Announcing Autumn’s Arrival

Fortunately, for the better part of October, I was able to frolic in the forested peaks & valleys of the Pacific Northwest. During this time, I found myself focusing on practicing self-care; which greatly invigorates the spirit & replenishes ones soul.

And, as they say, timing is everything. So, I was more than delighted to learn that GirlTrek would be lifting me up in prayer as I ventured “over the river and through the woods”.  Given, that they had instituted a ‘9-Day Prayer Trek’; which happened to coincide with my mini expedition of sorts.

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GirlTrek: Healthy Black Women and Girls

Over the course of the first week, I made certain to check-in. Affording myself the opportunity to listen to the encouraging & uplifting words of those that spoke directly to the core of my being.

Additionally, I was fortunate to have received a timely reading material recommendation, from one of the sincerest siSTAR friends this sistah has…Arica L. Coleman, PhD., provided me with exactly what I needed to read & reflect upon whilst unwinding in the high country.

Furthermore, if you’ve yet to read Oprah Winfrey’s What I Know For Sure, make certain to reserve yourself a copy. As I’m certain her words of wisdom will infuse your conscience with and abundance of overwhelming joy, as it most certainly did mine.

I found myself taking in every syllable that she expressed, and delighted in remembering to, “Replenish the well of yourself, for yourself.”. So much so, that I scribbled down the following sentence, so that I could try my best to imitate its sincere meaning. Because, “How you spend your time, defines who you are, and I want to shine my light for good.” ~Oprah Winfrey~

After absorbing all of the wonderfully sagacious anecdotes sprinkled throughout Oprah’s audio book. I found myself unpacking the next title I’d stashed away for those rainy days, when sitting inside was best…Let me make it positively clear that, Praise Song for the Butterflies by Bernice L. McFadden, is both heart-wrenching & healing.🦋


When the rains finally let up, I grabbed my gear, and set out to capture everything that caught my eye…hopefully, you’ll enjoy looking at natures bountiful beauty through my ever evolving lens.

Here’s to remembering to live adventurously…

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Welcome to Washington – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Basking in Blue Hues – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Behold…my kind of treasure trove. J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Hollowed Homesteads – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Occupying my time in an Orchard – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Hanging out in a Hay Field – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Living the Dream along the Similkameen. J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Tip Toeing Through – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Taking it in at Tunk Mountain |National Historic Lookout – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Home away from Home – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Coral Colors in Nature – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Capturing colors along the Similkameen River. J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Moseying through Molson – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Sightseeing along the Similkameen – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Burn Bright in the Twilight – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Outhouse in the Outdoors – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Camping in the High Country – J.R. Trotter Photography©

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Hearty Huckleberries – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Waterfalls in Western Wastelands – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Birds, Bees & Trees – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Ogling the Okanogan River – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Tunk Mountain Lookout – J.R. Trotter Photography©

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Cliffside Captures – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Revealing Ravines – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Beauty in Bark – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Mesmerized by Mountainscapes – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Segues along the Similkameen – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Natures Golden Twine…Sheaths of Wild Wheat – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Nature Colors in the Cracks – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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One of my Fall favorites – J.R. Trotter Photography©
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Trying to blend in… J.R. Trotter Photography©

In closing, recently, CNN published an article, entitled: “Doctors are prescribing nature to patients in the UK’s Shetland Islands“. In which it states that, “Through the ‘Nature Prescriptions‘ project GPs [doctors] and nurses can explain and promote the many benefits which being outdoors can have on physical and mental well-being,” Lauren Peterson, health improvement practitioner for NHS Shetland, said in a statement.

The calendar, available online, encourages patients to comb beaches for shells, do some gardening, take a coastal walk or even search for otters during low tide in order to reap the health benefits of the outdoors.

Research has shown that exposure to nature can counter depression, decrease stress levels, improve blood pressure and it has also been shown to boost creative and cognitive abilities.”

So, basically, I’m following doctor’s orders and I think you should, too. Oh, and what other place can one find themselves truly delighting in the nine fruitages of the spirit…(Gal. 5:22, 23)

  • LOVE

  • JOY

  • PEACE

  • PATIENCE

  • KINDNESS

  • GOODNESS

  • FAITH

  • MILDNESS

  • SELF-CONTROL

Lastly, if you’re ever in the Northwest, let me know…I’d be happy to show you the sights.

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Taking it all in at Tunk Mountain 📷 My brother Kevin

👣

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