriptions and pictures did my soul some good today! thank you! :)

lissa said...

I like the photo effects and great header graphic - I think it's new but I'm not quite sure - it's a beauty

Lindsey said...

There is just something about being out in nature that just heals the heart.

Unknown said...

Wow, astounding work.

Katiejane said...

Hi Julie! I saw you left a note on my blog and I thought I'd drop over to see yours. I love your header, for starters! And I like how you alter your photos in photoshop.
This sounds like a wonderful day. The kind I would love to spend.
I'll be back to visit you often.

m said...

I'm glad you had the chance to do that with Bill. Sounds peaceful but no, no, no--no Kayaking for me. I would be too afraid of rolling over adn not getting back up. I know, silly that.

Debbie said...

I love the pictures you took and your header is great! Thank you for the sweet comment on my blog. :-)