Magical and Mystical

James Island - Olympic Peninsula

I was in the mood for a coastal photo this week, so I selected this shot from my archives. James Island is located at the mouth of the Quillayute River near La Push, Washington. At 160 feet in altitude, it was used in the past to spot whales by the Quillayute tribe; now it serves as a private burial ground. (I like the way the fog seems to magically float around the island in this scene.)

Autumn's Golden Glory

Glenwood, Washington

Although the season of autumn is sure to display an array of golden hues in the leaves on deciduous trees, the grasses on prairies around the country make their own golden glory. This field is in the small rural community of Glenwood,Washington.

A Bright Blue Autumn Sky

      Mt. St. Helens

This view of Mt. St. Helens is a common sight for travelers driving north from Portland, Oregon. Although I rarely stop and photograph it, I couldn't resist this weekend. The autumn sky was bright blue, and the weather was unseasonably warm for the Pacific Northwest...70 degrees!

Are You Missing the Grand Canyon?

    Grand Canyon Revisited

Due to the U.S. Government shutdown, the Grand Canyon National Park has been closed for nearly two weeks. For anyone out there who is missing the "grand ol' wonder of Mother Nature" I thought I'd post this photograph.

This shot was taken in late February last year; hence, the cliffs of the canyon are laced with a mid-winter snow.

The latest news on the re-opening of the Grand Canyon National Park is that the state of Arizona has decided to donate funds for its operation...finally!

A Common Sight in the Pacific Northwest

    Moody Brume

During the fall and winter months in the Pacific Northwest, this type of gray, mysterious day is a common sight.

The mist, or brume, that hung amidst the Cascade Range made this photo even more moody. And believe it or not, Mt. Hood is hidden behind the cloudy sky.

Autumn in the Pacific Northwest

  Changing Colors

Although the Pacific Northwest is known for its evergreen trees, we do have a lovely variety of deciduous trees as well.

This photo was taken in a rural area of Washington State from a roadside on the way to the Pacific Ocean. Don't you just love autumn?

Hillside of Thistles

  Autumn Beauty

I thought this large group of thistles was lovely against the blue and white sky. Since these reedy plants are lovely to look at they are frequently harvested for whimsical wreaths. However, thankfully, this group of thistles is protected and provide nourishment for the local wildlife.

Enjoying the Last Days of Summer

 Dover of Ducks!

While visiting Steigerwald Lake recently, I came upon this dover of ducks. Although I was quite close to them, they seemed unconcerned by my presence. Numerous species of birds and wildlife make this habitat their home. It was great to enjoy one of the last days of summer!

Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge

     
           Meandering Creek

While on a nature walk at Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge last week, I snapped this photo of a meandering creek. The one-thousand acre site is located just east of the town of Washougal, Washington along the Columbia River, and has been designated as the location for a  "Gateway to the Gorge" visitors center. (The facility is still in the planning stages.)

If you ever visit the Columbia River Gorge, this refuge with its vast variety of wildlife is a must-see as you journey east on the Washington State side of the river.

Natural Wildlife Refuge

      Mimsi Marsh

Just down the country road from my home is a natural wildlife refuge. Mimsi Marsh is one of my favorite local spots, so I thought I'd feature it again on this blog. Bald eagles, heron, hawks, and a variety of smaller birds can be seen at this waterway nestled only a few hundred feet from the Columbia River.

Lazy Summer Day

   Deschutes River

As summer begins to wane, I thought I'd feature this photo that was taken in June of this year. The Deschutes River in Central Oregon is a major tributary of the Columbia River and is famous for white water rafting and for great fishing.

  

Beautiful Pastoral Setting

    Helvetia Hills

In the Tualatin Valley northwest of Portland, Oregon sits the community of Helvetia. It was named by Swiss immigrants who settled there in the nineteenth century. This area is famous for agriculture, wineries, and for just being utterly beautiful!

A Sunlit Summer Day

  Poetry in the Wild

Finding peace in a remote and remarkable site is probably my most favorite thing to do...besides writing about it! This is another shot of the Salmon River on Mt. Hood in the Cascade Range of Oregon. A memory was made that day with my sweet husband as he used his oil paints to record this site.

National Wild and Scenic River

  The Salmon River

At 33.9 miles long, the Salmon River drains a portion of Mt. Hood in Oregon's Cascade Range. Its entire length is protected as a "National Wild and Scenic River," the only such river in the contiguous 48 states of the U.S. Spending time near it is one of my favorite things to do!

Wildwood Recreation Site

Delightful Dragonfly

Earlier this week I spent time at  a writing retreat with my critique partner on Mt. Hood. We took a break from writing and spent part of a day on a nature walk at the Wildwood Recreation Site. It is a natural habitat for numerous species of fish, birds, and other wildlife...including this dragonfly!

The Three Sisters

   Volcanic Peaks

The Three Sisters are three volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range in Oregon. Recently we were in Central Oregon and stopped to photograph the beautiful scene. The sheep and cattle in the foreground seemed to give a pastoral feeling to the composition.

A Sunday in the Garden

        Portland Japanese Garden

Since our son is home for a few weeks before he moves to the East Coast, we are attempting to visit some of our favorite local sites with him before he leaves. Last Sunday we visited the Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. I snapped this photograph in an inconspicuous corner of the gardens. There were lovely scenes everywhere we looked. If you have the chance to visit the Pacific Northwest, take the time to see the Portland Japanese Garden - it would definitely be worth your time!

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A Walk in the Woods

        Livingston Mountain

Just twenty-five miles northeast of Portland, Oregon is Livingston Mountain. I recently took a nature hike there and snapped this photograph. The mountain is home to deer, elk, black bears, coyotes, and bald eagles. Unfortunately, I did not see any wildlife while on my walk, but I did have a grand time!


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Just Swimming Along

  
    Mallard Duck

I spotted this friendly fowl a few weeks back at Mirror Pond in Bend, Oregon. I liked the way the light reflected upon the water while the duck seemed to glide across the pond. However, I know his little webbed feet were paddling a mile a minute!

Oregon's High Desert

    Smith Rock

Near the small town of Terrebonne, Oregon is Smith Rock State Park. The rock formation is generally considered to be the birthplace of modern sport climbing. However, my husband and his art friends find it an inspiring subject for their oil paintings!

Happy Father's Day!

The Emblem of Bend, Oregon

   Mirror Pond

Flanked by numerous parks, beautiful Mirror Pond is truly the "emblem" of Bend, Oregon.
Bend is known for being a favorite Northwest snow-skiing hub in the winter. However, in the summer, hikers, rock climbers, and beer enthusiasts flock to this chic and artistic town.

The Deschutes River

    Bend, Oregon

After two weeks of near constant rain we left our home in Washington State for a weekend visit to Bend, Oregon. This is the view we enjoyed of the Deschutes River on Friday. Central Oregon is known for its high number of sunny days, as well as its low amount of rainfall.

The Quinault National Forest

  The Tree of Magic

This photo is one of the few that I am proud to have taken. Not because it is the most impressive piece of photography, but because when I snapped the shot I was hoping for an image that would express the mood of my middle grade manuscript at the time. Although I was pleased with this photo, my story has yet to be published!

A Swan in Solitude

      Mimsi  Marsh

I took this photo just down our country lane at a murky wetland refuge called Mimsi Marsh. Although our neighborhood is nestled between a highway to the north and the Portland airport across the Columbia River, the wildlife still seem to enjoy the small portion of land protected just for them.

The Tonto National Forest

    Saguaro Lake

Just east of the Phoenix-Metro area is the beautiful Saguaro Lake. A favorite spot for sailing, the park also has a lovely lakeside restaurant. We enjoyed visiting the lake when we were in Arizona last February.

Happy Mother's Day!

(Especially to my own Mom who lives in Arizona!)

Grand Canyon National Park

National Park Week

One of things on my bucket list is to visit as many National Parks in my lifetime as possible. Last February I was lucky enough to visit the Grand Canyon; in honor of National Park Week from April 20th - 28th, I thought I'd feature this breathtaking scene.

The Olympic National Forest

 

Quinault, Washington

This photo of Willaby Creek in the Olympic National Forest, is a place that I have visited dozens of times. It is one of my very favorite places on earth. While walking amidst the tall timbers, life always seems to come into focus for me.

Signs of Spring

           Blossom of Blue

The photo of this lovely little flower was taken in south-central Washington State. With the season of spring now upon us, colorful flowers are bursting on the scene in every corner of our country.

Since blue is my favorite color, I  thought this tiny blossom was especially pretty.

          Have a wonderful week!

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A Basketfull of Blossoms

        Happy Easter!

This photo came from my archived file, but I thought it was perfect for the holiday weekend. The stone bunny in our backyard always brings to mind the wonderful author of children's books, Beatrix Potter. The animal stories she created are still some of my very favorite children's stories - my three sons were raised listening about Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter!


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A Fowl in Fair Weather

Hoping for a Handout

I spotted this duck last month as he sat near a golf course in Mesa, Arizona. Evidently he is accustomed to receiving handouts, thus the reason he was so tame.
Since the weather here in the Pacific Northwest is still gray and gloomy, I enjoy viewing the photos I took last month in the Southwest!

A Gem of the American Southwest

Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

     If you ever make it to Sedona, Arizona, take the time to visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. The design for the village was inspired by old Mexican towns - a visit to this lovely location is like stepping back in time.
     The boutique stores, quaint restaurants, and gift shops full of Southwest art, jewelry, and souvenirs, kept us busy all afternoon when we were there a month ago.
     The village draws visitors from around the world, and indeed felt like a multi-cultural gathering of people. The funny thing was, while we were there we met a shopkeeper who grew up in our home town! As they say...it's a small world!

A Beautiful Crest and Creek

              Oak Creek Canyon

When you depart Sedona, Arizona along highway 89-A, there is a small rest stop where we saw this beautiful site. We were on our way to the Grand Canyon that morning - less than 120 miles away from this spot. This beautiful waterway is Oak Creek; in the distance the crest of one of Sedona's numerous red rock formations is lit up by the morning sun.

The rural highway has beautiful scenery all along its length. I would highly recommend this route if you ever venture to northern Arizona to view the Grand Canyon.

The Magnificent Red Rocks of Sedona

Sedona, Arizona

While folks flock to Sedona for art, spirituality, and hiking, it is the red sandstone formations in Oak Creek Canyon that this little town is best known for. We had a wonderful visit to Sedona a week or so ago.

An American Treasure

  The Grand Canyon

For the next several weeks I will be featuring a photo taken in the state of Arizona. (My husband & I recently had a wonderful visit there.) As we looked out over the canyon for the first time, we were both in awe and wonder with the vastness and beauty of this American treasure.

The Mouth of the Columbia River

Taken from Astoria , Oregon. (Washington State in the distance.)

       Astoria, Oregon

Last weekend we had the opportunity to visit the Oregon coast. In the distance you can see not only a large ship, but the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The bridge spans the entire mouth of the Columbia River; it is 4.1 miles long, making it the longest continuous truss bridge in North America.

Dreaming of Spring!

   A Bit of Blue Sky

You could look at this photo and only see the frosty landscape, or you could note the bit of blue sky that is a prelude to spring - I choose to do the latter.

This shot was recently taken at one of my favorite local locations: Greenway Park.

The Columbia River from Wintler Park

Finding Local Beauty

Wintler Park is a popular local destination during the summer months; it was all but abandoned when I visited the site last week. However, I found it to be quite lovely on that dry and chilly morning. It's always great to appreciate the beauty in one's own backyard!

The Beauty of Winter's Gray

Moody and Mysterious

This photo was taken a couple of days ago at an urban park in the center of our city. Rarely does the temperature dip below freezing in our community since we're at such a low elevation. When I shot this photo it was 26 degrees! Ice, fog, and snow have a way of making nature a bit moody & mysterious!

The Beauty of Mirror Pond

Bend, Oregon

Mirror Pond is an impoundment of the Deschutes River, forming a small urban lake in Bend, Oregon. Recently, my husband - Michael Lindstrom - composed an oil painting of this very sight.

Wildlife Wetland Refuge

     Mimsi Marsh

Just down our rural road is this wildlife wetland. With a nearby railroad, and Portland International Airport approximately a mile away, you wouldn't think that wildlife would like this spot - but they do!
(This marsh even made it into my manuscript for a middle grade novel.)