Category Archives: Nature

Ice Jam

 

A while ago, I took a trip to…well, just get out of the house, really.  I figured I’d do a little shopping (and by “a little” I mean “a little” since I’m broke more often than not), and on my way home, I spotted a neat scene.

 

The sun was setting and I noticed this little ice jam, so I pulled over, grabbed my camera, and took a few shots.

 

Ice Jam

 

I don’t pull over to take pictures as often as I’d like.  I should probably get into the habit of doing that.  I’ve actually passed up quite a few good shots.

 

 

Until next time…

 

[^_^]

 

~A.M.

Snow Drift Abstract Art…Round 2

 

Almost two years ago to the day (strange how that worked out) , I made a post about snow drifts around my house and how they seemed like abstract art (check it out here).

 

Well, here we go again!

 

As I mentioned before, over the past few weeks, my region of the States has been hit with several major snow storms. My little corner of Maine was no acceptation. Though compared to places like Boston, we got away relatively easy.

 

Now, to set the stage for this post’s image, I should start by reminding folks that the wind around my house is a bit strange. Instead of a typical wind coming from one direction, we get winds that circle. I call them, Ninja Winds. One second they’re rushing toward you, the next they come at you from a completely different direction, catching you off guard. As a result of this, I get rather large snow drifts in my yard and driveway.

 

So what did I do? Well, before I had the snow blocking my driveway cleared, I trudged through some of it to get a few pictures.

 

Huzzah! More natural abstract art!

 

 

Snow Drift Abstract Art 2

 

 

Until next time…

 

[^_^]

 

~A.M.

A Cold Day At The Beach

 

Yes, you read the title of this post correctly.  A few days ago, I ventured to the beach.  We had a brief respite between storms in my little corner of Maine, so I decided to get out and get some fresh air.  The snow was too deep to go hiking, even with snowshoes, so I figured the beach would be a safe bet.  It was cold, but not too bad.

 

When I got there, the snow drifts around the stairs (every set of stairs) to the beach was thigh deep.  I found that out when I tried to trudge through.  I made it, though, and carried on.  The beach itself was clear due to the tides, so I had no trouble walking along.

 

I took quite a few photos of ice formations on the rocks at the far end of the beach.  The icicles hanging over the edges made little caves that reminded me of Hoth (major nerd points if you get the reference).

 

Icicles at the Beach

 

Just as I was getting ready to head back to my car, I saw a woman and her dog walking along the beach toward me.  Luckily, the dog was extremely friendly (I’ve had my share of run-ins with dogs of the not-so-friendly persuasion) and well behaved.  Her name was Lexi Rose…the dog, that is.  Her owner told me that Lexi was a rescued Borzi better known as a Russian Wolfhound, and that she was only seven months old.  Seven months old and she was already almost up to my hip (and I’m a pretty tall girl).

 

Lexi Rose

 

So after taking a few pictures of Lexi (with permission, of course), and chatting a little with her owner, I headed back to my car, stopping to take a few other shots of ice encased seaweed and shells.

 

So, in spite of getting a minor sun/wind burn on my face, it was a rather pleasant day.

 

Don’t be afraid to visit the beach on nice days during the winter months, folks.  It may be cold, but it’s a whole new twist on familiar scenery.

 

 

Until next time…

 

~A.M.

Christmas Time

 

With all the political correctness being thrown about when it comes to the holidays, especially Christmas, I feel I need to make a little stand here.

 

Why should I have to stop saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Yule” (since I celebrate Christmas for/with the family and Yule for/by myself) in favor of “Happy Holidays” just because someone that doesn’t celebrate Christmas or Yule may possibly take offense to said greetings?  It’s kind of ridiculous if you think about it.  You don’t see me getting all bent out of shape when someone says “Happy Hanukah” (did I spell that right?) or “Happy Kwanza.”  In fact, I’d rather that happen.  Instead of getting offended by my “Merry Christmas” to you, I’d rather have you respond joyfully with, “Happy/Merry *name of whatever particular holiday/festival you celebrate*”.

 

Doesn’t that make more sense than pushing the whole “politically correct” thing on something so simple and innocent as a holiday greeting (or decorations since it‘s spilling over into that area too)?  There are bigger things out there in the world that should concern us than how someone extends a holiday greeting.  I know some of you out there agree with me, and those that don’t, well, this is just my opinion so no harm no foul! d_[^_^]

 

No matter what holiday, religious rite, or festival you celebrate, I think we can all agree that this is a time of year for family, joy, caring, and love for your fellow human beings.  Right?  I know!

 

That being said, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy Yule, and a Happy/Merry everything else (to those that don’t celebrate Christmas or Yule)!  And since I can’t send everyone a card, I’ll offer up the digital equivalent!

 

Warm Wishes and Bright Blessings to you.

Warm Wishes and Bright Blessings to you.

 

Tis the season to be kind to others, regardless of your (or their) differences, whatever they may be!

 

 

Until next time….

 

[^_^]

 

~A.M.

Abstract Ice

 

A week or so ago, I took a hike through the trails of the nearest state park (which is a bit dangerous this time of year due to hunting season, but fear not! I had on my blaze orange!).  What interested me as I was hiking, was the fact that I came across several puddles that were frozen as well as several others in close proximity that weren’t.  It made me wonder why one puddle would freeze while another of the same size and depth relatively close by wouldn’t.  I‘m sure there‘s some fancy scientific reason for this, but damn it Jim, I‘m a photographer, not a scientist!

 

Anyway, the frozen puddles had some cool abstract designs flowing through them so I stopped and took a few pictures.

 

Abstract Ice

 

Art isn’t the only thing that can be abstract! [-_^]

 

 

Until next time….

 

[^_^]

 

~A.M.