Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Morning Light and A New Friend

Last week Friday I had the privilege of meeting another blogging friend in real life, Diane Baker-Williams of A Focused Journey.


We had talked about getting together sometime during the summer since she is a school teacher summer is the only time that works well for her.

She wanted to come to Holland, which is only about a two hour drive from her house. I was more than happy to play tour guide again. Since she deals with noise and chaos in the classroom every day she wanted to go photograph places that were quiet, a more backroads experience. I haven't been out exploring back roads for a while so that sounded like a great plan to me.


Diane was due to arrive in Holland around 9 a.m. and our first destination was going to be Historic VanRaalte Farm. I decided to go out early and do some scouting before she got here since I hadn't been to the Farm for a while. I decided if I was going to go early I might as well catch the morning golden hour as well. There are some advantages to getting up at 5 a.m.


I arrived at the Farm about twenty past seven, just as the sun was starting to move upward creating lovely angled morning light. It had been quite cool overnight so there was lots of dew on the grass and the wildflowers.


As I was out there clicking away with my dslr and my iPhone and posting to Instagram, I couldn't think of one good excuse as to why I don't capture this glorious morning light more often, especially while all the gorgeous wild flowers are still in their prime.

Diane called to let me know she had arrived at our meeting place, so I scooted off to go meet her. I always find it amazing that it isn't weird at all to meet a fellow blogger for the first time, somebody you know only from reading their blog. It is more like just continuing conversations from things you have read about each other.


I brought her back to the Farm and we set off to explore; old barns, wildflower fields, boardwalk pathways, overlooks and a big open field where the sledding hill is in the winter. The whole time we were out there we only saw two other ladies, so we pretty much had the 160 acres to ourselves.


By the time we had walked all over the farm we were ready for some lunch and no trip to Holland would be complete without lunch at one of the amazing restaurants in our downtown. We chose to dine outside on this perfect summer day at The Curragh, our Irish Pub.


After lunch we were ready for more adventures. Our next stop was going to be the New Richmond Bridge, a historic multi-span pony truss bridge, which also happens to run right alongside a lovely to photograph train trestle.


We still had plenty of time left in the day. Diane likes wine, I like wine and we were so close, I decided we would stop at the Fenn Valley Winery tasting room. Wine tasting, you can never go wrong there. When we were done tasting we had the girl doing our pourings take our photo. I happened to mention that we had just met for the first time that day, she couldn't believe that, she said it seemed like we had been best friends forever.


More backroad exploring after the winery and a quick stop in Saugatuck then it was time to bring Diane back to her car and part ways. I had such a great day playing tour guide and making a new friend, we are planning another meet up in the future, probably someplace half way for both of us and new to both of us. I can't wait.

16 comments:

amy of studio four corners said...

sounds like it was a wonderful day, combining all the great elements of nature, friendship, photography and wine!

Jessica said...

I agree about meeting online friends -- it seems like it should be weird but it always seems so natural. I guess because we've already shared so much.

That photo of the meadow with the birds flying overhead is just lovely! : )

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful day, Sarah! Makes me wish I lived near you!

cheryl Crotty said...

Sarah it sounds like the perfect day...including the weather co-operating with you...so many things to see, so many things to learn about each other...and lunch at an Irish Pub...it all sounds lovely...

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Sarah what a wonderful time you had, thanks for taking me along.

Roxi H said...

How awesome! I look forward to your adventures.

Cathy H. said...

It sounds like such a lovely day! I love all you images, but that first one is breathtaking! Gorgeous morning light!

Unknown said...

Love this post, as always, you write a beautiful story. The early morning shot is so calming and I love that you caught the birds in flight. I had such a great time spending the day together...I look forward to doing it again soon. Many thanks for a truly magnificent day!

Suburban Girl said...

Beautiful photos of a beautiful day.

Ida said...

How neat and exciting to meet a fellow blogger. Looks like you both enjoyed a very special day. The photos were lovely. I really liked the one with the purple thistles.

Unknown said...

So much fun, isn't it?
I too, am never worried when meeting a "new" blogging friend, because like you said - we seem like old friends by the time we meet face to face.

Anonymous said...

You do make early morning appear tempting. ;) Glad you both had a wonderful day.

Lynne said...

Wonderful you are meeting so many of your blog friends . . . even more so, some who love photography too . . .
And a bit of wine never hurts at all . . .
Loved your pics . . . like usual . . .

Anonymous said...

So great you two were able to get together!!! And what a beautiful farm- lovely photos! BTW- this post is from Melinda of melinda365.com- I'm having google identity issues today!

Deanna said...

Wow, your 3rd blogger this summer to meet up with. How fun!! My short time with you was a wonder and I look forward to us re-joining in the near future!! And PS I like wine too!!

Ahayes1225 said...

Looks like you had a nice day. I hope your summer has been good. I can't believe it is almost over. Looking forward to the fall color.