OT - pics from the trip
 

So, we returned on Saturday from a blissful six days, three in the redwoods and three at the beach. More practice honing my RV expertise, and my photography skills in anticipation of retirement, which cannot get here soon enough, lol! I emailed my sister and told her I think I found zen. She said I hope you brought it home with you. ;)

Here is the Redwood Highway.

Another redwood shot.

Tidepools at the coast.

And a rare sunset. (The area where we were is usually at least overcast, if not totally fogged in)

(((LTD))) - those are beautiful! Glad you had a good time. I remember going to the Redwood Forest when I was little, and was amazed at trees so big they had a roadway through them!

Hugs and prayers,

Amy

I do love the coast. That's where zen is, lol. And even though I love California and live there, the Oregon coast is my preferred place to visit. So beautiful, and the wildlife is amazing. (The above shots are near Brookings, OR. Except the redwoods, of course, which are near Crescent City, CA)

L

just gorgeous! ive been there a few times, and it is so fresh and real, and its easy to get lost in wanting to stay.
'
thanks for sharing the pics

Those pictures have so much zen I think some of it rubbed off on me (and that's saying something right now... :D).

Looks amazingly restful. And I agree with your sister -- I hope you brought it home with you.

I am also a native Oregonian...my favorite place in the world is that area driving through the redwoods heading to the coast...

Thanks!

Thank you for the compliment. It means a lot to me.

When I discovered, two years ago, that I had a passion for photography, I did not have such a good eye. Oh, I knew what I liked, but to translate that into a photo was not so easy for me. I was not one of those who was born with "vision." So, I set about learning. I studied composition, lighting, exposure and even paintings. I joined some photography forums. I emailed photographers whose work I admired. I examined photos and paintings, and paid attention to the things that caught my eye.

It has been so gratifying. I was not born with some inexplicable, innate talent for "seeing." But, through lots of studying and learning, I have learned not only how to capture a scene, but how to look at the world in a whole new way. It's difficult to even explain how profound this revelation has been for me. This is definitely part of my recovery. And I know beyond a doubt, that even if no one ever appreciates the photographs I create, I will still do it anyway.

L

As long as you appreciate the pictures you take, everyone else who likes them is just a bonus.

That said, I believe they are gorgeous, and I love them. <3
They feel... peaceful, to me. Relaxing.
Beautiful.

They are all incredible, but I keep going back to the first shot...Your studies have gone well...I can't even put words to the feeling that picture inspires. Thank you for sharing them here.
That's very powerful and I think in and of itself speaks volumes about your recovery.

I took over 1000 photos in six days. I could bore you guys for weeks. But I'll refrain. :)

Here is one more of a stellar's jay.

LOVE the photos and yes, you have a good eye for scenery...these could be professional...on a picture or postcard or something...

Thanks for sharing!

My goal is actually to become professional in some way, at least enough to supplement my pension. I should post it on the goal thread!

L

Thank you so much for sharing your photos! They're breath-taking. I'm glad you had a good trip.

The pictures are breathtaking! I've never been to the coast, heck I've never seen the ocean other than the Gulf of mexico when I lived in Lousiana.

As an east coast kid I had never seen a tree over 100ft tall until I spent a few weeks in Vancouver BC back in the eighties. Standing at the foot of a 300ft redwood with a trunk so big it would take ten people to get their arms around it was awe inspiring. Thanks for the reminder!

I like the tide pool one too, something about where the ocean meets the land. Can never get enough of that. Pretty lucky to catch a sunset there! Four weeks in Vancouver in March and I never noticed one sunset. Good trip! How about a pic of the LTDRV?

Wow. LTD, just ... wow. You are wonderful and they are wonderful. I feel like I'm there. And the blue bird looks like he's looking back at us (I have no idea how you managed this).

That this took effort and study on your part makes them even more beautiful. I love the metaphor about learning to see in a new way.

I needed these tonight so thank you, feels like some instant peace coming through the monitor

Hugs to you, SL xoxoxoxo

I don't think I took any on this trip, but I might have some that I took last year when I bought it. I'll look through the archives tonight after work and see if I can find one. :)

L

Oh, double meaning here methinks!

Agreed.

Beautiful.

(both meanings)

The pics are FAB as well.:c011:

Thank you for sharing. Your pics are SO not boring! Visiting this area, especially the Redwood forest, is on my Bucket List.

P.S. Your first pic makes it seem like the trees are spiraling upward, toward heaven. Very cool.

I agree - like that one the best...it just speaks to me somehow. When I travel to the southeast part of my state, closer to Washington, and get to stand under the huge trees, I feel the same way as I do when I look at picture #1. Small and insignificant, which is actually a good way to put ones troubles into perspective!

Yes! I get that. In fact, as we were hiking through the forest, I said to my kids "I feel so small..." It really does put everything in perspective. (The Mighty Pacific has the same effect.)

L

WOW! Breath Taking...

I love to take pictures too.

Relaxes my mind & takes me away (like a Calgon moment)

My favorite is taking pictures for low income kids for their high school senior pictures
and low income families who cant afford to have them taken.

Im far from a pro, but when someone can shed of tear of happiness over a picture
that I have taken for them, it does my soul good...

Keep sharing, there are so many words in every picture...

LOL at the pic of the stellar jay!

I almost ran off the road the first one i saw -

it was the size of a CHICKEN!!!

I love those birds

Wonderful pics!!
I love how these activities take you to the present moment!

I am painting again. In fact I can't stop painting. :lmao Last Saturday I painted a bag, jewelry boxes, my nails, many papers and two canvases and continued two older paintings, and even got a request from an American coworker to send him something.

Hours can go by... and when I finish its like "oh..great.. wonderful.. WHAT'S NEXT??" which is VERY therapeutic to me, someone who has lived in the past most of her life.

Thanks for motivating me to do my thing also. Now I would like to hand paint clothing. Even design clothing. I got no idea of where to start, but THAT is the fun thing!! the process...

I dream of show my "art" during weekends... just showing things I have done would mean too much for me... if someone likes something and even buys it it will be great but its not my main goal .

So its like I become Dettached, Free, & Recovered while painting :lmao Great way to tend to our playful Inner Child, and nurture our soul.


We need more pictures :)