Relic :: NH

Relic :: NH

“Do it for the ‘gram!” – People who ruin it for the rest of us.

This fall, Melissa and I took a trip to lower VT/NH for some foliage shots. We stopped at a quiet spot for sunrise, then schlepped over to Madame Sherri’s. It’s been on the list of places to see for a long time and we were finally checking it off.

We get there and the place was over run with people. Knowing this is a popular and unique location though, I was willing to be patient and wait my turn. Everyone has the same right to experience this spot, right?

But then a college-aged looking girl started climbing the stairs and perched over the top arch. The arch that clearly has a crack in it. The arch that looks likely to fall first.

Maybe it’s the nurse in her. Maybe it’s the mom in her. Either way, Melissa called out, suggesting that it wasn’t safe and that she would come down the steps a bit.

The girl’s mother, who was taking shots of the girl on her cell phone, turned to us and said it was fine. And heck, she’s the girl’s guardian so who are we to disagree?

But truth be told, it rankled. In part, because no one wants to see a kid get hurt if that thing crashes down. But also, if someone is up there when it does eventually crumble, and they get injured, Everyone will lose access to the ruins.

So many people these days have an entitled, short-sighted attitude. While I fully support an adventurous mindset, I also believe in safety and conservation; those things don’t have to be mutually exclusive, but the I-do-what-I-want mentality really throws a wrench into things.

Ultimately, the girl came down off of the stairs safely, but how many people will see her post on social media and think to mimic her? We all have a responsibility to set good examples. If we aren’t willing to speak up when we see something dangerous and to preserve our special places (environment, planet, etc) now, then what are we leaving for our children? Once the places or access is gone, it’s gone.

If you’re interested in prints this gift-giving season, let me know.  You can find a gallery’s worth of options here.

 

Prismatic :: VT

Prismatic :: VT

There is nothing quite like fall in New England.  Now the leaves have fallen, and the days are getting colder, but I’ll cherish the memories of sunrise hikes above the hills of Vermont.

If you’re interested in prints this gift-giving season, let me know!  You can find a gallery’s worth of options here. You can contact me at seespotsphoto AT yahoo DOT com.  I’m offering 10% off if you purchase before the end of the day.  I’ll donate that same 10% to one of my favorite charities, Heifer International who works on reducing world poverty with sustainable agriculture and business practices.

Traverse :: CT

Traverse :: CT

“Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details if how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” -Ernest Hemmingway

Found this hidden gem in CT one rainy day this fall, and had the place almost entirely to myself.  It was so damn peaceful. ❤

If you’re interested in prints this gift-giving season, let me know! You can find a gallery’s worth of options here. You can contact me at seespotsphoto AT yahoo DOT com.  I’m offering 10% off if you purchase between now and Tuesday.  I’ll donate that same 10% to one of my favorite charities, Heifer International who works on reducing world poverty with sustainable agriculture and business practices.

 

Idyllic :: ME

Taken on a girls’ trip to Maine earlier this year. 🙂

Friendships are some of the most meaningful bonds we can have, especially if we take the time to tend the relationship as we would a garden. I’m blessed to have an amazing tribe that I can share these sort of hikes and memories with.  Thanks to my girls & guys for all of the awesome memories. You make my life that much sweeter!

Nirvana :: RI

Nirvana :: RI

“Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.” – Sarah Williams, Twilight Hours

The Milky Way season is winding down. 3/4 of a year has flown by. Does anyone else wonder where the time goes? I blinked and it’s officially the first day of fall.

On the plus side, that means apple cider donuts…

Rocky Road :: CT

Rocky Road :: CT

It’s been a minute since I’ve posted. Sometimes life just demands your attention, you know? But I found time go shoot this week at a place not far from my house. The clear skies (and early Milky Way rise) were just too tempting! And I’m glad I got out for a bit. It was nice to knock the rust off, so to speak.

Life is about balance and there is so much demanding my attention all of the time, making it difficult to weigh what things are big priorities and what things are little priorities. But to me, photography is a form of self-care and that, my friends, is super important. If we don’t take care of ourselves, how will be able to take care of others? The car needs regular oil changes, amiright?

Plus, this reminds me of a Thomas Kincade painting and I can’t hate on that. Lol

Echoes :: VT

Echoes :: VT

“Stars, too, were time travelers. How many of those ancient points of light were the last echoes of suns now dead? How many had been born but their light not yet come this far? If all the suns but ours collapsed tonight, how many lifetimes would it take us to realize we were alone? I had always known the sky was full of mysteries—but not until now had I realized how full of them the earth was.” -Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

Last weekend was a new moon, and the close of what is generally considered to be milky way season for the year so I decided to go out with a bang. A long drive, a night hike through the woods with the dog, being serenaded by a chorus of wild animals, singing loudly to scare off any bears, telling the dog that, no, we were not chasing that Fisher cat…. You know, just another beautiful night under the stars. ♥️