It was one of "those" moments

Last Saturday we were in northern Michigan for a wedding.  We decided to make a little road trip out of it and took the long road home Sunday.  Craig wanted to take me to the Leelanau Peninsula.  Ok, what's the Leelanau Peninsula?  Evidently there a state park campground there and Craig wanted to check it out for a possible future camping destination.  Little did I know what a gem we were to find.   

It was record breaking low temps for July, it was cloudy and threatening rain.  The clouds were amazing as we drove there, I couldn't stop staring at the clouds.  

We pulled into the state park and drove back to the campground.  We loved the campground.  Very private, secluded sites in the woods, rustic.... exactly how we like to camp.  We knew the campsites were on Lake Michigan but we couldn't see the water from the campsites.  We could hear the waves but you had to walk down a short trail to see Lake Michigan.  

Craig was checking out some sites and I decided to walk down the trail to the "beach".  Now, if you know me, you know I am not a "beach" person.  Put me in the woods any day and I am a happy woman.  Down to the beach I went.  Here's the part I can't even explain but I will try....

I walked down that trail with the grass taller than my head, not being able to see the lake, not knowing what to expect.  I had no expectations what so ever.  I stepped out of that trail into the most amazing scene.  I don't know if it was because I was not expecting to see what I found, but suddenly out of nowhere I was crying and laughing hysterically.  I don't think I could have been any more moved had someone just dropped me in front of the Grand Canyon.  

I was yelling for Craig to come quick!  I wanted to share this experience with him.  The wind was loud so he couldn't hear me.  I stood there staring at this unbelievable scene with tears streaming down my cheeks.  The clouds were the most beautiful I had ever seen in my whole life.  Peeks of sun broke through for brief moments.  The wind and the waves were like music.  And the rocks!  Oh the rocks!  And there was no human to be seen in any direction.  It was like I was the first ever human to step out into this place.  It really did looked untouched by man.      

Very few times in my life have I ever walked upon something that moved me to tears but every time it happens I am so grateful. 

I was in photography heaven, got some amazing shots.  We only had a few hours to spend here and now I am looking forward to camping here.  We have plans to camp here in September...... can't wait!

This wonderful man in my life makes all these moments possible.  He takes me to these places because he knows I will love it....... How lucky I am!

Sharing more photos

I only live 4 miles from my parents.  I call their place paradise.  It's the most awesome place to go at the end of a stressful day.  And taking my camera along makes it even better.  There are endless things to photography, admire, and be grateful for.  

You would not believe my Dad's hummingbirds.  There are no less than 20 birds buzzing around at all times.  Several times this week I tried to get some good shots of them; not an easy task.  They zip around so fast that it is nearly impossible to focus on them.  I've still got another 2 months of them hanging around so I'll keep trying.  

I got this incredible shot of Zoe a few days ago.  If only she knew what beautiful photographs she gives me.  I am so in love with this laid back relaxed dog.  She makes me happy. 

Last weekend we went camping (the hottest weekend of the year!!).  I'm not a beach and sun kind of girl but the 100 degree temps made Lake Michigan feel amazing!  I couldn't remember the last time I went swimming in Lake Michigan so I need to remember the date this time.  Probably be another 10 years before it happens again.  

I got some fun shots at the cottage a few weeks ago.  

This one of Craig just cracks me up!  Craig says he refuses to grow up. 

Even Fiona needed some relief from the heat.  

These last two photos were taken with my new macro lens.  

I'm looking forward to having a lot more fun with this lens.  

Hello my name is Jessica and I'm addicted to thrift stores

It is no secret that I love thrifting.  I pass two thrift stores on my way to and from work everyday, and several more just a stones throw from my usual path.  It's not unusual for me to stop several times a week.  It's rare that I don't find some little treasure to take home.  Here's a few of latest favorite finds.  

 Clay handmade bird house.... just have to figure out how to hang him.  

This is one glass owl of a pair I bought.  I took the other one to work and have him sitting in my office. They are heavy thick glass bookends.  I looked them up online and evidently they were made in the 50's.  I found them on ebay selling for $80 for the pair, I got them for 5 bucks. 

I'm drawn to anything that is nature in theme.  This little brass turtle is actually a box; his shell opens up. 

One of the places I always head straight for is the linen department.  It's a very lucky day if I find a quilt or something beautiful knitted or chroched.  When I found this I didn't really have a use in mind but I fell in love with it.  I can only imagine that some Grandma lovingly made this with scraps of yarn she had.  I have it hanging over the back of the couch in the trailer.      

And this one..... Oh how I love this one.  The colors excited me so.  Can you believe that I got this for $5.  Oh happy day that was.  

4th of July weekend

The last 4 days have been packed with fun, sun, water, thrifting, photography, boating, kayaking, family and friends.... what more could I ask for.  It's Sunday of the 4th of July holiday weekend and I'm  enjoying coffee on the deck with a view of the lake, reflecting on the past 4 days.  Life is good.   

My crazy wonderful son showing off.

Our friends Dawn and Jerry enjoyed the day with us.  Jerry makes a mean dirty martini. 

My wandering mind and eye leads me to anything that says "photo op".  This and the following few photos are from my Mom's raised bed garden (one of her many gardens).  I get lost for hours at my parents house.  Yesterday I was out in the gardens with my camera and Dad comes out and says "Lunch is ready".  I was not expecting lunch but was thrilled to find a huge salad or fresh garden greens (of course from my parents garden).  Best salad ever.  How lucky of a daughter I am to relish the benefits of their labor of love in the gardens. 

Mom's raised bed garden belongs in Better Homes and Gardens.  It's a work of art. 

I've ordered a new macro lens that should be arriving mid week.  So excited!  Look for macro photos soon.........  For those of you that don't know what a macro lens is, it's for taking close up photos of flowers, insects, etc.....