On our long travel day, I took photos from the van, while moving, and we stopped along the way where I got some shots of the landscape. It varied from mountain scenes and poppies to scenes along the shore line as we approached our destination on the West Fjords. Enjoy.
What could be better than a drive into Shenandoah National Park in the fall? A drive in the fall on a rainy day. It was so beautiful today in the mountains with the thick clouds and fog below us, the colors around us and the glistening of the raindrops on everything. I was so happy to see some out-of-state cars on Skyline Drive because I felt that today was the kind of day I want to share with non-Virginians. This is why I love Virginia.
My husband and I went on a little vacation this week to the beautiful mountains of Bath County, Virginia. We stayed at Fort Lewis Lodge, an out of the way place that surpassed all expectations for beauty, peace, and gourmet meals. There are 3200 acres on this property, which has hiking trails, fishing, and swimming spots along the Cowpasture River, or the more sedate pavilion with comfy seating to look out over the valley or to watch the cows grazing. Rooms are available in a lodge, in a silo, or in log cabins scattered nearby. There is also a Riverside Manor House a mile or so down the road. In the view from the overlook, you can see red barns in the distance. Those are across the road from the Manor House, and the best fishing is nearby. What most people tell you about Fort Lewis Lodge is the amazing food you are served at breakfast and dinner. Caryl is a gourmet cook and her food is the highlight of the day. Anyone who wants to reserve a space at the lodge better think well ahead. Most people are repeat lodgers, and some have been going there for twenty years. What a wonderful mid-week retreat we had.
A one-mile hike takes you to this view of the farm with lodging in the foreground.
We sat by a cozy fire after dinner. The air was cool, and the fire was perfect.
There is an old house on a hill that I have noticed for many years. It’s across from a golf course where I played for twenty-five years, and I marveled at the view those folks must have had. At the time it was still inhabited, but the elderly lady who lived there died a year or so ago. I was fortunate enough to know the owner of the property and was allowed to go there for a photography excursion. Despite the disrepair, the character of the house and the land is marvelous. It met all my expectations. The property is for sale now, and the house will eventually be dismantled. A conservation easement protects these sixty acres from becoming a huge development with houses replacing the beautiful rolling land with mountains in the distance. Some lucky owner will have the house of their dreams on the property of their dreams.
I live about fifteen minutes from an entrance to Shenandoah National Park and sometimes I am engaged in volunteer activities there. Memorial Day was one of those days. After getting the “work” done, I took some photos along the trail on the way back to the car. Enjoy.
About two years ago I was invited to join the Firnew Farm Artists Circle in Madison County. Who, me? A photographer? Didn’t they know I couldn’t draw, sketch, paint, or mix colors? As I soon learned, there were other photographers in the group! My affiliation with this talented collection of people has been incredibly inspiring, and I have learned so many things that have made me grow as a photographer. About six months ago two friends in the group and I started discussing a collaboration. One of them is a colored pencil artist, one a watercolorist, and then there’s me….the photographer. A very unlikely TRIO for a collaboration, for sure. But, we set out to see if we could make it work. We kept it our little secret in case we weren’t successful, and we collaborated in the car, at each other’s homes and on email throughout the weeks to come. The challenge was this: each artist contributed one piece for the theme TREES, and it would be passed to the other two for embellishment and change until it emerged as one cohesive and original work of art. When we were finished we would have three pieces, a TRIO of works.
My first challenge as a photographer was to choose a photograph that could serve as a foundation piece for the others. We met together one morning to share our foundation pieces. Now my biggest challenge emerged. What in the world do I add to these beautiful watercolors and colored pencil drawings to make it work? Originally we had talked about working independently, but soon it became apparent that collaborating along the way was going to be the best plan. I needed the most guidance of the three of us because….well, I told you I have a handicap when it comes to art. After they were finished, we discussed how we would sign the pieces. They belonged to all three of us, but three signatures would have overwhelmed the pieces. We thought about using last initials, which were B for Barham (Leslie), L for Lacy (Frances) and T for Temples. BLT! A sandwich. How fitting! We had layered our works together, creating tantalizing original art. Let’s go with it!!
We are very proud of the results, which are now matted, framed and hanging in the Annual Christmas Exhibition of the Firnew Farm Artists Circle through December 27th. You can see them at The Culpeper Cheese Company in Culpeper VA. The opening reception is December 1, 4-6 pm. Please join us if you can!
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** OFFICIAL Site of Artist Ray Ferrer **
Birthplace of James Madison and Southern Plantation
Where observation and imagination meet nature in poetry.
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We meet weekly, and host: Review & Critique of New Works. Our Annual Spring Show is in May and our Annual Fall Show is September - October. Contact: Trish Crowe 540 948 3079
Portrait, Sports, Landscape Photographer in Central Virginia
FILM INSPIRES!
Patricia Temples Photography 