A Taste of Minnesota...

There are many things that inspire in me in life but today two of them have come together and I hope that you'll indulge me in the next few weeks by allowing me to feed my passion for them both. As many of you who follow my blog might know, I try to write every week or so and share random thoughts on life and enjoying the moments that make our lives full. However, for the immediate future, I'm going to post a bit more frequently...and yet, I will actually be posting fewer random thoughts...and instead be focusing on some of the images that inspire me...and maybe you too.

Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine is hosting a contest for a 3 day giveaway at one of Minnesota's most beautiful lakeside resorts. In order to win, entrants must post photos on Pinterest (one of my first sources of inspiration) of places in Minnesota where they love to hike, bike, drive (or in my view...just "be in the moment" (my second source of inspiration.) While I'd be happy to win the contest, that isn't why I'm going to share these photos with you.

Born and raised in Minnesota, I still live here by choice. I have traveled all over the world and though there are places I long to return for a visit and places I still yearn to see, I know in my heart that there is no other place in this world that I could ever call home other than Minnesota. Over the years, I've enjoyed exploring my home state - attempting to capture its spirit with my camera - and attempting to live in its spirit by enjoying each moment. So what will follow in my the coming weeks are a sampling of some of the Minnesota moments that I've captured over the years. Maybe you have been to some of these places or maybe these images will entice you to visit. Whatever the case, I  hope you will enjoy a peek into my Minnesota inspirations.

A winter morning in Northern Minnesota. The snow had fallen hard the night before and the trees were bravely holding their burden. I took a walk in the woods. There was not a sound anywhere. Everywhere your eye fell was covered with snow. It was astoundingly beautiful.

Minnesotans have a way of making the best of the weather we are faced with (or taking advantage of the weather we are faced with) depending on your viewpoint. These are kite boarders on Lake Mille Lacs.

Grand Marais might be one of the most beautiful spots in MN. This photo was actually taken in Two Harbors as you travel up the North Shore Drive from Duluth to Grand Marais. There is beauty at every turn.

Sometimes "the spirit" is all around you and you don't even realize it.

This photo was taken on the Gunflint trail which at the time was recovering from the previous year's forest fires. I liked the image because of the burnt wood surrounded by the promise of new life.

Just a few of my Minnesota memories and I'll be sharing more in the days ahead. Take a moment, grab a cup of coffee (or glass of wine in my case!), and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds each of us.