I entered a photo contest today…. really the first one ever! For some reason that has been a step forward that has been hard for me, whether that is due to lack of confidence in my work or some personal mental issue with making changes. It took on an epic feeling, and I prepared for this for a month, contemplating and practicing. The process of choosing became an exercise in really looking at my work for this last year and finding my best images, gathering them together in one place, images of light, with unique qualities. Once I finally submitted my five images, I felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders, like I broke through a barrier holding me back!

Meanwhile, I am in the middle of a gallery show at Ten Speed North (our local coffee shop) in White Salmon, Washington; I have a SECOND gallery show lined up July 20 at the Inn of the White Salmon; AND a show in March at the local White Salmon Library!

Here for your viewing pleasure are 24 of the best images in a slideshow. Only 5 of these made the final cut for Chasing the Light photo contest.

Whether I actually win this contest or not, I have already won in my mind, by taking that step forward and entering. The rest is dessert…
I thank so many for helping me get to this point; my daughter for her help and encouragement and endless love; my adopted brother Larry and my friends Don Briggs and Jaap Cost Buddhe for their great encouragement and support; my friends and family and community for being amazed with me at the incredible moments of beauty all around us and actually believing in me enough to buy my books, calendars and cards and even large prints to make it all worth while