Celebrating the Stormy Summer Sun

by Jun 21, 2019Adventures, The PNW Experience

Summer! It is officially here!

Kayaks – check. Towels – check. Snacks galore – check. Iced cold beverages – check. With our sun hats and bathing suits on, my sister, Ozy, and I joyfully jumped in the car – heading to play on the water and beat the 90 degree heat that was headed our way.
We are true PNW ladies, and had the most prepared dad ever, so we were truly caught by surprise when the weather turned dark. 
Storm rolling in over Mt. Hood.
Trillium Lake with views of Mt. Hood.
As we neared our destination – Trillium Lake up near Mt. Hood – we couldn’t believe that we hadn’t brought a single jacket. No rain coat. Not anything for if the weather wasn’t anything but delightful. Even though ominous dark clouds loomed and thunder rumbled in the distance, it was still a pleasant temperature. So we decided to stick it out, starting with a walk. When we saw lightening, it solidified for us that we were not in fact going kayaking today. 
Despite the unexpected storm. We soon realized – we really still had everything we needed for a great day.
We were out in nature. We had food and drinks. We had a happy pup. And we were on a sister adventure. So instead of floating on the water all afternoon, we walked in flip flops in the rain, circling the 1.8 mile lake loop three times, chatting happily the entire time.
Beachin’ it PNW style: Rain, Thunder, and Sun Hats.
First adventure with the new ZieBeeMobile.
Today is the Summer Solstice, and even if it is stormy like here in Portland, it is a great day to honor the sun, celebrate the light, and enjoy some time in nature.

Looking for ideas? Here are a few things to try:

Go for a walk

Watch the sunset

Sit quietly and light a candle, to honor the light

Meet up with friends and have a bonfire

Go for a picnic

Enjoy some fresh food

Give unneeded things away

Enjoy some summer inspired coloring!

I welcome you summer! Rain, shine, and everything in between. Happy Summer Solstice,

~ZieBee

Art Notes

Camera: Samsung Galaxy S7

Settings: For most I used the Auto setting, with adjusted exposure. For the shot with the flowers in the foreground, I used the Selective Focus setting then chose Pan Focus. This make it so that both the flowers and mountain were in focus, with the exposure set to the flowers. 

Artwork: A close-up from one of my new illustrations for my second edition of my Bold, Brave, & Beautiful coloring book.

Location: Trillium Lake, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon.

About the Author & Artist

Hello, my name is Mackenzie and I am a multipassionate fusion creative. I love animals, the great outdoors, and creating long lasting, deep connections with the people in my life. It is my goal in life to spread love and laughter, and to help brighten the world one moment at a time. My art, photography, writing, and creative projects bring me great joy to create, curate, and share.

If you have a story to tell, want to start a business, or simply want some new photos taken or new art in your life, please get in touch, I would love to work with you.