Creek Reflection or Another Dimension?

Yesterday morning I was walking along the creek to survey the beaver progress in gnawing down our trees when I glimpsed a whole other world on the tannin water's surface. It was so clear and mesmerizing that I stared for a while and then snapped some shots.

Isn't it AMAZING how a tannin creek can reflect back a blue sky and forest greenery to where it looks so clear! It was as though I could slip into the water and make my way to the riverbank in another dimension. Nature walks always renew my spirit and I delight in what the dear Lord has given us to enjoy.

I must make a mental note to use this in a book one day as the start to a scene.

On the homefront, my book is released tomorrow so it's a big day for me. I will treasure every moment. Here is my professional blog link if you want to read about the gift book where I provided nature photos.

Have a super week!

Hugs, JJ

Pear Blossoms in Spring

My fruit orchard has been giving me dazzling displays of blossoms this past week. Here you see pear blossoms. I love how the petals kiss the sky and call me to walk around the fruit tree to inhale the fragrance of their creation. I'm still shell shocked from last winter and would rather this moment stood suspended in time while I drink in the beauty.

Our fruit trees did take a hit with the severe below zero weather and some branches have given up the ghost. I'm happy to say the peach tree is still with us, but the sour cherry tree looks wounded. Maybe she'll kick into gear and sprout new growth. But our apple trees look fine and tiny pink buds are ready to burst open. :D

On the home front, those who pre-ordered my consolation gift book (where I provided the nature photos for two authors) have called to say they received it and are excited for me. :D Thank you, dear friends and family!!! The official release is June 1st, which is just halfway around the corner.

I have signed book contract number two and it's official. Am finishing up that inspirational project now. This whole publishing experience has been AWESOME and I praise the Lord for bringing it my way. I will keep you updated on my professional blog.

A link for my current book release is on my other blog. Please Click Here if you would like to read about it. I'm soooooo excited and blessed and happy to have this opportunity to soothe others through my work.

Have a super week and may blessings come your way!

Hugs, JJ

Creek Reflections

As spring marches on, I am spending time alongside our creek and snapped this photo the other day. Don't you love to gaze at creek reflections! Inverted trees were giving the tannin waters greater interest. As I stood there admiring the shimmering images, I had time to doing some soul searching, musing about how my reflection looks to others. I am embraced by the soothing sounds of the outdoors, from the babbling brook to singing birds and the melodic spring peepers. It makes me dance with my arms outstretched. And I hope I am sharing those moments with you. Soon I'll hear the whispering poplars tell their stories like hundreds of mingling hushed voices. Add that to the creek walk and I am in heaven.

When I was a kid, there was a creek by our house that I spent oodles of time along, finding aquatic life, enjoying the fast or slow current pace, depending on the weather. You can imagine how pleased I was later in life to have a creek run through our property :D We even have a small island we traverse to via a fallen tree. Jeff and I are truly kids at heart and that never will change.

Do you have a favorite creek in your past or present. How has it influenced you?

I also updated my professional blog. Come and check out the new pic and post. :D

Am almost recuperated from my surgery. A few more days and I'll have my old self back. Or should I say young? LOL

Hugs, JJ

The Freaky Tree!!!

This Northern White Cedar tree lurks on my land and makes me jump every time I see it. LOL With shots like this, I can see how science fiction movies came about. Notice the human head on the "snake" and the princess riding on its coiling back. My sneakers sank into the muck as I snapped this shot and my imagination ran wild. I didn't stay long. The tree looked parasitic. LOL

What do you see in this photo? It's a fun picture to explore, and then muse about other-worldly creepy crawling things. Perhaps this creature lived in the deep recesses of the earth and somehow became frozen in time when he ventured out. :D Wonder what was chasing him?


Hugs, JJ

The Cheboygan River

Northern Michigan has begun to warm up and with that yachts are appearing in the Cheboygan River, tethered to their posts and ready for family fun again. In this photo you also see a research vessel, two tugs and gas tanker. How lovely to see deep blue water that isn't a layer of ice and to feel a soft breeze caressing our faces as we stood at the drawbridge and enjoyed the view on a beautiful day. :D

How lovely to think about the coming summer. Can't wait for all the adventures Jeff and I will have. Love touring with him and enjoying the outdoors. :D

I have news. Just signed book contract number two. Will post about it on my professional blog soon. :D

Have a super evening, dear friends.

Hugs, JJ

Ah! Sugar Maple Blossoms

Ah! spring maple blossoms. How I have longed for the sight of you, watching your buds swell each day until the bright orange and red flowers burst open in a joyous display, bringing life to the skeleton hardwood forest. Life that makes the sunshine sing and lights the world around me. We also have red maple blossoms which look like rubies and I can't stop smiling when I see them.

The lilac leaves have sprouted out in miniature too and the white wild cherry blossoms are about to burst. I spent time this morning walking along the tannin creek and enjoying the greening grass that brightens the banks and snapping some tree reflection photos.

It's time for renewal. A sense of peace surrounds me and I am happy to greet each day with the wonder of what will show up in the landscape next, waving in the wind and saying, "Hello, it's been a while. "

I changed the header to my daffodils and am enjoying watching their rich yellow hues in the sunshine as the wind nods their beautiful heads. The full moon will make the daffodils glow in the yard at night and I love that eerie, haunting atmosphere too. A floral Milky Way.

Peace be unto you this glorious week. Have a good one. :D I love you, dear readers.

Hugs, JJ