Amazing Photographs taken by my illustrious housekeeper in Maine
Cheryl DuLong, my illustrious housekeeper in Maine, sent me some of her amazing photographs. Cheryl loves the outdoors and rises at five o'clock every morning and, with camera in hand, walks around Jordon Pond in the beautiful Acadia National Forest. After viewing these pictures, I think you'll agree that Cheryl has the right idea about how to start the day. By the way, she shoots with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi.
My goodness, Martha. What a visual treat.
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | June 26th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Lucky lady to meet each morning with such generous inspiration. That last one is mouth-dropping. Thank you, Cheryl!
Posted by: Marie | June 26th, 2009 at 12:41 am
what great shots! what lens or does Cheryl just get that close to the wildlife?
Posted by: Pat Smith | June 26th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Your Cheryl takes magnificent & glorious photos of wildlife in Maine near your home she has a keen eye for just the right snap shot.
The loons & beaver are fab just fab, she has a way with a camera. Wasn't she featured on your show last season? Note photo cards I seem to remember?
Does she have a web site ? She must have a grea collection of photos on cards, I'd love to order some.
You mentioned on the radio you are off on a trip and will tell us about it upon your return, safe travels to you Martha and have fun. If this is the Montana trip be careful on the big mountain/copter ride etc.
Happy weekend everyone.
Pam From California
Posted by: Pam From California | June 26th, 2009 at 1:00 am
Hi Martha, These photos by Cheryl DuLong are absolutely stunning! I have never seen close up photos of loons before. When they are enlarged, the head and neck seem to have a green hue and I thought the head and neck were black. I love all of her photos of the loons, lupines, iris, mergansers, turtle, etc. My favorite is the last one with the fog. It is even more beautiful when enlarged. All of her photos, like yours, would make a wonderful coffee table book. Wasn't Cheryl on you show a while back showing us her photography techniques and photo albums? Kudos to Cheryl and thank you both for sharing. Have a great weekend. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 26th, 2009 at 1:13 am
What a breathless set of pictures. I go to Maine, quite often. The pictures are the best.
Posted by: cindee crowley | June 26th, 2009 at 2:00 am
as usual, maine scenery does it for me! similar, but yet so different from the one we have at lake päijänne. the last image with fog is just amazing. thank you
Posted by: liisamarja | June 26th, 2009 at 2:48 am
They are so beautiful. i have heard this kind of flower when i was young but unluckly, i never know what do they like.
Posted by: Tinading | June 26th, 2009 at 3:04 am
Good morning Martha,
WOW!!!Breathtaking and amazingly beautiful photos.
Thank for sharing
God Bless
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | June 26th, 2009 at 3:42 am
Thank you Cheryl DuLong for the amazing photos!
Wow what a fresh and wonderful way to start your day.
God bless
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | June 26th, 2009 at 3:45 am
Good morning Martha,
Cheryl has an amazing eye!
I love the hairy woodpecker feeding its young.
I hope Cheryl will take fall foliage photos of Jordan Pond. I would love to see them.
Thank you.
~Gloria
R.I.P. Michael and Farrah
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport | June 26th, 2009 at 5:58 am
Great pictures.
Posted by: Paramendra Bhagat | June 26th, 2009 at 7:07 am
She must be the luckiest housekeeper in the world -with the most photo skills!
Many thanks! Nova from Norway (Scandinavia)
Posted by: Synnøve (Nova) Fougner, Norway (Scandinavia) | June 26th, 2009 at 7:15 am
.
Shall I call NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC?!
.
Posted by: andreaandweims on Twitter | June 26th, 2009 at 7:42 am
You have a gift, Cheryl. Beautiful, beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Julie | June 26th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Cheryl certainly has a photographer's eye! Her photos are fantastic. I remember her as a guest on your show so I looked up the video of the two of you making cards. It was under Cheryl DuLong in Search on the home page - easy to find.
All of the pictures are great and the last one is especially stunning. Thanks for including them in your blog. Trish
Posted by: Trish | June 26th, 2009 at 8:18 am
WOW! what extraordinary pictures! I loved them all, especially the Yellow Lady Slippers! i recently was hiking wiith a friend in Provincetown and we stumbled upon so many blooming Pink/Purple LadySlipper orchid plants!
Posted by: Roderick | June 26th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Cheryl sure has a great eye! I'm in love with the lupine and the babies riding on their mother's back. Great photos!
Posted by: Kari | June 26th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | June 26th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Thank you for these wonderful photo Cheryl!!!!
Just beautiful!!!
Posted by: Sally Stopper | June 26th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Im going to have to take a long weekend and go to Acadia this summer. Last year the wild blueberries were abundant. I hope it's the same this year. There nothing tastier than homemade blueberry pancakes cooked on a coleman stove when camping!!! Thanks for the beautiful pictures!
Posted by: Rebecca Allen | June 26th, 2009 at 9:38 am
I happen to be the luckiest woman in the world because I get to work with this illustrious housekeeper, Cheryl, everyday. I am lucky to see all her beautiful work almost daily. I do hope everyone gets to see more!
Yes, someone SHOULD call National Geographic!
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy Knox | June 26th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Talk about a good eye! Maybe you should start interviewing for her replacement.
Posted by: grandmajo | June 26th, 2009 at 9:59 am
One of the greatest things about the blog is the encouragement for individuals to grab cameras and become photographers.
Cheryl DuLong on your program and this blog just provides that much more support.
Excellent shots and thank you for showing them.
Posted by: Margie | June 26th, 2009 at 10:46 am
What a beautiful photo of calmness. What kind of camera did she use?This could be her second career.
Thank you so much for sharing this beauty.
Posted by: SusanLeeGlam | June 26th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Each picture a "Jewel"...thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Karen | June 26th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Martha,
My mom and I had a long conversation about you yesterday in one of our Mom/Daughter talks that I cherish so much. It started with your fabulous Pom Poms that I am hanging on my daughter's wall from Michaels and ended with just how cool and down to earth you are for all you are responsible for each day. My Mom and I both agree that fame has not changed you much and we like you a lot. Anyway--I am a girl that has a camera glued to my palm and I think Cheryl's photos are really great. I would be beside myself to have some subjects like she had. Maybe one day. Keep up all that you do because we love you.
Pam
Posted by: Pam Saxon (He Keep Me Singing) | June 26th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Idaho is beautiful. I don't mine saying so.
Coffee is on.
Posted by: peppylady (Dora) | June 26th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Today's photo gallery of Cheryl's are simply splendid, Martha! Her mind obviously sees things thru an artist's eye! Each subject has been captured in such lovely 'poses'!
The loons and mergansers were just breath-taking (to me), as one of my favorites in birding is waterfowl. I loved the wind-blown crest on the merganser's head, and I'm so happy to say that I've gotten to experience viewing both species first-hand on outings. We all are familiar with the loon's cry...I got to observe one on the Eastern Shore of Maryland (I live in Western Maryland) in Church Creek, which is within 10 miles of Blackwater NWR. This region along the Atlantic Flyway has many tributaries and marshes which lend 'rest stops' to migrating birds, and the varieties that visit (some are residents, too) are just wonderful to see for those who are birders. Loons are phenomenal divers! At Church Creek that day, a loon dove down under the water and surfaced yards and yards away from the original sighting - it was truly amazing to witness, as it held its breath for quite awhile! I have to admit that this image for me will prob'ly stay in my mind for the rest of my life, as I don't live near or am used to a lifestyle on the water. (For some, I'm sure this is commonplace!)
Well, in wanting to learn about another bird species that I wasn't familiar with, I went on a wild goose chase to identify the nesting bird in Cheryl's photos. The white eyering was my main identifying characteristic. To the best of my knowledge, Cheryl's momma-bird with babies is a Blue-Headed Vireo, which is a common and vocal bird of northeastern forests. A unique characteristic about it is that of any vireos within this range (the NE), it is the only one that makes extensive use of the coniferous forest. (It will also live in deciduous forests as well.) Going back to the photos, it looks like the nest was contained in an evergreen (and I use 'evergreen' loosely.) Pretty cool, huh?!...another case solved!
Hope Mother Nature (and our Lord above) lends you a sunshiney weekend! (I would [don't hate me!] actually welcome a refreshing rain shower to water my flowers!)
=^..^=
"Friendship is no plant of hasty growth; Tho' planted in esteem's deep fixed soil, The gradual culture of kind interaction Must bring it to perfection."--Joanna Baillie
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | June 26th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photos! Such beauty for those with eyes to see!
Posted by: Holly | June 26th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Martha- thanks for sharing the amazing photos. Just beautiful.
Cheryl- You have a wonderful talent! Thank you for sharing your art!
Posted by: Nicole from Illinois | June 26th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
These are amazing!!! Definitely put a smile on my face.
Thanks, Anna
Posted by: Anna | June 26th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I'm back again. The picture I actually found stunning was #23. It must have been in the ‘last’ spot as I was 'sliding' through the slide show so I called it the last one. Anyway, I meant Little Long Pond and the fog. What a peaceful looking location! Trish
Posted by: Trish | June 26th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
The photos are unbelieveable. If I were lucky enough to be there, I would be the same, and have a home filled with tributes to those mornings. Good for her!
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | June 26th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I am from Maldives.And love every bit what explain in this website.These photos are excellent.I just love it.
Posted by: mary | June 27th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Hi Martha!
Cheryl DuLong had a great eye! Have to come back and 'view all'. Didn't you post some of her pictures before? If not; well, certainly glad you did! And thanks for letting us know what kind of camera she uses.
Have a great weekend, all of you!
Posted by: tinay | June 27th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I loved these photos. Thanks for posting them.
Posted by: Anne | June 27th, 2009 at 9:48 am
How many ways are there to describe true natural beauty?
When nature showers us with many choices,it becomes a duty.
The magnificent view of Bubbles and the splendid Jordan's Pond
With secrets untold,wait in silent majesty as day slowly dawned.
The common loon,though a special diver,is very clumsy on land
Goes deep,long time underwater.Chicks soon dive without a hand.
Hungry baby hairy woodpecker with head stuck out of hole in tree
Waits for dedicated mum and dad to alternate their feeding spree.
Momma turtle must lay her eggs,but keep them protected out of reach
She will dig a hole that's quite safe and deep, out there on the beach.
Many gorgeous lupines,some orange pink and lavender light and deep
A hangout for a busy thirsty honey bee whose secret it will keep
Around the pond are delicate iris,one with a resident spider
With beards galore along the shore,many a place to hide her.
Mummy merganser and five baby ducks full of vigor and vim,
After their lesson on oily feathers,two hitch hikers,three to swim'
Busy beaver figuring out how to fell that unusual cedar log,
All the while sees his reflection in the pond,cloakd with fog.
Near Martha's house there's a vireo nest,hanging in a tree
Packed tight with little nestlings just yearning to be free.
The merganser is the model for the latest mens hair style,
Following behind are five powder puffs swimming in a file.
Extraordinary pink woodland flower that spells of true romance.
Great pair of yellow lady slippers waiting for the midnight dance.
Our photographer,keeper of the house,truly has a very special gift
Super shots from our brilliant outdoor girl,has given us all a lift.
Good for you Cheryl DuLong.Hope we see many more of your joyous nature pics.
Posted by: celia stock | June 27th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Beautiful photos from Jordan Pond. Being a "Mainer" I don't often appreciate what "treasures" we have here in Maine, until someone brings it to my attention! We don't visit Bar Harbor enough, but do make a few trips to eat at Jordan's Snack Bar in Ellsworth! Yum...the best seafood around!
Posted by: Kelly Paradis | June 28th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Wow!! The photo's are fabulous! I went to Maine last September for the first time, and it was truly majestic.I am going back this September and I am bringing my camera hoping to take some pictures to paint.My picture taking skills are not nearly as good as Cheryls', so I would love permission to use some of her pictures for inspiration for watercolor paintings. I painted a picture I took last year in Bar Harbor, and I'm hoping to get more, and do a whole series ( love the Mama with her babies in the nest). Thanks for the inspiration. Meg
Posted by: Meg Dwyer | June 28th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Cheryl is a very talented photographer, I thoroughly enjoyed the photo's, felt like I was right there in Maine.
Posted by: Velina Sweatt | June 28th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
The majority of my comments are held for approval and then never posted. I don't understand why so I can only come to the conclusion you do not wish for me to comment on your blog.
I am sorry It takes time to post comments to the blog and if you aren't going to post mine then I wil remove myself from posting here.
Thank you for allowing me to post over the past year and a half, I have enjoyed the time I spent here.
Goodluck with The Martha Blog it is a nice blog.
Sincerely,
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam From California | June 28th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
butifull picture tank you. I wish to use some for inspirering me for some aquarelle I make. Do you mind.
Sorry I am french and I do make a lots of mistakes when I write.
Posted by: Francine Gagnon | June 28th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
What a beautiful place you live at .Made feel really envious.
John
England
Posted by: John | June 29th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Wow, the photo of Little Long Pond is especially lovely. I was just up there last weekend, and while it is always nice to see the sun once in awhile, the low-hanging fog pockets were gorgeous.
Posted by: jen j-m | June 29th, 2009 at 10:31 am
There is no such place as Acadia National Forest. Acadia is a national park. Locals know the difference!
Posted by: Andrea Q | June 29th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Martha. Went on a 9 day cruise to Canada and New England. Had a chance to see your beautiful home in Maine. Heard many nice things about you from the towns people and your neighbors.
Posted by: Lee Rzepecki | June 29th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
The pictures Cheryl DuLong took in Acadia are stunning! I live near Acadia and yet I never tire of seeing photos taken here through the eyes of someone else. Just makes me happy that you have shared a bit of our amazing corner of the world with others, as it shows you must cherish the time you get to spend here too. Even though we're on Day 10 of a pattern of rain and fog, there's a contentment to be able to stay here just to see what the next day will bring. Even if it is more rain . . . I'll take it!
Posted by: Lili V | June 29th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Stunning photos. What a fantastic way to start the day....
Posted by: corey | June 30th, 2009 at 10:24 am
This year when I go to Jordan Pond, I will get up early !! So beautiful in the morning !
Posted by: Bea Trainer | July 1st, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Wow! And rumor has it, Cheryl is also a nurse...what a creative and caring life she leads! Talented woman!
Posted by: Liz | July 2nd, 2009 at 10:01 am
Those photos ARE very nice. We have only one shade of lupine (bluish-lavender) growing wild here in Los Angeles but it's nice with the yellowy-orange California Poppies.
I can't see a turtle without thinking of the danger to ducklings after reading something by Mark Twain. Can't remember which it was. I like turtles too, but I don't like to see them pictured together with ducklings.
Posted by: jw | July 4th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I REALLY ADMIRE YOU.
BECAUSE ONE PERSON LIKE YOU IS ONE IN A 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
I LOVE DE ENVIROMENT ,AND EVERY THINGS LIKE DECORATION,HOME,PETS ANTIQUES .
TANKS
TO SHOW ME MANY IDEAS.
LOVE ANGELES.
Posted by: angeles | July 6th, 2009 at 2:22 am