Shade offers protection, a sense of calm from the heat of the day, some relief. I hope I can offer a similar feeling as you rest under this shady tree.
As a mother to two wild young boys living on the North Coast, in Humbolt County California, I know I need a personal space to write, to share, to honor the adventurous, soft spirit that I am. I could not think of a more beautiful place to open to inspiration than the shade of a tree.
The more often I give myself an opportunity to come within, to quiet myself and open to the wonder around me, the greater the opportunities arise to learn and grow.
Humbolt County is remarkably inspiring, all of the photographs and words that I share on this blog are my own. I used a Sony Cybershot point and shoot camera for many years and just upgraded to a Sony RX100. I edit most of my images in Lightroom.
Please join me in the shade, partake in the conversation and grow with me. I am so glad you are here.
The Shady Tree 
This is such a lovely about page. And that is quite a tree!
Thank you for noticing. This tree was so enchanting, I couldn’t stop taking photographs of it. Are you a tree enthusiast too?
The peace of shade is never fully realized until you hae been out in the sun for a very long time.
Yes, you get it! I live in Southern California, did not grow up here or understand it all that well. It is SUNNY and bright here, everyday practically. I have needed to create shady sanctuaries for a while now. It only felt fitting to name my blog accordingly. Thank you for stopping by.
Certainly – My wife and I vacation in the western desert, so we understand all too well how refreshing the shade can be.
That tree in particular is beautiful and your photography is great, I am so glad I came across this blog! I look forward to viewing more of your work.
Thank you for enjoying my photographs and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it, Hartley. This tree really is an incredible subject isn’t she. I spent a lot of time admiring this tree for all its bumps, textures and presence. It feels so good to know there are other tree admirers out there 🙂
I love trees – they are beautiful, I have just written a poem about one 🙂
I see you have a “community” of admirers! Your work is good and much appreciated.
Thank you for enjoying my work, Beth. I am happy with my growing community. I appreciate hearing from you.
Hello Carrie,
I love the beauty and detail of your blog, each post has its own character. I have nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger award
http://litadoolan.net/2014/04/25/beautiful-expectations/
Congratulations and my best regards!
Lita
(of course do not worry if you do not wish to accept!)
Lita! I am honored. Thank you for considering my blog beautiful and reading enough to understand the detail and thought I put into each post. I really am thankful. I will pass this award on.
A pleasure! Enjoy the award. I have a great time visiting your site and the recognition is well deserved.
Have a great weekend.
Thank you, my husband whisked my boys away from the house for a couple of hours this morning. My weekend is off to a great start. The sun is out, the flowers are gorgeous and I can enjoy them, photograph them and savor the fresh air at my own pace.
Ace! The quality of light this week has been super. I love Spring, all the colours in the garden look so fresh. The sun has been beaming all week. Here’s to a great week ahead!
I am glad you came over Carrie and will also come to visit you often 🙂
I appreciate you taking the time to circle the connection. Thanks!
🙂
Enjoyed your poem “Wisdom”. Found it on poetreecreations. Thought who who, me too me too thatnk you.
Hi! You just made my day 🙂 So lovely to know there are other owlets in the world. Thank you for the follow, I will come over to your blog and rest a while once I get my kiddos to sleep.
Thank you!
Carrie, many, many thanks for the follow on my wee blog, it’s great to be able to welcome you aboard. If you have any requests / suggestions I would love to hear them. Have a great weekend, will now be taking a tour under The Shady Tree. MM 🍀
Hello MM, thank you for taking time to look around! I really appreciate it. Your blog may feel “wee” but your photographs offer a look into your vast talent. Thank you for the support. Looking forward to learning from you!
Thank you for stopping by my little blog and taking time to look around. I will gladly join you under the shade tree. I look forward to seeing more from you.
Hi James, thank you for taking time to look around and join me under my shady tree 🙂 Looking forward to seeing more from you as well.
Unique blog
Thank you 🙂 That is a really nice compliment.
😀 😀 😀
love your macro work.
Thank you! I don’t think I am ever close enough 🙂
What a beautiful mix of images and poetry. I love the simplicity and crispness of your blog’s layout too.
Thank you so much. What a lovely comment. I am really happy with this Theme. It really allows me to do what I enjoy most, sharing images and writing. Thank you for stopping by, I really appreciate the feedback!
Pleased to meet you. I love the shady tree and I will be back often to rest!! Lovely images and words!
Wow, Cybele. Pleased to meet you too! I have enjoyed your monochrome work for a long while on the MMC and have a new found fondness for your work with Robyn’s challenge.
Thank you for wandering under my shady tree…I look forward to your visits!
Hi Carrie, Since getting involved in the MM and One Four Challenges, I keep noticing and liking so many of your images. And now that I have had a wander under the Shady Tree, I can also enjoy the lovely thoughts and words that accompany your photos – I look forward to following more of your beautiful posts. 🙂 Chris
Thank you so much, Chris. I really have appreciated your work on both challenges as well. I have visited your page a couple of times but I could never find the “posts” it always kept me at the welcome page. You are probably shaking your head right now, I just figured it out…the POSTS tab. Okay, now I am in, ready to follow you too. I love your MMC images and appreciate your feedback too. Thank you for taking a wander around my shady tree. It means a lot.
😀i’m shaking my head., Carrie… but glad you found the tab! Lovely to have you as a follower. Chris
I know, what was my problem!! So sorry. But, so happy to have connected and really looking forward to your posts. Thanks for giving me a break 🙂
Glad I stumbled over your ‘roots’ and found your tree. I’ll investigate the surrounds soon 🙂
Oh thank you! I am happy you are here 🙂
Hi Carrie, just letting you know that I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Award. You have a great blog! You can find out how to get the award by going to mine at http://thestorytellersabode.wordpress.com/2014/12/15/liebster-award/. There are questions to answer and other blogs to nominate. Click on the award logo on my page and copy the URL, then you can put it in your award response and as an image in a widget. 😀
Thank you! I really appreciate your nomination. I’ll check out the details 🙂
Hi!
Hello 🙂
Hi Carrie. I’m Tokoni. Its great to meet you. I hope you don’t mind but I’d like to invite you to my blog at http://www.insanitybeautiful.wordpress.com
Thank you for the invitation, Have a great day 🙂
I look forward to seeing more of your photos
Thanks so much, Alex. I look forward to sharing them with you 🙂
It’s a beautiful blog. Can relate to the shade of a tree you talk. I want to even take a nap under them ! keep sharing…
Thank you so much, I do love the shade of a tree! Happy to know you agree. I hope you come back often, you are always welcome.
Well East Coast Girls are hip
I really Dig Those Styles they Wear
I wish they all could be California Girls!!!
I too am an east coast girl living on the Gold Coast in Australia
We have oodles of Palm Trees and some lovely Japanese Maples
I need to find a big old shady tree like yours to provide me with the shade to dream
According to the Beach Boys Carrie you are the cutest girls in the world
Talented too!!!! Beautiful photography and I love your blogs
From Annie on the Gold Coast in Australia 🌞 🌴 🌊
Hello Annie. Thank you. Yes, that song always plays in my mind when I say I live in California 🙂 I used to live in Southern California for a long time and always felt so exposed. I was always looking for the shade. So, I named my blog accordingly! Now, we live in an incredible part of California where the Redwood Trees meet the Coast. I even have them in my backyard! What a dream come true. So happy to have you visit, take care and come back soon.
I am in love with Humboldt county….I hope to retire there someday. It is special country. I am so exciting to be following you and getting to know you. 🙂
I am looking forward to the same, Margaret. River banks and the Sierra…both bring a lot of peace and happiness to me. Looking forward to seeing it through your lens and artistry.