{Winter, Branches, Happy Places and Mantra's} Minneapolis Photographer/Philosopher

Life literally abounds in comedy if you just look around you.
Mel Brooks

Here are few recent shots. I don't think I can be more obvious about how much I hate winter and snow. When we got our first storm and I heard the comments such as "winter wonderland","isn't this romantic" ....."isn't this first snow just great..." I thought "no. this is horrid and stupid." But then my thoughts brought me back to the Respect Retreat my 7th grade students had last week where opinions were discussed as being neither "good" or "bad" just what people think and to respect this so I reigned myself in being one trying my very best to practice what I preach....with that... I just cannot wait til February to hear opinions on how much the winter wonderland is loved then. Just a thought.

Next up is our little beagle. My winter soul mate and princess to the max. Hates wet and snow as much as me:) A bit of a change after having labs for so long but....It's great!!! We whine together, wimper and get a little round in the middle from too many carbs and naps. It's nice to have a buddy who gets it.


The next few pictures are pieces of a tree...I mean branch...that fell to the ground 5 minutes after my kids came in from playing outside in the "winter wonderland." Horrified could sum up my thoughts and feeling but after that settled I took some pics and turned it into art. Winter does provide beautiful photography opportunities...



Last but not least, this is my happy place. I have a great imagination, don't mind it and this is my happy place where I go when the winter wind is cutting through me like blades. I have said this before but I truly am a 35 year old stuck in a snow birds body. So, until then this, in my opinion, is my "winter wonderland"...My nirvana...As with every year I will make the best of it...go to my happy place, snuggle with my little pup and...hopefully plan a trip to somewhere warm..and pray my kids never utter the works "mom can we play/do figure skating...hockey....skiing....curling...etc" Oye!

{Faith} Minneapolis, MN Fine Art Photography

"A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself."

— John Muir

{from above} Minneapolis, MN Fine Art Photographer

{note that although I do have a unhealthy obsession with sunflare I did not, although came close, burn out my cornea metering for this spectacular burst of sun.}

{Resting Places} Twin Cities Fine Art Photographer

Cause in my head there’s a greyhound station
Where I send my thoughts to far off destinations
-Death Cab for Cutie

I am excited to offer fine art prints for sale for anyone who is interested. All these prints can be found in my Etsy Store below. They are mounted on matboard and ready to be framed. Different sized prints will be offered as will greeting cards. All fine art will be signed by myself. When you have a chance take a peek and keep coming back. It will be continually updated.
I love to take photographs that tell stories about how I see life through the camera lens. Included are pictures from every day life in Minnesota to the many travel adventures I have had the pleasure to take. There will also be a link at the bottom of my blog that will remain after this post is bumped down. The pictures below are all for sale and were taken during our most recent trip to Phoenix, Arizona.

Stacey Cordes Fine Art Print Store

{A Time} Twin Cities Fine Art Photographer

The truth is, sometimes things don't happen to you for a reason. Sometimes it's just about being in the right place at the right time for someone else- Jodi Picoult