I just wanted to share some of the beautiful shots I've been lucky enough to capture this Fall and early Winter. It's usually about this time of year that the air begins to thin and outdoor scenery photos seem to take on a new life. A clarity that Summer photos just don't seem to capture. It's the time of year when there's a crisp chill that almost steals your breath and holds everything pristine.

A long pier bathed in the glow of sunset light in Gloucester, Ma. One of my favorite beaches, there's always something to photograph!

And ond of my favorite lighthouses on Winter Island on a blustery but beautiful day.

My children watching the sunset at Lake Massabesic. You know I can't resist a portrait opportunity!
Or an excuse to take photos of my kids.

The smaller lakes are already freezing, I love the designs that the freezing top layer makes on the surface of the water.

And all of the leaves are falling off the trees, leaving bony limbs and barren branches.

And just to give you a giggle... Kissing horses.

I took these in Methuen, Ma. at the MSPCA while I was there to pick up a bag of hay for our rabbit. These two gave eachother ''kisses'' for several minutes and offered me some really nice shots!

Pristine blue sky day. Perfect for going out to run some errands! Especially when you find subjects like these two.

There are still spots of color left, but it's found more on the red ivy climbing the brick walls of one of the first mansions in the United States, found in Salem, Ma.

Soon Winter will blanket New England and the landscape will change once again. So I'll stare at the sea and soak up the sun while I can...

I'll see you soon with holiday photos!

Snow and foliage

We've had some crazy weather here in New England this last month. Freak snow storms in October led to most of our foliage disappearing, so I was glad I was able to get the shots I did while the color lasted. As well as some shots of how odd it looked to have snow covering the beautiful fall color.
So let's go to the park, and the lake, and wherever else we end up at on today's adventure!

There were still patches of color, but most of that explosion of color I expect to see just disappeared after the heavy snow and high winds from the storm had finished. Mostly bare branches now.

There's just something special about Autumn for me. The crunching leaves under my feet, a hot cup of cider or cocoa to warm my hands and warm my soul. The feeling that soon we'll be under a crisp white blanket of snow. 

The woods seem quieter than usual. The squirrels that were once playfully playing tag on the lawns are now busy finding those last minute winter rations. The ducks enjoying the lakes and ponds while they're not frozen solid. The smell of the damp leaves and wet earth with the cooler temperatures that make you want to take out those cute winter clothes and put away your shorts for the year.

Spread out a blanket and enjoy the sunshine and a good book for awhile. Breathing that clean, cool, fall scented air makes me wish I could create that scent and send it to you in a candle. The smell of wood stoves. Of lawns mowed for one last time. Of yards of leaves being mulched and of Winter's impending arrival.

I love meeting up with friends along the way! Sometimes an unexpected visitor is just what you needed to brighten your day and put a song in your heart. This little friend landed on my finger as I was taking a shot of the gazebo, and stayed for almost five minutes before he/she flew away.

There won't be too many nice warm days left, so, much like the squirrels I'm scurrying around snapping photos while the weather allows me to be outside comfortably.

I'll try to update with some more foliage photos before the snow sets in. Until our next adventure, all!

The colors are really starting to pop here in New England. So I've been making the most of my weekends to head out on road trips to capture some of it to share with you! Can you smell the cool, damp air? The leaves? The grass? The wet earth and the drying trees putting on their bright Autumn coats before the bare branches of Winter arrives?

We've had a lot of rain here in the Northeast, and that's led to a lot of trees prematurely shedding their leaves. But it's led to some really interesting shapes in the trees and the reflections in the water.

Yellow leaves in front of a small pond. I love the shape of a nice Maple leaf.

Just a glimpse of color under a small bridge over Souhegan river.

Perfectly still waters make the most vividly beautiful reflections...

And you know I couldn't resist dipping my toes into the almost icy cold water.

There must be some hard working beavers nearby. There were several pieces of evidence along the lake.

And by now, you all know I'm a sucker for old 1800's barns. So I couldn't resist checking out this old farm! The smaller of the two barns was hidden from my view until I started doing a little exploring. I couldn't resist getting some shots of various parts of this first larger barn.

I love the bright green against the weathered wood. The old hinges, the staggering sized boards used for the door.

There were HUNDREDS of wasps flying in and out of the three holes in the circle at the top.

Walking up the path to see what's beyond this giant old barn. I can just imagine horse drawn carriages lumbering along the dirt path. Stopping at the barn to fill up the wagon for a trip to town. I love it when I stumble apon a place where I can feel the history and smell the life that once was there. When I feel completely engulfed in the past and make up little stories of the families that may have once inhabited the land. When I can imagine the feet of another woman walking the same path I'm on. And imagine yet another woman hundreds of years from now walking in the steps I'd once made. A connection to what was, what is, and what shall be.

I digress... This is the second, smaller outbuilding. Not a barn, but a small one room shack with a wood burning stove in the center. Commonly used as work sheds or smoking houses.

I hope you've enjoyed taking this little adventure into the past with me. I've enjoyed sharing them with you...

And taking a walk through My New England with you...

Fall foliage begins...

It's about that time of year again, where the air is crisper, and somehow smells cleaner than usual. Maybe it's the earthy smell of fallen leaves that makes me crave all of my Fall favorites. It also makes me really want to get out and enjoy nature in its finest attire.

I love the mix of varying greens, reds, oranges and yellows. I look forward to capturing the color as it progresses throughout the months. From a single red leaf on an otherwise green tree, to a forest full of color.

I feel lucky to live with such beauty all around me. Almost like I owe it to nature to capture even a snippet of the glorious scenery it offers me. To share my surroundings with those not lucky enough to have such amazing places so close by.

Have you ever seen such a perfect Autumn day? Pulled over on the side of a winding country road. One of those "Oh honey, stop right now!!" shots too perfect to drive past without snapping a shot of.

Sometimes my adventures lead off the beaten path to the most picturesque old dirt roads. I love when the trees make an archway over the road. The dappled shadows and sunny spots by the barely yellowing tree tops.

Rich, almost burgandy leaves will dress the branches of this maple tree. While bright yellow orange adorns the one next to it.

This little pre-peak foliage adventure wouldn't be complete without a visit to a quintessential New England covered bridge.

I just love covered bridges. They remind me of an era that's not been forgotten, that's being preserved for future generations. If you have any historic or scenic places, I highly suggest you seek them out!!

 Imagine yourself in a simpler place in time. With simple needs, simple joys, simple lives... 

Take a moment to catch your breath. To refill your internal cup. Take just a minute to enjoy right now. To forget about the daily stresses and just let the peaceful bubbling of a brook carry away the stress.

And watch out for turkeys!

Well it's been a little bit since I updated the blog. Had some computer issues and had to wipe and reload windows. But I wanted to share with you some photos I took over the last few weeks! We had some beautiful fog after a rainstorm that made for some really lovely country scenery. Gave everything an eery, hazy hush. I hope you enjoy!

There's something really peaceful about going for a walk in the country on a foggy afternoon. It gives places you've been to dozens of times a completely new appearance.

Reflections on a foggy day... When you go for a walk and come across a great spot to sit and reflect, to think about how far you've come on your own personal journey through life... The obstacles you've overcome, the joys you've experienced, the memories you've made and relationships you've cultivated.... It really reaffirms that you're on the right path for you.

So take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other. Keep carving your own path....

This really is one of my favorite little spots to hang out at.

Because no matter where you go, you get another amazing perspective!

Sometimes, even when you're walking away.

But let's move on to another little footbridge up the road. The sun is starting to set, and the pinks are popping after the storm!

Another great spot for reflection. Both outwardly and inward! There are a TON of turtles who live here, although I didn't catch any this day. The spectacular sky show was far too captivating for me to look for turtles very long.

It's times like these when I'd like to make jigsaw puzzles!

But it's time to go home, the mosquitos LOVE me... And there's another adventure waiting tomorrow!