I am deeply into the beginning stages of a very busy period that will most likely last throughout the next couple of months, and I will have little time to devote either to following those of you who have become photo friends or to respond in depth to the comments that you’ve made on my recent posts. It’s going to be a summer packed to the gills with family activities, including a family reunion and a memorial celebration for my mom. So please bear with me and have patience. I’ll try to put up a quick post from time to time, but I’m way behind now and will likely stay that way for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, here’s a favorite photo from my past, made while fishing in my canoe at sunrise on one of the Gulch Lakes in (and I’m not making this up) the Paul Bunyan State Forest in Hubbard County, Minnesota, on a beautiful July morning in 1994. I am already looking forward to a few such serene moments, when I can take it all in with a deep breath, let it all out again, and contemplate the wonder.
krikitarts 
Gary, beautiful picture, man – the absolute beauty of nature! I hear what you’re saying about being busy >>> I hope everything goes off very well – and I look forward to you’re being back in regular circulation eventually.
We are in total chaos here with builders in, but that’s only for another fortnight or so. Boy am I looking forward to getting back to normality!
I very much identify with “when I can take it all in with a deep breath, let it all out again, and contemplate the wonder.” – that does my mind good!
Take care, my friend! I hope all goes well! Adrian
It’s not like I’m taking a trip to the moon. I will be in occasional touch, but it will be quite some time before I’ll be able to devote an hour or two a day to the website. Thanks very much for the kind words, Adrian–and don’t give up on my yet!
Beautiful serene image. Have a wonderful Summer, Gary.
Many thanks, M, that is most certainly my plan. I wish you the very same!
Wow, Gary, that’s a stunning image. Makes me melt with longing for a visit to such a serene location.
(and you’re not the only one who is way behind with the reading, writing & so on – sometimes it’s better to wipe the slate clean and start afresh after the festivities have ended – everyone understands).
Ooooh, “melt with longing!” Now there’s a compliment I’ve not had before! If you’re ever in the vicinity of Northern Minnesota in the (our) summer, I’d be delighted to take you there. As for wiping the slate clean, you and the rest of my photo friends out there post such interesting stuff that I’d be afraid to miss a jewel. I’ll get to them eventually…meanwhile, I hope you have a great winter!
Beautiful photo Gary. The clouds and their reflection look like giant hands cradling the point of land. Perhaps Paul’s very own giant hands?
I did have that thought as I was composing the shot, and when I saw the print for the first time, I was ecstatic about the way it turned out. I love the thought that the hands might be Paul’s!
Found your blog through a Wikipedia reference in German. I’ve enjoyed paging through your photos and comments. Wonderful stories through photos, music (in my memory), and words. I had a little trouble finding the music clips though…
Thanks for stopping by and for leaving your kind comment, Winnie. Music clips–yes, that’s something I plan to do in the near future, and it’s long overdue! Might I inquire what you meant by music in your memory?
I spent some enjoyable time with you at Capital, and music was often part of it.
I have had exactly the same impression of hands since I made the photo. I knew you’d see them, too!
Beautiful image, Gary. Sounds like you have a busy summer ahead. Please take care and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. I’ll be eagerly waiting for your return. :)
It is wonderfully, gloriously busy, Emily. I’m starting to make time to share some of the roses and other wonders that I’ve been stopping and smelling. Hope you like them!