FamilyBonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe Even granite boulders have families, right? I'm going to imagine it just that way.

Bonzai!Lake Tahoe, Nevada When worlds merge, everything is possible.

The Colors of Convict The subdued tones belie the colorful past, of a high mountain lake named after convicts. ©Karen Hutton - Creative Commons (CC BY-NC 3.0)

Cup Runneth OverTruckee, California My mother used to say that her "cup runneth over" with blessings. Maybe you just have to live enough to really appreciate this sentiment. But I must say, mine does too. Grateful.

Daily GrindTruckee, California I don't know why I named this "Daily Grind"... except that the colors and textures in this scene reminds me of the way coffee smells. How weird is THAT?

Open ArmsLake Tahoe, Nevada When given an unexpected gift, it is always wise to be grateful and give thanks. ;)

Tahoe Rocks Itself Blue Lake Tahoe, you wear Planet Earth Blue so well!

Storm's A-Brewin'Lake Tahoe, Nevada Drama, sky, storm, sweet.

Stormy MoodLake Tahoe, Nevada She was in a mood. She just was. No getting around it, no talking her out of it. She was beautiful, even then.

On a Wing and a PrayerTruckee, California She said a silent prayer that THIS dream came true. When she looked up at the sky, she realized her wish had just taken flight. She did a little jig.

Glenorchy Road The sign at the start of it says: "The Most Beautiful Road in the World". I think I believe it!

The Clouds Liked Blue Wakatipu Too "Really? Seriously??" I kept thinking at every bend of the road in New Zealand. Stunning beauty everywhere. Like here at Lake Wakatipu, just outside of Queenstown. And the colors!! I kept being reminded of Hawaii, Tahiti and many of the similarly adorned-in-blue places I've seen; there is a likeness amongst them in so many ways.

Shades of BlueLake Wakatipu, New Zealand

The Lake Wakatipu BluesLake Wakatipu, New Zealand Yes, it's really THAT blue! Of course, it depends somewhat upon the light. At 50 miles long, this is the largest lake in New Zealand. Feels like it goes on forever! It's also fah-REEZING cold, being fed by glaciers and all; which also accounts for this amazing color. After the rains earlier

The Big ViewDeer Park Heights, Queenstown New Zealand Just before sunset was often overlooked, in her estimation. She often thought of it like a beautiful overture. Not too overbearing, not trying too hard. More like an invitation. One she gratefully accepted.

Reflecting InwardLake Tekapo, New Zealand Like a glimpse, like a memory, she recalled the air of that morning. She always thought it odd to remember air.

Where Dreams Take Root Yep, right here is where it all happens. Hehheh.

Last Dance Truckee, California As the sun bade its final farewell with glorious golden burst, the Mr. & Mrs. thought it the perfect moment for one last dance.

Majestically TahoeLake Tahoe, Nevada side

I Keep Looking For You Across the water, beyond the sun I look for you

Lady Bowen Had a Great FallMilford Sound, New Zealand

Double TakeTruckee, California Her mother summed it up and repeated it often: "Double your expectations of a positive outcome and have twice the fun." She thought it was good advice and sought to follow it to the best of her abilities.

Courage Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand In that moment, she realized that courage was knowing the odds, but sailing on anyway. Radiantly. With panache.

Clearly GlenorchyGlenorchy, New Zealand When I think of Glenorchy, this is what I imagine. The red barn. That green tree on the left. The glacier blue lake. Sometimes simple is simply the best.