Wandering On The Edge

The Poppies Of Peridot Mesa

2012-02-29T19:08:00.002-07:00

My Wintery Friend

2012-02-19T18:13:00.004-07:00

A restless soul in the city, pacing back and forth, escapes to the natural world when ever free. This is my safe place to land when the other world is too much. Here I know reverence. Here I know selflessness. Here I know love. Here...I'm me.

2012-02-03T17:33:00.002-07:00

"Love is not consolation. It is light"

Friedrich Nietzsche

Jewel Of The Creek Preseve: At sunset

2012-01-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Jewel Of The Creek: Before Sunrise This Morning

2011-12-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

I see my world as a constant stream of visual masterpieces of color, light, shade, shape, contrasts and design. I'm chronically distracted. I'm forever drawn to it. And in turn, I'm
compelled to paint it or photograph it. All I know is I have to be surrounded by it.
Among it, alone in my

wandering,
I've never known loneliness.

The natural world has moved me to explore, to

be fit, to climb, to think and at times moved me to tears.

I don't know what the question is, but I know the answer.

Winter comes to Horton

2011-12-15T17:44:00.003-07:00

Love of the wilderness is more than a hunger for what is always beyond reach; it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth which bore us and sustains us, the only home we shall ever know, the only paradise we ever need - if only we had eyes to see. ~Edward Abbey —

I was surprised to find Horton under several feet of snow today. The snow was new and the trail was completely invisible. Having been there so many times, I was able to make my way around by familiar landmarks. It was a strange feeling to wander around alone in this untouched setting, especially down by the creek. At a certain point the snow was just too deep to navigate and I had to turn back. Next Winter, I'll return with neoprene socks!

Summer At Horton Springs

2011-12-12T21:05:00.002-07:00

“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
― John Muir

The Spring at Horton is about 5 miles from the trailhead. It's stunning, especially in the Summer, I happen to take this shot during the monsoon season and the lighting was perfect. Having gone back several times later in the year, I never found this scene so lush. I can't wait to go back next Summer when I can plan the lighting and timing a bit better.

What's Not To Love

2011-12-11T13:08:00.001-07:00

Playing in the garden.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-09T20:14:00.001-07:00

"Nature is man's teacher.
She unfolds her treasures to his search, unseals his eye, illumes his mind, and purifies his heart;
an influence breathes from all the sights
and sounds of her existence."
~Alfred Billings Street

This is the most TRUE poem, I know.
On the "given" day of gratitude I decided to not make the day about "food" and go to where I find myself the most appreciative... in NATURE.
Beautiful, peaceful, serene...the sounds of the natural world and the day to myself to reflect....
Such a sense of destiny...a palpable energy, an excitement and always, not just today a sense of gratitude for the life I have.

The fiery colors of Autumn have rested and the trees are barren and somber. I really came to watch the water. I'm fascinated by the dance of the stream around the rocks
I can sit for hours and just watch. Even more so, I'm drawn to the sound. There is a strange comfort to it, the heartbeat of mother nature. I'm called to it... like her child ♥
Thought about Thanksgiving, remembering what it was when I was a kid. Studied the ground at my feet to know....where I am now.
Walked out with a purified heart ♥

I wake up everyday feeling like each new day, is a new adventure...and thankful that I have my health, love ♥, and the insight to know how precious and fleeting it all is...

Friendship Garden

2011-11-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

After doing some research on waterfalls in Phoenix, I found out we had a Japanese Garden

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, named Ro Ho En is an authentic 3 1/2 acre Japanese Stroll Garden with tea garden and tea house. This tranquil and beautiful setting features more than 1,500 tons of hand picked rock, stone footbridges, lanterns and more than 50 varieties of plants. As you stroll the path, you will enjoy flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall, and a Koi pond with over 300 colorful Koi fish.

I grabbed the camera and headed out. Unfotunatley, it was extremely "sunny" and not so good photographically...nontheless, the place was beautiful and serene. I'll return on an overcast day to re-shoot.

David M.Cobb has an amazing shot of this garden on his website.

Syncronicity

2011-11-12T13:46:00.001-07:00

Sometimes there are places that you are just in sync with. When you are there, it's like home. There's a sense of comfort and peace and you're drawn to it.

The Desert Botanical Garden is such a place. I love to photograph there. I love to just wander around the gardens with my camera. I can stay and play for hours.

Workman Creek

2011-11-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sierra Ancha Wilderness, Tonto National Forest I ventured here on a very cold morning. I found the ground icy and a scene like a Fall wonderland frozen in time. The waterfall was just a bare trickle but still impressive. I had to hike into a government study area, down an old wood frame and thru some very slippery rocks to get my shots.

I climbed down to get this shot of the falls going over a 200+ foot drop. (Something about Joel Hazelton's dream shot) Steady and careful to watch my step packed up my gear to climb back out, only to be pulled over backward by the weight of my backpack and for several minutes while I "problem solved" my dangerous position, I came close to taking a wild ride over the falls. Would have been my last. This shot gave me nitemares for weeks.

“Going to the mountains is going home.” John Muir

2011-10-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

For those that know me well, know that I have an ongoing love affair with Horton Springs.

It's my favorite hiking spot and my favorite photography site. I can't describe the feeling of "peace" that comes over me when I wander Horton. I pull up to the trail head and rush in like it's my front door and I've just come 'home".

I get excited every time I'm here and I stay for hours.

Searching for the colors of Fall this year just made

Horton even more mesmerizing.

There have been times I've starting my hike at the trailhead and walked out almost 8 hours later with no sense of time passing. Most of the time, I never even see another person so there's always this sense of having the place to myself.

On this particular trip, Fall has just fired up and the colors were magical. Piles of pinks and yellows and orange...I found a pile of pink leaves and laid my head of my packpack and listened to

music...just wanting to touch and feel and hear...the color.

This is the magic of Horton. It is my heaven.

Sweet Light Of The Sonoran Desert

2011-10-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

I tried to pay better attention to my lighting, I finally learned not to shoot in broad daylight

(quick on the uptake)

so I would get off work, change my clothes and run to The Sonoran McDowell Preserve, and set up my shots and wait til sundown, only having a minute or two to catch this light. Remember it's only about 115 out here

Colors Of West Fork

2011-10-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to hit the Autumn colors twice this season in West Fork, this is one of my favorite shots. It was very very early in the morning and the first time I had seen a "ray" of sun. I sat here awhile and just let the sun engulf me and warm me up a bit.

2011-10-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

My Watercolor Painting

20x30"

300lb Cold Press Arches

Finding Fall In West Fork

2011-10-19T18:30:00.018-07:00

No doubt the highlight of my year was photographing the Fall Colors around Arizona.

My favorite spots to photograph the season change was definitely Sedona: West Fork . Horton Springs was also a spectacular sight but I happen to hit West Fork in Full Color and I was in love.

David M. Cobb

2011-10-14T18:56:00.008-07:00

This photographer, David M.Cobb is a huge source of inspiration. His abilities are astounding and his outlook on life and philosophy on photography are a breath of fresh air. Has an amazing blog. This is an inspiring article written by him. A must read:

Appreciating Those Fleeting Moments

Photo by David M. Cobb

Rocks and Water

2011-10-13T20:00:00.002-07:00

“As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can".
― John Muir

Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona

2011-10-11T19:45:00.006-07:00

“To offer no resistance to life is to be in a state of grace, ease, and lightness. This state is then no longer dependent upon things being in a certain way, good or bad. It seems almost paradoxical, yet when your inner dependency on form is gone, the general conditions of your life, the outer forms, tend to improve greatly. Things, people, or conditions that you thought you needed for your happiness now come to you with no struggle or effort on your part, and you are free to enjoy and appreciate them - while they last. All those things, of course, will still pass away, cycles will come and go, but with dependency gone there is no fear of loss anymore. Life flows with ease."

Eckhart Tolle

West Clear Creek

2011-10-02T17:41:00.008-07:00

West Clear Creek Wilderness Area is a deep entrenched canyon with a year round stream flowing through it. This canyon runs east to west from near Happy Jack up on the Mogollon Rim down to near Camp Verde. It is very remote and wild with deep pools of water and red sandstone cliffs. The traveling in this canyon is rugged and difficult with few trails and much of the time you are in the water wading or swimming and the rest of the time boulder hopping. Travel in this canyon should be done with care because there is no easy way to get help. The Canyon is more than thirty miles long and some sources say as much as forty.

The canyon has four parts divided by upper, bottom half of the upper, middle and lower

Upper: The upper part of West Clear Creek is a wide canyon, and very beautiful. There are not the significant narrow parts, but the upper part has large Coconino sandstone cliffs with a nice forest of large trees.
Lower: This part is accessed by two trails from the south side of the canyon. One is the Calloway Trail at the end of FR 142B and the other is an unnamed trail at the end of FR 142A. the Calloway Trail is a steep switch back decent from the rim down into the canyon but the trail is maintained and well built. The trail at the end of FR 142A is more of a scramble in places and pretty steep. This bottom half of the upper canyon is more difficult to travel. These photos are from Trail 17 which starts at Bull Pen Ranch.

Grace and Beauty

2011-09-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

The Butterfly exhibit at the Phoenix Botanical Garden was amazingly challenging to photograph (No tripods allowed BUT extremely fun!.)

I sat for hours on the ground and just watched them, I was mesmerized by them, their grace and beauty.

Fossil Springs

2011-09-05T19:40:00.002-07:00

There just isn't enough adjectives to adequately describe the experience of hiking Fossil Springs in Payson, Az. It's an unbelievable journey full of the most amazing sights and sounds. I was just awestruck at the different shades of blue in the springs.

The millions of gallons of 72ºF water that gush from the springs every hour have created a lush environment which supports over 30 types of trees and bushes and over 100 species of birds. The Canyon walls near the springs contain small fossils from an ancient sea that washed over the area 350 million years ago

Not an easy hike and several miles until you hit the breathtaking falls. The water is irresistible. The sights and photo ops are spectacular and the hike back out is tough. Bring lots of water. Easily one of my favorite hikes.

2011-09-01T19:35:00.025-07:00

Put your thoughts to sleep, do not let them cast a shadow
over the moon of your heart.
Let go of thinking.
Rumi

The Granite Dells of Prescott

2011-09-01T19:20:00.002-07:00

1.4 billion years old and a condition called spheroidal weathering and you have the Prescott Granite Dells. I just barely made it here to catch the sunrise and had been here a few months earlier to kayak but didn't hike. I hiked the newest "loop" that came with a warning for non-seasoned hikers and that would be because it had you literally hiking up and over the large granite rocks.

I really enjoyed climbing into some of the more difficult ledges to capture some of the more unique shapes, colors and striations of the dells. Lots of still water and great reflections. The wildlife was abundant and very lively. I ran into dozens of snakes, stood in numerous ant hills and watched hundreds of baby frogs frolic in the shallow water. It's an amazingly beautiful hike with a good workout and great photography.

Definitely will do this hike again, perhaps in the Spring.

Parson's Trail

2011-08-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is the oldest wilderness area in Arizona. Parsons Trail is located at the lower end of the 56,000 acre wilderness area, reached by traveling north from Cottonwood, AZ.

Parson's trail was not an easy place to access. A long rutted dirt road to the trail head then a steep climb down the canyon but the hike was well worth the view. The scenery was beautiful. I never encountered another person during my several hour hike here.

Finding Grace

2011-08-17T11:11:00.001-07:00

As in nature,
as in art,
so in grace;
it is rough treatment that gives souls,
as well as stones,
their luster.

Thomas Guthrie

2011-08-13T17:50:00.004-07:00

Photo by V.Millett

"Life is either a daring adventure or
...nothing.
To keep our faces toward change
and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate
is strength undefeatable."
Helen Keller

Red Rock Crossing, Sedona

2011-07-31T10:15:00.006-07:00

“Life is full of beauty.
Notice it.
Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces.
Smell the rain, and feel the wind.
Live your life to the fullest potential,
and fight for your dreams.”
Ashley Smith

2011-07-09T10:59:00.016-07:00

I hope I never lose the feeling that ....everyday, life is exciting. That the warm glow of a sunrise can melt my heart....every time. That new people in my life are gifts...given especially to... me. That everyday is chance to plan an adventure for... the next day.
That money and "things" aren't goals.

That the meaning of life....

is Love.

Sedona

2011-06-25T14:35:00.008-07:00

"If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug around a camera.” – Lewis Hine

The natural world.

I'm compelled to photograph it or paint it. I'm drawn to it, I miss it, I have profound respect for it. I think of it constantly. It's my grounding force. It brings out the best me. When hiking, I'm small and humbled, an insignificant witness to it's splendor.. I'm a better person when I walk away. When I walk the path, I'm reminded to stay small...notions of self-importance seem ridiculous amongst the grandeur and perfection of the place I so love.

Beaver Creek, Arizona

2011-06-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

It's always serene and quiet and you hike back for miles and with every new turn be amazed at the beauty of it all. I love to come here early in the morning and catch the sun's first rays on the area.

Four Days

2011-06-05T11:59:00.005-07:00

Last week I had time off from work so I grabbed the camera and the dog and headed North. I spent 4 days hiking in Sedona. A new trail for each day.

I hiked the A.B. Young trail, along Beaver Creek/Oak Creek Canyon and The Secret Canyon trail.

I love Sedona, it's a visual and sensory chroma bombardment. It was warm and breezy and not hardly a soul around. I can't even explain the emotional feel of this place as opposed to the "city" where I reside. You can hear your soul, sigh in relief...the minute you get there.

When I'm hiking, I'm filled with a sense of awe and wonderment, filled with immense gratitude to be able to appreciate it. When I'm in photographer "mode", I'm just a student, asking to view the best light and the best angle. I never think of time, I sometimes forget to eat and I alway wish the day would never end.

My next project is to start creating some watercolor paintings of my own photographs and see where that takes me.

2011-06-01T17:18:00.002-07:00

Love isn't a decision.

It's a feeling.
If we could decide who we loved,
it would be much simpler,
but much less magical.

Hiking The Secret Canyon

2011-05-30T17:27:00.001-07:00

The Secret Canyon Trail is of moderate length, leading into the Wilderness. And is much more exotic sounding than it really is.

The first two miles follows an old road bed, that is fairly flat and easy going. The rest of the way, the trail meanders in and out of the canyon bottom. Vegetation varies from chaparral to mixed conifer along this typically dry water course. Road leading to the trailhead is a bit brutal but the hike was worth it. Next time I'll come back in April when the watershed is better.

I hit lots of poison ivy and after a certain point there really is no trail. I chose to just follow the little canyons for the photography but the vegetation at several points became very daunting.

2011-04-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

My Watercolor Painting

20x30"

Arches Cold Press

From Where I Stand....

2011-03-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Started as kid I know for sure, looking down at the ground. I have a fascination with the ground landscape. I'm not concerned about where I've been....don't think much about where I'm going but I like to look down and take note of where I am right now.

Years from now, someone else will stand in the same place and I wonder if they will look down and see the amazing view at their feet.

Hiking The White Tanks

2011-02-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hiked back over an hour to get here, I don't know how many miles...not a soul around.

I sat on a large rock in the middle of this "tank" and layed down my backpack and gear. I had a snack, lay back flat on my back and watched the clouds and listened to the sounds of the wild life and the dripping of the pools. Just me, the dog and the places I love most.

Beautiful weekend.

After It Rains

2011-02-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

One of those places that tugs at my heart. It's within walking distance to my home in North Phoenix. The park with the grasshopper bridge, Kids play here, my kids played here. Has a big soccer field. A place I walk to with my dog and let her run.

Looks like an ordinary park albeit and exceptionally beautiful one but something happens after it rains here. It becomes enchanted. Beautiful watery reflections, pools of multi-colored river rocks. The wildlife stirs and it becomes magical.

It's one of the first places after a rain, that i"ll grab my camera and head too. I love this place. It's my home, my hometown, my neighborhood. It's where my heart is. And it's never ceases to amaze me every season with the numerous "gifts" I take home in my camera.

2011-02-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

"Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked what we would do if the stars only came out once every thousand years. No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would create new religions overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God. Instead, the stars come out every night and we watch television". - Paul Hawke

Einstein's Secret

2010-10-31T09:00:00.019-07:00

Graphite by Valerie Millett

Einstein said "The most important question a person can ask is, "Is the universe a friendly place?"

One Sad Day

2006-05-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

My best friend of 18 years left today... I held her in my arms and told her how much I loved her. She left peacefully. She gave us 18 years of incredible happiness. For me, she was my closest companion and at times I thought she was my soul mate, because she had the ability to give such great comfort.

Her health had been deteriorating for the last year. Many times as I drove to the vet I wondered if "this would be the day" but she hung on. I said, I would know when it was time by the look in her eyes and that's what I saw this morning. She needed my help, she needed to go.

Her quality of life in the last few days was not what I would have wanted for her but I selfishly held out hope that things would turn around even though I knew they wouldn't. I still now struggle with the "what if's". What if tomorrow she was suddenly the dog I used to know. It was just last week that she could still run around and look silly. But today...was almost a week of her barely eating a thing.

As she slept in the vet's office, just seconds before they said she was gone. I had this image of my mother holding her, they both looked in good health and they were heading down a path...to another life. I wispered in her ear to wait for me, I'll be there someday.

For now, our home is incredibly sad. I've been here before, time takes the edge off and memories make you smile but life will never be the same.