I’m looking out at my cherry tree, bare of all but a few last wet leaves, as I sit here at the computer downloading photos. I had forgotten about my trip to Golden Gardens Park a few weeks ago on what was, most likely, the last nice day of Fall before the rains came. This grove of trees at the water’s edge has such a sense of place, the strong verticality of the closely set trunks contrasting with the openness of the water, sky, and mountains. They set off the brilliant color of the leaves on the bluff that sets this long strip of beach from the rest of the city. The long angled light of Fall highlighted the patterns and textures of the bark nicely for my camera.

I feel fortunate to live in a place so filled with natural beauty. I appreciate the change of the seasons here. The storms of Winter come early along with the dark. Our Northern location give us short days and long nights this time of year. It’s a time to cozy up inside, work intently at the studio, and find time to celebrate the holidays with friends. And time to look for inspiration through my photos from the warmer, sun-filled days of the year.