Lake Champlain at dusk

Lake Champlain  

I spent a couple of days in Burlington, Vermont in early June of 2015. This is truly a beautiful place. After a full day of meetings, we had an amazing dinner, and then a few of us took a walk around the city. Our final stop found us looking out over Lake Champlain. In the distance, the Adirondack Mountains provide a stunning contrast to the still, calm lake.  

The lighting was not great for photography, but I was able to get a couple shots. This is one of those places I want to visit again when I can take Teresa, and spend more time. 

While walking around, I took a picture of this beautiful mural. It has such rich color and amazing detail. A beautiful work. It’s called, “Everyone Loves a Parade”, and was custom-designed by Pierre Hardy. It’s covered with iconic images from the last 400 years. For a cool view of the entire mural, go here. 

 ~ Rick 

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright

One, two, three ...

Saturday morning Teresa called me to the back door because we have a party in the yard. I was surprised to see a Cardinal party. I was able to catch three of them eating berries. Clearly, I was not set for the right shutter speed to capture the flapping wings of the one male, but they are clearly having a great time.  

The funny story here is that I didn’t realize I captured three of them in the picture until I was going back to edit them. I guess I was so focused on the larger male, that I missed the other two. 

So be honest, were you able to see the female the 1st time you looked at the picture? The bright red males stand out, but the female colors blend into the vines. Males are colored brightly to attract females (at least that is how science describes it).  I think the reality is the females are the ones with the best coloring. Better for protection, and a long life.   

I have heard these cardinals in a nearby tree for several weeks, but I was never able to see where they were. I guess I just needed to wait for them to come to us.  

~ Rick  

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright

More than a train ...

This is one of my favorite photos. Yes, I have lots of favorites, but this came as a surprise. We had to take a detour to get home from church. It was a cool, overcast fall day. I really didn’t feel like stopping for a train, but there it was.

Sometimes a great scene presents itself ... it’s like the universe is trying to share, if you will open your eyes, see it, and capture the moment. There are times when all you can do it take it in, but often the view calls out to be shared with the world. This was one such occasion. I printed this one, and shared it with a special friend at work. This one looks even better in print.

I guess learning to slow down and be more aware of the world around me has always been difficult. I am always so busy, and I often let ‘busyness’ get in the way of a special experience. Slow down and take a deep breath. Take time to see the beauty around you, and when it’s right, capture it. I hope you see the beauty in the train that is on your track!  You will not regret it! 

~ Rick

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright

On loneliness and being alone ...

Loneliness is complex, and for so many it is not a pleasant experience. As the holiday season approaches, it can be overwhelming. Sometimes the lonely feel isolated even when they are surrounded by people. Emotional isolation is real, and difficult for many. The feeling of isolation can create anxiety that is hard for many to understand. This is a great time to reach out and be a friend.

On the other side, I love ‘being alone’ in the morning. I took this picture on a foggy fall morning. I feel this way often. I get so much out of a few minutes in mediation and thoughtful reflection. It's even better if I can be close to nature. Enjoy the outdoors and some time to reflect. 

 ~ Rick  

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright

Clearing in the clouds

I took this picture early one morning last week. I love the clearing in the clouds, reveling the blue sky. Life is kind of like that. Watch for the blue sky, and enjoy the day! 

Have a good day!!!  

 ~ Rick

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Prints are available for many of the photos on this site on canvas, metal or glass. They are stunning and you can purchase them for a wall at home. Click the link or the ‘prints and such’ tab.

©2017 Rick Cartwright