Ontonagon River in the Spring

Whenever we head to the U.P. I make sure I have my camera, there are times it never comes out. But, the trip we made in April I made sure to snap some pictures since it was a nice Spring day and I hadn't been out in awhile.

 

Coffee Cup & Lace

Just a couple more shots from my "creative time" the other day.
The fabric is a shawl I've had for years. I believe either I or my mom bought it for me years ago. It's always made me think of Spain and Spanish culture.

Self Portraits

I've been MIA, I haven't had any creative bursts recently for some reason. The time between Winter and Spring I think is ugly, and since my favorite thing to photograph is landscapes I haven't picked up the camera much lately. But,  yesterday I felt creative and snapped a few different types of shots in the house.

1st Set
I didn't only take self portraits, I promise.

Black & White Church

Gray November; Take 2

I was feeling creative tonight and I decided to go through some folders of pictures on the computer. I came across a few more from my time in Ontonagon that I edited and thought I'd share.

The Artsy side...

Since I've been doing some photo-shoots here and there I've come to find that I prefer taking pictures of things verses people. Although, I would love to take some meaningful/amazing photos of people. I've dreamed of doing something as good as you see in National Geographic or TIME Magazine.  In the meantime, I practice.

Birds on a Winter Day

Another Birds in winter post! I posted one last year, (click here to see) of the birds at my neighbors house. This years were taken at my parents, from the window, inside. Blue-jays are one of my favorite birds, and this one was not easy to capture! I didn't take pictures for that long, I think if I had I may have had some really cool shots. 

Winter

Even to a total winter hater like myself I can find some beauty in it.  These were taken where I grew up (Chassell, MI). 

Where I call "home". 

Houghton Breakers in Winter

Ah, the things I have no clue about. I lived in the U.P. (Houghton area)  almost my entire life from birth to my early 20s and there are so many things I have no clue the history about or names, etc. This place is one of them. We only ever referred to it as "the Breakers", you drive down Houghton Canal road till you can't drive anymore and there it is. Upon my search for a more formal name I stumbled across the true name of the place, North Canal Township Park, or aka West Portage Entry (again, didn't know this). There was a sign up (I can't recall what it said) but it made me think that the park may no longer be open, or maybe it was just up since it is winter. The Lake can get quite ferocious, especially in the winter. It was a rather calm day, but I could hear huge waves crashing on the other side of the wall that I could not see. Oh, how I wanted to venture over to it, but it was quite a ways away and my husband already had to make sure I was okay while I was getting these shots in. :)
If you have never been to Lake Superior I suggest you make a special trip to see it. You will not be disappointed. Everyone falls in love with it. It's hard not to!

Winter at Big Falls County Park

A couple weeks back the weather was Spring-like so we ventured outside to check out an Eau Claire County Park. We visited this place last Fall for the first time but haven't been back since. In the Winter it is a totally different site to see. Even though there was little snow on the ground there was huge pieces of snow along the banks of the river. I was a little disappointed that it was so foggy, making it hard to see everything but it made for some neat photos.

Gray November

Over the four day Thanksgiving weekend I got a chance to capture some pictures of Lake Superior in Ontonagon, Michigan.  I think this may have been my first time being at the lake in the Winter! I can't believe I haven't been there during this time of year. It was a cold but peaceful day to snap some shots.

Wintery Night

Update: 

I've come to realize I need to start getting out to shoot more often. My skills are stagnant. Time to focus on this more! Between Life & trying to get more into my Mary Kay business  I haven't been doing much with photography lately. I did the Kid's photo-shoot last month for MOMS Club, which went okay (still have to post those pictures). I really need to feel more comfortable in certain situations though. I hate when I feel unsure of myself.  I booked a Baby Photo-Shoot for next weekend, which I am excited and nervous about! And I've sold a few prints lately. (Remember, if you're interested in anything you see, contact me to buy!)

On to the post. 

I hate winter. Anyone that knows me knows this, but there is a few times I can see the beauty and sort of enjoy it. I snapped these shots at the in-laws over Thanksgiving. Seriously, I did not think it was going to stop snowing when we were there! I didn't quite get what I was going for but I think they turned out pretty neat. I like the black & white ones. 

6 Things I am grateful for this year

I wish I had some awesome Thanksgiving photos to share about  all things that go along with the Holiday, but I do not. Unfortunately, I once again haven't been out shooting lately! I really just need to focus on taking more pictures during my everyday life.
I will share some things I am grateful for,
1. My husband. 
 For always loving me, even in my times of anger, jealousy, self-doubt, etc.
2. My boys.  
I cannot thank God enough for allowing me to have 2 healthy, happy boys.
3. My family.
I do not know where I would be without them.
4. My friends. 
Some of them are my biggest fans (you know who you are).
5. My neighbor. 
I'm not much of a "I want to be buds with my neighbor" type of person, in fact I wanted a house way in the boonies so I didn't have to socialize with any neighbors :-p , BUT we have the best one we could ask for. She loves my boys like they're her own, babysits, and helps us out when we need it!
6. Self growth. 
I may not be where I want to be in terms of me in everyday life but I am making progress. Last November I joined MOMS Club  , AND even became secretary.  Being in MOMS Club  has helped immensely with getting by and getting out as a stay at home mom; good for me and the kids.
Last year I also joined Mary Kay as well. It encourages me to grow and dream! Through both I have met some pretty awesome people. And I may even be coming out of my shell a bit.

What are YOU thankful for?