Tag Archives: Photography
The past few months have allowed little time for writing, but I am finally in a space where I have both the time and the energy to capture my thoughts on paper. The holiday season is a time to reflect and give thanks for all that brings you joy. Some of my most treasured memories involve time spent outdoors with family. Whether we are by the coast or exploring our own backyard, I love being outside. Unfortunately, the cold and flu season has limited our level of activity in recent weeks, so for now, I have to be content with our patio.
Time spent outdoors enhances not only your physical well-being, but your mental and spiritual health. The beauty of the natural world should be accessible to all people-regardless of your level of mobility. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience all that our beautiful planet has to offer. From wooded paths to saguaro lined trails, Arizona has an incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape. I am not very sure- footed, so I am always looking out for trails that are easily accessible to hikers of all ability levels. We have discovered two walking trails in Arizona that are accessible to individuals with all ranges of mobility- the Bajada Trail at Gateway Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy in Scottsdale and the Canopy Trail at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. Both trails provide scenic views that can be enjoyed by all visitors.
Bajada Trail
Photographing Teddy Bear Cholla Cacti
Bajada Trail at Gateway Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy offers stunning desert vistas with the McDowell Mountains in the background.
Scenic vistas from Bajada Trail
The half-mile trail is family friendly with interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the area. The smooth surface allows individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran landscape without having to worry about accessibility or risk for injury.
Bajada Trail
The following link offers additional information about all the trails at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy http://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/visit-the-preserve/trailheads/
Educational Exhibits on the Bajada Trail
Canopy Trail
Easily Accessible Canopy Trail
A drive up north to Cottonwood will take you to Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Canopy Trail- a wheelchair accessible wooded path that is designated for individuals with chemical sensitivities. The loop trail is less than a quarter mile in length and runs through a canopy of Fremont cottonwood trees. A stroll along the shaded walkway is a welcome retreat from the heat and an ideal spot for bird watching.
Canopy Trail at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
Shady Rest Stop along the Canopy Trail
For additional information about Dead Horse Ranch State Park, click on the following link: https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse/things-to-do/trail.
I believe every family should have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the natural world together. Whether you are a reliant on braces, confined to a wheelchair, or like me- a little less sure-footed, nature’s blessings should be accessible to everyone.
For more extensive information regarding recreation sites and nature trails that are accessible to individuals with disabilities in Arizona, I discovered the following two sites: Accessible Nature http://www.accessiblenature.info/?page_id=44 and Accessing Arizona by Loren Worthington http://www.accessingarizona.com/
A collection of our Arizona images is available for download and purchase at Bigstock:
https://www.bigstockphoto.com/search/?contributor=SILVERBROOK+IMAGES&safesearch=n
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!
With blessings,
Sheryl Brooks
Welcome to Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, California
Alex Looking Out at the Coast Guard Pier
Some of my happiest memories we have shared as a family have been spent outdoors. Every year we make the 14 hour drive from our home in Peoria, Arizona to Carmel to visit my parents who have been living there since 1989. The central coast of California provides many opportunities to appreciate and photograph the beauty of the natural world. I will be writing a series of blogs about exploring the Monterey Peninsula beginning with the Coast Guard Pier in Monterey.
Father and son at the Coast Guard Pier Monterey, CA July 2015
A walk along the Coast Guard Pier in Monterey offers wonderful views of wildlife, the shoreline, and the harbor. I love to watch the sea lions that gather on the rocks surrounding the pier. Whether they are animated and calling out to one-off my another or sitting in quiet repose, there are plenty of camera worthy moments.
Sea Lion in Monterey
Two of the poems included in our book, The Restorative Power of Spirit: Poems of Faith and Hope, were inspired by photographs taken of sea lions resting by the pier. Photography and writing both allow me to truly appreciate and celebrate the beauty and artistry of all living beings.
Nature’s Blessing
Your Moment
In addition to sea lions, on any given day you may discover sea otters enjoying a meal, a starfish resting just below the water’s surface and/or crabs inching along the rocks.
Sea otter in Monterey
Marine life photo collage
View of Cannery Row from Coast Guard Pier
To find out more about visiting the Coast Guard Pier in Monterey click on the following link: http://monterey.org/Services/Harbor-and-Marina/Coast-Guard-Pier.
To see more images from Monterey and the central coast, I invite you to visit our portfolio at Bigstock:
https://www.bigstockphoto.com/search/contributor=SILVERBROOK+IMAGES&safesearch=n
Be sure to check back in next time when I will be visiting Pacific Grove!
Also, coming soon-the launch of our new online shop on Shopify.com- SILVERBROOK IMAGES: experiencing life one picture at a time.
Wishing you a wonderful day and safe travels!
Sheryl Brooks
Temecula City Hall and Villa di Calabro Winery
To celebrate 20 years of marriage, my husband and I ventured out of Arizona to enjoy an extended weekend in Temecula, California- a picturesque city in Southern California approximately 60 miles north of San Diego. The Temecula Valley is home to a growing wine region that boasts over 30 wineries. Ever since our honeymoon in Napa Valley, we have enjoyed exploring the different wine regions in California and Arizona. The stunning views and the beautiful grounds of the different wineries and their vineyards make for a memorable and romantic experience.
The Temecula Valley is only a five hour drive from our home in Peoria, Arizona. We spent our first day exploring Old Town Temecula, an eclectic mix of restaurants, gift shops, and tasting rooms. At Villa di Calabro Winery we toasted our anniversary with red wine and sampled a delicious variety of herb infused olive oils paired with different flavored balsamic vinegars. After dinner, we enjoyed a leisurely stoll around Lake Harveston, just a short drive from Old Town.
Our next two days were spent exploring the different wineries. The experience of driving past rolling hills lined with grapevines invariably takes us back to our honeymoon. The beautiful setting and relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the different tasting rooms we visited made this anniversary celebration one we will never forget. Here are a few images from some of the wineries that we visited-
Falkner Winery and Pinnacle Restaurant
Maurice Car’ rie Winery
Longshadow Ranch Winery
1969 was a good year- Birth year for both Mount Palomar Winery and Joe!
Cougar Winery
Danza del Sol
For more information about the Temecula Wine Valley, including the different wineries and discount promotions available, visit http://www.temeculawines.org I highly recommend checking out the Sip Passport if you will be visiting during the week.
No matter where you travel to- whether you are close to home or far away- may your journey be safe and your memories joyful!
Happy Travels!
Sheryl Brooks
I was struck by the beauty of the sky at sunset one recent evening and I felt compelled to take a picture. I was immediately taken with the kaleidoscope of images that seemed to emerge from the clouds . I would love to know what you see. For me the sky is like a window to the Divine and the promise of eternal light. The angels that seemed to emerge from the clouds that had gathered in the sky reminded me that in God’s loving presence, we are never alone.
Blessings,
Sheryl Brooks
The act of creation allows me to reconnect with a part of my soul that seems to get lost in the stress of everyday life. Whether it’s looking through the lens of the camera, painting a picture with words, or combining materials to create one of a kind greeting cards, there is a joy that comes through the creative process. I love watching an idea take shape and come to life. It’ s especially rewarding being able to share that vision with others.
On Saturday October 22, 2016 my family and I will be at a local farmer’s market where we will be selling our book along with our photography and hand-made greeting cards. Having the opportunity to connect with others in our community is such a blessing.
Look for us at the Glendale Farmer’s Market- Saturday October 22,2016 from 8:00am to 12:00pm in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church at 58th Drive and Palmaire in Glendale, Arizona. Keep checking back in to see examples of the cards and prints we will be featuring in our booth as well info on future events. We will be signing copies of our book, The Restorative Power of Spirit, as well selling our photography in framed and unframed prints along with inspiration cards and handmade greeting cards!
Our dream is to uplift people’s spirits through our books, pictures, and cards at a price that is accessible to anyone. We look forward to ushering in the holiday season with you!
Blessings to you for the week ahead!
Sincerely,
Sheryl Brooks
Some of my favorite photos of my husband and son are those taken when we are out as a family and they are unaware of the camera. I love capturing those spontaneous moments of interaction when they are lost in an activity or simply walking ahead of me and talking. Every moment preserved will allow me to look back over the years and remember not only places and events, but the experience of being together. Through pictures, I have been able to create not only a visual, but an emotional scrapbook of memories that I will treasure forever. Every unscripted moment I have captured of my husband and son together is a reflection of the loving bond they share; a bond that will continue to grow and evolve with time. This love of photography is one that my own father instilled in me; a passion passed down to him from his dad. Every picture I take not only connects with my own family, but brings me closer to my Dad and Grandfather.
Though Father’s Day has come and gone, we need to appreciate every moment we have with our loved ones. Whether it’s with your husband or partner and father of your children, your own father, or a loving man who has been a father-figure to you, these loving relationships need to be treasured and your memories of them preserved.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed week!
Sincerely,
Sheryl Brooks
We had a wonderful experience at the Jolly Craft Fair April 9th and are now getting ready for our next event, The Tempe Festival of Books Saturday April 16th from 10:00-3:00. I feel so grateful for the opportunities coming our way that are allowing us to share our work with others. Our hope is that through our photography and poetry, we can offer a positive message with artwork that touches the heart. In addition to the photography and poetry, I am now trying my hand at making greeting cards. I enjoy the creative process and watching a piece come together, whether it’s a poem, a photograph, or handmade card. Every creative opportunity is a blessing and what makes it so special is that I am able to share in this process with my family. My wish is that you are able to find time to take part in something that brings you joy. Every person has a vision and voice that deserves to be shared.
I am including in this blog some of the pieces we had available for purchase. I have also included a flyer for our event next Saturday in Tempe with the Arizona Authors Association. I invite you to visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sheryl.lyn.brooks and www.facebook.com/silverbrook.images.
Blessings to you for the week ahead!
Sincerely,
Sheryl Brooks
