Looking forward to participating in the Bridal Expo this Sunday (Jan. 3, 2016) at Starved Rock Lodge. Find me in the Starved Rock Room and let's talk wedding photography!! This is such a fun event. Hope to see you there!

Spotted two mature American Bald Eagles in the tree at by the boat ramp at Starved Rock State Park just now! Then, I saw one more in flight over the Visitor Center. The Illinois River Valley is happy to welcome these majestic birds and we hope to see them everyday in the near future.

Many years ago, I won an essay contest sponsored by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). I appreciated that they read my essay and gave me $$ when I won, plus a great chicken dinner! Many years later, my path continues to cross with the DAR--when they illuminated the flag on top of Starved Rock and again when they donated a display flag to the Lodge.
Last night, at the IL Valley Area Chamber's Annual Dinner, the event was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance as the new stars and stripes were standing proudly in our Great Hall. In these troubled times, when we must not take our freedom for granted, I was reminded of the many good works of the DAR. They quietly go about volunteering and promoting how to respect the American Flag. Thanks DAR! Thanks to all of you who care enough to volunteer. Thanks for the flag you gave us. We are proud to own it. Thanks to the IL Valley Chamber of Commerce for recognizing that 23 cities need to be a part of the IVAC family!! Great goals outlined by incoming IVAC president TJ Templeton!! Good for you!! It all happened in the GREAT HALL #starvedrocklodge

Do you know what your passions are in life? Do you find joy in adding to or enhancing your passions? I do. My passions are photography, Barbies, Calligrapy, swimming, collecting Nutcrackers, finding and identifying wildflowers, hiking, going on adventures and more. One of my latest passions is art glass, in particular, SUMAC by Frank Lloyd Wright. I don't know much about him or his work, but it speaks to me. I find such calm in looking at it. Does anyone else feel this way or is it just me?
Why does it bring calm to you when you look at it?

The roads are clear and the Christmas Snow at Thanksgiving makes everything look magical here! Take a drive today and enjoy the beauty of Starved Rock. You won't be disappointed.

We are decorating for Christmas at Starved Rock Lodge. Is it too early? Some say yes, but I say NO! The reason we decorate so early is so that when our guests come here to enjoy our delicious Thanksgiving Buffet they can take holiday photos with their families. So it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and I love it! More photos to come soon!

Today we hiked to Aurora Canyon-- but the bottom. I'd never been there before. So, I'm so glad I went. NEVER say NO to a hike. Leaves were still falling. Didn't they get the memo that it's SPRING? It was muddy but worth the walk and happy to have photos with an active waterfall in this canyon. In the past, I'd only photographed this from the top. I'll never forget how it was a raging waterfall in September of 2009 after a huge flood.