Spring has Sprung

I've really been pushing myself lately to go out and photograph even if I don't see anything "worth" photographing. I've been slacking these past few years, allowing life to get in the way of what I enjoy. Sometimes it's not until I have the camera in my hand and I'm out exploring that inspiration will take hold. I suppose I've learned that sometimes you can't wait for inspiration to strike, sometimes you have to go out and look for it. This week I tried to find both inspiration and hope in the fact that spring is on it's way and the darkness of winter is at its end. From spotting robins everywhere to budding trees and daffodils, spring has arrived.

It's daffodil season...

Flowering buds are my favorite

I can't wait until these unfurl into leaves 

To me one tell tale sign of spring is peep frogs and skunk cabbage. It's everywhere in the stream behind my parent's house. 

Through the Woods

I set out this morning to try and snap a few photos of what's sure to be the last snow fall of the season. I had a specific farm in mind to start with and then to head over to a nearby lake. The plan was to then hit a few more farms from there. Photography, like nature, is unpredictable however. The quickly clearing skies and melting snow put a damped on my plans. Once at the lake I was now battling a bright sun directly above me creating too much contrast and shadows for my liking. Instead I scrapped my plans and spent the next hour or so hiking through the woods near the lake.

The air was clean and crisp. It was so quiet and still I could hear the snow dripping off the trees. I had forgotten how cleansing being alone in nature can be. The past month has been full of stress, worries, and sadness. Being alone in the forest felt freeing. I could breath easier and for an hour my mind was off my worries and focused only on my surroundings. I was taking in the glimmer of the sun off the snow, the contrast of the snow covered trees with their red buds, and even a possible coyote track. I set out today hoping to capture snowy landscapes but instead I found a few wonderful moments of pure peace and quiet.

Despite the snow, spring is in the air.

Green grass peaks up through the snow.

The winding road...

Spring may be here but winter isn't quite ready to let go...

Through the woods I travel. Not a soul did I find (unless you count the birds along the way) It's so rare to be alone these days, even in nature.

Back home for a warming cup of tea and a few chapters in my book before I tackle my endless list of chores.

Culture!

I always enjoy going to art shows. Being around all that creativity seems to spark my creativity energy every time. I start daydreaming of the paintings, drawings or photos I want to create. While going to an art show is always fun being in an art show is even better. This year both of my submissions got into The Slater Art Museum's annual show. Not only that, but my Blue House image gained an "Honorable Mention." So this weekend my boyfriend and I visited the show and saw some of the other works displayed. We had a great time picking out our favorite pieces. What I love so much about this show is there's always a great range of media, from pencil drawings to fiber art. My work has gotten in the past few years so I was thrilled to be a part of this show as well.

For those of you that aren't familiar with my Blue House series, I visited that house multiple time throughout the year to create a collection of images that depicted the changing seasons. Along the way I fought through huge prickers, ticks galore, rain, snow and freezing temperatures. I'm glad my effort paid off! It's not often I look at my work and feel truly satisfied but this image of the blue house in winter is by far one of my personal favorites. It was my favorite in the series as well.

The other image I submitted!

The Slater Art Museum in Norwich