Oregon from an Outsider

This is the second time I've made it to the coastline of Oregon. That area of the country is so beautiful! I still remember every vivid detail from my first trip and to be honest, I was kind of worried about this trip. There was so much excitement. Could it live up to it? On the drive from Portland to Tillamook, the woods didn't disappoint. I am fascinated by all the green. Oregon is everything that Northern Minnesota is, but bigger and wilder. Then the coastline, I love it. My friend Amy (also an amazing photographer)took me and her family to a lighthouse. I opened the car door and was instantly mesmerized. The salty breeze, waves crashing, and the birds. I found my feet wandering to an overlook leaving everyone else behind. I couldn't help myself. There are times in life where everything that you are looking at just seems to incredible to be real. I felt that way again. I wonder if the residents feel that way everyday, I hope so. To Amy and the wonderful coastline, thank you so much, I walked away with a little more appreciation of how lucky I am.

That's right. A whole month! This is a first time in a while that I have gotten a post a week in forever! I'm conflicted here. After this previous week, I realized that Monday's maybe aren't the best day for me to post these blogs, I do a lot of stuff on the weekends! At the same time, I've actually kept at it. Don't fix it unless it is broken...

As a side note, next week I am on vacation, I highly doubt I'll be posting anything. I could surprise you though. I promise I'll have a lot of stuff coming here to make up for it!

"Give me your best shot"

Who ever thought of a pinata? Seriously though, "Lets hang something filled with candy, blindfold ourselves and then swing a stick at it!" Really? I have to think they were under the influence of something! Whoever they were and whatever the cause, THANK YOU! A pinata is a guaranteed source of laughter! I'll never get tired of watching all the kids faces when they dive into the candy pile.

As a side note, if you are ever shopping for a pinata and you come across a sun with a huge smile on his face, he is smiling at you because he is mocking you! This thing was the toughest pinata ever!

Yummmmm

Summertime. Man, do I love it. Here in Minnesota, it is like a glorious reward for making it through the winters. Last weekend, was the first time I made the trip to my grandparents farm during the summer in what seems like decades. It probably was close to one! If any you have a relative or friend that owns an orchard, don't not visit them in the summer! Right now his apricots were in their peak season. I have never had a fresh apricot in my life. I know, its strange! Those things are delicious! I picked WAY TOO MANY of the beautiful little things and on top of all the other food that is always dished up there, I once again didn't need to eat for about 24 hours after I left.

Boom

Okay, so I just NEEDED to post some pictures of fireworks! I felt cheated otherwise. Here is what I wanted to do. The first two are from July 4th in Oregon a couple of years ago. This was the first time that I actually photographed fireworks the right way.




This is from our very small display in the driveway this year. Not much, but hey, it satisfied the craving for another year...

Independence Day!

Not what you were expecting? Me either! I had planned on wowing everyone with some spectacular explosions, fantastic colors, and some dramatic landscape. Instead, when I looked out my window, I got this. Not to say it isn't beautiful, just not what I was expecting. I love the rain, just not today...

There is something about July 4th that gets me so excited. Probably the smell of the fireworks. It instantly reminds me of childhood. It brings back all those feelings I used to have every year excitement, naughtiness, and freedom.

As a child, freedom meant exactly what it sounds like. For this one day a year, I was free from normal parental constraints. On July 4th, I could REPEAT an act of questionable legality and uncertain safety over and over. How cool is that for a kid??? Don't get me wrong, my parents were watching me like a hawk the whole time! They just didn't make me feel it as much.

Today, I think I understand the word so much better. I have never in my life been forced to follow some one's beliefs without first being able to examine my own. I am allowed to pursue a career that is largely inspired by the arts without being filtered. I am allowed to say whatever I think needs to be said. I've never lived anywhere where these fundamental thoughts are not allowed so, for now, I can't imagine being without them and for that I am thankful.

Summer Fun

I figured this photo was appropriate. It's funny how much time I spend photographing animals. I love the challenge....sometimes. This is Ruby to all of you who don't know. She is pretty much the sweetest dog ever. She is my sister-in-law's dog. At least, until somebody else gives her attention She's kind of easy. I'm sure she will some day make another cameo in the blog.

It's supposed to be hot and humid here. I know that I'm planning on finding some water to immerse myself in this weekend! We are thinking Whitewater State Park. Should be some fun times! I don't know if Tiff and I are going to be able to squeeze some fireworks in on Sunday night or not, hopefully, that's a blog post by itself!

Whatever your plans, I hope everyone gets to spend some time with family or friends, whichever you prefer!