Posted on

Great And Glorious News !!! (8 IMAGES)

Scroll down to see more content

Great and glorious news I do have, yes I do! I have begun the planning to go to Niagara Falls, Canada. For those of you who have been with me a while, this I was going to do last Fall, but, Life had other things in mind which prevented me from going.

Let me tell you, things have changed since 911. Before 911 we easily could go back and forth from the USA to Canada, which hubby and I did a lot. This is no longer the case, sad to say. Now, you must have an enhanced license which entails producing 6 documents all proving you are a USA Citizen, your proof of birth, your proof of name, your proof of address. Whew! I have all those needed documents neatly contained in a folder right now, and so on Tuesday (the office is closed on Mondays), I am going to the license bureau to apply for an enhanced license. I will be given a temporary one until I receive my permanent one, so with the temporary one, I am going to Canada this week.

What also has changed since 911 is the transportation system in Canada at Niagara Falls where you can park your car and then be transported to the Falls. What had been in place prior to 911 is no longer, and right now, hubby is attempting to do research on where to go to park, and how best to get to the Falls. IF any of you who are reading this have any information regarding this transportation system and how best to get to Niagara Falls with the least amount of walking (remember I will have heavy camera equipment with me), please leave that information in the comments below. The information which hubby is trying to figure out is not easily accessible.

Why must this world make things so complicated and difficult? All because of a few people in this world who terrorize others? So the rest of us struggle to do what once was simple, hoping that with the appropriate planning, the complicated can become simple.

I will be working with approximately a 6 hour window in which I can get to the Falls, figure out where best to set up my tripod, in one or more locations, and to shoot, and then to return home. I also have to figure out which filter is best to work with, and that will depend ultimately on the weather. Ideally, I am looking for an overcast day, with barely any wind, and no snow. Those are my “ideal conditions” so as of this writing, I am putting that Intention out to the Universe!

So! Where am I going with this? Well, here it is in a nutshell. In order to get all prepared in this house for us to leave for that amount of time, certain circumstances must be obtained, to allow for the least amount of stress as possible. For those of you who do not know, hubby and I care for special needs cats who have come to depend on us for their every need, and are very set in a routine. We are working around their a.m. feeding time and their afternoon feeding time, hopping in between in order to go to Canada. That still does not guarantee that some will be stressed, so music must be playing, and this house as orderly and clean as possible.

And then the actual planning of the trip, the making sure all my equipment is clean and in good working condition, and making sure all of our cats will tolerate this absence means, that I will not be blogging much this week at all. All my focus must be towards this trip so that all runs smoothly in order for me to bring back with me, photographs that will make your jaws drop.

Just to whet your appetites for waterfalls, I (heavily) edited images of Blossom Falls which I am showing to you with this post. I also have 6-7 more images of Blossom Falls that I have yet to edit, and IF I have the time, will do so, and post for you to look at, probably with comments closed. I am leaving comments open on this post, with no promises of me answering them. I will look at them, though, and I do promise you I will do my best to answer them. There will be little blogging activity on my part for the majority of this week. This photo shoot, IMO, is a huge trip for me to undertake, due to the circumstances not only seen in Canada now, but those hubby and I live with.

In closing, please enjoy these beautiful images of Blossom Falls which I edited in such a way with several people in mind. Marissa, you are one of them, you who really encouraged me to edit these falls in this manner. Amy, you are another one who comes to mind, you who are encouraging me to show my work outside of WP. So I really do thank you both. All of you who encouraged me to edit Blossom Falls in my last post of them https://herladypinkrose.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/beautiful-blossom-falls-6-images/, I thank from the bottom of my Heart. I edited what you are about to see in the same fashion. Again, please do ENJOY!!!!

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

Photography/ “Great And Glorious News!” ©AmyRose

 

114 thoughts on “Great And Glorious News !!! (8 IMAGES)”

  1. When I was in Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, about four years ago, I looked for about half an hour for a parking spot. Nothing was available and I finally decided to go home, after taking some perfunctory photos. Maybe in the winter you will have better luck, I hope so.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. There are shuttle services, Neihtn, but even those have changed, so that is what we are looking for right now. So much has changed since 911 which is sad. In order to accomplish what I wish to do, we really have to plan this out down to the last minute. (((HUGS))) Amy

      Like

      Reply

      1. Yes, I used to live in Michigan in the 80s and getting into Canada was a breeze. We used to visit Ipperwash Beach monthly. Then I moved to DC. A couple years back, we planned a trip to Ipperwash Beach. That was after 911. We decided to take the long way through Niagara Falls on out way! Yep, it was a pain this time, but Niagara Falls was amazing!

        Like

      2. Hopefully with all documents in order we won’t have any stumbling blocks. I plan on having all my equipment and outer clothing in plain sight on the back seat and if asked, I will explain I am a photographer going to the Falls. I agree. Niagara Falls is amazing having been there many times, but this is the first time since 911, believe it or not. (((HUGS))) Amy

        Like

  2. OH, How exciting, Amy.I remember you wanting to go last Fall. I bet they will be beautiful and will look forward to seeing them. I understand the time constraints it will put on you and your husband. It’s a shame how much has changed after 9/11. Love the images above! Take care {{{HUGS}}} Kathy

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, thank YOU, Kathy!! I am getting SO excited just thinking that this week I will finally be at the FALLS. It is a shame how much has changed since 911, I so agree with you. Keep your fingers crossed I have a good hair day when I get my enhanced license … my pic will be taken. LOL (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Now what am I supposed to say to this? Thank you seems so blase, yet here I am saying it. Thank you, Erika! I am SO happy you enjoyed this post. I more then likely will not be editing like this when I edit Niagara Falls images. I hope to bring to you the “natural beauty” as best as I can. I really am feeling GOOD that my optimal day will arrive. (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. I can’t even tell you how it feels to be even a small part of your inspiration. I assure you that my hand went to my mouth when I saw my honorable mention in your blog and it stayed there after seeing these amazing images. I am seeing more of your deep brilliant colors and an effect that I can only describe as animated. Do you see that?? Or am I crazy?? Were these taken at night? Low light?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Marissa, these were taken on a very cloudy day about 2pm in the afternoon. It is the way I edited them that they look the way they do. I pushed in the editing rooms even more on these, I think, and yes I DO see the “animated look” in these images. The “feel” I was after, was otherwordly, dreamy, and yes, animated. I accentuated these jeweled blues deeply and contrasted heavily as well. I played with the lighting, and the clarity and noise …. all combined to form what you see before you. I really thank YOU, Marissa, for encouraging me to edit in this way, because when I first did it I thought it was just too much of a good thing. But when you commented on how very much you liked what I did, I said “why not?” and did it some more!!!! You are so funny, by the way. A hand over your mouth? Tee hee ….. you make me laugh!!!! (((HUGS))) Amy

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thank you thank YOU, Ann!! I’ve waited so long for this to happen, believe me. I have a “feeling” much healing will occur regarding my Dad and his passing while I am there. All that massive water, frozen or not …. heals. Something very powerful is drawing me to these Falls at this time of my Life. (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Oh, thank you, Irene!! I am SO excited about this trip! I can hardly wait. Hubby got our entire travel route down today and printed out maps so we know exactly where we are going. I am hoping that shooting time in all, no more then 2-3 hours so we do not have to rush to get back home. Wish me luck. How I do HOPE the magic does happen. What am I saying? Of course it will happen!!! (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. Hi Sweetheart; I hate to be the one to bare sad tidings Hun but to my knowledge, Niagara Falls has all dried up for now! I know it sounds incredible, but it’s true. The whole silly thing is incased in ice right now! They say it’s the coldest winter we’ve had in 21 years! Wish I’d something better to say… Is there no way you can put it off for a month until the silly thing thaws out? I could be wrong! Maybe it has thawed out already… I just don’t want you to get your hoped built to have them dashed that’s all :O(

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. LOL This is the reason why I am going. To photograph these Falls frozen. Hehehehehehehe I KNOW they are frozen. The ice formations are supposed to be spectacular! When they start flowing again, that will be another trip to go on. LOL

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Morgirl, I hope I did not jinx myself by saying I am going. Nah! Not at all! In fact, just the opposite for everyone who knows I am going, will be with my in my Heart cheering me on!!! I am SOOOOO excited about this. At last, I am really going!!! YAY!!! (((HUGS)))) Amy

      Like

      Reply

    1. Hehehehehehe Yes, Amy, I really do know about how you feel about WP and beyond. You are just too much!!! LOL I am SO happy you enjoyed these fall images, just like I knew you would. I am SOOOOO excited about Niagara Falls. YOOHOO!!! (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I love it because i know how much it takes to get where you are, your passion for perection, love for people and nature, you great talent… ! I’m so excited for your trip, you have waited, and waiting for this long! Btw, I’m stepping in Flickr, there are so many amazing photograpgers, i think i can learn from them. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Wishing I had time for Flickr. I know you can learn from those photographers, Amy. Good for you. I may stop over now and then on days I really don’t have heavy blogging, but I had wanted to put that time to studying some books I have. Grrrrr …… We’ll see. Just know I am happy for YOU! And I again I am so deeply grateful for your support. I Love you, Amy!!!! (((HUGS))) Amy

        Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s cuz you Kiwi’s is part of the Commonwealth. Sitting at the border one time I’m looking at our passports. My Canadian and her American. What to do if you’re in trouble somewhere in the world without an Embassy. Me I was good because of the Commonwealth, her American, pretty much screwed

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. It wasn’t always like that, unfortunately. I remember a time we used to come and go across that border without a blink. Now? Don’t even get me going about America and the decline I have witnessed and lived. I don’t like the idea of these enhanced licenses due to they having a chip in them. That means basically one can be tracked wherever they are. I used to have a passport but it expired. So, I get the enhanced license and swallow it.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. This enhanced license is a lot to go through, and I’ve been told, IF you do not have the exact documents they want, you will not get OK’ed for this license. I have everything that is required and more right now all neatly together in a folder. I am ready! GRIN!!! (((HUGS))) Amy

      Like

      Reply

  19. Hey, good luck with the parking!!! I haven’t been to the Falls before, but I would love to see it someday! ❤ Parking anywhere is nuts, now days! When my boyfriend and I went to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, parking was a complete nightmare! Sorry, I'm probably not making the idea any easier, XD I do wish you guys a marvelous trip and looking forward to the pictures! ❤
    Michelle

    Like

    Reply

    1. We have everything organized, Michelle. Hubby got all the information we will need, printed it out, and now that part of the planning is behind us. Whew!!! We are doing this! I am SOOOOO excited! And yes, parking IF he had not looked would have been a nightmare. I am looking forward to not only go but to see what I manage to capture. Hehehehehehe Love, and (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Yay! I hope it all goes perfectly for you guys!! Yeah, you really gotta plan it all out a head of time to avoid the crazy, lol. Have fun and take lots of pictures!! *Hugs*
        Michelle

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Everything has been planned and what had to be done, is now done. Now hopefully the weather forecast will not change so that the day we have chosen to go, all will be as it said it would be. Today I make sure all my camera equipment is ready. And maybe even get a post made up to post on Petals. That is a lot more then I thought would happen. Things are looking UP! YAY! (((HUGS))) Amy

        Liked by 1 person

  20. The Falls in Winter is spectacular. I should put some of my stuff from a winter excursion up.

    Getting around is walking. No way around it. Back pack the gear. Past the horseshoe there is a lot at river level. You can see the Minolta Tower, Embassy Suites and the Marriot up on the hill from the lot.

    If you walk along the sidewalk/viewing areas you’ll be able to get some good stuff going towards the Rainbow Bridge. The walk makes for good shooting to the American Side and in the mind composition time of the horseshoe as well. When you head back those compositions of the mind you can shoot.

    Make sure you get at least a couple of the “Bridge To Nowhere” as it is always an excellent conversation piece!

    If you head back through Fort Erie rather than Queenston/Lewiston try and save some sun time cuz you’ll hit a couple spots along Niagara Falls Parkway between the Falls and Fort Erie where you may just want to grab a few quick shots.

    Damn wish I was going too!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you thank you thank you for all this info. Hubby found the exact spot where we will park and yes there is a lot of walking involved. We will start past the Horseshoe Falls, Walking towards those Falls, shoot there, keep walking to get long shot photos of the American Falls, and I’m not sure where the Bridge to Nowhere is. But I will keep my eye out for anything my Heart guides me to shoot and knowing me my eyes will not fail me. I plan on wearing earphones playing music that will get me in my zone ASAP, but low enough to be able to hear hubby and traffic. We have our entire route mapped out as of today so now all that needs to be done is try to figure in the time element. We only have 6 hours from the time we leave our house and then to get back home. Thank goodness I have been trained to both work fast, and to walk fast. Yes I already have a backpack which will contain all lenses, my camera, and several different filters, along with my shutter release cable. The ice formations are supposed to be spectacular and I am SO excited about this. I’m bringing an extra battery just in case, because when I use my 75-300mm that baby sucks juice. Much of what needs to be done is in the planning, and that is being taken care of right now. We know exactly where we are going, and how we are going to walk. I still am having trouble believing I am doing this. GRIN!!!!

      Like

      Reply

    1. Gigi, my Intentions are that they will work out perfectly. I have every confidence they will. I have waited a LONG time for this, and things now just seem to be falling into place. That to me is a “sign” NOW is the time to go!!! YAY!!!! (((HUGS))) Amy

      Like

      Reply

  22. You are so right to capture them in ice, Amy, that almost never happens. We lived for a while in Lockport, NY, about 20 miles north of Niagara. We took them for granted, as I’m sure all locals do. So much beauty…enjoy it !

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Van, I am SO excited it is not funny!!! I just know that my mouth will drop open from sheer amazement. No, this freezing of the Falls hardly ever happens. I have been told it is the American Falls that are completely frozen, and the Horseshoe Falls still have small areas that are running. But still, the immensity of these Falls, just thinking of it, gives me goosebumps. Yes, I do have every intention of using my 300mm to get pics of the American Falls. That is my longest zoom lens. Now I am wishing for more. Hopefully I will be able to crop tight. Oh yeah, I am excited!!!!! ((((HUGS))) Amy

      Like

      Reply

  23. So exciting Amy. My heart will be in my throat until I know you are home, warm and safe, and the cats are all okay. I know how disappointed you were last Autumn when you didn’t get to go for these photos, but the frozen Falls will be even more spectacular, especially since they so seldom freeze. Be careful my Angel, walk carefully, but most of all, enjoy yourself and this trip. You’ve waited so long, and you deserve the rewards of your patience. Love and Hugs. Angie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am bringing my body guard with me, LOL, Angie, so don’t worry about me. I am as sure footed as a goat too! I am so excited about this, because the ice formations have to be just jaw dropping! I heard yesterday we are 30 colder then the average, so again, ice formations like I am going to see do not happen often. Finally I am going!!! And hopefully, I will go back this coming Summer to get the Falls in their full glory when they are flowing. Lots of good ideas I have for what I am going to bring to Petals in the coming year. (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I’m so excited for you. And glad you’ll have your body guard with you too. I’ve read about how beautiful the Falls are when frozen, so I’ll be looking forward to those photos. And the ones in the summer as well, because I know you can do it. Lots of luck, and love, Angie

        Liked by 1 person

  25. I have been to so many places in the US, but I have never been to Niagara Falls, it is on my “must see” list. I hope to get there this spring and got my enhanced drivers license to make sure there are no problems…Love the images with your post.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Charlie, and best of luck seeing the Falls. I promise you that all your efforts will be worth it. Make sure you know where to park your car. There is a transportation system that will bus you to the Falls, but if you don’t know how to get to the parking lot, you will have some trouble. Hubby spent a lot of time yesterday to figure out where to park because the normal lots are closed for the Winter. (((HUGS))) Amy

      Like

      Reply

  26. With blue being my favorite color….your images are so serenely blue! Those are the kind of images that brings a beautiful peace to one’s mind. Me if I stare at one long enough I would probably write a poem for it because the spirit within the picture would embrace my spirit and inspire me! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful week ahead Amy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Shrimp. We went for a “dry run” today in 2 degrees (F) and lasted 50 minutes. I with my heavy backpack on, layers upon layers on, did OK. My toes became intensely cold, which I knew they would. The rest of me stayed warm, yes even my fingers when exposed. Amazing! My glasses frosted with ice, so um, could not see much of my viewfinder. It’s supposed to be like in the teens the rest of the week, so, my confidence has been renewed by today’s efforts that I can do this! YAY! Love, MB

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  29. How exciting! You will be only an 1 1/2 hours from me – crossing the border is, well, like anything, not like it used to be, However, once you get through “security” Canada embraces you. Just a heads up, in this part of the country, we have been under an extreme cold alert for much of this winter, we had a break yesterday, but it has returned, dress warmly, be prepared for lots of ice (which should make for some dramatic shots 🙂 and make sure you are dressed in layers. Enjoy, stay warm and go directly to Hot Chocolate when needed. XO H

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Harlon, I know. It is freezing here as well. I do dress in layers, and the only part of me that ends up getting cold are my toes. I am wearing Sorrels, and even with wool socks, my toes feel it. Perhaps with all the walking involved my feet will stay warm. I am hoping I can shoot for at least 2 hours, yet, the cold factor involved, I don’t know if I can. I heard as of yesterday we are 30 degrees colder for the average temperature here. I have the outer gear to wear, believe me. I have a few posts on Petals showing me in my outer gear, looking like a stuffed Panda, or as I put it, the Pillsbury Dough Boy. LOL The hot chocolate idea is great. I will make sure we bring some. I am making a practice “run” today shooting in a State Park today, to see if I can tolerate this cold for a sustained period of time. Usually my adrenalin keeps me warm. 😀

      Like

      Reply

  30. I’ve never seen the falls except on TV. Right now they are frozen! Amazing. Your images are lovely Amy as always and I will look forward to those falls pics! And yes, the world is getting to be so complicated. *sighs*

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Laura. Couldn’t agree with you more about complications and this world. Now I find out we need a special car insurance card just in case we get pulled over in Canada. Really? What I wouldn’t do for photography. *sighs* “remembering the good ole days” …..

      Like

      Reply

  31. I could not imagine it is so complicated for US citizens to visit Canada. Nevertheless, I see a lot of American cars on Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The only problem Amy to find the right spot where nobody bother you is a crowd. Even in winter time there are a lot of tourists there. The earlier you come the better. Looking forward to see your project.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. We are planning on leaving early in the morning, Alexander. And when I do see a good spot, I am NOT moving. I will be setting up my tripod with hubby as my “body guard”. When I am finished with one spot, I will move to another spot. I am looking forward in creating magic, and feeling the magic as well. My Heart in many ways is in need of healing, and Niagara Falls has always been special to me. I haven’t been there since 911, but now, I will not be stopped. (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  32. Bon Voyage, Amy. Once you get everything together the visit to Niagara Falls will be a fantastic experience. I went there so many years ago but the memories are still with me. I especially love the falls from the Canadian side. We look forward to viewing your photos when you send them on to us.
    Take care and Enjoy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I look forward seeing what I can create, Mary. I am SO excited it is not even funny. I went for a “dry run” today in the COLD and the feeling I got when I was shooting was glorious! I just posted the pics I shot today on Petals. I did not want to stop, but hubby had to “pee” and was “cold”. Gee. I asked him remember the days as a kid we stayed out all day long? Hehehehehe I was tougher then he was. LOL (((HUGS))) Amy

      Like

      Reply

  35. Fabulous Amy.. I am sure your special cats will forgive you both if their routine is slightly altered.. And your preparation for the trip sounds meticulous to the last detail.. I also wanted to say how I admire your ‘Dry Run’ in the cold temps.. wow thats cold with no gloves and backpack etc..
    You know I am so excited for you on your trip and wish you both a safe journey..
    Love and Blessings and Bear Hugs…. xxx (( Hugs )) to keep you warm..

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  38. Dear Amy,
    I was there last, early summer and it took after the line,,,,,, answering 3 questions and I was in. (We NJ folk had to give 6 points to get a regular license!!!)
    There is a bus service that goes right to the end of the falls and also to the beginning.
    The gift shop has some unusual angles that were shot, so you could supplement your spots.
    Blessings on your shoot!!!
    This weekend is supposed to be a heat wave down here!!! ( 30’s)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. That transportation system as well as the parking lot are closed for the season. We had to figure out where else to park and hubby figured it out. We are going to have a lot of walking ahead of us, but to see the formations of ice, OH I cannot wait! I am just SO excited about this, Michael! I was supposed to go the Falls last Fall, but Life came along and quickly snatched that trip away from me. So now, I am finally going and at a time to photograph these awesome ice formations. WOO HOO!!!! (((HUGS))) Amy

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

What we think and write and say become our reality ....