Instagram Archives

August 12, 2017May 9, 2018

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The Elements of a Beautiful Minnesota Sunset

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky”. – Rabindranath Tagore

Those who have followed my blog or my Instagram account for a while, know by now that I am in love with sunsets. I have been called the “sunset queen” or “sunset chaser” by many friends and followers and have been known to jump on my bicycle and ride down the hill at breakneck speed to reach our lovely urban lake if the clouds and the light are right.

What I love so much about sunsets is that every single one is unique and there is always an element of surprise. The unfolding of a sunset can change into a vast array of different colors all within a matter of minutes or can just remain relatively the same. Clouds often add an extra element of delight to a sunset. I often find the best sunsets of all after a storm. Once the storm has passed, the thick water-laden clouds burst with beautiful hues of color and rays of light.

I’m fortunate to live in a state that has well over 10,000 different lakes to choose from to watch the sunset. Obviously I stick to just a few. However you can never be too far away from the perfect body of water to watch the sky dance. For me, each sunset brings its own element of surprise, awe, joy and wonder. Mother nature at her finest hour reminding us that beauty exists within the world every single day. Here are a few of my favorites from the land of 10,000+ lakes.

The fisherman

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY Weekly Photo Challenges

March 29, 2016April 9, 2018

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Why I love Instagram

Instagram has become one of the hottest social media platforms on the market with over 400 million monthly users from around the world. I was a late adapter to Instagram because it took me awhile to figure out exactly how I wanted to use it. When I first started using Instagram, I posted everyday pictures from my iPhone similar to what I share with my friends on Facebook. Quite frankly, I found it rather uninteresting so I didn’t use it much until this past October when I decided to give it a try again. I had attended a travel blogging conference and all the talk was about Instagram and how it is becoming the platform for travel, photography and lifestyle bloggers. I was interested in learning more.

I realized that I could use Instagram in a different, more fascinating way. As an extension of my view of the world, through my third eye. Instead of showing pictures of the kids or what I ate for dinner, I decided to take Instagram more seriously and use it as an expression of my creative energy. To work my photos and make them beautiful. To show my passion for seeing and exploring the world.

I went back and deleted almost all my old Instagram photos and started anew. I decided I would only post my best work, photos that inspire me and hopefully inspire others. I also would only follow those other Instagrammers that I adored and loved their work. These people could help me learn to be a better photographer.

So, why do I love Instagram? Because it inspires me to see beauty in different creative ways. It allows me to be an armchair traveler or photographer and look through others photographers work who inspire me. It also pushes me to work harder at my own photos and to take chances. I don’t just click away anymore without thinking and publish a post. Instead, I take my time and really think about a photograph and the feelings I want to evoke when looking at it.

Here are a few of my latest creations.

November 4, 2015March 20, 2019

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Breathless in Bolivia

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart. – Helen Keller

Almost a year ago today I was climbing up high into the Bolivian Andes in Condoriri Valley with my dad. It was an unforgettable trip in many regards. First and foremost, it was only six months after my father completed chemotherapy. To climb two mountains over 16,000 feet in two days is quite a remarkable recovery to say the least. I am so grateful that we were able to go on another amazing hike together. I don’t seem to have any other hiking partner as adventurous and fit as my dad. Second, for me it was proof that I could mentally and physically climb at high altitude. Landing in La Paz at one of the highest international airports in the world and then promptly driving to our base camp at 15,000 feet proved that my body could adjust and handle the thin air. It was the determining factor in my decision to climb Kilimanjaro this past July.

While I don’t have any climbing trips planned at the moment I still enjoy remembering and reflecting on my trips to the mountains. I have recently decided to revamp my Instagram account and slowly add new photos to my gallery. I feel these two pictures from my trip last November to Bolivia are right up there among my personal best. They inspire me to chase my dreams and never give up. I hope to be climbing again soon somewhere in the world.

If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride – and never quit, you’ll be a winner. The price of victory is high but so are the rewards. – Paul Bryant

This photo was taken as we were leaving our base camp in Condoriri Valley. In high season there can be hundreds of tents and climbers however we were the only ones there. It was quite cold in November dropping down to 15 degrees farenheit at night. But we had the entire place to ourselves. How lucky!

Adventure Travel Bolivia TRAVEL TRAVEL BY REGION Trekking/Hiking

October 7, 2013April 9, 2018

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A Glorious Fall Day in Minneapolis

Today is a glorious picture perfect day in Minneapolis. A day that makes me feel incredibly happy to be alive, breathing in the fresh crisp fall air and marveling at the gorgeous display of Mother Nature’s brilliant fall beauty.

I took a run around my lovely urban Lake Harriet, reflecting on what is on my agenda for the week. I couldn’t stop taking pictures along the way. It was so heartwarmingly beautiful that all my worries and concerns drifted away. That is what nature is supposed to do. To refresh, revitalize and invigorate you. My dad has passed on his love for nature and being outside to me. In honor of his birthday, here is a collection of photos taken today on my run. October 7th always marks the peak of our fall colors in Minneapolis. I can’t think of a better birthday gift than the beauty of nature.

“Happiness is largely an attitude of mind, of viewing life from the right angle” – Dale Carnegie

Minnesota TRAVEL TRAVEL BY REGION TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY United States

September 27, 2013April 9, 2018

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Minnesota’s Spectrum of Color

Fall has always been my absolute favorite time of year. As the days and nights grow shorter and the sun shines her glorious luminous light, the leaves ever so slowly begin to change. This year, fall has been coming at a snail’s pace given our Indian Summer. Yet during the last few days the leaves have begun to turn into their magical tapestry of colors. Hues from pumpkin oranges, to scarlet reds and golden yellows delight the eyes. It is nature’s way of rewarding us with beauty and preparing us for the long, colorless winter ahead.

“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats”. – Iris Murdoch