Sunday, June 2, 2013

Lake Tahoe - part Deux

We swore last time we were at Tahoe that we were going to come back more often, and so far so good.  It was 100 degrees here yesterday, so we decided to escape the heat and go back to Tahoe, where it was a fantastic sunny 73ish.  We went to a State park that has a wonderful mansion, we'd toured it a couple of years ago and vowed to come back soon with chairs, books and picnic supplies, then promptly forgot about it. This time we came fully supplied, dogs in tow, and settled in for the day.  It was so beautiful - quiet and peaceful, we could hear the water lapping softly against the beach, which was about 15 feet from us.
 
I created my first "plein air" (I assume this means painting something outside while you're looking at it) there. Not great (it turns out it's not easy doing a watercolor in a beach chair!)
, but it captures the scene and I really found myself immersed in just seeing, and being there while doing it.

 
 
 
Looking up at the mansion from the lawn.
 
 
 
The boys, VERY worried that their Father did the unfathomable, walking away from our spot without them.

 
 
Looking back at the grounds from the pier.  Not a bad spot to have had your summer home, huh?
 
 
 

A coyote strolling through the grounds, stopping to look at us.

 

12 comments:

  1. 'being there' - great observation. It's too easy to get caught up in 'stuff', and it's a great idea to just stop, take in the beauty and 'be there'.

    Love the photos, particularly of your boys!

    Wow, a coyote wandering around - was that a concern for you or do they leave people alone?

    You joining in with Summer of Color this year?

    xx

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  2. A cool 73! That's hot over here!!!

    It sounds wonderful where you were.... what a lovely way to spend a day.

    How brave you are too paint 'plein air' - I'd be to scared someone would come and look!!!!

    Your boys are so cool! Love their different style of ears!!!

    Great shot of the coyote... hope he didn't bother you :)

    Karen x

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  3. It looks such a wonderful place to visit and relax - your little painting is beautiful and it must have been a very different experience painting outdoors, but I'm with Karen - I would hate for people to come up and look over my shoulder!
    Your boys are so sweet - did they notice the Coyote? When I used to visit my sister in CA, I heard them quite often but never saw one, but I always wanted to. I thought they were quite shy of humans but he looks fairly bold doesn't he.

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  4. Oh my gosh! It looks so ideal there! The pictures are great - especially the one with the "kids" :) Thank you for your help with SOC too - I'm SO happy to have you playing! YAY, xoxo

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  5. Looks a gorgeous place! It seems strange seeing a coyote just strolling through, I have only ever seen them in zoos! That water looks so inviting! Although the weather in scotland has been nice it certainly can't match up to this!!

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  6. I love the name of your blog. The pictures of your summer home are wonderful.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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  7. Hi Terri,nice to meet you. Thank you for stopping by my blog and my SOC contribution. I love the photos of your visit to Lake Tahoe. Such a beautiful day. I love Lake Tahoe. It's been a while. Your family pet members look happy and healthy. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Your painting is wonderful - it might not have been easy to do but I do believe you captured the moment very well! Loved your pictures!
    Sandy

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  9. Wonderful painting, dear Terri and a wonderful story and photos too. Yes, it is to see, it must be awesome to be on this place! I love the Details on your painting and the colors :)
    hugs
    erika

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  10. Wonderful painting!! We go to Tahoe every summer, I love it!!!

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  11. Jealous! What a wonderful place, really gorgeous there. I haven't been in a long time.

    What a great plein air painting!!

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Your comments are very appreciated!