Holidays and happy times

Hopefully you've all recovered from the holidays and are welcoming in the new year. May it bring you and yours bright blessings, full hearts and healthy homes. We haven't had any snow here in New Hampshire since the "Snowtober" storm we had on Halloween. So I haven't taken a TON of scenic photos this year. But I'd love to share with you some of my favorites this season...

A family of Santa hats hung by the door.

And stockings hung by the fireplace.. Waiting to be filled with goodies, toys and treats!

A beautifully decorated tree and presents waiting patiently to be ripped into.

A miniature town on a snowscaped windowpane just makes you want to peek into the windows.

 There's nothing better than a silly friend in a goofy hat to make your holidays complete. Unless...

It's a slighly perturbed kitty in a Santa hat giving you dirty looks.

And of course, I can't leave you without any scenic shots. And I did happen to capture some nice shots worthy of sharing with you. So we'll go for a ride, you ready to go?

It's almost sunset in Seabrook, New Hampshire. The marsh is starting to freeze up for the night. And as we leave, the rays of sun look like fire in the sky...

Too beautiful of an opportunity to stop and take some photos, no?

White birch trees. The few remaining leaves fluttered in the breeze like butterfly wings. I so wish I could have captured the movement for you...

Now that the sun has set on 2011, and we're ushering in our hopes and goals for 2012.. Let's toast to eachother, and be thankful for those who love and support us.

Do what makes your heart feel full...

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!