York, Maine, Cliff Path

One of my favorite local places ... the Cliff Path in York, Maine.

Have you ever been? If not you really should go next time you're in the area. It's beautiful anytime of year but there's something about early Autumn that I love. The air seems a bit crisper, the water a bit bluer, and the Cormorants are just starting to head south in large formations.  

The path twists and turns along rocks, buildings, gates, and rocky shores. In total it probably takes only about 10 minutes to walk the whole way, but it's 10 minutes of discovery and bliss.

Part of the path is concrete, part of it rocks, and part of it dirt. At about this point it seemed like the perfect place to stop, sit down, and look out towards the ocean for a few minutes. 

It's like the old saying ... 'The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea' ~ Isak Dinesen

Whenever I need peace of mind it's to the ocean I go 

As I sat on the rocks I thought about my close friend, Carrie, who had to move back to the mid-west. I know she wishes she could come home to New England and when the time is right she will. Sitting with my shoes off, looking out over ocean, breathing in the salty air, and loving the view, she was right there in my heart. 

Spectacular New England style home is what you'll see out on the point 

I can't help but wonder if they ever actually use their hammock that overlooks the ocean

At the end of the path you can choose to either go back the way you came, or take the long way and head up a grassy knoll towards the road. I generally like to take the road because I love looking at the beautiful homes and gardens. 

The apples were lying in a driveway I walked passed.  Seeing as how the apples were all still perfectly intact, it left me to assume the house was probably just a summer/week-end residence. 

Love the ornamental grass in these window boxes! Talk about low maintenance! Next year it could be an option for my own. Of course I'd have to add a flower into the mix. Something light and airy. Any suggestions?

So glad I chose to take the sidewalk back to the car ...

A tender moment

Hydrangeas only seem to grow more beautiful with time

I hope your Fall is a beautiful one. Here in New England the weather couldn't be more perfect. Day after day of sunshine, with temperatures in the 60's to low 70's. Nights are crisp and perfect for sleeping. 

This past Wednesday my husband and I spent the afternoon in Wolfboro, NH. I'd hoped to capture some great foliage pictures but was left somewhat disappointed by the color remaining on the trees. Still, I'll have to look at my memory card and see what I came up with. 

Have a great week-end! 

iPhoneography: Beachin' collages

It's a beautiful, sunny, but very windy Sunday here in the Northeast. This morning my daughter Elise, her boyfriend, and I all volunteered to help out with one of the water stops at the 'Chief Maloney Memorial Run/Walk'. Chief Maloney was shot and killed in the line of duty on April 12th, the week before he was set to retire. It's been a rather emotional experience for many of the locals. Things like that just don't happen here. Nor should they happen anywhere.

Needless to say it was a great morning! Everyone was up beat, friendly and positive. Willing to do whatever it took to make the run/walk a success. My husband decided to run the race and out of over 2,000 people he came in 29th! The man can move I tell ya!

After a quick nap, a cup of coffee, and a little collage work it's off to the gym for me. What are you up today?

I had fun making the bottom collage on Picmonkey. They don't offer collages yet but if you want to know how to make one manually just head on over to Ashton's blog post on Something Swanky. That girl is one smart cookie!

Till next time, thank you all for the warm response you've given me after being away for so long! It's a real boost to keep me going. My other blog, The Sweetest Days, has a new post as well which you can view here or at the top right of my blog.

Sharon

Linking up with Mary's Little Red House blog for Mosaic Monday

Full moon rising over York Beach

Below is a time elapsed Full Beaver moon (aka Frosty Moon) rising over Long Sands in York, Maine on November 21st of this year.

Nubble Lighthouse

After moving down the beach . . .

This woman was actually out there doing yoga in the moonlight, and it was bitterly cold. Oh but what a moment to live in.

The Nubble

Have you ever been here?

My husband and I went to the Nubble/Sohier Park on our first date. We sat there looking out at the lighthouse engaged in awkward conversation for a little while before we decided to leave. Although we actually shared our first kiss in the parking lot of where we worked (romantic, huh?), the Nubble will always hold a special place in my heart.

You may have noticed the new header, above. I shot it late last year, in December. Because of the snow there were quite a few photographers standing around just waiting for the lights to be turned on at 5:00 pm. It was a rather cold evening but worth every degree. Hopefully I'll be able to get back there on another snowy night this winter before the lights go out on January 1st. So far the ground is bare though.

If you miss the lighting in the winter then maybe you can check out Christmas in July. The lights come on around 9:00 pm from July 29th-August 7, 2011. There's more information available on the official Nubble Lighthouse website below.

Boon Island Lighthouse

The Nubble website

Looking south towards Long Sands

The reason I went to Cape Neddick on this particular night was to shoot the full moon rising. I was trying to figure out where it would be coming up by looking at where the sun was setting. The moon had to be rising opposite the sun, right? Suddenly I realized I wasn't in the right place. The moon wouldn't come up behind the lighthouse, so I took a few shots and headed for Long Sands beach. I'll show you some of the moon photos next time.

York Harbor Delight

This is where my husband and I went today. Wish you were there too!

Enjoy the views!

Stairs along the beginning of the path

Many Monarch butterflies had gathered among the purple flowers. I couldn't help but wonder if they were gearing up for the big journey South. I hope so because it's awfully cold here tonight!

If you look from left to right you'll actually see 4 Monarchs!

Oh and the Dragonflies ... they were HUGE and everywhere! However, they refused to settle down and cooperate for a photo opp. I thought my husband might catch one for me because he's good at that kind of stuff, but he didn't.

Thanks for coming along, even if it was a virtual tour ; )

Mockingbird

I had a some time to myself yesterday so I took a drive up through York, Maine. Had hoped for some sun and warm temps but that didn't happen. It didn't seem to bother this Mockingbird though, whom I found in York Harbor. All he cared about was singing his little heart out! I think he knew every song in the book too!

I thought for sure as soon as he saw me he'd take off so I shot the video from behind. When I finished I walked around front and took a few regular shots and he just kept on singing away. There were 3 different kinds of berries in the bushes below so somehow I'd guess he was staying put!

Backyard Birds and Garden Frills

This is my first post using Windows Live Writer(click to download) and so far I’m loving it! It took me a while to find the program on my computer after I downloaded it, which I guess Rhoda had a similar problem, so try not to be too discouraged if the same thing happens to you. Not to mention as with any program you’ll need to figure out how it works but by the time you do I guarantee you won’t be going back to blogger anytime soon. I would also suggest using WLW in combination with Minima Stretch as a template for optimal results but I’m sure it works with other templates as well.

Why I’ve never been to Backyard Birds & Garden Frills (Rt. 1, York, Maine) I’m not sure. It’s not far from me but it’s sort of off my beaten path.

As you can see I went there on a snow day about a month or so ago (yeah, I’m always late with my posts). There are bird feeders filled to the brim all around the building. It’s a bird lovers paradise! In the summer you’ll find places to sit and have lunch or just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

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Beautiful items to be had, and I wanted them ALL!!! I’ll bet I could even make the ‘FLOWERS’ blocks if I really tried . . .

 

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Part of the store is Bell Farm Antiques. Lovely linens, pottery, etc., no junk here. Check out the black carved birds up on top of the jelly cabinet on the right. They would go perfect in my family room! The store is somewhat high end so I had to browse this time instead of purchase.

Bird houses . . . you know I love bird houses! They had plenty of them too, along with about every other bird supply you could possibly want, including many varieties of seed.

 

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Easter decor was plentiful and gorgeous! Although the picture on the right with the sleigh didn’t come out very bright I decided to show it anyway. Those bunnies were incredible in person. I could have spent all day in this store, there was so much to dream of owning and drool over! Looking around the store their attention to detail was obvious.

Did we have a lot of snow or what! Wish I could have shown you more of the store, there was so much to look at.

As temps continue to rise I’ll have to take a trip back to Backyard Birds & Garden Frills/Bell Farm Antiques. If you live in the area I would suggest making the trip as well. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

http://www.backyardbirdsandgardenfrills.com/

http://www.bellfarmantiques.com/