We were lucky to have family from Kansas visiting us in Minnesota this past weekend. Knowing that they are all avid fishermen we decided to share some of the wonderful lake fishing we have in our state of 10,000+ lakes. Yesterday started with some (successful) Northern Pike fishing on a small lake near the Twin Cities. Then we headed north for an evening launch on Mille Lacs Lake. After a day of clouds and overcast skies and even a few raindrops, we were hopeful our trip on the big lake would not be rained out. As luck would have it, the clouds parted and we enjoyed some sun, blue skies, and a wonderful sunset over the lake. As luck would not have it, our fishing success was somewhat limited; one perch, and a couple of walleye that were too big to keep. But we did keep the experience of a shared night of fun, laughter, a beautiful sunset, and the camaraderie of family and friends. Thanks to them all for a memorable weekend!
family
Thanks to my father
Happy Father’s Day to my dad. I’m so fortunate that he’s been one of my biggest supporters throughout my life. This photo from 1960 brings back memories of love, caring, adventures, and great times. He was the one that built a great playhouse for me, complete with French doors. And he was the one that bought the old upright piano that I first took lessons on, and even took the time to strip all the paint off and refinish it. Dad took me ice skating, developed my love of the outdoors through camping and fishing, took me canoeing, and even bought me a horse when I was a young teenager. My dad persevered with me trying to overcome my barrier to math story problems; for hours he kept his patience and worked with me until finally the light bulb went off in my head. So many experiences I’ve had, and so many lessons I’ve learned from Dad, and continue to do so even today. Happy Father’s Day, Dad – and thanks for helping to shape me into the woman I am today!
Thanks to my mother
It’s Mother’s Day and I’m thinking of my mother; how lucky I’ve been to have her in my entire life, even today. I look at this photo from 1960 and I can see her love, her support, her caring, and her pride. I’m guessing it was Easter-time because of the frilly dress and hat and patent-leather shoes. What were my mother’s dreams for me? And have I lived up to those? I’m living a full life, surrounded with family and friends. I’ve had my mis-steps in life like everyone and I’ve managed to pick myself up and keep going, learning in the process. I’ve gone to school to be educated and I’ve learned life lessons outside of the classroom that I’m carrying with me each day. I’m developing the artistic heritage that my mother has passed down to me; her artwork inspires my photography and her sewing lessons (along with those of both my grandmothers) have carried through to my quilting and even into my photography. I approach each day with a positive attitude, open to the possibilities of great and beautiful things that can happen. Her love has remained steady and she’s one of my biggest fans and supporters. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom – today and everyday!
Intersections
Where are the intersections in your life? With people, with pets, with nature, with your emotions? I’m grateful for the intersections and interactions of this past Thanksgiving week. I’ve been fortunate to spend it with my family – a group of interesting, adventurous, diverse, and fascinating people ranging in age from 15 to 83. So many interests and activities, and yet we all found a way to be together for the holiday. There were laughs and stories, food and love. Sure there might have been stress in the interactions, and maybe the meal wasn’t the perfect Norman Rockwell interpretation, but it was an intersection of intent, of appreciation, and of thankfulness. And to me that is huge.
On the road
This weekend called for a trip south to the Kansas City area to attend my nephew’s high school graduation. That was the planned part; the unplanned part was that I strained my lower back a day before we were to leave. Trying to maneuver in and out of a car was quite the test of endurance. But….we persevered and arrived pretty much on schedule. What I didn’t realize was that my back would continue to get worse over the next couple of days. Try as I might, I was flat on my back in bed the day of the graduation. My family members represented me at the ceremony, and I was lucky to see some cell-phone photos of the event. The return trip home on I-35 North was uneventful, and was the extent of my photographic adventures this weekend. For those of you that thought Iowa was flat, I have photographic proof that’s not the case. The hillsides and pastures are all green from the recent rains, and many of the agricultural crops are starting to peek through the soil. My back is mending, but it’s still not 100%. To my “driver” – thanks! And to my nephew Tanner – congrats on all your accomplishments! We couldn’t be more proud, and we look forward to your future endeavors.
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