Weekly Photo Challenge: Solitary

 

Heaven on Earth

 

I did not manipulate this picture.  It was just a matter of being in the perfect place on the perfect day.

Now you know why I call my lake house my own little piece of heaven.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Movement

I have been experimenting with the rapid shot feature on my camera this summer to try to capture the movement of the kids while they play in the water.  The effect has been very pleasing.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

Gardening By the Lake

Even the flowers get a great view of the water!

 

Me, Myself and I

Just me, myself and I

The water provided the perfect reflective surface to capture the beauty of my daughter.

 

Perfect End to the Day

The air was still and the water was warm as the sun began to set painting the sky and water with the most beautiful shades of red and orange.  The boys decided this was the perfect backdrop for a late evening kayak and swim.

Catching Air

Catching Air

Great day on the lake yesterday.  The kids are getting pretty good at the wake board.  Mom still has not been able to conquer it but I’m feeling lucky today!  Don’t expect any pictures of my quest though.  I won’t look nearly as elegant as the kids.

Weekly Photo Challenge. Blue

Just as the daily press was a little late putting out this challenge I am a little late responding to it.

The most captivating “blue” I have ever seen

May Photo A Day Challenge. May 12, Something that makes you happy

I am always happy when I am at the lake.  It’s a place where the family gathers.  The dinner tables need to make room for fifteen on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.  I grew up spending the week-ends at my grandparents cottage with all of my cousins.  It is amazing to be able to provide that same experience for my kids.

It’s an old one but you can see how much fun they have.

So I am happy when I am at the lake with my sisters, nieces, nephews, parents, and kids…okay we will include the husbands as well.  After all they do all the cooking!

This is the kids imitation of the dad’s grilling. The kids don’t actually drink beer.

How can you help but be happy!

Reaching

This flower reminds me of a sea creature. I love the texture and movement.

May Photo A Day Challenge. May 4, FUN!

To get the true picture of how much fun the kids are having you have to incorporate several pictures to tell the whole story.  So this is my photo story of FUN!

Catching Air

She loves the 360’s

Maybe not always fun

As you can see they are definitely having fun!

We are so lucky that our kids can find fun in the simple things in life.  No need for parties, just family, the water and a camera and they are entertained for the weekend.

Jump in, the water is great!

The dock begs you to come aboard and approach the water.  The water is beckoning you to come on in and cool down for a while.  The perfect blue sky and fluffy white clouds assure you that the air will wrap you in warmth after your brief dip in the water.  Oh how I look forward to summer and the return to the lake.

Just take a run at it and jump right in!

I love the shadow of the trees cast onto the old weathered wood of the dock.

May Photo A Day Challenge. May 2, Skyline

I went to bed in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by nothing but water.  When I awoke in the morning I found myself transported to another world.  The hillside was dappled with houses peeking out from the trees.  The harbor filled with boats anxiously awaiting their owners to take them on another adventure.  The water and the sky sparkled with a tones of blue I had only imagined.  Immediately I had to grab my camera desperate to capture the colors so that one day I may find a way to reproduce them on a canvas.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Weekly Photo Challenge. Sun

The same sun can be a different color every night.  Every evening we wait with anticipation to see what beautiful painting will fill our evening sky.

Back from the Lake

We had a great vacation at the lake.  In twelve years I have never been able to experience being at our lake house in April.  This year we moved so now we are only six hours away.  Yes six hours may sound like a lot but it is less than half the time it took us before.

I had planned on taking a ton of pictures but that just didn’t seem to happen.  My hands were too busy cleaning the house and picking up the leaves and branches that deposited themselves on the lawn.  I also found myself in awe of the beauty and wildlife.  Every morning I was greeted with more than two-hundred ducks swimming on the bay.  My goal was to capture the image but if I opened the door to go outside they would fly away.  I guess the image will just have to stay in my mind for now.

Looking through the branches

I spent a lot of time picking up the branches that deposited themselves on my lawn.

The moment they heard the door open they flew away.

I couldn't get close enough for a good picture

Morning on the bay

Off to the Lake

We’re off to the lake for the Easter weekend.  I am looking forward to the peace and relaxation after an overly crazy two weeks.  My cameras are packed and I’m hoping to come back with lots of great pictures.   Happy Easter everyone!

Carefree!

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.

 — Oprah Winfrey

Madison Playing in Lake Ontario

I love the feeling of letting go and just being free this picture has.  A child has no inhibitions and can enjoy every moment as if it is the last.  The way her hair is caught in the wind and the water is splashing up around her gives the picture a feeling of movement. 

Some days you need to post a picture just because it makes you feel good, and that is exactly what I’m doing today!  Hope it makes you feel good too.