Soul Searchin'

I'm looking for something, can't find it anyplace. It's there in the distance starin' me in the face,

Right in front of me, but it's way beyond reach and I know I must find it...soul searchin', looking for myself, soul searchin', Lord I need a little help, soul searchin' Cause time has slipped away, there's a dream I left behind in better days

~ Little River Band.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan..doing a little soul searching... this was my favorite places on the whole trip, I had the shore to myself and became completely enveloped with the sights and sounds of peace.

For a black and white version of this...see flicker, It was really hard to decide which image I ilke best, or best described the feelings I had while here.

Connected

"The reason it hurts so much to seperate us because our souls are connected. Maybe they always have been and will be. Maybe we've lived a thousand lives before this one, and in each one of the we have found each other" ~ Unknown.

Connected. Perhaps the reason I am so drawn to the North Shore - my Dad.

This past week I have had the overwhelming need to call my dad and talk to him. Possibly, I feel that I am loosing the sound of his voice. It has been almost 2 years since we found out that his journey in this world would soon be ending and I miss him dearly.

My Father had an extrarodinary love of the Sea and as I sat on the shores of Lake Superior I felt as though he was sitting next to me, his whisper in each roll of the wave and his hand on my shoulder with the warmth of the sunset's soft pallet. I am certain that this will always be the place where I will be closest to my dad - the sea - our connection.

Know Who You Are

"Sometimes when you are really lonely, you really feel alive and you feel like you know who you are." ~ Unknown

This is the exact reason I love to go to the North Shore in the winter...to capture the beauty and emmerce myself in the solitude of nature.

Shortly after sunrise, it was 4 degrees and absolutely beautiful sitting on the rocks over looking the magnificent Lake Superior. I sat here, in the snow for almost and hour, losing myself in the moment.

Many of my friends question my trips that I take alone, but it moments like this where you really do feel alive and find, at least a few clues to who your really are.

"During the storm or in the darkness...follow me to a safe harbor" ~ Unknown

I have returned from my annual trip to the North Shore of Minnesota. I love this place...especially during the winter. It's landscape is ever changing.

This trip in particular helped to really push me as a photographer. Because I have taken countless images of the various landmarks in the area, I had to force myself to try new angles and be more creative in my shots. This is probably one of my favorite images from the weekend!

"Expect the best, plan for the worst and prepared to be surprised" ~ Unknown

As I plan for my annual winter photo trip to the north shore this quote came to mind. Visiting the North Shore of Minnesota this time of year you never know what to expect to find. The weather and scenery sometimes change by the hour and this trip I am sure will be no different. The weather forecast calls for snow, clouds, wind, sun, all within 48 hours.

So armed with my hand and foot warmers, long underwear, Baileys & Coffee, Bunny Slippers and of course my wheat thins and canned cheese I am ready for a weekend away - cabin in the woods - "me" kinda of weekend!

All At Sea

"I am all at sea where no one can bother me" are first lyrics in Jaimie Cullum's sing All At Sea.

I can relate. I want to be all at sea where no one can bother me. I want to soak up the sun, the smell, the sound of the sea.

Sounds as though this is going to be an all about me day today. Selfish or necessary? Necessary. I took a road trip last summer and drove around Lake Michigan capturing the many lighthouses that dot the landscape. Armed with 20 hours of 70's music, plenty of photo equipment and the road trip must - Wheat Thins and canned cheese, this was and awesome way to regroup, cleanse the stress and soothe the soul. I recommend that everyone take a "me" trip Jaimie Cullum seems to concur as well. " I am all at sea where no-one can bother me. Forget my roots if only for a day. Just me and my thoughts sailing far away".

Time's Caught Up On You

Another night, another place, Another limbo where you've fallen from grace. No you don't cut it like you used to. Look's like time's caught up on you ~ Gerry Rafferty.


A sad day yesterday, Gerry Rafferty died. He was an incredible singer/song writer from the 70's that battled with alcoholism - these are lyrics from his 2009 and last album release.

Another icon from my youth, this building, the Peterson Biddick building in my hometown was torn down. As I am quite sure that everyone is Wadena is cheering that this old place is gone, but the photographer in me is quite sad. Even though it has seen better days...I remember those better days..the hustle and bustle of farmers coming and going. The feed mill in any town was the center hub of every small town and in it's time, I am sure that many of the world's problems were solved here.

So in the the words of Gerry Rafferty, it looks like times caught up on you.