No Bugs!!! and every type of weather…
We just returned from a fantastic spring canoe trip in the Quetico Provincial Park of Ontario. Nothing like an early season trip, just two weeks after ice-out when the Aspen and Birch are budding new leaves right before your eyes. Well, not so fast. After all, it was below freezing a couple of the nights and we did wake up to snow on the second day. But on the third day…let there be light! Sun it was and a fabulous, long paddle across mighty Sturgeon lake in the sunshine and such solitude! For the most part, we felt like we had the place to ourselves.
Sturgeon Lake in the Quetico Provincial Park
This was Molly’s first canoe trip and she can officially call herself a “canoe dog” now. Although she cried the entire way across the first lake, she quickly learned that it is OK for the two canoes to separate. I guess this just goes so strongly against her genetic grain of wanting to “herd” people and keep things together and orderly. It wasn’t long before she relaxed and found herself nestled up atop the packs in the center of the canoe just watching the scenery go by. Of course she loved the portages and ran back and forth with every trip we took excited to find all sorts of exciting things along the way.
Molly the Canoe Dog (on land)
Five days in the wilderness with three other great friends (and one a fellow photographer!) was just what I had been hoping for. Traveling and camping in the wilds always has a way of settling my active brain and centering me on things that are really important. I can’t wait to go back! Another trip is in the making for September!
"Calm After the Storm" a Seliga wood canvas canoe
Fine Art Photography in a nursing home
Last week I was down in the Twin Cities for 3 days on a classic whirlwind visit of business, errands, family visits and a fantastic photography workshop. A memorable and touching visit was to the Good Samaritan Home in Minneapolis. I was invited by the Spiritual Care Committee to come and meet their group, their facility and have my photograph taken next to my image “Cross in the Desert” (New Mexico).
Let me explain more. My late brother-in-law Jim Owens whose sister Catherine, who works as a chaplin at Good Samaritan Home. She contacted me several months ago inquiring about purchasing an image of mine for the facility as they are in the process of investing in works of art to display in the public spaces for residents, employees and visitors to enjoy and to inspire thoughtful, spiritual ideas.
The Good Samaritan Society - University Specialty Center offers a diverse community and is a pioneer in introducing specialized treatment units to residential care settings. They proudly offer distinct therapeutic living environment with specialty care services including Men’s Behavior Units, secured and un-secured, Alzheimer’s Units, Huntington’s Disease unit, Geriatric Unit and a Young Adult unit.
I had such a wonderful time meeting the committee, various residents and touring the facility. These are very hard working staff who dig deep into their own personal resources and hearts to help those in need find comfort, love and encouragement under life’s peculiar challenges. The majority of the staff I met have a tremendous history and longevity working at Good Samaritan Home; 10, 15, 20 years! They feel that, “By retaining our staff, we have the opportunity to truly get to know the residents and provide a foundation for quality care delivery”.
It is my honor to have my work be so appreciated by thses folks and to know that one moment in time (when I photographed Cross in the Desert) will have a lasting impact and inspire other people for many years to come.
Deb with members of the Spiritual Care Committee at the Good Samaritan Home; Mpls
Deborah
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