Calm.....

Meeting New People

I look forward to meeting new people, including in the art and photography world. I have stopped in several times to Main Street Art in Milford and had the opportunity to have my work displayed in  their front window. This photo of Lake Superior is one in a collection of my photos displayed there. Sue, who works at Main Street Art, truly enjoys her artistic way of creating a fabulous look that draws many folks to view the results in the window. I am very happy to have met her and to be represented by Main Street Art.

Art and Healing......

Photography is a form of expression, it can create and enhance a mood the same way color and music does. Looking at a particular photograph can soothe a soul. This is why I am planning on being involved with the Healing Arts program with the Henry Ford Health System. The mission of this program is to create a restorative and calming environment for patients, visitors and staff by integrating the creative arts and aesthetic experiences into the healing process. I am a big supporter of this way of healing. Positive attitude plays such an enormous part in healing.

Another organization for the art and healing is the Manhattan Arts International. They seek to collaborative with other businesses and non-profit organizations who share thier mission to help spread the news about the tremendous healing benefits of Art. Manhattan Arts International's "Celebrate The Healing Power of Art 2010" is based on the belief that Art is a natural force that promotes heath and well-being for the creator as well as the viewer. Please visit thier website and blog and help support the Art of Healing.


Web site: www.ManhattanArts.com

Blog: HealingPowerofArt.blogspot.com

A Springtime Stroll.....

While enjoying the warm Michigan weather we've had lately, I decided to take a drive to the local greenhouse. The owners of Bogie Lake Greenhouse, Mark and Patty, are super people, as well as thier wonderful staff. Having an open inviation to come and visit and photograph in any of thier greenhouses, I took the opportunity. On a recent warm and sunny morning, I took a leisurely stroll through the greenhouses, taking a few photographs (including this gorgeous flower above), and appreciating the TLC put into every single flower, herb, plant....every single piece of greenery there. They should be very proud of thier accomplishments!

Northern Michigan

Spring is here and soon the towns, villages, and cities of Northern Michigan will spring back to life. It's like they go into hibernation in the winter, with snow blowing on isolated streets. Now that Spring is here, many folks are making plans to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. Many will be sprucing up thier homes and shop owners will be preparing for those who will visit.

I've been busy gathering my work to take to the owners of the Huron Lights Museum and Gift Shop in Alpena Michigan. My photographic artwork that is displayed and for sale at the shop, will have a nautical theme and a northern cabin type theme, many photographs to choose from. Also available will be notecards with my photographs printed on them. I am hoping to bring back the art of letter writing, a blank notecard is a perfect way to write a personal message to special someone. A handwritten note is still more personable and meaningful than an e-mail. What do you think?

One of the pieces that will be at the Huron Lights Gift Shop is the photo above of an old life boat which sits on the same land that occupies the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. If only this boat could talk, imagine the stories it would tell.....

The Mackinac Bridge ~ Michigan

Curious......

Appreciation

A baby....a precious little being. Thier perfect little fingers and toes are counted right after they are born. Something many of us may take for granted.....our fingers and toes. These are the many things that help us with our daliy lives and our talents. Talent isn't something that we are born with, I believe, however, that we are born with a creative side that needs nuturing in order to survive. This is an opportunity to help us grow. There are many things that we are born with and unaware of, opportunities that we have for the rest of our lives. Our creative side shouldn't be taken for granted, but yet should be appreciated. It is a way to express ourselves, whether as an outlet or as a means for financial security, it helps us be who we are.

It is also important to appreciate the talents in others, what helps build thier character. For 2010, perhaps we can focus more on ourselves and others, to show our appreciation to our loved ones, to appreciate what we all have to offer in this world, and to appreciate our surroundings that God had given to us.

Happy New Year, may this year be the most prosperous for everyone!

Who could resist this face??

This was my first year with the Arts and Greens Holiday Market and it was a great weekend. There were many familiar faces visiting the show and I met some wonderful people. I will definately get involved with this group of talented people! The atmosphere was inviting, with the talented musicians and sparkling Christmas decorations. The owners of Bogie Lake Greenhouse are some of the nicest people as are thier staff! I did very well with my work. There was one particular photograph that many commented on, please meet Chloe in the above photo. She is adorable and many fell in love with her face! I have also been offered to place my work in 2 galleries, this is a good thing!

Well, now to prepare for my next show in 3 weeks......

Welcome to my blog. This is my first post, as this is all new to me. Photography has been a passion of mine for many years and I'm ready to share my experience and my work with others.

Summer was wonderful, a cooler one, but I didn't mind one bit. Went to a few art shows and spoke with fellow photographers. They are all so talented with thier own style. Some were art show veterans and for some, this was thier first year and I must add, they were doing very well!

Autumn is my favorite season, so I will be in my glory soon! Well, as long as we have the fall colors, not too sure about that with the cooler summer we've had in Michigan. I love everything about Autumn, the cool crisp air, you can actually smell a difference in the air! I love apple picking and the pumpkin patches! My goal this fall is to tour lighthouses with the fall colors complimenting them. Hopefully we have some great weather. Regardless, I will have a great Autumn season and I hope everyone reading this does too!