Busy Summer Lineup and other musings

I know, I haven't posted a picture in, like, FOREVER! I've been meaning too. It's not that I haven't taken any pictures. I have. Really. I've just been so busy. "really Kim, you can't take 5 min and post one little picture to let the world know you're still there?"
Yeah, I probably could but the thing is I never think of it!
Last summer I did so much with photography. I shot three weddings and family pictures and I don't have one single booking this summer! (which I'm actually bummed about). But......it's a blessing in disguise.

Here's Why.

I'm an artist (watercolorist) and a photographer. First and foremost, I'm the painter. And this summer is the summer of painting. I've been really trying hard to get into a gallery and to act like my art is more than just a hobby or passing fad. So, I've gotten a smart phone so I can accept credit cards, I'm doing another art fair, I've gotten new display units for my outdoor tent, I'm reframing/matting pieces that look old and tired in their current housings and painting like a CRAZY bored woman!
The whole summer is booked. I have one weekend in July available and all of August is booked doing some art event of one kind or another.
It's going to be a B U S Y summer. That is for sure!
Every spare moment I have, I've been getting ready. The first art fair is in July. Summerfair in Billings, MT. This is the third year I've done this fair and I'm very excited about it. I LOVE THIS SHOW!

Soooooooo I should be posting some photos soon. I promise. And who knows, maybe when the art fair stuff calms down a bit, I'll get to shoot another wedding. I really hope so. I love being able to document such a special day!

Skijoring

One of the many events of the Whitefish Winter Carnival is that of Skijoring. Skijoring is an event where skiers hold on to a rope and are pulled through a course of poles and jumps by someone on horseback.
The World Championships are held during the WWC and draws a large crowd to watch the many participaters. There are different categories based on ability and the animal pulling. This year was the first year to include Mules...the winner then being able to declare "Best Ass in the World!"

A New Year...in Glacier!!!

My Best friend came up to spend New Year's with me and we went hiking in Glacier. We had planned to go Snowshoeing but there wasn't enough to snowshoe on but we still had a blast. We explored an area south of the past just past West Glacier and then explored around Lake McDonald.

Merry Christmas

The magic of Christmas for me as always been with the lights. The lights on the houses, the lights of the candles lit throughout the house, the lights on the tree. I remember staring at the tree as a small child in awe of how the Christmas tree and all it's ornaments were transformed when all other lights but those on the tree were turned off. It is magic. I am still transfixed by the beauty of Christmas trees, decorated and lit with love and care.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas this year and hope with all my heart that all your Christmas desires and blessings ring true. Family is such an important part for me and I hope that you are able to spend this beautiful holiday with the ones you love.

Merry Christmas!

Whitefish Lake

The light peaks through breaks in the clouds; magically dancing upon the landscape before me. The lake sparkles like a newly purchased engagement ring. The air is crisp which seems to accentuate the scent of woodsmoke which is floating along a light breeze. I breathe in deeply and smile at the scene before me. Autumn is a magical time in Montana. A cozy time of warmth and beauty.

Polebridge, Numa, Bowman, Oh MY

My bestest friend came up to visit and we did a couple of our favorite activities...Hike & Eat! We decided to explore a part of Glacier we both had never been to, but wondered about. The northwest side by Polebridge. If you've never been to Polebridge, it's quite the "town" and the Merc is the only place to buy Anything. The bakery is WONDERFUL though...we both highly recommend it.
I would have to say the hiking (what little we did up there) is far better than anywhere else in the park...that I've been to at least! There are fewer tourists, people, and it seems more removed from the world than the other parts of the park. This area is truely stunning and remote. I loved it! Hike there if you ever get a chance.

Welcome to Polebridge

Huckleberries!!!!

From the top

Hiking up to the Numa Ridge Lookout from Bowman Lake is a pretty nice hike. In just over 5 1/2 miles you climb 2,930 ft. The view from the top is spectacular. You can see how large Bowman is in the distance in one of the pictures

Bowman Lake

Missoula & Bikes

Missoula, my favorite city, is the most bike friendly place I know. There are hundreds of bike racks and more often than not there will at least be one bike locked to it. My favorite area is downtown. There are the standard boutiques, thrift/pawn stores, bars & resturants. Any given weekend there is some festival or event taking place which draws a large crowd. Ahhh, Missoula. My heart is lost to thee.