#Project365: Wandering North America

I have some pretty exciting photographs (including pictures of a couple of new art projects!) coming up. This photo was taken at Long Hollow Scenic Overlook [http://www.galena.org/places/long-hollow-scenic-overlook/] in northern Illinois on US 20 between Elizabeth and Galena: 

The trail above led me to this area below:

Needless to say, the overlook has become overgrown; but is still beautiful even if one can no longer look out here over the surrounding countryside. Upon further investigation, I discovered that there used to be a wooden tower near the bathrooms which was there in 2012 as shown below obtained from Google Maps. It has since been torn down; as it was not there last summer.

#Project365: Winter in the Midwest Continued

As I write this, I did a double-take on temperatures in Florida today. The HIGHS around Tampa are what we will experience as highs HERE later this week! The high there is 54 and the predicted high for here Thursday is 52. Needless to say, the snow and ice around here will be melting this week. Here are a few pictures I caught this weekend:

Near the stately sycamore tree above, I found these geese enjoying the river:

Check out the white goose looking at me just left of center here:

#Project365: Winter in the Midwest

As I listen to the birds chirping outside the window on this cold, frosty morning; I think about how quiet and serene winter can be. We find inspiration from nature and all the seasons.

We are planning on new creations for the upcoming year and we'll keep you updated as dates are set for shows!

#Project365: What do frogs signal?

During summer at the lake, one can constantly hear the frogs. This frog isn't real, of course. But it IS a reminder that spring is on its way and will be here before we know it. Now's the perfect time to make those summer plans...

#Project365

Today's picture:

Seasons change yet some things are constant; it is always good to have a friend scoping things out with you.

#Project365 Campaign

Hello everyone! Since June introduced me yesterday, I figured I would describe the pictures we will be posting here as part of our #Project365 campaign. Some of the pictures will be nature pictures so as to encourage you to get out in nature and enjoy as much of our beautiful biosphere as you can. Some of the pictures will be projects we have either produced in the past or current projects. Either way, you can look forward to something new regularly now!

My first three pictures (including yesterday's picture) of this year focus on trees. Trees are something very special to me, as I often use wood from trees as part of our art projects and other projects. I also appreciate their shade in the summertime and the oxygen they produce. Their beauty and magnificence might not mean much to someone until he or she visits the Great Plains or desert areas or high mountainous regions above the treeline where there AREN'T many or any trees. Furthermore, I understand how much more important trees are to me now that trees are being devastated worldwide due to a variety of issues including climate change, pollution loading, agriculture, and other human activity.

These two pine trees appear to be touched by the maple branches in this picture:

 Believe it or not, this picture of these maple leaves was taken in JANUARY here in Fort Wayne, Indiana:

This is a "Home is Where The Heart Is" decoration in progress.

Until next time.....

Behind the Scenes...Erik Michaels

It's been far too long since the last Treasured Traditions share. 2017 will be a great year. So many show and market opportunities. We'll keep you updated better.

So...a huge shout out to Erik Michaels for being an important part of Treasured Traditions. He's the go-to guy for cutting wood, lots of gluing ideas as well as his extreme love and talents for wood working and photography. We'll share more about his talents in the next several weeks.

Erik Michaels - Nature Photography