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Fall, From Above
Purchase this photograph and more at Autumn's Loft!
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Sunday, April 21st Spa Day
April 21st will be our first Spa Day at Autumn's Loft (10-3pm) with Kiva Therapeutics hosting a make-your-own rose mask. Jenny will be bringing her infra red heat lamp, and provide moisturizing spa treatments at super pricing. Enjoy lemon almond biscotti while sipping on jasmine blossom green tea! If you are participating in the annual Logger Days at Nordman this will be a perfect rejuvination for sore muscles and achy bodies. A great way to treat yourself and wake up to spring!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Old Northern Inn Bed & Breakfast: The Piano
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
We have moved!
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.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Lavender Festival 2011
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!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Essay by Tanya Kane on Autumn's Loft
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.
“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.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
International Picture of the Year
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'
Thursday, September 23, 2010
No Plant is Safe
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.
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Bear is Back!
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.
Friday, August 27, 2010
"Laboring Artists" SALE
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!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Fall is on its way!
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!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Congratulations Debbie Kerr!
Congratulations to Debbie Kerr!!! Winner of our matted 8x10 photo print drawing from the Artist's In Motion Weekend.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Come Support Local Artist Debbie Weishaar
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!
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
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.
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.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Huckleberry Give-Away Winner
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!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Rest In Peace Shoe Tree
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!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Baby Robin
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.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Happy Fourth of July Weekend!
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!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
2010 Lavender Festival Artist
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/
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/Thursday, June 10, 2010
FATHER'S DAY SALE
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
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
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