“Summertime,

and the livin is easy . . .”

I had such a good time with Christine and her family a few days ago.  We spent some time at Pemaquid Lighthouse and then to Little Beach, which is just down the road from Pemaquid Beach.  Unfortunately Pemaquid Beach was covered in huge, tall mounds of seaweed, which Hurricane Irene stirred up as she traveled up the coast last Sunday.  As you will see in these photos, the weather was perfect, the children played and I began to realize that these last few weeks of summer are slipping away fast.  Time to get out and enjoy as much as you can, especially while you can go barefoot in the warm sand.

It can be a challenge to have everyone looking at the camera for a group shot, but to tell you the truth, I kind of like it that way.  Don’t worry guys, I have more shots in the tree when all eyes are on me, but I thought I’d share this one instead.

And sometimes in a group shot not everyone will feel like smiling, and that’s okay, too!  This is life and I am a lifestyle photographer.  It’s important to document the laughter and the tears, which makes this a perfect portrait of three sisters!

I hope you enjoy your preview, Christine.  There are definitely more to come!  I hope you had fun in Maine and I truly hope Texas is much cooler when you get back home!!

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Life is a circle, a continuous cycle of seasons.  When I rescued Autumn, she was in the “Autumn” cycle of her life.  Her lack of care was evident in her emaciated body, her dull coat, her vacant eyes.  She was riddled with rain rot from head to hoof and her tail and mane was covered in burs.  But there was something about her that said “she’s the one for me.”

With love and proper care she rebounded beautifully and thrived on my little farm for nearly five years.  However, in these past couple of months she took a turn for the worst.  More and more I noticed that she was spitting partially chewed hay.  After the equine dentist came he confirmed she could no longer chew hay well enough to swallow.  Her teeth were worn down too far.  I began to feed her softened mash, which she ate contentedly, but she still wanted her hay.  It was frustrating for her to be hungry, to have the food in her mouth, but in the end to have to spit it out for fear of choking.

In my heart I knew the right thing to do was help her gracefully move on from this life on earth.  Her work was over and her body was tired.  She became beautiful over the years.  Her coat shone and you could see her spirit in her loving, kind eyes.  Her final years were good and it gladdens my heart to know that I was able to give them to her.  I can’t say enough wonderful things about Autumn, so I’ll let the following pictures do the talking.  Oh, one more thing.  All this time I thought Autumn was 20-something.  Turns out she was between 30-35.  Wow!  That made yesterday a whole lot easier for me.  In fact, it made me smile.

Winter of 2008.  She loved closing her eyes towards the sun during the winter.

This was her 2nd winter with us.

The dogs loved to come out when she was fed so they could eat the scraps.  This is Sonny waiting patiently.

Spring of 2008.  I love to photograph horses eyes.  They are so soulful, and as you can see, her spirit is fully back.

Every day I walked her up the road to a friends house so she could graze on the grass.  It was her favorite thing to do.

What a happy girl.

Dandelions were her most favorite thing to eat.  She couldn’t get enough!

May 2008 in our pasture.

This is a rare moment.  She hardly ever laid down to nap.

Autumn always insisted that the grass was always greener on the other side of the fence!

June 2008.  Now tell me, does this look like a 30-something year old horse!?

To keep her within the boundaries of my front yard, I just put rope up between trees and fence lines.  Such a good horse!

And then along came Muffin in October of 2008.  This was his 2nd day and she was still unsure of him, but much more accepting than day one.  By day 3 she was his “mommy.”

Once she realized the goats were no longer afraid of him she calmed down.

After the initiation, they became inseparable.

She was never alone and seemed to enjoy her status as Queen.

She grew a thick, beautiful coat and even the frigid cold of January didn’t bother her.

This is one of my favorites of her.  I love the colors and frozen lashes.

Basking in the January sun.

Of course there were times when Autumn had to scold Muffin, but she did so with her gentle authority.

And he would reply with “I’m a baby, don’t hurt me.”  And Autumn never, ever did him any harm.

After a good roll in the snow before breakfast, Autumn would occasionally become frisky.  I love their expressions!

Priceless!!

With Muffin around, you could say she was always entertained!

Feel the love

Another frisky moment in the freshly fallen snow.

And there always seemed to be a conversation afterward, in which Muffin realized she was bigger than him!

Heavily snow-laden maple branches = winter treats!

You can’t beat that late day February sunlight.

She even had to tolerate her little stallion, but as you can see, she wasn’t worried!

Summer 2009

Autumn’s last snow storm.

She loved to stand in her stall and look out.

Her final days of eating her mash.  The chickens picked at the bits she dropped.

Her closed stall door signifies where Muffin had to wait while she ate her portions of food.

This was the last picture I took of her, standing in the morning light, eating her breakfast, the beautiful glow of life in her eyes, where once she held a vacant stare, one I thought could never be penetrated.  But her brief time with me showed me that love is all you need.  I will always cherish my time with her and I will miss her sweet nicker whenever I came into her space.  She had a kind, big heart and I will be continually blessed because of her.  Her spirit runs free now, no longer chained to the failings of her earthly body.

I will always love you, Autumn.

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The first week in March just ended and for those of us living in Maine, I’d have to say we have been fortunate. Granted the last few days of February brought us near hurricane conditions, creating much damage and inconvenience, but having temperatures edging very close to 60 in March is quite a blessing.

So, what did I do this weekend? I cleaned out my garden on Saturday and on Sunday I visited my friend’s farm, hanging out for over an hour talking and taking pictures. The following images are all about joy and the carefree bliss that is so evident in children and animals.

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Typically February can be frigid and full of snow storms here in Maine. Not this year. We had heavy precipitation once this month. It began on Wednesday and it escalated into a raging storm by Thursday night. I heard we got 6 inches of rain as the winds screamed and slammed through the trees, tearing down anything too weak to hang on. We were without power for 2 days.

Life, as we know it, comes to a halt when the power is out. The silent aftermath can either become a time to complain about not having the creature comforts we are used to having or we can make use of less distractions and notice the beauty around us.

In all honesty, I did a little of both but I especially loved having my camera out to photograph the simplicity of nature as it lay dormant. Spring is so near right now, a bit too soon, though. How this year will unfold as the climate shifts remains a mystery.

By your own soul, learn to live.  And if men thwart you take no heed. If men hate you have no care. Sing your song, dream your dream, hope your hope and pray your prayer. - Parkenham Beatty

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Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.  ~Robert Fulghum

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This post is inspired by the Shutter Sisters.

I love all the seasons as each one offers its own beauty. Color is everywhere, even in the dull gray of winter.

There is something so endearing about horses in their winter coats.

There is a certain glow in the early morning during the winter months. It makes everything warm and magical.

Even though this isn’t focused, I still love the action and the light.

And I love the colors during a snow storm found happily playing in the pasture. They are, of course, in the form of four-legged furry creatures!

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Some days life is just one big blur,

especially if you’re going too fast.

So, just “Slow down, you movin’ too fast
You gotta make the MORNING last

Just kickin’ down the cobblestones
Lookin’ for fun and
Feelin’ groovy.”

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Here are some more images of Rosy and her mom and dad. Such a beautiful family.

When we choose to be parents, we accept another human being as part of ourselves, and a large part of our emotional selves will stay with that person as long as we live. From that time on, there will be another person on this earth whose orbit around us will affect us as surely as the moon affects the tides, and affect us in some ways more deeply than anyone else can. Our children are extensions of ourselves.
– Fred Rogers

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For those of us who live in Maine, it’s a known fact that somewhere in the midst of all the winter months, we do nothing but dream about the return of summer. However, when you are blessed with a January thaw and the temperatures soar above 32 degrees, there is a special magic that soothes us. Over the years I have developed a true love for the peace and quiet that winter gives. The extreme temperatures, in both summer and winter, are the most difficult for me to tolerate.

About a week and a half ago I was at a friends house. When I arrived it was still pretty cold, but it slowly warmed. She has two beautiful children, a huge herd of goats, horses and three Bernese Mountain dogs. Speaking of dogs, if you should ever want the most gentlest of giants, the Bernese Mountain dogs are amazing. Below you will see some images of their interactions with the kids.

I’ve been trying a new approach with my photo editing. I’m learning the art of combining textures with vintage actions. I’m loving how the pictures take on a completely different meaning. Or maybe what’s really happening is the true meaning is shining through. What do you think?

Have you ever seen so much joy!!

Kea in “the zone.”

Soldier is such a flashy boy.  Year-and-a-half old, sweet as can be.  His mother is Kea (Halflinger) and his father is a Gypsy Vanner.

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There can be no great love than the one shared between a child and its parents. I had the privilege and honor to witness such love, and even better, to photograph some very tender moments.  It also gave me a chance to practice using textures and vintage actions.

When you have brought up kids, there are memories you store directly in your tear ducts.  ~Robert Brault

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Annabelle had her friend over for the weekend and they have been wanting me to take pictures of them for quite some time now. But of course, I thought! Usually I can never get her to practice with me so to actually be asked was a wonderful thing. I need to practice getting everyone in focus and the first go around was not successful. Any ideas on settings for taking photos with multiple subjects that you want in focus would be great. It would also be great to maintain a shallow depth of field as well.

I’m pleased with the following images.

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This morning’s musings are inspired by this post.

Where do I go when I need to connect? When I need to feel complete and at home? With myself. With my life.

I don’t go far. In the past I have wandered here and there, searching, trying to find that comfy spot on this planet I can feel good about calling home. Well, I arrived 25 years ago. I left a couple of times, but I always came back.

I was born in the Pacific Northwest but I now live in the Northeast. The salty air from the ocean and the scented pines from the forests always soothe my soul. Always stir fond memories.

Fifteen minutes from my home, when I’m in need of ocean sounds and smells, I go here.

But mostly I’m content being in my own back yard with my animals. I’m on vacation year round and it only costs me a barn full of hay and grain, some good dog treats, chicken scratch and a willingness to be.

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I am continually awed by how light can either make or break a photograph. Yes, I have gone out with my camera on a cloudy day and the images captured were beautiful. They even glowed with a particular light found only on cloudy days.

What I love, however, is the sunlight that exists towards the end of the day or the first couple of hours after sunrise. “The golden hours.” The magic of light.

The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.  ~Vladimir Nabokov

In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.  ~Aaron Rose

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Your soul is oftentimes a battlefield, upon which your reason and your judgment wage war against your passion and your appetite.
Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul, that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody.
But how shall I, unless you yourselves be also the peacemakers, nay, the lovers of all your elements?

Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul. If either your sails or your rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas.
For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion, that it may sing;
And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes.

I would have you consider your judgment and your appetite even as you would two loved guests in your house.
Surely you would not honour one guest above the other; for he who is more mindful of one loses the love and the faith of both.

Among the hills, when you sit in the cool shade of the white poplars, sharing the peace and serenity of distant fields and meadows — then let your heart say in silence, “God rests in reason.”
And when the storm comes, and the mighty wind shakes the forest, and thunder and lightning proclaim the majesty of the sky — then let your heart say in awe, “God moves in passion.”
And since you are a breath in God’s sphere, and a leaf in God’s forest, you too should rest in reason and move in passion.     – “On Reason and Passion” by Kahlil Gibran

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Emotions. Life can be summed up as a series of unending emotions. What I strive to capture in my work as a photographer are the emotions of my subjects. It doesn’t matter if I’m shooting people, animals or plants. Emotion exists.

The following images portray a variety of emotions.

Sadness. Letting go. Adoration. Contemplation. Bliss. Joy.

What stirs your soul?

Post inspired by the Shutter Sisters.

The four images above were taken an hour or two before their beloved horses had to be laid to rest.

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Winter has become one of my favorite seasons. I know that sounds crazy to a lot of people. Yes, there are plenty of days throughout winter that I dread. Even despise. I can say that about all four of the seasons. What it boils down to is I don’t care for the extremes that each of these seasons can sometimes be possessed by.

What I love so much about winter is it allows me a chance to regroup. To catch up on my life. To initiate change. To slow down and evaluate. To drink in the quiet, still voice of nature.

I am not idle during these months of darker days. I am outside a lot with my animals, watching them play. Enjoying the lack of biting insects and sweltering heat. Winter has a certain charm that for some must be understood to appreciate. It took me many years to come to this place of appreciation. As January creeps deeper into the cave of winter, I follow, knowing there is light on the other side.

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I have felt scattered this week.  Too many directions to go in but I’m feeling directionless.  So many household things have fallen apart, needing my attention.  And yesterday, to top it all off, I went out to start my car and a tire was flat.  The end of the day resulted in two new tires.  I was supposed to pay bills with that money.  Oh well.  You can’t get there from here without a car in Maine!

I’ve been experimenting with different techniques for my photos.  The following image breaks my rules of grainy pictures.  But change is a beautiful thing and I love this image of my daughter, especially when processed like this.  In the near future, this one is going on my wall as a canvas gallery wrap.

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Inspired once again by a post from The Shutter Sisters.

If I’m ever in a down mood or when I’m feeling uninspired, all I have to do is usher my two dogs outside to the pasture and hang out with my them and my two horses and 11 hens. It really helps that one of the horses thinks he’s a dog. Well, I suppose he can’t help it, being a pint sized miniature horse! He always initiates play when we are out in the pasture.

He and one of my dogs, Cody, especially love to play together. They chase and play tug-o-war. The images below are from two days ago, plus I included some from last winter that I think really demonstrate lightheartedness. Needless to say, I am very entertained by their antics. In between shots I engage in the play, too!

This one just makes me smile.

Yikes!!

Dressing up for Valentines Day!

Feel the love.  How can I not smile!

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“If your creativity during the upcoming year could take shape—or if the space that accommodates it could take shape—what would it look like? Show us.”  Inspired by this post on Shutter Sisters.

This is an interesting way of looking at creativity – that it could have a shape. A physical form.

Creativity is a mental and social process involving the discovery of new ideas or concepts or new associations of the creative mind between existing ideas or concepts. Creativity is fueled by the process of either conscious or unconscious insight. An alternative conception of creativeness (based on its etymology) is that it is simply the act of making something new. – Wikipedia

I don’t come up with New Year’s resolutions like many people do. This year I decided on a word to focus on. Soar. My creativity is entwined in this word. Its meaning is a guiding force for the way I proceed through my daily photographic endeavors.

Giving my creativity a shape has got me thinking. So I started to look through some of my images to see if any of them jumped out at me, announcing a physical presence.

This image volunteered. It is clearly a fence line, but beyond its borders lives mystery. Beauty. Light. Freedom. Infinity. Within its borders there is very little space. And it is limited. Familiar.

I envision myself soaring over the fence line. My creativity is clearly on the other side.

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It is so easy to get comfortable with a certain way of doing things. In regards to photography, post processing in particular, I have found myself seeking new ways of bringing to life the images I take. I visit hundreds of blogs. I sample hundreds of tutorials. I read hundreds of “how to’s.” But in the end I found myself slinking back into a familiar way of presenting my work. Maybe it’s my “style” or my “signature” – a way for people to recognize my images. For them to be able to say, “yep, that’s Darlene.”

But I want to grow. I want to feel expressive in a multitude of ways. I don’t want my post processing to be my signature. I want the emotion conveyed in the images to say “this is Darlene’s work.”

The following images are from a session I did towards the end of November. I’m still working on them. The good thing about taking so long is the images and I are evolving together. I am stepping outside my “photography comfort zone” with the intention of being open to many forms of expression. These images below have been treated with a vintage look. The hardest part about this change is when I put the original image and the vintage image side by side. I have to let go of the fact that the colors are different, especially skin tones. But what I’m loving is the energy shift. It really brings to life the feeling of the moment.

The direction of this post was inspired by the latest post on Shutter Sisters.

This image represents such a sacred moment.  I just love the synchronicity between Lea and Spartacus.

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In late October I photographed Carly and her horse, Pepe’.  It was a secret.  The photos were to be used for Christmas presents so I couldn’t post them until now.  I remember Kirstie telling me – “good luck!  She doesn’t like to have her picture taken.  She usually makes funny faces.”  I thought, okay, I’ll work with it.  When I finished editing them and sent Kirstie a preview she said, “no one has ever captured Carly like that!”  Needless to say, we were both pleased.

“On Friendship” by Kahlil Gibran

Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you withhold the “ay.”
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

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I found a wonderful blog last week – Shutter Sisters.

It is a beautiful blog, so full of inspiration and ideas. It has already helped me to focus on the important things in my life. I’m starting to feel more grounded. More connected to the journey of my life, and to the journeys of those around me.

I have been introduced to an idea that really intrigues me. And excites me.

One little word. Choose one word to be your guiding light, your mantra, your focus for the year. Read all about it here, at Ali Edwards blog.

My word for 2010 is Soar. I have been thinking about words all week. Trying them on. Seeing how they fit. Exchanging one for another. I felt like I was clothes shopping! Finally, soar is the word that fit me best.

For me it signifies freedom. Release. Beyond. Heights. Unlimited. Extraordinary.

My one little word is a doorway into infinite possibilities. Even though it is a “lofty” word, I feel grounded in its implications.

Please join me in 2010. What word inspires you? Where would you like to focus your energies this year? I’d love to know. Lets share our stories.

“People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change.  They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in.  Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life’s circumstances to push them down and hold them under”  – Author Unknown

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Today is it – the final day of 2009.  In terms of weather, this day represents the calm before the storm.  We are in for a major nor’easter – two storms converging and taking three days to move through.  A lot of wind.  A lot of snow.  A mixture of rain and ice.

To me storms are about release and change.  There is no better time for release and change than at the beginning of a new year.  Maybe a thick blanket of snow will erase all the dirtiness beneath.  For some the white beauty may represent a clean slate, an empty canvas on which to create a new life.  A different life.  For better or worse, but different all the same.

A new year cloaked in snow can be a symbolic reminder of peace – in our lives.  In the world.

A blanket of snow is a time for dreams.

A raging storm is the collective voices of life upon our dear earth.  Chanting untold stories.  Unleashing rage and power.  Creating beauty.

The following images are various moments from this year.

The Fire of Dawn

True Love

Walk with me into the end of daylight.

The magic of childhood bliss!

Cowgirl Love

Partnership

Summertime

Daydream

Hands of Time

Sunrise and Meandering Fence Line

Heart to Heart – Soul to Soul

Two Worlds Collide

A Peaceful Moment

Lets See What Tomorrow Brings

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I have been waiting for Christmas to come so I could post these images.  I photographed Justine and her horse, Emma, in November with the intention of documenting their connection.  The resulting images were to be used as gifts, so I didn’t want them to be made public until they were given.  I love how they turned out.  We had less than an hour before the sun disappeared, and during that time the sun was in and out of the clouds.  And Emma was a bit antsy so I just watched and clicked away.  No poses, just pure moments.  A lot of love going on between these two!  And such beauty!  (I will be doing a post of her sister and her horse later in the week, so stay tuned!)

This is my personal favorite.

And this one, too.

Yes, the colors were that vibrant!

And this is a picture of her other horse, Otis, that I made into a poster.

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Merry Christmas!  I can’t believe how time seems to be flying by faster and faster.  It only seems like yesterday I was swatting mosquitoes in the hot, smoldering sun, but now it’s 10 degrees out, the ground is frozen, the wind is icy and believe me – there are no bugs to be found!  I’m glad about that last part

In the midst of our economic downturn, there continues to be many blessings and cherishable moments in my life.  Things that are usually taken for granted, like a warm house to live in, food in the cupboards, the company of good friends and the ability to work are all treasures to be grateful for.  And I am.  Every single day.  When I hear sad news about animal neglect during these hard times, I look at each of my animals with a warmth in my heart knowing they will never hunger or suffer.  And I pray for those who can no longer care for their animals or children that they will have the wisdom and strength to ask for help rather than walk away.

Life as we once knew it is changing – always for better – always for the greater good of all.  It isn’t always an easy journey.  There are bumps in the road, mountains to climb and even raging storms to hunker down in and wait patiently for them to pass.  But I have learned that if we are true to ourselves and do what our life calls us to do, if we remain humble, if we remain open and flexible so we can move with the changes, it will and does turn out okay.

I wish each of you the gift of a new year, which always offers us the opportunity to begin anew, to see from a different vantage point, and to move forward as if for the first time – in wonder and excitement.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

My daughter, Annabelle, bought me a Nikon 50mm lens for Christmas, (of course, gave it to me early) and these four pictures were taken using it.  I love how the shallow depth of field creates a dreamy quality to the image.  I love you, Annabelle!!  Isn’t she the best!!

Sonny

Cody

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My miniature horse, Muffin, is so photogenic and he seems to love the camera, too.  Couple that with incredible morning light, and the results are quite pleasing.  I hope all who are in the Northeast are staying as warm as possible.  Minus 6 due to a wind chill factor is on the extreme end of winter.  And it’s NOT even winter yet!

To be able to look back upon ones life in satisfaction, is to live twice. – Kahlil Gibran

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.  – Kahlil Gibran

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It isn’t even officially winter yet but it feels like January already!  I hope these past few days aren’t a preview of what’s to come.  I love winter, I truly do, but the extreme wind and cold is hard to take in big doses.  However, regardless of the temperature outside, the light of winter is extraordinary, especially in the morning or late afternoon.  Morning at my house is better than late afternoon because of the way the sun is able to shine in my pasture.  The following images were taken this morning as the sun was still climbing.  Every once in awhile it would peer through the tree branches on one side of the pasture to illuminate the trees on the other side.  I think the effect was quite beautiful.  Enjoy!

Notice the “little Muffin” watching in the background.

I think Sonny just ate some horse poop!

“Anyone wanna play soccer?”

“Hmm, guess not . . .”  Just look at that round, happy belly!

Isn’t that the most kissable nose you ever did see?  And believe me, it gets kissed many times a day!  Ah, morning light!

Time for a game of tag!

I hope your morning was as beautiful as mine was.

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The Winter Solstice is nearly upon us, there is snow on the ground and the cold wind is howling.  However, these past couple of days I’ve taken a break from editing and decided to wander through some photos I took this past summer.  It amazes me the drastic shift in each of the seasons, especially between summer and winter.   The following images are of children, two of which are my own.  Seeing the carefree spirit of the young ones really made me think of Kahlil Gibran “On Children.”

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

-Kahlil Gibran

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is a little over 2 weeks away!  I’m actually looking forward to the New Year.  To me it is symbolic of fresh starts, beginning anew, leaving what no longer serves me behind.  I feel like I’m in transition, and for those of you reading this that are women who have gone through labor and bore children, you know what I mean!  It can be painful, you become ugly and monster-like, wanting nothing more than to release what is aching to come out because you know, in the end, it will be beautiful.

I am not giving birth to a child (whew!) but I am birthing a new life that has been growing inside me for a long time.  This “nesting” phase is both exciting and exhausting, creating a new joy to be shared with all.

The images below were taken over the past month or so.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

What is this magic that exists between horses and the feminine ? How do you describe their interaction, their natural curiosity of one another? How do you weave respect and trust into genuine play, especially when your playmate is a 1,000 pound animal who lives on instinct and can react in a millisecond? The images below will answer these questions for you.

I spent the day with Lea this past Sunday and I continue to be awed by her way with horses. I hope you will see as I do that there is nothing more sweet than Lea’s relationship with her horses, except for maybe the wisdom she is passing on to her 8 year-old apprentice. You will see how every moment is a spontaneous response to an internal call for delight; how scarves and movement, a tall hat or pink boa can enlist laughter and thundering hooves. You will see a young girl learning the art of leadership and the delicate balance between strength and a gentle heart. You will witness a woman’s heart flowering with mystery as she weaves her way through a timeless dance. You will see that the elements of play are vast and simple, yet full of enchantment and wonder.

Have you ever played dress up with your dog or cat?  I know I have!  But have you ever played dress up with your horse or horses?  If not, and you have a horse, you might consider it the next time you wonder what fun thing you could do together.

Lea says it’s a good idea to dress strangely for your horse so they become desensitized to unfamiliar things.  So get out the costumes and have fun!

Now doesn’t Spartacus look dashing in his top hat!!

Really, Xena doesn’t mind at all getting dressed up for the boys!

“Awe, what a good girl” approves mommy Lea!

As you will see, the energy of the day shifts in many directions, creating an ever changing mood.

Many of the fantasies young girls have about horses are not only full of potential that the horse/woman relationship promises, but are also tremendous symbols for personal growth in leadership, courage and empowerment.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself.  – Havelock Ellis

Life is art and even a horse can be the canvas upon which you express your creativity.

We journeyed through the woods to a pond.  The light in the forest was fantastic.  In fact, the light of late fall throughout the winter months are among the most extraordinary forms of ambiance I know of.

Some blurry pictures tell stories anyway.

It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive.  There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.   -George Eliot

Could it be, that the horse as messenger, is such a profound teacher because once upon a time when we listened to all healers, all creatures who, in one way or another, inspired us to remember what we already knew, the horse persuaded us to believe in ourselves?   As long as we do not ask the horse to forget who he is, he will remind us of who we want to be.  – Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Thank you, Lea, for an extraordinary day.  I cannot wait for our next “play date!”

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits