Manabezho Falls, Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

The Manabezho Falls in the Porcupine Mountains were reflecting the sky when Jeff and I visited them in the evening a couple of weeks ago. I used a neutral density filter to soften the water and enjoyed the deep blue and golden colors that resulted in the shot. It's great when the sky and earth connect and an ethereal moment happens. :D The waters are usually tannin colored from the decomposing lush evergreens and foliage around the falls.


Photography is such a creative craft and leads to adventures you can share with your loved ones. If you haven't grabbed a digital camera and headed into nature, please consider doing so. It's quality time to the max. I never stop marveling at God's creation. He has given us much to soothe our troubled hearts during these trying times. All we have to do is open our eyes and hearts to His wonders.

Have a super day, dear hearts. I am finishing my second book project and will be able to surf blogs to my heart's content in a few days. :D God be with you.

Hugs, JJ

Porcupine Mountain Camping

Jeff and I enjoyed our camping stay at the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan last week. The first is a photo of dear hubby setting up our tent. We had a site that bordered on one side with the woods, and I prefer that type of setting so I don't feel hemmed in. The tent claims it can sleep seven so it was nice and roomy for the two of us. And with the a queen size air mattress and an electric blanket, the sleeping bags were quite cozy. We slept a contented night away and arose at 5:15 so I could snap photos of the sunrise.

After prying my eyes open in the early morn, I dragged myself around while Jeff flitted about. I was amazed at how fast his heart starts pumping. All that travel and fresh air had zonked me out. And the new tent smell made me slightly nauseous. But a step into the inspiring nature - on the other side of the tent flap - gave us a breathless Lake Superior sunrise and that kept me going. I think I miss out on half of life when I don't drink in a new dawn.

I am not a die hard camper who doesn't mind throwing the sleeping bag on the earth and taking the lumps and bumps all night. Maybe it's my age or maybe I am too pampered. :D But camping with a few comforts I enjoy, and I am looking forward to more trips.

At the Porkies I snapped a forest photo that ended up with interesting artifacts -the last two photos. Doesn't it look like Jeff and I may not have been alone in the woods??? LOL


Hugs, JJ

Seagull Cheese Puff Chasing

Jeff and I are back from a glorious camping trip to the Porcupine Mountains. We had a great time and have come back relaxed and raring to start another week. Here you see seagulls chasing a cheese puff at a roadside park. Jeff threw the orange puff high while I snapped away. We watched the lovely motion of wing ballet as the birds flew toward the prize. Very beautiful. And the birds had no accidents we would have had to dodge while they flew close over our heads. LOL That was a concern. But it was worth the risk to see the fluid wing motion and graceful moves of the birds.

We have had a great start to our summer vacationing. I'll post more trip photos so you can see the beauty we drank in when visiting the Porkies. :D I must say, the weather was too cold to sleep in a tent but we managed anyway. Had an electric blanket. Will return to the Porcupine Mountains for a couple of days when the weather warms more at night. We want to spend more time at the scenic lookouts and and lounge around the waterfalls. I hope you enjoy the photos to come. :D

Have a super week, dear friends.

Hugs, JJ

Lilac Blossom Time

Happy lilac blossom time! Don't you love when lilac blossoms cloy the air with each step you take near the trees in the spring!!! I live for inhaling the lilac fragrance because it is so welcoming. The message says live and be happy. :D

The Northern Michigan spring has been harsh. You can see the lilacs trying to dry off in the photo. If we didn't have frost, we had heavy rains. And our temps have been twenty degrees below normal. Makes me scratch my head at global warming when the weather has dipped so much. But I am sure that is happening and maybe this harsh weather is part of it.

Had a funny experience this morn. Was three steps up a dewy ladder outside taking shots of tomato blossoms when I thought I heard an angry bear growling to the right of me. I turned to see hummingbird wings fluttering faster than the speed of light by the apple blossoms. I was frightened by the sound of hummingbird wings. ROFL. Never heard them so close up before.

Have you ever been startled by something that had you laughing later?

Have a super day, dear friends.

Hugs, JJ

Book Signing Tomorrow :D

Don't you love apple blossoms! They are so cheery to spend camera time with while watching the sunrise wash the sky golden. Was outside at 5:30 AM snapping more orchard shots.

My first book signing is tomorrow. Wish me luck. I actually bought a dress for the occasion, not having worn one for twenty years. Somewhere along the way I switched to pant suits. The dress print has flowers so I will be in my element wearing it. :D Had a hard time finding shoes my size to match but after several stores, Tada! Success! I am not a shopper. Would rather spend time outdoors with all the blessings God has given us than drifting down endless aisles of products.

Spring has advanced to lilac time and the lily of the valleys are also blooming. The sun-warmed fragrance delights me as soon as I open the door. If we had no mosquitoes, this time of year could last forever. It's so new and fresh and makes one smile.

Blessings! JJ...I added a book signing photo. Jeff's parents said I could post it.:D