Pure Minnesota

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“When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator”. –  Mahatma Gandhi

There is nothing more spectacular than a Minnesota summer. After a long, snowy and cold winter when the sun sets before five summer arrives and the world comes to life again. The birds sing, the air smells of flowering trees, and the sunsets that grace our 10,000 lakes are out of this world.

I am fortunate to live in a large city that is filled with culture, fantastic restaurants and tons to do but is also blessed with nature. Minneapolis is nicknamed the “city of lakes” and right outside my door is one of four urban lakes that flows through the heart of the city. I spend time here almost every single day, year round, running, biking and walking. They even plow the snow off the running and biking trail in the winter.

I’ve seen bald eagles, loons, muskrats, red foxes, turtles, blue herons, white egrets and even wild turkeys, all along my most favorite urban Lake Harriet. It never ceases to amaze me that in the heart of a city you can see so much nature.

My most favorite time to enjoy the lake is in the summer when the sun doesn’t set until almost ten o’clock and it is warm, humid and inviting. Last night, I took a walk before bed to catch a glimpse of the dramatic sunset. It had been hot, humid and stormy yesterday so I know I’d get a purely sensational sunset and I was right. Here is pure Minnesota in all its glory. It is not fly-over land like some east and west coasters like to call it. It is beautiful and I sometimes have to pinch myself how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful place.

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves”. – Buddha

“Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue”. –  Buddha

And I saved the best for last. This photo of my daughter was taken the night before at the same location, the South Beach of Lake Harriet. I just love this photo of her. To me, it shows the beauty and innocence of a child marveling at our amazing world.

I have been spending a little more time on Instagram these days which has inspired me to get out there more and catch the sunset. To see what I’ve been up to check me out. I am @thirdeyemom on Instagram.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Pure. 

 

 

40 thoughts on “Pure Minnesota”

  1. worldinsidemypocket – United Kingdom – Born in London, UK. Based in Lyon, France. Travel blogger, photographer and storyteller. Welcome to my travel journal.
    worldinsidemypocket on said:

    Absolutely incredible photos, truly breathtaking! <3

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet! Yes it is very hot here too. Heading for a swim soon!

      Reply ↓
  3. CarolynEliason – Sarasota, FL. – I have always enjoyed photography, but with encouragement from family and friends over years I began to realize I really love it! This blog began in 2014 as a weekly themed blog with a group mainly located here in Florida. That group no longer exists so I decided to switch things up to a monthly themed blog. Thanks for following me over the years and if your new, I hope you enjoy my photos. 😊
    CarolynEliason on said:

    WOW!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply ↓
  4. scillagrace – Oregon – I began this blog when I entered my 50th year of life. I have always enjoyed writing and taking photographs. My sister did a profound personal photo project the year she was turning 50, so once again, I followed in her footsteps, taking her idea and doing it my way. My life has changed dramatically in recent years, and I have changed with it. My husband died, my kids moved out, I sold our home and moved to Wisconsin, then followed my kids to Oregon. I suppose I have a lot to process, and I'm sure there will be more.
    scillagrace on said:

    Great picture of your daughter riding into the sunset! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! This photo brings me a lot of joy. 😊

      Reply ↓
  5. Angeline Suze – Love travel and photography. Living in Northern California. Photos of locations visited are personal file photos. I’m on Instagram: suze.munoz
    Angeline M on said:

    Absolutely gorgeous photos. And your daughter is really growing quickly! What a lovely place to live. Happy weekend, Nicole.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Angeline! Yes hard to believe she is already a fourth grader and my son is off to middle school in the fall!

      Reply ↓
  6. cherylsmit – Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada – Writing and photography are my first and second loves and thanks to technology I have the ability to share with a larger audience, including family and friends. Gone are the days of lugging around photo albums after a trip and of keeping a written journal of the experience that only I would view. The days of the handwritten letters are gone, but blogging provides a chance to share ideas, thoughts and photographs with a few mouse clicks and to receive instant feedback from around the world. It provides an opportunity to research a new place and to see that place through the eyes of a multitude of people each with their own unique way of viewing and experiencing the world. It opens the world wide and allows us a front row seat. Blogging connects us and creates a family of support. It provides an outlet and a chance to perfect the craft of writing and story telling. When I sit in my living room drinking my coffee and see that someone from another part of the world has read my words, and then I read theirs, the world is much smaller and more attainable. We are more alike than different as we share uniquely human experiences. Once I had a dream of becoming a Journalist, but somehow life got in the way. I currently have a fantastic career in healthcare and know that I have made a difference so I have no regrets. Still, I wonder if there is time to explore the road less travelled?
    cherylsmit on said:

    Beautiful!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 😊

      Reply ↓
  7. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    Gorgeous sunset shots, Nicole. Love the last one especially. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia! The last one is my favorite as well!:)

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally! Yes it has been lovely but the last few days have been lots of storms so no sunsets. It should clear up tomorrow. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  10. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    It really is great to have nature so close to you in the city; I am missing that right now in my dense urban environment. The photo of the fisherman is particularly wonderful.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes the older I get the more I need nature. I used to live in Lincoln Park before moving to Minneapolis. I do love Chicago but it was pretty urban living. Here there is so much nature with all our lakes that I can find peace and escape yet not feel too isolated. It is really nice.

      Reply ↓
  11. Dalo Collis – Hong Kong / Hangzhou / Seattle – Built up a textile business in Hong Kong, and have expanded into freelance writing and photography. Permanent resident of Hong Kong, but my heart is in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.
    Dalo 2013 on said:

    Fantastic views and photos ~ and I must agree, nothing quite as nice as a pure Minnesota summer 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!!

      Reply ↓
  13. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    The last is my favorite too Nicole – beautifully captured!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tina!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Appreciate your kind words. 🙂

      Reply ↓

  15. These are wonderful pictures of sunset and twilight. Which lake is this? These days, even I am hooked to taking sunrise pictures around several lakes in MN.

    BTW, I like the title of your post. From Explore MN to ‘Pure Minnesota’s. Very creative 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I took these all at Lake Harriet in Southwest Minneapolis. It is very near to my house. 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • Fantastic. I have been to Harriet several time before sunrise this year. It’s a beautiful place with bandshell in the background. What a cool place to stay! I feel so jealous of you now 🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        😊

  16. Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
    Miriam on said:

    Absolutely spectacular Nicole. You have the most beautiful blog, your photos never fail to inspire me, as do your quotes and words. Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend. xo

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You are so kind Miriam! Thank you so much! Your words and support mean so much to me! I appreciate it. 🙂

      Reply ↓
      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        I’m glad Nicole. And I meant every word. xo

  17. All spectacular and stunning but the photo with your daughter is an absolute winner to be treasured, as I know it will. Happy Father’s Day to her dad 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Andrew! Yes I love that photo of Sophia. We had a wonderful day yesterday to celebrate!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  19. PSM Marketing – Sieben Edmunds Miller PLLC is a premier law firm working exclusively in Minnesota's criminal defense and personal injury. The firm has helped thousands of people resolve their cases promptly and successfully. Whether through a jury verdict or a beneficial settlement, Sieben Edmunds Miller’s legal team is committed to providing every client with second-to-none advocacy.
    Aditya on said:

    Such a lovely glimpse into Minnesota’s peaceful side—your description of quiet lakeshores and gentle forest trails really transported me. I especially appreciated the way you capture that feeling of slowing down and soaking in the stillness of nature. It made me want to plan a visit during that soft summer light. Thanks for sharing this serene and heartfelt reflection!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks for reading. Minnesota has a lot of beauty to offer!

      Reply ↓

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