April 15, 2010

what ? straight out of the camera ?

it doesn't happen very often
but
when the weather is saying
"come play with me and leave that computer and your photo editing alone"
well
i listen
and
upload my photos
as they are
~gasp~
hiking in our woods at the cottage this spring has been a challenge
~
the hills are terribly
~actually dangerously~
steep
and
with the ground feeling like marshmallows beneath our feet
the only way to scale them is at an angle
~
but
you know me
i like a challenge
and
when the other challenge
is to find the tiny little violets that hide on our hillside
well
i pound my chest like tarzan and yell
"bring it on"
down below the hills
in what we call
the valley
is where we have a natural spring
and
surrounding that area every year is
skunk cabbage
~
obviously
some people hate it as it's invasive and i guess it stinks if you step on it
and
i guess all the wild animals stay away from it
but
for me it's beautiful and green and full of life
~
we have never smelled anything from it
even when tromping through it and since our land is still filled with deer
and
other critters that leave their little prints behind
the
skunk cabbage is just fine with us
when i looked at this photo
i realized you could see the roof to our cottage in the distance
and
that where i was standing was
"bare"
or
"still kind of winter dead"
in valley terms
~
in another month
though
everything will be as tall as me or taller
and
then the hills and valley
will have a new name
~
that's when we start referring to it as
heaven
*

36 comments:

  1. I know exactly it just feels right for sootc shots in spring. They just exhibit such life in them and renewal for me. Enjoying your slice of heaven and can only imagine the bounty due to unfold!

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  2. Ah Beth, even just out of the camera they're beautiful! I am pretty hopeless at editing, and am in awe of what you do with textures and things--but when you do something that is just as it is, like with the cranes and these, well--still stunning. And heavens yes--get out there and away from the computer, woman! It looks delicious in your neck of the woods!

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  3. Nothing quite like the first blooms of spring. That moss looks delicious!

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  4. isn't it just great to have a place to escape to where the deer and the antelope play!! :-)

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  5. All so beautiful Beth! Wish I was there.

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  6. WOW, I know right???? It is amazing. Spring is magical! That first shot is breath-taking. The white is so white and striking! I love it!
    oh how I love your talent!!!

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  7. I'm seeing a lot of that "still kind of winter dead", but you are right, it will change to heaven soon

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  8. I've never heard of skunk cabbage, but I think they are quite lovely to look at in your photos.

    Nice post.

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  9. what a wonderful place to play ...

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  10. i LOVE walking with you...it is a pretty place!

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  11. Ok, beneath the sweet exterior and photographer (sheep's) clothing, I have decided you have just exposed your true colors. You are a sly evil little thing. You keep telling me that you are going to make me hike the hill twice. And yet I have to come to your blog to see the truth about said hill. Quote, "the hills are terribly
    ~actually dangerously~
    steep". Yep, pure evil.

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  12. Oh, I wold love to see this walk again in a months time when it is Heaven.

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  13. Straight up is how I like my Vodka too!

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  14. fun explorations - hope your cold is better - i think you shipped it south

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  15. some wondrful shots...love hiking and finding new wonders so this was perfect for me...

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  16. I can just imagine this place when the place is green and the flowers are grown. Beautiful.

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  17. i have to say, its strange seeing sooc shots on your blog. but its a nice change. and yes... i can already see hints of this being heaven.

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  18. I would love to be able to visit a place like that... seems beautiful!

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  19. These are beautiful! I was out takin gpictures today and marveling at how beautiful the world has become. Just can't wait for the roses to bloom!

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  20. Beautiful series of shots!

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  21. Hooray for SOC . They are glorious.
    I'm jealous you have this space to revel in. In a nice way. As long as you share like this.

    Hope your week is going well, Beth.

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  22. Looks like heaven to me...and straight out of the camera so works for you, as I knew it would...

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  23. isn't it wonderful to have the return of Spring?! Your landscape looks very similar to Maine's.

    have fun!

    xoxo

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  24. it's nice to have a place like this to explore. i bet it is ever changing and always wonderful and exciting.

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  25. wow i love your exploring place, very cool.
    kt

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  26. I can picture heaven right there, even with the skunk cabbage. The small violet is a treasure.

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  27. Yes, this sooc you speak of, it is an interesting concept. I rarely do that anymore, and after seeing these today, I think I shall try.

    Hope you have a movin' and groovin' weekend, Bethany.

    LOVE!

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  28. Such beautiful pictures, Beth. I wish I had lovely property like that to wander about and commune with Mother Nature. At least, the beautiful Pacific is only two miles away and we have some spectacular scenery and, in spite of encroaching civilization, there is still some wildlife about.

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  29. can i come visit please?

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  30. just had a few sooc shots from my walk on the trail....

    it's quite shocking....

    these are all so perfect!! ♥

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  31. What beautiful pictures and what a beautiful place even in it's "dead or semi dead" state.

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  32. Straight out of the camera here works for me. So, when are YOU going to teach a class at Valley Ridge?

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  33. What a wonderful post, Beth. I had a similar experience yesterday after a long walk through meadows, marshes, swamps, and woods. The photos really don't need my help at this time of year!

    I love your photos, everything on the verge and just beautiful. What an amazing season. xo Gigi

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  34. How fortunate to have a cottage to visit and watch the seasons change...I love this time of year with it's promise of things to come...

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  35. Oh, you do own a piece of heaven don't you??

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  36. How I wish I could have a little cottage, far far away to escape to. A little cottage of my own. You inspire me to dream, you do.

    I can't wait to see what this area looks like when all turns green and spring/summery...will you share a photo or two?

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**I love reading the comments you leave, as they make me feel like we're sitting in my kitchen, having a cup of tea, discussing life and wondering where all the time has gone ...beth