There is something about summer that is truly fun. It is a time of year that I always feel once again like I am sixteen. The warm summer skies and sun make me come alive with energy and a sense of utter freedom that I only feel this time of year. Perhaps it is because after months of being trapped indoors, I can finally be outside for hours and hours every day. Or else it is the warm humid air or the feeling of the silky cool lake upon my skin that bring me back to my amazingly fun days of youth. The smell of lake water a constant reminder of my childhood growing up surrounded by lakes. The fragrance of roses, watermelon, sunscreen and an evening fire.
Summer is the one time I allow myself to truly let go, to dive in and embrace life. To not be stuck inside on my computer but to be outside running, biking, walking, swimming and reading under a big shade tree. To drive with the windows down letting my long hair blow wild, singing to the radio at the top of my lungs.
This summer I took on a new adventure and tried my best to head down to the lake every night and catch the sunset. As long as there were some clouds to add color and it wasn’t raining, I either jumped on my bike or took the dog down to the lake to capture the stunning views of summer’s ultimate gift: Her extraordinary sunsets. For me, this has been a summer of sunsets and here are some of my absolute favorites from my lovely neighborhood lake.
“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” – Marilyn Monroe
“Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes and dance.” – Oprah Winfrey
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” – Anonymous
“If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud” – Emile Zola
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them”. – Henri Matisse
“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one”. – Â Dr. Seuss
I have been having way too much fun enjoying summer sunsets. I will be sad when it is over. At least there is fall.
I like to think of the clouds and light as God’s gift every day. Nicole the stunning sunsets you have been posting of the lake are stunning and seeing them in this post as a series is wonderful. I am going to put this on my new Pinterest for my blog and my personal one. Thank you for sharing your beautiful summer. Hope it is an Indian one …
Oh thank you so much Louise! That makes me feel so good. Really glad you enjoyed the photos! 🙂
Such vibrant sunsets and what a gorgeous spot. Love the one with your dog and the rim light on his ears.
Thanks Jane! The dog photo is of our new puppy Winter. He is five months now. I love how the light caught his ears too. The one with the couple arm and arm by the beach is me and my husband on our 16 year anniversary. 🙂
Wow!! Great captures!
Thank so much Amy! All of these ones have been posted on Instagram as well so you may have seen them. 🙂
More beautiful the second time. 🙂
Oh thanks Amy!
I can almost hear the Loons all the way out here in California. Missing our lake cabin on Pokegama
I bet. I love the call of the loons. It is something that always makes me utterly happy.
Lots of beautiful, beautiful shots, Nicole. I feel summer slipping away and want to enjoy it to the max as well.
janet
Thanks Janet! So glad you like the photos! Yes I’m starting to feel really sad that summer is coming to a close. At least we have September, a wonderful month!
Beautiful pics!
Thanks Rachel!
Gorgeous photos. Love the living outloud quote.
Thank you so much! I love that quote too. I love quotes in general as they always inspire me and are fun to throw in with pictures.
Nicole I loved seeing your sunsets on IG and here as well. It sounds like summer is a very special time for you. Lovely words to go with these gorgeous images.
Thanks Sue! Yes each one of these photos was posted on Instagram and I’ve joined this wonderful Facebook group that only posts sunsets and sunrises which has inspired me to get out there more and take photos. I’ve enjoyed it. Sad summer is coming to a close thought.
Each one of those photos feels like hope and contentment.
Thank you so much! I feel that sunsets offer so much joy and inspiration.
I’ve seen many of these, but they bear pursuing again!
Yes these have all been posted on Instagram Lexi. I’ve joined this sunset Facebook group which has inspired me to capture more sunsets. It has been so much fun!
Amazing shots!
Thank you so much! 🙂
I’m living in the wrong part of the world it seems 🙂 These are stunning shots and exquisite quotes to go with them <3
Thank you so much! Really glad you enjoyed!
Lovely sunsets Nicole. I especially liked the one with the hammocks
Thanks Tina! 🙂
A collection of magnificent photographs. The first one if my absolute favourite!
Alison
Thanks so much Alison! Really glad you liked all the photos! 🙂
Love both your photos and quotes Nicole! I would say that you are always living out loud. 🙂
Thanks LuAnn so much! I try to “live out loud” as much as I can but it can get tough with a busy life. 🙂
Your striking images are examples of nature’s abundance. And also how every sunset was its unique character.
Oh thank you Sally! Yes it is amazing how every night is so different. 🙂 That is what I love the best!
Every picture is simply superb!!! specially I loved the quotes…..very motivating. I keep wondering how you manage to pic the best ones. Do keep them comming……
Oh thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words! Most of these photos – well actually all – were on Instagram which has gotten me to take more photos of sunsets. Always looking for something new to post!
Gorgeous sunsets!
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the sunsets. 🙂
Makes me wonder why I bother to leave town, with all this beauty right here!
Me too! 😌
Breathtakingly beautiful sunsets Nicole. Thanks for sharing them. Now we can look forward to the beauty of Fall. Warm wishes as always 🙂
Thanks Andrew! Life has been very busy this summer and I look forward to getting back into my blog and catching up on all my favorites. 🌟