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.)

Snow in the Pacific Northwest

 The Magic of Snow

This photo was taken last year in Quinault, Washington. I wanted to feature a scene with snow so badly that I borrowed this from my file. Snow has a way of magically transforming even the most mundane vegetation  to a thing of beauty.



Wishing you a very Happy New Year in 2013!

Festival of the Lights

  A Holiday Tradition

Visiting "The Grotto" in Portland, Oregon, is one of our favorite holiday traditions. We happened to be there just three days after the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. The mood was somber - but I found it the perfect place to pray. The Festival of the Lights is truly something special.

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Honoring Their Lives

   A Path to Peace

May the families and friends of the victims of the recent violence find a path to peace in the days, months, and years ahead. I pray our nation will have the strength of character to make the tough decisions we must face. Let each of us reach out to those in need this holiday season.