Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Transylvania Explorer!

I am so excited to be a part of this awesome little publication!  Our local newspaper "The Transylvania Times" recently contacted me about doing an article for their quarterly "Transylvania Explorer" magazine...the Autumn/Winter 2017 publication.  They wanted me to write a short bio, my favorite places to take photographs during the Autumn in Transylvania County and a few photography tips!  The magazine came out yesterday!  Here's what it says:
We enjoy an abundance of color here in the mountains, with people traveling near and far to catch a glimpse, but a lot of people don’t realize the Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest mountains (roughly 480 million years) in the world. Because of that, there are lots of plants and wildflowers that grow here during the fall that are very rare and can only be found in a few other places around the world. One of Hardy’s favorites is the “Grass of Parnassus” (aka Bog Star) that blooms during the fall in the vertical bog areas along the parkway.
 But the true indicator of autumn in Transylvania County is the appearance of the Monarch butterfly. “This is when I really know fall has arrived,” Hardy said. These beautiful creatures start showing up mid-September through mid-October. This area is actually on the migratory path for several species of butterfly and birds, which only adds more color to autumn in Transylvania County. “My tips for a great photo would be always have your camera, always have a polarizer filter on your lens (for shooting outside any time of day) and always look for the magic,” she said. “It’s here, if you look hard enough.” 
A Baton Rouge, La., native, Hardy moved to the mountains with her husband almost 11 years ago. She divides her time between photography and running a successful online Etsy shop, where she sells her handmade things. You can see more of her photos and learn more about her by visiting www.myhandmadelife.com.

So, if you've ventured here via that publication, Welcome!  If you are visiting the area and would like some help with your photography, please feel free to contact me!

Thanks so much!  Love and peace always ~ Kathy

"Always look for the magic --- it's there, if you look hard enough" ~ Kathy Hardy

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Life in the forest...

For those that do not know, we had to send our little Lita to Rainbow's bridge last Friday...I'm comforted in knowing she will see Ozzy again and that he's been waiting for her ~ bitter/sweet
My last journal drawing was a tribute to her:
And today I did some "Shinrin-Yoku" [forest bathing] --- what a wonderful day!
Looks like Autumn is on its way!
So much love in the forest!
Squirrel Dinning Table!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of confidence. It is the place where we tear off that mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense, and where we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts. It is the spot where expressions of tenderness gush out without any sensation of awkwardness and without any dread of ridicule." ~ Frederick W. Robertson