Wordless Wednesday - More of Hovenweep

Village of the Past

Each time I wander the southwest I seem to be called back to a small group of prehistoric, Puebloan-era villages located in the southeastern corner of Utah. Hovenweep National Monument, a landscape of canyons and mesa tops, is a small but captivating part of our National Park System. I don't know if it is the beautiful ruins, the natural, undeveloped nature, or just the its solitude of that draws me, but I find each time it is worth the drive.


There are 6 villages in the area, but the Square Tower Group is the easiest to access and was the largest of the villages. Here is a view of some of its ruins from inside the canyon in the late morning. (I had hope to get out at sunrise, but it was raining and I was not prepared for rain.) You can see how the rocks have shifted over time and part of the ruins have fallen into the canyon. Still the towers that are still standing are very interesting. As I walk the trail I find it difficlut to believe that 500 people lived in this village. The historians base this figure on the nearly 30 kivas that they have found hidden around the village.
Of course I have more photos to share and hope to get to them soon.
Have a wonderful day!
Lorissa

Sneak Peak - Blue, Blue Eyes - Santa Fe Child Photographer

During my latest session the wind was blowing during one of the worst spring storms I have ever seen since I moved west. It tore up trees and cause minor destruction all though the west. Rather then cancel the session the girl's mother and I decided to just do the whole session using my new black muslin background. Normally I use natural backgrounds and light, but this time it was only natural light. I think they turned out well, but I wish I had more backgrounds to play with now.






The hat was knitted by Casey of Flower Girl Designs and looked great with the purple zebra striped skirt.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day,
Lorissa

Staying Grounded on Earth Day!

Today, the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, is a great day to reflect not only the changes we can make to help the earth's ecosystem, but also why. For me my child's future, health and happiness is more then enough reason to do my best for the earth. I want her to be able to roll down the grassy hill in summer, lay down under the Aspens in fall and be amazed by the contrast of golden leaves and blue sky, to build snowmen in the winter snow, and the experience the rebirth of spring each year. My daughter keep me grounded and aware of how my actions effect so many things.

We all have our own reason to help the earth's ecosystem and the important thing is to do our best each day. Whether your contribution is small or large, it is a step forward and when we add up each small step we will realized that all those small steps have created real change.

Have a beautiful day,
Lorissa

And the winner is.......

Touching Heaven!

As of today the title of this beautiful Alaskan landscape is Touching Heaven.

Thank you Alice Istanbul for your wonderful suggestion. It does look like the heavens are opening up to give us a glimpse of the beauty. For coming up with the winning title Alice has won $30 credit in any of my shops!

Thank you to all who participated! Have a beautiful day!
Lorissa