Priest Lake Images

Old Northern Inn Bed & Breakfast: The Piano

2011-11-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with the Old Northern Inn B & B. Originally built in 1890 by the Northern Railroad it ran as the Northern Hotel through the early 1900s... a place for miners and "sourdoughs" to get a hot meal and a "hot" bed (if you know what I mean). They say even Nell Shipman, the 1920s silent screen actress & producer (and one of my Priest Lake favorite people) slept there!
I enjoyed managing the Old Northern Inn for four great years with my hound dog, Charlie Brown. Eventually I would love to publish my writings about our adventures living at the inn. For now check out this link http://idahoptv.org/productions/idahoportrait/tour/priestltour.html
that talks about Sam Byars' Forest Lodge located near the Thorofare at Priest Lake. The same piano that this article mentions, is the same piano that now plays at the Old Northern Inn. A rare coincidence of a story:
The piano was saved from Byars' Forest Lodge as it burned to the ground. Eventually boated down the lake to Coolin, the ordinary looking piano resided at Byars' private home (located somewhere near where the current Inn At Priest Lake stands). When Byars' home also caught fire and was destroyed... the hearty piano survived again and eventually ended up in the little white schoolhouse, which is now the Coolin Civic Center. And that is where I found it!
While traveling oversees, David Summers, current owner of the Old Northern Inn, just happened to be reading North of the Narrows, which is listed in the above article. A brief mention of the piano is described. David was inspired and called me to ask if I would keep a look out for any piano in good shape that we could buy to "liven up" the living room area. Who would've guessed that exactly the same day... neighbor Jim Maloney the inn's handyman would visit, and suggest that I take a look at the unused piano that was sitting in a dusty corner of the Coolin Civic Center. I didn't know it at the time, but... the same exact piano that David was reading about, come to find out, is the same surviving piano that I actually bought, and now is happily being played every summer at the Old Northern Inn!
Just so happens that the following summer two women came to stay for a weekend. They kept commenting on how familiar the piano looked and sounded. So I pulled out the book, showed them the passage that David had read, told them the story. Lo and behold the ladies introduced themselves as Sam Byars' relatives! They described how they remembered playing the piano as children in the Byars' home, and verified the whole journey of the piano.
Sometimes I find out that things are just meant to be.

We have moved!

2011-09-27T21:42:00.000-07:00

Autumn's Loft has moved to a new permanent location! Still on highway 57 just past mile marker 27, on the left. Open daily, new hours 10-5 with many new artisan creations. Espresso and homemade goodies coming soon.

Lavender Festival 2011

2011-06-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

This coming July 4th week watch KXLY for the Lavender Festival spot featuring my photos of last year's festival! Also go to www.povlavenderfestival.com to see the line up of events. Mom and dad will have a booth featuring their rustic wood products... and I can't wait to see their new birch bark creations and cafe table! I will be photographing the Friday night concert gala at Newport Park, also am acting as the Lavender Festival Association's show photographer as well as having a booth of my own. This year we will be selling lavender posters, as well as some new area photo t-shirts and mugs I've created. Hope to see you at this year's festival! Don't miss it!

Essay by Tanya Kane on Autumn's Loft

2011-01-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

Autumn’s Loft: Mother Nature’s Inspiration in my Own Backyard

“Let us a little permit Nature to take her own way; she better understands her own affairs than we” ( Michel de Montaigne, translated from French, N.d.).

I found a local artist and art studio for the subject of my final essay, and I was not only able to study and analyse a selected piece, but I also gained insight into the local art business here, while visiting Autumn’s loft in Priest Lake, Idaho. I contacted the proprietor Autumn Oscarson, a North Idaho native artist, and secured an interview with her at her studio and shop, as well as bought one of her best photographs, (shown here with myself ) of our local Priest Lake, entitled: “Fall from Above” N.d., for the subject piece of my art review essay. I feel that I have succeeded in my search to find an appropriate artwork, one that really represents the area that I live in, and one that can communicate it’s message on any wall, anywhere. This photograph is calming, serene, thought provoking, and the quintenscential window into “Autumn” in the Northwest, no pun intended. I respected the value of this piece so much that I bought it. Need I say more?

At first glance, Autumn’s shop is a kaleidoscope of the handiwork of multiple local artisans. This is true, because the North Idaho Panhandle abounds with the natural beauty and bounty of the four seasons. Fall especially arrives with a multitude of colors, wildlife activity, and raw materials with the harvest. This season also brings with it the inspiration, and natural supplies that eventually find their way to the local artisans who create arts and crafts for Autumn’s Loft, courtesy of Mother Nature.

I found Autumn Oscarson online while I was searching for local visual artwork sources for my essay. I discovered her because of her self-promotion efforts, which include a well-done web site, business cards, brochures, membership in local art and business organizations, her own retail store, and a listing in the yellow pages. She uses the best quality cameras for photographing animals and landscapes.

Autumn’s photograph of Priest Lake is a prism into the natural world we both live in. This is a very beautiful panoramic version of a photograph of Priest Lake, Idaho, with the Selkirk Mountains in the background. The artist printed the original photograph in color on lightly textured watercolor paper, and it was matted as shown in the photograph of myself and the artist. The size of the photo displayed is 24.5 X 35 cm, with the title hand written in gold on the back, and the words: Priest Lake, Idaho digitally superimposed in light blue (very close to the color of the lake), in a text box above the artist’s name in the lower right hand corner. She has placed her artist’s credit signature “Autumn”, in gold below that, with a small crucifix above and to the right, reinforcing her spiritual beliefs. I believe the elevation, time of day, and geographic orientation of the shot for this photograph was excellent. I can see that she cleverly used the natural shadowing available in the scene’s foreground, to partially obscure what appears to be commercial activity at the bottom of the shot. This detail unattended to, would obviously take away from some of the natural beauty of the landscape. I can see the scenic fall seasonal colors of greens, gold, crimson tones, shades of brown, and the blue hues of the lake. The mountains with their white peaks covered in snow, dominate the background along the horizon. I can see asymmetrical lines along the ridge line in the background, as they seem to touch the light-blue sky. In the heart of the photograph is Kalispell Island, named for the local native tribe of Kalispell Indians. It appears pristine, and it’s fall colors are starting to be seen on the trees. The lake drains into the Priest River south to the Pend O’reille River, a few miles south of my home. Again, the digital copy shown here in panorama, is a variation of the photograph I bought from Autumn Oscarson.

In conclusion, this photograph, along with a rare in-depth conversation with the artist, an analysis of the “real-world” of art creation, has reinforced my artistic and professional aspirations to become a professional fine artist without leaving the home that I love. I believe anyone can see through the eyes of Autumn’s photograph just how beautiful it is here. My own studio, though incomplete, is a Ukrainian goulash of my artistic dreams. I live in the forest along the river, with all kinds of animals, an environment much similar to Autumn’s. Like her, I draw inspiration from the natural world here in North Idaho, and I understand why she loves this area, not only for her art, but for her home. I also love to go hiking, fishing, and studying with my notebook down by the river with my German Shepherd, and my pistol. I think this is a magical place, one that I love so much, and one that is so far from the industrial city I knew in Ukraine. I am so glad to have brought my young children here with me, so they can experience and create Mother Nature’s art as well. I just want to say that I really think that Autumn Oscarson is a very professional artist, and an inspiration to me and my family, because I now know for sure that we can do this.

So let us begin.

International Picture of the Year

2010-10-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

International Picture of the Year.

Here are two very touching photos honored.

First Place :

First Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.
During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'

Second Place

Second Place
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted'

No Plant is Safe

2010-09-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

A squirrel has made it's winter den in my garden barrel! After returning from a weekend of great photography at the Pendelton Roundup's 100th Anniversary... I have come home to find my roses and hydrangea bushes nibbled to bits by deer, and the squirrel that had been hanging out on our new patio furniture has now dug it's way into a lettuce planter barrel. I saw his hole the other day and the fresh dirt flung on our patio cement... looking closer the packed dirt was heaving slightly up and down... he must be sleeping under there! Is it hibernation time already? Has it ever been hibernation time on my front door? I guess it is now.

The Bear is Back!

2010-09-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

This past month we've had a visiting black bear in our yard. The first time he ransacked my beautiful birdfeeders, even tearing apart a dragonfly solarlight that held up my roses, as well as the blooms! Obviously he is missing his usual huckleberry delights that normally grace the edge of our yard. Not this year though! Sadly I've only found them at the top of Sundance Mountain on Labor Day: the low, bright red bush of sweet, dark redish-purplish huckleberry. (Note: I also was able to capture amazing light on three dumbfounded grouse at the peak of the mountain.) Anyway... the bear is back as of two nights ago. This time all four of the birdfeeders that I had repaired are now trashed. Even the ones we received as wedding gifts this last May. Not only that, but it's funny that I haven't even seen him yet or been able to photograph him. He stealthily shows up in the night, leaving a huge pile of you-know-what on the grass just outside our door! Abby, our little blue heeler sleeps through it all! Or pretends anyway. Late last night on my way back home from Coolin, I thought I might suprise him. Instead, I almost ran over a small coyote at the 23 mile marker... eyes shining at me, so glad he missed my tire, I mean I'm glad I missed his tail.

"Laboring Artists" SALE

2010-08-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend we will be having our "Laboring Artists" sale Saturday, Sunday & Montday, September 4th-6th, 10am-6pm. Huckleberry Soaps %10 OFF. All matted photographic prints on sale. Canvas Gallery Wraps over 50% OFF. ORDER YOUR CUSTOM PHOTO OR FAVORITE LAKE SCENE NOW!

Fall is on its way!

2010-08-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Definitely smells like fall this afternoon... crisp air, still sunny, but a difference in the temperature. It was 61 on my way to work yesterday! This morning a fast moving squirrel was collecting pinecones from a tree off our deck. Very interesting to watch. He must feel the urge to scavange and store up for winter. Also this morning found large bear droppings IN OUR GRASS! First time that has happened...very scary. He's been off and on the last two weeks. I still haven't seen him. The neighbor boys say it is a black bear. He trashed all my birdfeeders that we received for our wedding... and did it while we were away camping on Kalispell Island. Of course the wildlife know just when to show up! Yesterday at 4pm saw one large 3 point buck, very nice and healthy looking crossing right in front of me on Hwy 57 by the Tamarak. He gently took his time, not caring that I had to stop my vehicle in the road! Wish I would've had my camera! I usually do, but of course I see all the worthy subjects when I'm not prepared!

Congratulations Debbie Kerr!

2010-08-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Debbie Kerr!!! Winner of our matted 8x10 photo print drawing from the Artist's In Motion Weekend.

Come Support Local Artist Debbie Weishaar

2010-08-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

Debbie hand spins her Icelandic Sheep and llama wool into beautiful hats and purses. Come Christmas shop early this year with 15% OFF ALL of her creations. ALL profits will go directly to her.
Debbie planned to be spinning wool at Autumn's Loft this August 13-15th weekend during our Featured Artist's days. On July 16, 2010 her and husband Tom were in an auto accident at Priest Lake. She is still recovering at St. Luke's Rehabilitation Center. Stop by and sign her get-well card and let her know what you think of her designs! P.S. She also weaves tiny beaded amulet purses... a must see!

Artist's In Motion August 13-15 Weekend

2010-08-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Join our mailing list and get entered to win an 8x10 matted photography print (of your choice). Plus... Pick out your FREE Priest Lake postcard FREE with any purchase!

Nancy Owens Barnes book signing Friday... Check out her Moose for Breakfast and true compelling story, South To Alaska.

Oscar's Tree Farm will be demonstrating hand hewn coat trees on saturday.

Sunday, I will be signing my handmade Priest Lake photography cards.

Huckleberry Give-Away Winner

2010-08-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Teli Hanson from Spokane, Washington... on winning our July Huckleberry Basket of goodies! You can enter to win our next contest by visiting Autumn's Loft 10-6pm August 13th & 14th during our Guest Artists in Motion weekend. Stop by to see our new creations! Open daily!

Rest In Peace Shoe Tree

2010-07-16T10:30:00.001-07:00

Last night the Shoe Tree at the Stagger Inn, Granite Pass, of Priest Lake burned down. I literally cried. I guess for the nostalgia of it all. Vicki.... I'm sorry to lose this piece of history that represented our logging ancestry (and childhood). Come home and we'll start a new one!

Baby Robin

2010-07-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

A little bright red Robin fell from it's nest yesterday while learning to fly. My daughters followed it around as it searched for food. I captured some awesome upclose picts of it. It must have flew into the window earlier in the day... because the lower beak was very crooked. Thinking that we may have to care for it until the robin could manage on it's own, I started to wonder what my mom would do. She tracks birds, knows their calls, and documents new bird species in the area. Certainly she would say to let it rest for now. Thank God we did. A few hours later, after it awoke from a nap on our lawn, it began to flutter around and lift it's wings off the grown in short spurts. Yayyyy! Side note: something very interesting... a little brown chickadee kept following the baby robin when we first found it. It appeared that the chickadee was trying to show the baby how to flap it's wings. I have never witnessed such a thing! As we were following the baby around, a few of the other little chickadees were sounding off the alarm. It was like they were all watching out for each other... and deeply concerned about this baby. I wish the dvd recorder could've captured this behavior. I'll post picts of the robin later.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

2010-06-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Want to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe Independence Day Celebration. I'm excited to get to spend the day with my family and my brother & sister-n-law.... watching fireworks from the water out in Luby Bay. Very fun! Don't miss the free ice cream social at the Coolin Civic Center 5pm - 7pm... sunday the fourth. Super sweet huckleberry ice cream with chocolate drizzles on it (that was what I had last year!) Enjoy! And THANKYOU to EVERYONE who serves in the military and stands up for freedom. Especially my friend, Jarrod Mohr, who just returned oversees to serve AGAIN! Our thoughts are with you and your family!

2010 Lavender Festival Artist

2010-06-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

This year I am honored to be highlighted as the 2010 Pend Oreille Lavender Festival Artist, Saturday July 10th, 9am-7pm and Sunday July 11th, 10am-4pm. Come visit my featured booth and be the first to see my many new photography creations... bookmarks, mugs, t-shirts, canvas, photocards, DVDs, and much more! Specials and giveaways!!! http://www.povlavenderfestival.com/

FATHER'S DAY SALE

2010-06-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

SALE AT AUTUMN'S LOFT on functional art straight out of the workshop!!!

Don't miss out on our 10% OFF OSCAR'S TREE FARM

BENCHES

KNOTTY STOOLS

TREE FRAMES

COAT TREES

BOOKCASES

10% OFF NEW "OLDTIMER'S" GUN RACKS

AND 20% OFF CEDAR POST GARDEN BENCHES

Sale ends June 21, 2010

Be an Artist!!!! Cool Sites to Checkout

2010-06-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

www.jacksonpollock.org
www.stephen.com/mondrimat
www.haringkids.com coloring for kids online

Autumn's Loft Now Open Daily 10-6pm... We've Moved Again!

2010-06-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Join us at our new Autumn's Loft location on Hwy 57, just past mile 28. We have just moved next door to our previous shop! A little bigger area... and much more work room for our custom framing and photography workspace! Come check us out! We have many new items... Uncle Joe's Candles (super scented, especially the huckleberry)... new Huckleberry soap limited edition from Soaps by Bonnie. Rustic stick easles for tabletop photos. New heavy duty benches from Oscar's Tree Farm... Local book selections from Northwest authors... also free 2 year pocket calendars with any purchase!

We're Moving... Well Kinda

2010-03-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Autumn's Loft is moving next door! Actually just to the suite on the other side of the wall! So we will still be at 28392 Hwy 2, Priest Lake, Idaho just past mile marker 28 at the Priest Lake Service Center / Little Store. We will be opening weekends in April as soon as we are settled in. We have some FANTASTIC new products... local authored books, master crafted kitchen tables, stools, and bookcases! Visit us daily, in May 10-6!

Leaving the Chill

2009-11-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

Texas here we come! Never been there, so it is sure sounding nice in the high 70s compared to our low 30 degrees! Hopefully I'll get some great shots of the Texas Stampede and be able to share them by Thanksgiving Weekend at our Anniversary Celebration. If you are up at Priest Lake for the Holidays be sure to see our new creations Fri.27, Sat.28, & Sun.29th 10-6pm. We will be giving away free DVD slideshows and travel mugs... enter to win FREE 8x10 prints... enjoy food, cider, and treats!

1st Anniversary Celebration at Priest Lake !

2009-11-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving Weekend, Fri. 27, Sat.28, and Sun. 29 is our first anniversary at our Priest Lake location. Please join us 10-6pm for sales, drawings, treats, cider, prizes, and free gift wrapping! We will be having our annual photography sale... photo cards 4/$10, 8x10 Prints $25, 5x7 Prints $12., and all photo wall art 15% Off. Rustic benches will be 15% OFF. Enter the drawing for a free 8x10 matted photo, your choice! Also free to-go mugs for the first 10 sales of the weekend!

Elk Splashing in Puddle

2009-11-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks Glenna for the e-mail of the little elk calf romping around in a forest puddle. It's pure joy and definitely worth sharing!

First Day of Snow at Priest Lake!

2009-10-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

"It's raining, it's pouring, this morning it was snowing!!!"

I can't believe it! 46 degrees right now outside with light rain. Orange tamracks surrounded by heavy mist are barely visable across highway 57 (our wonderous view). I'm not ready to see our green grass go. And definitely not ready to see fall expire! If winter could just be pushed back until December 15th I would be fine; snow for Christmas, snow for Jan. and Feb. then disappear for an early spring that dries up fast.... if only I was in charge of the seasons...

Fall Fall Fall

2009-10-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

It's warming up a little (54 degrees) compared to last week's 9 degree mornings! Ohhhhh Wowww! The leaves haven't even turned their brilliant colors and it's already oh so cold. Dad is now heading back from his elk hunting camp near the north fork of the Clear Water. Didn't shoot anything, but was feet away from the biggest bull elk he'd ever seen! Why didn't he take a camera I don't know! Why didn't he shoot it... well he would have to tell you the rest of the story. I swear people need to start hunting with camera's... so when you can't take the killing shot, atleast you can have a "shot" to remember 'em by!

Fall is Here!

2009-09-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

On the west side of the lake it's a cold 54 degrees. I was so hoping that summer would hang on a little longer! I do love fall (especially since I'm in season), but I'm just not ready for it this year. Dad is getting ready for elk hunting, the girls and I are looking forward to cider and sweaters. What are you looking forward to? Hope fall greets you well.

New October Hours

2009-09-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Starting Thursday, October 1st-31st we will be open Daily 10-5pm

What A Beautiful Indian Summer

2009-09-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hope this weather lasts through October! The lake is a sunny 81 degrees, warm, and delicious. Took my girls to Kalispell Bay yesterday BY MYSELF. A huge event for a mother of a 2 1/2 year old and a 5 month old! It was wonderful to lay in the sun, dig in the sand, and dangle are feet from an old half sunk dock. We even found some arrowheads! Or what I thought was an arrowhead. Turned out to be just nice flat, sharp, and triangular rocks. :( Anyway, I'm still going to make necklaces out of them... Kalispell Kabobbs or some kind of cutsie name like that.

Lavender Fairies 2009

2009-09-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of the patient parents who have been waiting to see the Lavender Fairy photos from the Pend Oreille Lavender Festival at the Newport City Park in July. Images are edited and finally uploaded! Go to www.PriestLakeImages.com and enter my photography site. Click on galleries. Enter the Lavender Fairies 09 folder. The slide show is running slow. I will try to get it to speed up. If your child had many images I made them a separate folder under client log in that you can access with a password. Contact me if you don't see your child's image or have any questions about viewing the images, adding to favorites, or using the shopping cart. Thank you!

A Great Day to Be Me

2009-09-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

I'm so thankful for all of my wonderful family, friends, and faithful customers who have supported me in all my endeavors the last few years. Thank you for all of your love, listening ears, support, and encouragement. As an artist I have a term I like to call the "Van Gogh Syndrome" meaning the way artists sometimes act a little nuts, seem a little different, sometimes in their own world, and are very picky about certain things. We sometimes tend to frustrate easily and need to act out our inner emotions in order to release & feel some relief. Whether that is painting on a canvas, singing at the top of their lungs, raging fingers down their piano keys, writing a torrent of creative thoughts, or like in Vincent Van Gogh's example; cut off your ear in order to release your creative torment. I don't think I'll ever go that far (gosh I hope not). But I sure do appreciate those close to me who have had to endure my many faults and my "Van Gogh Syndrome". Maybe I shouldn't blame my artist tendencies, perhaps it just comes with being a Virgo. Tomorrow I turn 32. I hope it will be the best year yet! May imagination and creativity flow through this year more than ever!

Summer Thoughts

2009-09-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last night was looking through an old journal. Found this little writing of summer thoughts from 2003.

Sweet home Idaho
Clear sun that stays
Endless blue horizon
There are no clouds today...
I'm sailing on Lake Pend Oreille.

The winds change swiftly
Horn of the train echos by
I'm laying on the bow
Hoping I won't fall off this time.

Huckleberry Festival SATURDAY JULY 18

2009-07-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

VISIT OUR DOUBLE BOOTH THIS SATURDAY AT THE PRIEST LAKE GOLF COURSE! Mom and dad will be selling their new Birch Bark Round Tables with stick legs and Birch Bark Corner Shelves! Also this summer we have upright log planters, and birch bark lavender sconces. I will be selling new huckleberry photographs ! Stop by and visit our new creations this Saturday, July 18th at the Priest Lake Golf Course. Enjoy artist booths and live blue grass music! Hope to see you there!

Lavender Festival Drawing

2009-07-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Billie Flannery of Athol, Idaho winner of our drawing for a free 8x10 photography print! Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth and made this year's 2009 Lavender Festival at the Newport City Park a wonderful weekend! Also, thanks to all of the little lavender fairies who made the festival extra special! Photos of this year's festival and lavender fairies will be available online within this next month. Stay tuned and check the website gallery to view images!

The Sounds of Summer

2009-07-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

The whizz of cars, trailers, and trucks speed by
Eager to get in the summer sunshine.
Across the street motorcycles race on dusty trails
And on the lake the breeze pushes boat sails.

The robin's red belly quickly flutters by
Preparing the nest where her little eggs lie.
A dry thunderstorm rumbles across the water
and I'm eager to see lightening; the highlight of summer.

When the trees start to sway and crack in the wind
The repetitive chirp of a squirrel warns of the end.
For summer is a short season, one that's sweet but fast lived...
And those spent at Priest Lake are such a precious gift.

2009 Lavender Festival July 11 and 12th

2009-07-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

Bring your little ones this weekend to the 2009 Lavender Festival at the Newport City Park! Once again I am the festival's photographer and this year I will be taking photos of the lavender fairies' storybook time. Bring your little ones for a photo opportunity with fairy wings and to pose with the onsite whymsical lavender fairies! Stop by our booth for festival specials!
New Hours: Saturday 9-7pm and Sunday 9-4pm. See you there!

Huckleberry Picking!

2009-07-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

The huckleberries are out! Clara (who is 28 months now) and I found two different types just out beyond our yard... a low growing vine type with a large deep purple berry, the other a greener leafed more blue in color berry. Oh, how she enjoys eating them! Though now she has gotten lazy and wants momma to pick them, so she can eat 'em, rather than fill her yellow bucket and save them for breakfast.
We found that the huckleberries that were exposed to more sun are the ripe ones, and those bushes growing under the trees have green berries still. We have found more and more small plants here and there surrounding our house which makes it so convenient for picking. But, last season we found the mother load of all patches at the lake! Of course I cannot divulge my secret stash of huge berry bushes that would take a good few days to pick over. Surely you can understand my secrecy.
When I was just a child my family would berry pick up near Lionhead. Dad would always bring a pistol in case we came upon a bear (which only happened once I think). Anthony and I would leave the afternoon with stained hands and faces. Now it's Clara and Lilly's turn for purple shirts and mouths!
Tip for all you pickers out there: make sure to turn every bush over and look underneath. Sometimes that's where the largest most ripe berries are found! Also do not rape the bush... meaning BE A CLEAN PICKER and leave the leaves alone so the bush can replenish itself!

Birth of A Hummingbird

2009-07-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM/

I thought this was an interesting forward e-mail I received from my friend Margie. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. Not many of us get to look inside the tiny world of a hummer. It took 24 days from birth to flight. Keep in mind the egg is smaller than a tic tac and a quarter fits the opening of the nest! This is truly amazing. Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all.

Grand Opening Weekend

2009-06-21T17:25:00.001-07:00

Thanks everyone for a great Grand Opening June 19-21st Father's Day Weekend! What a great turnout for a rainy day weekend! And if you haven't visited us yet make sure to stop by our new location just pass mile marker 28 on Highway 57, next to Priest Lake Little Store and Service Station. We are open 7 days a week, 10 - 6pm! Give us a call if you are looking for something special 208-443-0216 Hope to see you this summer!

Coolin Days Drawing Winner

2009-06-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations K. Lynch of Sammamish, WA!!!! ... Winner of the Coolin Days Festival drawing for an 8x10 matted photograph. Stop by our new shop anytime and pick out your choice of 8x10 photo!

Coolin Days Arts & Crafts Spring Festival

2009-05-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Come visit our booth this coming weekend, May 23 & 24, 9AM - 3PM in Coolin at the south tip of Priest Lake. We haven't attended this show for a few years, so are very excited to have a booth, selling our new creations that have been made just for this show. Dad (Oscar) has come up with a handy "Knotty" Stool... perfect for naughty little ones as a time-out seat. Also, Birch Bark Corner Shelves, Rustic Log Frames, Black-grained Hemlock Frames, and more! These creations are limited. Hope to see you there!

2009-03-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

In a dark black sky the stars are twinkling bright, waiting to be dimmed. It's 4:30 in the morning and if I felt better it would be a good time to get in the rig and venture out to see what other wildlife is awakening to the day. I guess it is true what they say that it is always darkest before the dawn. I have five weeks to go in the pregnancy and it sure feels like "the darkest before the dawn". Feels like I'm waiting on spring, the sun, the deck to be finished, and the snow level to diminish (though it is not as high as last time this year), and the new baby to arrive. Will she enjoy the same outdoor activities as I do? Will she love collecting rocks and sticks like Clara does? Will she be more mellow & calm and sleep through the night? Or an early morning star gazer like I am right now? No doubt she'll be a mountain girl and I hope she enjoys hiking and the lake as much as we all do.

St. Patty's Day Moose

2009-03-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

As I slowly drove up to the crest of the hill on the old country road, a large black moose lunged at me from the left. The road was still choppy snow & ice and I could tell he didn't want to have to jump into the 2 to 3 foot plus snow on the sidelines... so he ran beside me as the road bent east. I'm sure he is the same moose I spotted in December with his large symmetrical rack. That would've been a great photo! His curved spoons collected large white snowflakes as he stood dark and silently within a snow storm. Didn't have my camera ready though. This time I didn't even have my camera with me! Very rare. Anyway his rack must've shed somewhere between the crest of the hill and where I first spotted him. He's been hanging out to eat in this area the last few months.
Anyway, this time he galloped awkwardly beside my vehicle, then veering off into the ditch and into the snow that was still up to his knees. He didn't mind my presence as I pulled over to watch him graze on the bottom limbs of tall pine trees. The snow seems to make everything silent at certain times. I was able to watch him surrounded by white and green, munching on the food available at just his height. Sometimes it's beneficial to not be peering from behind the camera trying to get the best shot. Enjoying the moment and the closeness to nature is at times more precious and definitely needed.

Winter Is Here

2008-12-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

Well the big "snow storm" just started! We will finally have some snow for the holidays. But looks like going to CdA for some Christmas shopping this weekend is out. Weather reports say Friday and Saturday snow snow snow and Sunday the freeze begins. Check out www.theleonardpaulstore.com for live video of lake weather from the east side in Cooin or www.hillsresort.com for a view from Hill's Resort in Luby Bay (west side of the lake). Hope all of your travels are safe this winter!

Thanksgiving Weekend Open House

2008-12-03T09:59:00.001-08:00

Thanks to all of you who came and supported our open house last weekend. It was so nice to see some of our past customers from Autumn's Loft (when we were located in Priest River). Hope to see you again this coming year! Congratulations to the winners of our drawing for a "Matted 8x10 Photograph: Your Choice"... Macy Kennedy and Ken Meyers!

Update on Shaun Lunt's Life Photos and Video

2008-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends, This is Shaun's dad, Norm. Thanks to Jim Christenson's help we have just put a video of Shaun on his blogsite that I took of him just before leaving for Alaska this past May, 2008. A film production company based out of New York had heard and read about Shaun and was interested in highlighting Shaun’s adventures in an upcoming movie they are planning to make on true life adventurers. At the request of this film company I took this homemade video for them (they wanted it for voice quality and visual perception purposes only). Minutes after I took this video I hugged my son for the last time and he lifted off the turf strip at Felts Field in Spokane and pointed the nose of N897SP for Alaska. You will see the video near the top of his blogsite at: www.shaunlunt.typepad.com Thanks again to all of you who loved Shaun. Norm, Margie, Shelly Fly to Jesus, Shaun www.shaunlunt.typepad.com

Inlander Magazine 2008-2009

2008-11-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

Check out the 2008-2009 Pacific Northwest Inlander Magazine's article, "Lesser Known Lakes" featuring quotes from locals, and images of our area taken by myself and Tom Holman. If you have a chance pick up the yearly publication!

FREE RESTORED PRINT CONTEST !!! Enter Your Old Photo!!!

2008-11-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

To kick off the holiday season I am offering a free photo restoration to the person who submits a challenging photo from the past that they want to see come to life!

How to Enter: Submit your digital negative by e-mail to Autumn@PriestLakeImages.com in jpg format.
Or send your image by mail with a return envelope & postage to Autumn Oscarson, 57 Shady Pines Loop, Priest Lake, ID 83856 (photos not chosen can also be picked up at our new Priest Lake Images showroom at The Little Store on Hwy 57.

Include: Explanation of the photo (who, what, when, where) & what it means to you and why you would like it restored. Please include your contact information... snail mail, e-mail, and phone.

Details: Anyone may apply. I will digitally restore the image I find most interesting... removing red-eye, repairing scratches or tears, erasing water spots or moisture, removing people (if you wish) and professionally jazzing up your image to acid free paper so it is enjoyed for years to come.

Prize!!!: Winner receives their restored image as one 5x7 or 8x10 photography print on professional kodak halide paper, in an acid free black display folder and cut to a CD. Worth $89. Image will also be posted online.

Deadline: All entries must be received by December 31st and winner will be posted by January 31st.

Opening Autumn's Loft at Priest Lake!

2008-10-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

Come check it out this holdiday season! I will be opening a new location on Highway 57 right next to The Little Store in Priest Lake. We will be open the same hours as The Little Store / Service Center: 7am-6pm seven days a week. Come see images and artwork of the Priest Lake and Pend Oreille area, printed on canvas as Gallery Wraps, or rustic framed in wood from my parent's Freeman Lake Tree Farm. It's so exciting that I will finally have a showroom in the Priest Lake area! By summer, more of our rustic home furnishings will be added: garden benches, coat hooks, shelves, coat trees, frames, rocking chairs, boot benches, bookshelves and more. Please stop by this Thanksgiving Weekend to check out all of my new pieces! Now all of you International Selkirk Loop travelers will have a place to stop and view a more complete collection of my work: photo cards, picture maps, calendars, gallery artwork... all locally made. Add us to your stop for your holiday gift giving!

Shaun A. Lunt

2008-09-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Shaun, a fellow photographer, doctor, and experienced pilot who enjoyed the thrill of living an adventure, died tragically on June 7, 2008. I haven't been able to write about it until now.

When you passed I do believe a shock went out around the world... through the people you had an influence upon and didn't know it: the friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers. I visited a waterfall last week that we had taken pictures at. Your sense of humor comes through the images so vividly. I remember you going "out on a limb" to get a good shot. Something that I do regularly, but now that I'm a mother I hold back and do try to be more aware of my unstable surroundings. I think that is one thing I've learned from your passing. Though it is not a fact I want to accept. Your adventurous nature let you follow your passions and because of that many admire you, and so do I. You truly will be missed, every day, for the witness that you are.

Below are two e-mails from Shaun's dad, an explanation and a memorial fund information. If anyone is interested in some of Shaun's Alaska photos you can view them at shaunlunt.blogspot.com and http://www.adn.com/western_alaska/story/429996.html

"This is Norm, Shaun's dad. I remember you well and I'm so glad you and Shaun were able to spend some time together and share the beauty of N. Idaho. I would appreciate it very much if you could sent the pics to me -- that would be wonderful! Shaun was a very experienced pilot but he made a simple, fatal mistake. He was flying low and slow, circling a whale skeleton on the beach. I'm sure that he was distracted with taking a picture of the prize when his airspeed dropped too low and he stalled / spun into the beach. He was only about 100' above the beach and that isn't enough altitude to recover, unfortunately. This is based on a report of his friend, Loni, who was flying in another super cub right behind him and witnessed it all. Loni could do nothing to help after he landed beside Shaun's plane because the plane was engulfed in flames and did not extinguish for 2 hours. I will miss him more than heaven and earth will ever know. Thank you for you kind words and gesture of sharing those pictures with us. If the pics are digital you can email them or if on paper please use the address below at my business. THANK YOU!"

"Hello Friends and Family of Shaun, As many of you are aware we have been in process of setting up a memorial fund in Shaun's name at Camp MiVoden. The summers Shaun spent working at this summer camp were his favorite. He loved working outdoors, playing, and sharing God and Camp MiVoden gave him that opportunity. This fund is being set up to allow kids who don't have the monetary funds to come to one of Shaun's favorite spots in the world and enjoy nature, play and learn about God. For any of you interested, following is the information regarding how to make a donation. Thank you to all of you who have written or called and shared memories of Shaun. It has meant so much to all of us. Shaun's Family Donations (checks/money orders/online checks) can be sent to the following address or if the donor would like to use a credit card, they can call the camp at the following number. The donation should be marked on the memo line as "Shaun Lunt Memorial Fund". The donation is fully tax deductible."
Camp Mivoden 17415 E. Hayden Lake Road, Hayden Lake, ID 83835-8509 (208)-772-3484 mivodeninfo@mivoden.com

Lavender Festival 2008 Photos Online for Viewing

2008-08-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

For any vendors or guests at the Pend Oreille Lavender Festival... you can logon to my website www.priestlakeimages.com (under Galleries), to view images of booths, products, and activities. And thank you to all of you out there that supported me at both the Lavender Festival and Priest Lake Huckleberry Festival. The turnout of art enthusiests was great and I'm excited to get product ready for both shows next year! It was great to meet all of you and thank you so much for appreciating my creations!

p.s. 2007 Lavender Festival images are still available for a limited time, under Client Login, password is Lavender.

Huckleberry Festival - Saturday, August 2nd 10-5

2008-07-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

Well the 2008 Pend Orielle Lavender Festival was beautiful. This year it was located at the Newport, WA city park. Absolutely lovely! Huge timbers providing shade, live folk music, and lavender accents hanging from greenery throughout the festival. Kids painting pots in the art tent and creating handpaintings... adults learning to braid lavender wands and head pieces. This year's Huckleberry Festival is newly moved as well. The Priest Lake Search and Rescue recently purchased the event and will be moving it just down Hwy 57 to the Priest Lake Golf Course. Bluegrass music, a.m. breakfast, art & food booths will be on the course as well as a golf tournament. I believe there is also a bluegrass concert later at 7pm. We will have our Priest Lake Images booth set up, displaying a few of my new large GALLERY WRAPS of our area, as well as rustic framed scenic shots of CHIMNEY ROCK, LUBY BAY, and PRIEST LAKE FROM ABOVE. We have show special pricing, so all art pieces will be offered at less than the regular retail pricing, and only available for the one day at the Huckleberry Festival. Custom orders will be taken as well. Hope to see you there Saturday, August 2nd, 10am to 5pm.

Lavender Festival

2008-07-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Visit me at my booth at the Lavender Festival, July 12 & 13th at the Newport Park 9am-6pm. Check out some of my new shots along with lavender images from last years festival taken along the Pend Oreille River. This year the Pend Oreille Valley Lavender Festival has changed it's location to First and Calispel at the Newport Park which is a much more convenient location and one I'm excited to be at. Once again the association has invited me to be their on-location photographer to capture the excitement of the day. I will be photographing vendors, artists, booths, and more which will be available for online viewing. Visit me at my booth where I will be selling photo cards, art on canvas, and a few rustic home furnishings that my family has made from recycling birch bark. Hope to see you there!

Mountain Girl Maps

2008-06-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

Many of you are inquiring about certain hikes in the area, around the International Selkirk Loop, and Priest Lake. If you are interested in Priest Lake hikes I have created a 16x20 photo map of seven of my favorite hikes. You can view it at www.priestlakeimages.com go to galleries, favorites, and it is the first image that pops up, click on "add to favorites" in the upper left of the image to add it to your shopping cart. An included insert has hiking directions and is great to carry along with you on your drive. The photo poster is a hand drawn image of Priest Lake overlaid on a large water photo from Rocky Point. Smaller images surround the lake... moose, Bald Eagle, bear, waterfalls, placed in the location where I took them. Map is rolled in a tube and wrapped in plastic... ready to send to someone or frame on your wall. Retail $24.99

Congratulations Graduates!!!

2008-05-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend will be a busy one for sure with all of the graduation celebrations and ceremonies. Just wanted to post a couple of my favorite Senior Picts. and send out a big congratulations to all who are graduating! May you have many great adventures this summer and in the coming years! God Bless You in everything you chose to pursue!

People Helping People Auction, Memorial Weekend

2008-05-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 24th, at 3:00pm I will be taking photos at Elkins' Resort for the Priest Lake People Helping People Auction. Free 5x7 photos of couples who attend the auction dinner will accompany the purchase of the centerpiece frames. Individual images are available with a $5 donation to the Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce. Come and support our community at the silent auction at 3:00pm or attend the 5pm dinner and live auction!

FREE RESTORED PRINT CONTEST !!! Enter Your Old Photo!!!

2008-04-25T12:21:00.000-07:00

To kick off spring I am offering a free photo restoration to the person who submits a challenging old photograph that they want to see come to life!

How to Enter: Submit your digital negative by e-mail to Autumn@PriestLakeImages.com in jpg format.
Or send a copy of the original to Autumn Oscarson, 57 Shady Pines Loop, Priest Lake, ID 83856 (photos not chosen will not be returned, so don't send your original).

Include: Explanation of the photo (who, when, where), what it means to you and why you would like it restored. Please include your contact information... snail mail and e-mail.

Details: Anyone may apply. I will digitally restore the image I find most interesting... removing red-eye, repairing scratches or tears, erasing water spots or moisture, removing people (if you wish) and professionally jazzing up your image to acid free paper so it is enjoyed for years to come.

Prize!!!: Winner receives their restored image as one 5x7 or 8x10 photography print on professional kodak halide paper, in an acid free black display folder. Worth $89.

Deadline: All entries must be received by May 31st and winner will be posted the first week of June.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

Guess I'm just a holiday blogger. I would really love to post some of my latest favorite shots, but between running after Miss Clara who is turning 1 year old this week, and keeping up with the business, the day just goes by way too fast!

This morning on The View they had some great environmental companies to look at if you are trying to "Go Green" with your purchases, house remodels, etc. My favorite was the organic soft cotten sheets at http://www.target.com/ , natural baby products at http://www.californiababy.com/ and the bamboo flooring that can replace linoleum (since bamboo is a renewable resource growing a few inches a day). You can find toxic free flooring at http://www.calibamboo.com/bambooflooring . (So those are my name drops for today.) As far as "Going Green" is concerned I'm really glad that my parents have taught my brother and I how to recycle/reuse/and go nature all before it was popular. Our Oscarson family tree farm has been turning the dead timber into products for over 30 years! You can check out some our latest wood designs all locally created by my parents at http://www.autumnsloft.com/ . Back to photography...

Another interesting product that is coming out next month that I'm really excited about is Canon's new 48x zoom FS11 Flash Memory Camcorder that uses internal hard drive storage AND flash cards (similar to what you might use for your digital camera). Retail is $599 + and more with having to purchase the accompanying storage cards plus accessories. But the optical zoom on this is amazing and has just one the 2008 Popular Mechanics Editor's Choice Award. Downer is it records in standard definition rather than HD (which we are being told that "everyone" must switch over before Feb. 2009 which seems to me like a force to get us consumers to add to the economy and spend money in technology upgrading our TVs etc.) If HD really matters then the next best product I'm looking at is the Canon HDD (Hard Disk Drive) HG10 High Definition Camcorder which has internal storage and no need for carrying around cards or tapes. If you don't mind recording to mini tapes then look at the HV20. Anyway back to the day of the Irish...

If you live at Priest Lake, then tonight you might enjoy my main man's favorite corn beef and cabbage 6:30pm dinner at the Nickleplate in Nordman. A good day to you all and wear green TODAY but try to GO GREEN EVERYDAY. :)

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIGI !

Happy Leap Year!

2008-03-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was like an extra day! Not really. I still don't understand how some years there is February 29th and other years there isn't. Does anyone out there know?

Well, the snow is finally melting and ground is beginning to appear on driveways and some county roads. The old white Bishop's Marina that marked the south end of the lake has now disappeared. If anyone clicked on the Coolin Bay web cam from the Leonard Paul store you could watch it in real time. It's absence follows the removal of the old barn in the field on Hwy 57, that was torn down last year. Many of us watched as the years went by using it as a landmark, signaling the halfway point to the lake. At least you can still see the remnants of it (wood ladder and boards) at the new lodge style Priest Lake Realty on Hwy 57, in Priest Lake. Terrene Mack and her husband, Dan, used many of the character boards to enhance the interior of their new office just past mile marker 28.

It is sad to see these old relics go. But most melancholy of all, is my grandpa's old "Lilac Homestead" that finally crashed to the ground from the weight of the snow this winter. Over the years I've photographed the many seasonal phases of the old barn-looking homestead. It has been one of my best sellers at Autumn's Loft, as a postcard and a 4x6 blank photo card. Like a passing era, it has evoked an emotion in some of us... a lingering sweet smell that we don't want to let go.

I'm so glad to have this photo in remembrance of summer days gone by... my grandpa and all the hard work spent caring for the surrounding Forest land... the horses that grazed behind the homestead as our 4th of July fireworks began to light up the fading sky... the potluck of potato salads, BBQ hot dogs, beans, chips and cold pops. We'll never see the lilacs the same again.

Happy Valentines!

2008-02-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

Been awhile since I posted! Anyway, I would like to shout out a big I LOVE YOU to all my friends and family who have supported me the last few years with Autumn's Loft and endured my craziness as I was going between my artist's Loft and managing the Old Northern Inn Bed & Breakfast and shooting weddings, reunions, and nature photography! I so appreciate your patience with me as I never knew if I was coming or going! Obviously I'm still recovering from those super busy summers, and am just now really starting to slow down and enjoy my surroundings. When you're on the go go go so much, it's hard to start living in a different way.

This winter, with all the snow we've had (I'll include current picts as soon as I can) I've felt like I'm in a winter wonderland snow globe. You know the glass ball that you shake to see the snowflakes get all mixed up inside then wait as they gently fall to the base? Well that's what Priest Lake feels like right now... it's own little world (but then when doesn't it?). When the snow puts a heavy coat on all the pine trees, their green tones really stick out. The sun shines bright on these nice blue days and the trees' white coats sparkle with their own brilliant bling-bling. Don't you wish you were here? Anyway, the untouched snow on either side of our driveway is over 4 ft tall and the plowed snow is higher than the roof! This adds to my feeling of living in a snow globe and the silence of winter in the mountains definitely helps me to feel refreshed. Not that Priest Lake is a "cure all" but anytime you can get in nature can definitely help to slow-you-down. So here I am still getting settled in our little home that we moved into last May, and really enjoying my little valentine Clara who is now on tooth #7! And for those of you who read my last blog, yes, I did learn to drive the skid steer cat... very exciting... though it did take me a bit of practicing to get the whole go forward, lift bucket, and dump at same time thing. But I definitely think with more practice I could go pro and plow you out if needed! :)

Happy Valentines Day to YOU and enjoy your surroundings wherever you may be!

Winter Wonderland

2008-01-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

The last two days at the lake has been O degrees, but very beautiful!

First Blog Ever !

2008-01-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to finally get my photography site up and going again! Right now it is just bare bones, but will be added to on a regular basis. This blog is an extension of http://www.priestlakeimages.com/ and is half business, half personal and will be mostly about photography and life at Priest Lake. Of course, since I'm a new mom I may have to show off my little one occassionally. Anyway, if you're familiar with Priest Lake you know we have a ton of snow and just this morning had to plow AGAIN! This week I will be learning how to drive the skid steer so I can plow and have some fun with that! Ya! Charlie Brown, my wonderful Ibizan Hound has moved back in with us and is adjusting to life with Abby (blue heeler). And I have been busy packing up Autumn's Loft in Priest River... which has been bittersweet, but definitely time for me to move on. Not only is it "out with the old, and in with the new" but I made the decision to close my artist loft location because I believe if we can't let go of some things in life, then we don't open ourselves for the new blessing that is possible. And just like my name, I believe that the good Lord has a season for everything. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (Whole Chapter) [ A Time for Everything ]
Well I hope you enjoy my site and blog. Feel free to comment on anything! And look for my regular photo contests. More on that to follow. Anyway may you be blessed this new year and enjoy 2008 to it's utmost possiblities! Also, THANK YOU to all of my clients who have been waiting to view their images. I really appreciate your patients! Thanks!