A Joyful Announcement!!

I received an Instagram message around mid-December from The Marina at Cherry Creek saying that they loved my photos, the Pelicans, to be specific, and that they would like to hang some of the pics in the Lake House event center. Well, earlier this week, I met with Erik Dyce, the CEO of Vencore Marine Group, and we have agreed to partner up. I am excited about this new adventure/venture and to see my photography being displayed (and sold) in such a beautiful venue. 

A statement from Erik:

'Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek in Cherry Creek State Park is delighted to partner with Amy Lilley – renowned photographer who has brought her unique talents to Colorado.  Her intimate relationship with the White Pelican, native to Cherry Creek Reservoir, is a stunning study in art and the science of this unique bird.  Pelican Bay is named for these magnificent creatures who feature wing spans up to six feet. At any given time you may see well over 100 Pelicans at The Marina at Pelican Bay, perched on the breakwater around the Marina, or out in the Stump Area on the South side of the Reservoir. Their sweet group behavior is something to witness.

Amy’s photos will be featured in and around Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek as well as for sale at certain select events.  We welcome these treasures and so should you!'

The Lake House and Marina...from the park side.

The Lake House from the kayak..

And from waaaay across the far side of the lake, looking toward the Rockies and the Marina...

Another shot from the park side.. 

Up close at The Marina..

Although it looks different now, this is where it all started for me, with a simple kayak rental..

Late December, The Marina..

Last Winter as a storm was getting ready to blow in..

The lovely entrance to The Lake House...taken today..

What is so amazing to me is that from a simple kayak rental 3 summers ago, to purchasing my own  Pelican kayak and spending so much time on the lake, doing what I love to do...not just taking pics of the Pelicans, Herons, the turtles, fish and other wildlife, but spending all that quiet time on the lake, the activity of paddling when the lake was smooth as glass or in some very challenging weather situations, to creating the Pelican calendar, and then having Erik look at me and say, 'I have never seen anything like your work before.' Is this not what, as artists (all inclusive, writers, poets, actors, dancers, etc.,) we dream of? I acknowledged that this is a gift, the eye which has been given to me. So, this is my joyful announcement. I look forward to sharing with all of you, over the next few months, as the Pelicans find their rightful place all over The Lake House!!

The morning after I met with Erik, I woke up, and the only thing I could think of was how much I wanted to call Mom, and I cried...

 'Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.'

James 1:17

Click here to link to The Marina at Pelican Bay

Labor of Love!!

So beautifully colored, thought out, labor intensive...

detail...

And framed...

Comforter, so skillfully crocheted by my Grandmother decades ago, still in use today...

Victorian doorknobs, 1 & 2,  circa, 1900, drawn by Me, from the Big House in R.I.

Today is National Siblings Day, so I include, Sibling-In-Law, i.e, my Sister-in-Law, Sheila. She has found a great way to spend some quiet time, midst her very busy and demanding job, and life in general. Upon discovery of coloring in, what to me look like the most elaborate Victorian doorknobs, Sheila has turned this wonderful hobby into a few 'labor of love' pieces, which she has signed, framed, popped in the mail to some very happy recipients. 'Moi' included. It came on Friday. I liken this gorgeous labor intensive piece to the crocheting of a quilt, or cross-stitch works, which were so carefully hand crafted by my Mom, Grandmother, Great-Aunt. Each, a treasure, withstanding the test of time.

Even though I have said it many times over at this point, I so appreciate the time, dedication, thought and love which was put into this beautiful drawing. Along with the colors of the matte, which my Brother chose, although without thinking, he said, our camp colors of blue and 'gold'. We have found a place of honor to hang it where the blazing Colorado sun will not touch it and make it fade or alter the colors in any way. 

So, many thank you's again, dear SIL!!!

'May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;

    establish the work of our hands for us—

    yes, establish the work of our hands..'

                                         Psaml 90:17

The Gift

Okay, it happened. I was driving back from U-haul after picking up yet another round of packing supplies, and then it happened...I wasn't even listening to any music. That sudden rush, of feeling totally overwhelmed bubbled over and I literally had to pull over. I called Jimmy and he so kindly said a prayer and calmed me down. I told him I thought about going to see my friend Claire, but I was sure that even w/ a mere 'hello', I would burst into tears. As a friend, he said, she would want me to come and see her in her antique shop. I did a blog post about Claire in October of 2009. She has what I think is one of the most beautiful and genuine antique shops in all of Rhode Island. Antique Haven. An eye full would be an understatement. I leave Rhode Island w/ numerous items from her shop, from an old and very delicate amethyst ring, to a couple of old framed prints and a large Franciscan water pitcher, just to name a few...there's more...hey we've been here for 10 years. Anywho, I went to see Claire, as predicted, I burst into tears the second I saw her, we hugged, and then we just talked and talked and talked, which is what we always do when we see one another. When we were both sensing that it was time for me to leave, she looked at me and she said, 'From my heart, you are like a daughter to me, please pick anything from the store and take it w/ you, as a gift.' I did not question her sincerity. I slowly started walking around the store (feeling the fullness of the moment I thought of Indiana Jones picking the right cup...remember that???). I picked this vase. It stands about 10" tall.

It is perfect, I love it and I love my very dear friend Claire.