Forest Cards
Last year we set aside an afternoon for our family. We walked in the woods and took photos. We used the photos for our holiday cards. This year, the kids declared that a tradition. So we set out on a trail built for accessibility (I've been feeling stronger these days). The trail is aptly named the Independence Trail. Nice and flat and wide :)
Another adventure :)
The trail led us to a little creek with an amazing bridge. The kids kept asking, Is this the bridge? Is this the bridge? No, you will know the bridge :)
Since I knew that we hoped for holiday card images, I took portraits whenever the light shone golden or soft. In a way, it doesn't matter where we are, since I focus on their faces. But, in another way, getting out in nature inspires a light in their eyes. The fun of exploring. Discovering, seeing the sky and the changing leaves and our mighty world.
Pretty stuff. We were so busy with catching sunshine that we arrived at the creek after the sun had dipped behind the canyon wall. The water made for chilly air. But we loved the creek. And I played with the flash that was my birthday gift. We took one and only family photo. Using a tripod and a self-timer.
I was cold and the bridge was farther than I remembered and it was just getting shadier so we called it good. I appreciate that we got one of us together :)
Giovanni may have more that I can share, too, soon. Here he is on the switchbacks that lead to the creek. This trail is wonderful!
Ian used his stick on the way back to help keep the trail clear.
The hike was longer than I remembered. And colder than I expected. But worth all the effort. I get to visit my favorite holiday card site and try and pick a few of these to put on cards. I know everyone gets to see them here and on the gallery that I'll post soon (link forthcoming). But something about that envelope in the mail, getting to put photos in a collection of my friends and family... I love cards. I love the 'realness' of a card in the mail.
And this is the week for deals. I have a good one for holiday cards. I love Tiny Prints and I make a card of our family and another card for the fairies. Beautiful quality and fun designs. Until November 28, 2013, you can get free shipping and 25% off your cards. Use the codes TG13 and FS13 (you can stack them). Click here to start. A small amount of your order will come back to Lenkaland. Thank you!
Details from Tiny Prints: Offer expires 11/28/13 at 11:59 pm (PT). Save 25% off all orders using the code TG13 at checkout. There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. This offer cannot be combined with other offers. This offer is not applicable to previously placed orders or toward the purchase of greeting cards, Erin Condren weekly planners, Platinum Design Service, gift cards, gift certificates, calendars or photo books. Offer is only valid on Tiny Prints and is not applicable on treat.com, third party or partner websites. To prevent abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time without notice. We reserve the right to cancel any order at any time.
Offer is valid for a limited time only. Enjoy Free Standard Delivery when you use the code FS13 at checkout. There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. Shipping offer applies to non-sample orders shipped to a location within the 48 contiguous United States. Shipping offer applies to Standard Shipping rates only. This offer may be combined with other select offers. This offer is not applicable to previously placed orders or toward the purchase of greeting cards, photo books, calendars, gift cards or gift certificates. Offer is only valid on Tiny Prints and is not applicable on treat.com, third party or partner websites. To prevent abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time without notice. We reserve the right to cancel any order at any time.
Now... how do I choose just a couple of these photos for a card?
Wishing you a lovely day!
