Some people say life is a river. I think it’s more like a mountain.
It has its ups…
…and downs.
It can be glorious.
Mysterious.
Precarious.
Fraught with fire…
…and ice.
No one can climb it for you.
But, oh, what a trip.
As you find your way…
…the climb can be difficult.
The right path isn’t always clear.
But there will be beauty all around you. In little things….
…or stretched out before you in all its grandeur.
Love is like fog–there is no mountain on which it does not rest.–Hawaiian proverb
May there be friends to share the journey.
…to make you smile…
…to guide you…
…and support you.
Life is a delicate balance, a precious jewel, a piece of work.
Look before you leap.
Wear the proper footwear.
And remember, we don’t trip on mountains. We trip on molehills.–Japanese proverb
All words and images c2013 Naomi Baltuck
Click here for more interpretations of Ailsa’s Weekly Travel Theme: Mountains
Awesome pictures… Haven’t tried hiking although got a lot of invites.. M a bit scared.. Looks lovely on top.
By: Miljo Anne on February 19, 2013
at 10:26 am
Thank you! I hope you try it sometime! There are many pretty trails that are short and easy. For instance, if there was a pretty lake at the foot of a mountain, you wouldn’t have to climb the mountain for a great view. If you do go, please let me know. I’d love to hear about it. Thanks so much for your visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 19, 2013
at 10:30 am
There possibly cannot be a better way to tell a story about life than this. You have through pictures and few words captured the true essence in it’s right spirit. Touching and liberating!
By: arjun bagga on February 19, 2013
at 10:32 am
You are so kind! Thank you for your visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 19, 2013
at 4:46 pm
Totally love this post. It sums up our life’s journeys. I agree,”Some people say life is a river. I think it’s more like a mountain.” Beautiful words and images. Makes me wanna shout, “I’m at the top of the world and loving it!”
By: Island Traveler on February 19, 2013
at 11:04 am
KIng of the mountain! On top of the world! So happy for you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 19, 2013
at 4:47 pm
Beautifully composed!
By: Vladimir Brezina on February 19, 2013
at 11:12 am
Thank you, Vlad. It was a fun one to put together.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:56 am
That is all so true Naomi. Great shots, simply inspiring!
By: Georgia on February 19, 2013
at 11:15 am
Thanks, Georgia!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 19, 2013
at 4:49 pm
just beautiful Naomi, the words and the photos..
By: bodhisattvaintraining on February 19, 2013
at 11:34 am
Thanks so much. I appreciate your visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 19, 2013
at 4:49 pm
What a stunning post .. and the photos – you’re so right .. that life probably is more like a mountain for most of us anyhow. Love every little bit of this post.
By: viveka on February 19, 2013
at 11:37 am
I understand both analogies, but relate to this one much more. And I had the photos to support it, so what the heck! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:58 am
The most stunning photos! Wise, graceful and true to life words, I wrote some down, thanks for sharing this with the world and making it a beautiful place to be in
By: oawritingspoemspaintings on February 19, 2013
at 12:10 pm
Thank you so much. You are very kind to share your thoughts, and I am delighted to know that you have found something worthwhile in it.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:59 am
Gorgeous photos! Missing the mountains here in the Midwest; remembering how seeing them for the first time changed my dreams…
By: scillagrace on February 19, 2013
at 12:22 pm
How interesting! The mountains are very important to me. Climbing them, just seeing them from a distance every day. The photo of Mt. Rainier towering over Seattle is significant to me, because after seeing it by moonlight, I told my mother I was coming back out to Seattle to live when I grew up.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 3:49 pm
Naomi, so much truth here and wonderful phototgraphs. Especially loved the criters. You have a good eye for this.
Perfect first read of the morning.
Moving back into the world of the living again. Missed your blog. Catching up.
Be well …
By: Jamie Dedes on February 19, 2013
at 12:42 pm
Dear Jamie,
So good to hear from you. I had to make that transition after spending several months caring for my mom through her last illness. Walking back among the outside world was almost like learning to walk on land with sea legs again, only much less obvious to others, for whom the world has not just been rocked beneath their feet. Welcome back. Take tiny steps. Now it’s time to take good care of yourself for a while.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:00 pm
… and that’s all you need to know in life!! Wonderful.
By: Books & Art - Spirit & Soul - Lesley Fletcher on February 19, 2013
at 12:50 pm
Thank you, Lesley!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:01 pm
I thought it was a gumdrop
By: ShimonZ on February 19, 2013
at 1:00 pm
That sounds a lot like a quote from my sister Naomi in a past life!
By: leecarlsonyoga on February 19, 2013
at 2:46 pm
Hey SisterWoman,
These quotes will apply to current lives too. So good to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by!
Love,
Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:07 pm
Oh, Shimon, you made me smile!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 19, 2013
at 4:52 pm
Naomi, What a beautiful trip you’ve taken me on this morning! I feel like I’ve been on an adventure, and I’m still in my pjs! The images are beautiful, what wonderful memories were made while you collected these.
Thanks for sharing.
By: Darla Welchel on February 19, 2013
at 1:14 pm
Dear Darla,
Thank you for coming along. Just mulling over the photos as I decide how to piece them together is a wonderful way to experience the journey all over again–and I was in my PJs too! I’m so glad you come along.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:09 pm
Another nicely woven photo journey. All beautiful – I’m in love with the picture with the deer peeking at you from the trees.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
By: elisaruland on February 19, 2013
at 1:52 pm
Hi Elisa,
That was a really magical moment. I had taken my daughter’s writing club up to Hurricane Ridge, and we had walked through the mist to a beautiful picnic spot. As we had our lunch, this visitor was curious, and just stopped by to see what was on the menu. Thanks for all your encouragement.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:12 pm
Gorgeous! Thank you!
By: storytellermary on February 19, 2013
at 2:45 pm
Dear Mary,
Thank you for your visit. I always love to hear from you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:15 pm
Beautiful, moving photos and sweet wisdom.
By: leecarlsonyoga on February 19, 2013
at 2:47 pm
Hey, Lee,
Thank you, dear sis! I enjoyed the photo Lauren sent of her sweet little family. The lass clearly has strong genes. So cute!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:18 pm
Beautiful and throught provoking. In other words, your abnormal norm! xoxo Nikki
By: i mayfly on February 19, 2013
at 4:15 pm
Hi Nikki,
Thank you! You always make me smile.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:19 pm
Beautiful and inspiring, Naomi!
By: Fish & Bicycles on February 19, 2013
at 4:33 pm
I appreciate the visit, and the very kind words.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:20 pm
What a wonderful post. I enjoyed both the words and the images. You creatively combined both for a thoughtful and inspiring post.
By: Pat on February 19, 2013
at 4:43 pm
Hi Pat,
Thank you so much! It’s really been fun to play with a new kind of writing as I blog–I love playing with both words and photos.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:23 pm
I am having the same experience. It sometimes just isn’t enough to either write or post photos. The real fun is to use what each has to offer to enrich the other. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
By: Pat on February 20, 2013
at 4:38 pm
WOW! What a great experience and photographs. Thank you dear Naomi, love, nia
By: niasunset on February 19, 2013
at 5:04 pm
Hi Nia,
Thank you for your visit, and your generous comments.
Love,
Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:23 pm
So lovely, the weaving of the wise words and the photos!
By: Carol on February 19, 2013
at 5:55 pm
Dear Carol,
Thank you for sharing your kind thoughts. I am thinking of you. Give the girls a hug for me!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:25 pm
A most uplifting post! I love being high up with views and clean air.
By: sarahpotterwrites on February 19, 2013
at 6:06 pm
Thank you, Sarah. Preparing to post is like spending some time in each of these places with people I love. Thanks for coming along! I am WAY behind in my blogging and need to do some catching up. I hope your winter writing is going well.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:27 pm
There are definitely not enough hours in the day D: It’s so easy to feel guilty about getting behind with blogging. I’d like to check out everyone immediately who comments or starts to follow me, but am WAY behind with that, too. Meanwhile, the winter writing is gaining momentum. Hope yours is too.
By: sarahpotterwrites on February 20, 2013
at 6:09 pm
I know what you mean. I am getting blogged down! Trying to do a little catching up, when I should be writing. Today I have the whole day to sit and write, and this was just the little nudge I needed to get me going. Best of luck, Sarah.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 6:12 pm
I agree. Nice series.
By: bentehaarstad on February 19, 2013
at 6:11 pm
Thank you for your visit. I really enjoyed your blog. What amazing photos!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:33 pm
I really enjoyed that. Where are the photos from? It seems to be from all over the world. I’m on my lunch break right now, but plan to look at them again more closely tonight. Your decision to post less frequently is certainly showing results when you put something as wonderful as this out there for all of us to drool over.
Nancy
By: dogear6 on February 19, 2013
at 6:30 pm
Dear Nancy,
You are so so sweet! I know there is some unobtrusive way to label photos, but I don’t know how. I will just tell you, in order, where the photos are from. Norway, Argentina, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland, Switzerland,the fire on the mountain is from Central Washington, (I think the glacier is in New Zealand), Canadian Rockies, Grand Tetons, Mt. Rainier, Banff, Hurricane ridge in Olympic National Park, Switzerland, Switzerland, Alaska, Banff, Argentina, Olympic National Park, Olympic National Park, Norway, Olympic National Park, Colorado, Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, Argentina, Switzerland, Switzerland, Switzerland, Norway!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:41 pm
Love your photo journeys and how you share them with those of us that can not get out to see these places! You are a wonderful photographer and writer. Through you I have traveled places I have never actually been nor realized the beauty of thank you so very much!!
By: lenwilliamscarver on February 19, 2013
at 6:57 pm
Dear Len,
Thanks you for your very kind words. It is a pleasure to share the journey!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:42 pm
Love that little house!
By: crazytraintotinkytown on February 19, 2013
at 7:01 pm
It was really fascinating. Way up at the top of the mountain in the Alps, teetering on this little ledge, is a hostel where climbers can buy a beer and a bed. There is a little mule in a pen on the other side of the house. In Switzerland, like nowhere else I’ve been, you can feel like you are in the rugged wilderness on top of the world, and then come upon a couple of goats or cows with bells clanging on their collars. Or find a little cafe on a trail in the middle of nowhere and stop in for a cup of Ovaltine!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:46 pm
What a treat. So many marvelous pictures. I smell the air without having to leave my chair. Outstanding, Naomi.
By: Let's CUT the Crap! on February 19, 2013
at 8:45 pm
Thank you, Tess! I had fun with this one.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:47 pm
Naomi, this is so beautiful. I nodded and smiled all the way through. Love that Hawaiian proverb- I’d never heard it before. Exceptional work.
By: restlessjo on February 19, 2013
at 9:03 pm
Hi Jo,
Thank you for sharing your very generous thoughts. I love proverbs–the wisdom of a culture and people condensed into one short phrase.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:49 pm
What a fascinating photos you have my dear.:)
By: Yen-Yen's_Passions :) on February 19, 2013
at 9:15 pm
Thank you, Yen-Yen. So good to hear from you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:49 pm
Love this one, Naomi! It reminds me of a line one of Theodore Roethke’s students is purported to have used in a poem: “Life is a river, with a beggar at the end.”
By: Cathryn Wellner on February 19, 2013
at 9:30 pm
Hi Cathryn,
Thanks so much for sharing that quote. This reminds me of the seeker who spent years in search for the meaning of life. Finally he heard of a wise hermit who lived at the top of a mountain. By the time he got there, he was in rags, the soles of his shoes worn down to nothing.
“Please tell me, what is the meaning of life?”asked the supplicant. The wise man was silent for a moment, and at last he replied, “Life…is a river.”
“What? You mean I’ve come all this way just to hear you tell me that life is a river?”
The hermit looked surprised. “You mean it’s not?”
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:57 pm
Wow…..what a beautiful journey, Naomi!
By: stuffitellmysister on February 20, 2013
at 12:19 am
Thank you, Paula.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:57 pm
Gorgeous scenery! What an inspiring post, Naomi!
By: Amy on February 20, 2013
at 1:51 am
Hi Amy,
Thanks so much for visiting, and taking the time to share your thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 4:58 pm
Great piece, Naomi.
It reminded me that at the top of one of the mountains in the Swiss Alps, we saw a “no high heels” sign (https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrtiXregWsGABQxqkU2w3DpoVvz9mjOHYJjFrAysVuxhoH8f9F). Cracked us up!
By: Elyse on February 20, 2013
at 2:23 am
Dear Elyse,
That photo was taken in the Swiss Alps. I wouldn’t be surprised if we each photographed the very same sign. It struck me as so funny that I couldn’t resist snapping a photo.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 5:36 pm
Aren’t they spectacular, the Alps? I only saw the sign that one time in the Jungfrau region, at the top of the Schilthorn. Hilarious! Great pictures.
By: Elyse on February 20, 2013
at 5:39 pm
There is nowhere else quite like them! Going through these photos has made me want to go back.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 5:46 pm
I lived outside Geneva for 5 years, with a view of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. I want to go back every day!
By: Elyse on February 20, 2013
at 5:52 pm
What a cool experience! Some of my mother’s family were potters who came from a little village called Bonfol, just outside of Porrentruy. The industrial revolution put them out of business, and they were the first in their village to emigrate to the US in the 1830s. We went to visit, but only just scratched the surface. I would love to return for a more extended stay.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 5:59 pm
Five years wasn’t quite enough …
By: Elyse on February 20, 2013
at 6:00 pm
Were you working there? Did you meet and get to know any Swiss people? How did you spend your free time?
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 6:02 pm
My husband worked at the WTO, I worked at the WHO (but not right away). We knew a few Swiss but they aren’t the friendliest bunch. I have a bunch of posts on it filed under Geneva stories (I just looked and there aren’t all that many).
This one sums up the experience pretty well, though:
http://fiftyfourandahalf.com/2012/05/24/me-and-julie/
By: Elyse on February 20, 2013
at 6:06 pm
Hi Elyse,
This was the refresher I needed. Now I recall having a fun exchange with you about that. I do recall that the Swiss were not particularly friendly–and their national policies reflect that insular nature. I think I’d rather just visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 6:18 pm
I may have to do a post on the Swiss and weird experiences there. I haven’t been back for a while! And it’s so much cheaper to do it via blog.
By: Elyse on February 20, 2013
at 6:19 pm
I would be VERY interested in reading that, Elyse!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 6:21 pm
Beautiful photos. Oh, the places you’ve been!
By: pattisj on February 20, 2013
at 4:56 am
Hi Patti,
Thank you for the visit, and for taking the time to share a comment.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 5:34 pm
What a wonderful journey or set of journeys indeed. Life is also indeed a journey
By: Claire 'Word by Word' on February 20, 2013
at 6:37 am
Dear Claire,
The image of life as a journey is very fitting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 5:22 pm
Beautiful photos and lovely writing.
By: Photography Journal Blog on February 20, 2013
at 12:34 pm
Thank you! I appreciate the visit, and your taking the time to comment.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 5:20 pm
My favorite part: ‘No one can climb it for you, but oh what a trip…’
True, true.
I really like these photo essays, Naomi, especially since I’m sure you have a ton of pictures from your travels to select from. HOW you manage to always find the right photos for your words is beyond me. It’s not as if it’s of just one place or one thing either. You show us both the vast landscapes and the little creatures and it all comes together perfectly in these posts.
By: tita buds on February 20, 2013
at 4:04 pm
Hi Tita,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and your very kind comment. Before I understood the mechanics of posting, I would sometimes push the wrong button and accidentally publish post instead of previewing it. My husband would say, “Write the post first and then copy and paste it into place.” But that would never work for me, because I don’t know exactly what I want to say, and what I say is sometimes influenced by the photo. I go back and forth between photos and words, and when the light comes on in my head, I know which just pictures to add in order to make it flow better.
I do have a large library of photos to choose from. Digital photography has made it practical and affordable to snap plenty of pictures on a whim, and those are often the photos that prove most interesting.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 20, 2013
at 5:45 pm
Oh man I love the chipmunk photo! He has attitude!
By: TBM on February 21, 2013
at 9:02 am
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 21, 2013
at 4:43 pm
Hi Naomi, as always, the words you choose are perfect for each picture
Your photo narratives are so enjoyable !
By: Kavi on February 21, 2013
at 4:16 pm
Thanks you Kavi!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 21, 2013
at 4:44 pm
This is such an inspirational blend of photos and words. I’ll have to remember to keep coming back to this post whenever any inspiration is needed (and that’s pretty often)!
By: Sheila on February 21, 2013
at 6:48 pm
Thanks for stopping by, and for your kind words. I look forward to seeing you again!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 21, 2013
at 7:12 pm
What grand photos! Lovely post.
By: Imelda on February 22, 2013
at 3:04 am
Thank you, Imelda. It’s nice to hear from you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 22, 2013
at 7:28 am
Beautiful photography… I think life is a bit of both and more…
By: eof737 on February 22, 2013
at 4:05 am
Awesome post, gorgeous shots. Great incorporation of people in them. Love the last one, is that your daughter? They also say life is a beach. I say it can be many things but the one that resonates with me the most has always been a mountain.
By: mflahertyphoto on February 22, 2013
at 7:35 am
Thank you! After visiting your blog, that is quite a compliment! Yes, that’s my daughter Bea, who is now a college freshman. I picked photos from many of our family trips, and they do span the years.
I include people in my photos whenever I can, or take one of the same shot with and without. I almost always use the one with people, not just for scale, but because those are the ones that trigger the memories that draw me back to a certain place.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 22, 2013
at 7:47 am
That was phenomenal and so inspiring! Thank you!
By: nymuse88 on February 22, 2013
at 8:23 am
Thank YOU for the visit. It’s good to hear form you.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 22, 2013
at 8:25 am
What an inspirational post and your photos are awesome! Breathtaking!
By: roweeee on February 22, 2013
at 12:40 pm
Thanks so much for your visit, and for taking the time to comment.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 23, 2013
at 5:06 am
I’m catching up….loved these..I love the mountains too and miss seeing them. I get so much energy just being around them…which reminds me…we need to get out of town soon!
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Love,
Mary
By: My Tropical Home on February 22, 2013
at 8:07 pm
Dear Mary,
Thanks for stopping by, and for sharing your generous thoughts–I do think there is something so fresh and energizing about fresh mountain air. Putting this post together made me eager to go back. I hope you get there soon too.
Love,
Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 23, 2013
at 5:10 am
Amazing pics Naomi and a great message ~ good to make your acquaintance
By: Polly Robinson on February 23, 2013
at 7:52 am
Hi Polly,
Thanks so much. I had fun visiting your blog. Good to meet you!
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 24, 2013
at 8:24 am
Wow, these photos… they are just wow and wow and wow. The little inn in the mountainside!!
A great message, great post – balanced. Cheers
By: WordsFallFromMyEyes on February 23, 2013
at 10:19 am
Thank you for your visit. That was a really special place–the kids loved petting the animals in a little stable area built into the cliffside. That’s not too far from the spot where maternal ancestors came from–I’d like to go back and explore so more one day. I really appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 24, 2013
at 8:26 am
Thank you Naomi,
These are beautiful pictures. Pictures one cannot forget.
Best,
Michelne
By: michelinewalker on February 23, 2013
at 5:28 pm
Dear Micheline,
Thanks so much for visiting!
All the best to you too!
Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 24, 2013
at 8:34 am
nice DOWN sign for cars!
By: frizztext on February 23, 2013
at 6:06 pm
Thank you, Frizz! It was quite a roller coaster ride down that mountain.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 24, 2013
at 8:35 am
What a hiking experience. Thank you for taking us along, Naomi! Love both photos and quotes. Great post!
Have a fun weekend!
By: Amy on February 23, 2013
at 7:11 pm
Thank you, Amy. Maybe it’s spring fever, but putting together this post made me very eager to get back out on the trails. I sure appreciate your visit.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 24, 2013
at 8:36 am
Great analogy and love the pictures
By: charliecountryboy on February 23, 2013
at 8:20 pm
Thank you, Charlie! I appreciate your stopping by.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 24, 2013
at 8:37 am
Thanks Naomi. It was like a breath of mountain air flowed through my room. You are my perspective guru.
And the pictures are melded so well to the words. They made me smile.
By: Kourtney Heintz on February 23, 2013
at 9:27 pm
You are too sweet! Thanks so much for your generous response.
By: Naomi Baltuck on February 24, 2013
at 8:09 am
Just being honest. I love stopping by your blog for a spoon full of perspective. Makes the day so much easier to get through.
By: Kourtney Heintz on February 25, 2013
at 5:01 am
Oh Naomi, what perfect analogies! And such beautiful images. The one of the cobweb is indeed precious. Thank you for a wonderful post
By: Madhu on February 24, 2013
at 7:09 pm
Dear Madhu,
Thank you so much! This one was very close to my heart.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 5:04 am
Love love love this! Sometimes the photographs carry the message, and our words just help them along……..this is the case here. Your photographs are stunning and your words, though brief, say all of the important things beautifully. Well done. xoJulia
By: Julia Kovach on February 24, 2013
at 7:27 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Julia. I think of this as a new kind of storytelling! I love the visual aids! Warmly, Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 5:06 am
Wonderful set of photos. I do love all of them. My favorite is the fourth photo from the top.
By: Sartenada on February 25, 2013
at 7:53 am
Thank you so much! I love that photo. It’s my daughter, and it always makes me feel tender too. I sure appreciate your visit and your taking the time to comment, and look forward to visiting your blog too.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 5:11 am
A wonderful collection, Naomi! Makes me want to get out and about to some mountains even more!
By: Esenga' s Voice on February 25, 2013
at 11:21 am
Thank you so much. I really appreciate your stopping by.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 18, 2013
at 3:53 pm
what a lovely post !!
By: jaajaabor on February 25, 2013
at 1:50 pm
Thank you so much for visiting, and sharing your thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 7:56 am
Such glorious photos. Thank you for sharing and giving me the chance to escape in my mind through your pictures for some moments.
By: Miss P on February 25, 2013
at 5:59 pm
Dear Miss P,
I love the idea of escaping into a moment or a place through a picture. Thank you for sharing that lovely thought with me!
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 7:59 am
WoW, that’s so beautiful and inspiring.
By: Genie on February 26, 2013
at 12:24 am
Hi Genie,
Thank you so much for stopping by, and sharing a really generous comment.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 7:57 am
Where was the house on the mountain. or in the mountain. Amazing.
By: rfljenksy on February 26, 2013
at 1:18 am
Thank you, thank you! The house was built into a cavelike overhang. There was a little chapel and animal pens that were actually built right into the mountainside.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 7:55 am
Humans never cease to amaze me.. did you actually visit this place (I’m guessing so) .. how do they get to this house? I’m so fascinated. I’ve been following a homesteading page and some of the houses are AMAZING.
By: rfljenksy on March 1, 2013
at 11:00 am
It amazes me that in Switzerland you just hop into a little cable car and take the escalator to the top of the mountain. We did that, and then we hiked in to this place that is actually a very old house and is now a hostel for hikers and climbers. I have a strong nesting instinct, and seeing little houses, cottages, and unusual homes always makes me wonder what it would be like to live there.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 6:13 pm
Damn.. you’re good at this…
By: bulldog on February 26, 2013
at 2:44 am
Thank you! Takes one to know one. I appreciate the follow, and look forward to following your blog, which is top notch.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 5:09 am
Made me want to climb a mountain (or at least a reasonably sized hill). The variety of pictures is amazing, you look at the idea of a mountain from so many different perspectives. Can you imagine sitting and writing from that little house with such beautiful views? You’d feel like you could do anything.
By: Kate on February 26, 2013
at 10:28 am
Hi Kate,
Thank you for your visit, and for sharing your wonderful thoughts! My artist sister would go with a group of friends to paint the Mendenhall Glacier, and they’d all be facing this impressive landscape, all painting this huge big picture. But Con would see worthy subjects in the underbrush, or the beauty of a pine cone, and focus on trying to capture the smaller picture.
And I LOVE the idea of a mountain writing retreat. My fantasy is to go away for a couple of months each year to work on a novel, exploring the landscape and culture, while also focusing on writing. A villa in Tuscany, a Swiss chalet, a thatched roof cottage in the English countryside. I actually went to England twice to gather local color and folklore before I wrote The Keeper of the Crystal Spring, and to Italy for inspiration for my novel Real Troopers, which is set in Tuscany. But the purpose was always to research, not to write. That’s definitely on my to-do list!
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 7:53 am
We share a fantasy. I’d add Scotland, particularly the island of Islay where they have the most amazing beaches and this amazing community garden full of fresh food including the most perfect looking strawberries. The majority of the roads are single track and you often have to stop driving because livestock is blocking the way. When you pass another car the driver almost always will wave hello.
In terms of England, I’m a Yorkshire lass and hence naturally biased to a white rose way of thinking.
The other part of my perfect dream would be cooking for guests. I love having lots of guests, and lots of food all done from scratch. There’s something beautiful about sitting down to eat your own creation and share it with friends and family. My little cottage would need a large kitchen and ideally a large dining room table.
By: Kate on March 1, 2013
at 5:21 pm
What a fabulous post, Naomi! I love the quote about tripping on molehills. It’s so very true. Your photos are awesome. It’s hard to choose a favourite, but I’ll plump for the last one. Amazing pic.
By: adinparadise on February 27, 2013
at 2:49 am
Hi ad,
Thank you so much! I love that last photo too. It is so Beatrice! I sure appreciate your sharing your very kind thoughts.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 7:39 am
All the shots are absolutely breathtaking and fascinating Naomi!!
Wow, you have a great eye!!
By: Pablo Buitrago on February 27, 2013
at 4:29 pm
Hi Pablo,
So good to hear from you! Thank you for your generous comments. I had fun pulling this one together. Finding good photos of mountains is like looking for a bad photo of a beautiful woman. It can happen, but there are so many lovely photos to choose from!
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 7:38 am
I totally agree, life is like a mountain… And your pictures are the best!
By: maggiemyklebust on February 28, 2013
at 3:41 pm
Thank you, Maggie. I appreciate your comment. Your blog is rich with rugged majestic mountains of Norway.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 5:14 am
Naomi–The captions were perfect for the meandering trip through your beautiful travel photos.
By: J. A. Robinson on March 1, 2013
at 12:34 pm
Thank you, J.A.! So nice of you to stop by!
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 1, 2013
at 6:14 pm
Beautiful place!!! Really great shots!!!
By: Rexlin Victor on March 2, 2013
at 8:29 am
Thank you so much for stopping by. This post was really one of my favorites to pull together.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 3, 2013
at 10:11 pm
… and I enjoyed this: the second time around actually. It is filled with fun and fantacy and again, a bit of a message.
By: Jamie Dedes on March 3, 2013
at 5:33 am
Thank you, Jamie!
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 3, 2013
at 10:12 pm
These should be bound in a book. Such exquisite pictures and great advice.
By: Browsing the Atlas on March 10, 2013
at 1:34 pm
That is such a very high compliment! Thank you so much.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 11, 2013
at 11:44 pm
Wow, Naomi, great photos and captions. What a lovely trip through your site.
Paulette
By: The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap on March 11, 2013
at 3:56 pm
HI Paulette,
Thank you for your visit, and for taking the time to share your thoughts. Best wishes, Naomi
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 18, 2013
at 3:55 pm
Great series of shots.
By: themofman on March 12, 2013
at 3:31 am
Thank you! I appreciate your stopping by.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 18, 2013
at 3:56 pm
Stunning and awe inspiring!
By: whatwereyathinkin on March 17, 2013
at 11:56 pm
Thank you so much!
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 18, 2013
at 3:57 pm
Wonderful photographs and like the 4th one.What mountains are in the background (it can be glorious) ?
By: Mary Gilmartin on March 18, 2013
at 1:20 pm
Hi Mary,
Thank you for your generous comment. I am not sure exactly which mountains we were looking at, but I can tell you that we were looking down into a fiord in Norway. Norway has some of the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen.
By: Naomi Baltuck on March 18, 2013
at 4:00 pm