OT - Wildfire Blues
 

There are many fires burning in and around Northern California these days. While none of them are very close to me or threatening people or structures, the hazy, smokey sky, along with the high temperatures and no rain in sight is a bit depressing. Especially for someone like me who lives to photograph beautiful landscapes. So, in the spirit of turning lemons into lemonade, and relieve my creative itch, I've been going back through piles and piles of my old photos and have found a few gems that I overlooked the first time around.

Here is a panorama of Castle Crags I completely forgot I shot. :)

An eagle from the wildlife refuge last February.

Mt. Shasta reflected at sunset.

A peaceful path in the forest.

Autumn at Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon.

And some "Mount Shasta Weather," lol.

Gorgeous as always! I love the fall colors...we are heading that way in my neck of the woods and its my favorite season!

Thanks for sharing, LTD.

Oh, and this one, too. The Pinnacles at Crater Lake National Park. Apparently, after the volcano exploded, there was a deep layer of ash. The residual heat created vent holes through the ash. A thousand years later, the loose ash has been eroded away, leaving only the vents, which were melted together by the heat. Kind of other-worldly.

BEAUTIFUL!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

awww - these are beautiful ~

being from SW Louisiana - we definitely don't see these types of landscapes in my neck of the woods ~ lol

thank you for sharing the beautiful talent you have for photography!

Thank you, LaTeDa. I have had one H***ish day, and it does my spirit good to see these beautiful creations of nature. You have a marvelous gift.

Thank you,
dandylion :thanks

They are all beautiful, but I am partial to the bald eagle. ♥♥♥

Me too, Suki. I've been going out to the wildlife refuge for the past two winters chasing them. :) That photo is the closest I've ever gotten to one. I was probably 30-40 feet away. What a thrill!

L

Ooooooo. Here's another one I just found in my puppy folder. I call this one "Weedeater." LOL

For those who are new here or don't know my story--

I was married to an alcoholic for 20 years. Separated from him in 2005, divorced in 2007. (Failed reconciliation attempt) I had truly lost myself in that marriage and now I was divorced and a single parent of two children (ages 13 and 9). I set about trying to figure out what I wanted in my life. I went to counseling, tried some community college classes, got involved in local politics, ballroom dancing, etc. All while grieving my lost dreams and working through all that anger and sadness.

Then, in 2009, I bought a new camera. I had always enjoyed taking pictures, but never took it too seriously. This new camera could do EVERYTHING! But, alas my photos were still mediocre. That's when I got obsessed, lol. I took classes, read books, and practiced till my eyes hurt! I thought I would never find who I was, but once I bought that camera I knew. This was it.

In a few weeks, I will turn 50. My daughter is grown and moved out of the house. My son has two more years of high school. I've taken an early retirement buyout and will soon become a full-time photographer. Four days ago, I sold the biggest, most expensive print of my career. (48" @ $200 net)

Life is good. I would not be where I am today had I insisted on hanging on to the life I thought I wanted. Letting go is scary stuff, but oh the rewards. The life I have now far exceeds the life I had planned. Who knew? :)

L

And as a proud owner of several LTD original photos which looks fantastic in my house - I second your decision to go full-time. You rock at this!

:c011:

Love the vents photo - it does look like another planet...very sci-fi ish.

Thanks Tuffgirl. I believe you are my biggest fan! I heart you! Now, if only I could clone you about 1000 times, lol. Just kidding, I know you are one of a kind. Thanks for the encouragement and support. It means more than you know. :)

L

Edit to add: for those of you who are wondering....TG was not the buyer of the $200 print. It was a total stranger.

LTD - you are an absolute inspiration to me... this is the first time I have read your story & it strikes a chord with me. One of the first things I did for my own therapy was indulge myself in a decent camera because it's always been my hidden passion & I decided it was time for ME. I have so much to learn but I'm having a blast taking pics of my kid & cats, lol!!

(((LTD))) - Trust me, whenever I finally get my own place? I will have ((LTD)) pics all over it:) You have such a gift, and I'm thrilled whenever you share it with us. I love all the pics, had decided the eagle was my favorite, but now I think it's a tie with "weedeater":)

Hugs and prayers,

Amy

Aww shucks *blushing* you have great talent, and a wonderful and inspiring story as to how you found it.

But if you could clone me, I'd like one...I could use some help around the house! ; )