Stormy Bedford morning turns aglow
Two nights ago, a rainstorm rolled in, accompanied by heavy winds. The howling gales persisted throughout the night making it difficult to sleep. I had a photo shoot scheduled at my farm in Bedford the next morning, as well as a television segment and the weather reports were not promising. It appeared as though things would have to be rescheduled. However, upon rising in the early morning, all traces of the storm seemed to be clearing and I grabbed my camera to capture the light. The day wasn't a washout after all.
1 Walking outdoors, one of the first things that caught my eye was how the remaining needles on the bald cypress were glowing - very interesting. The long structure on the left is my pergola.
2 The light all across the farm was spectacular! The bamboo structure is the framework for a burlap covering for winter protection.
3 As the sun rose, the sky became even more painterly.
4 The clouds were moving rapidly across the sky.
5 I love this contrast of the ashen corn crib and the verdant paddocks.
6 I turned the other direction and was so happy to see a rainbow!
7 The sun then lit up the distant hill.
8 I've never seen it lit like this.
9 The scenery was very magical.
10 As the sun rose higher, bright yellow glowed everywhere.
11 Minus their foliage, the structure of trees is so interesting.
12 Not so bad for what was supposed to be a stormy morning!
Good morning Martha!
Amazingly beautiful scenery!
Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | December 4th, 2009 at 12:22 am
Fabulous photos, Martha. Lucky you to be up early to catch the dramatic light!
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | December 4th, 2009 at 12:25 am
Stunning pictures - Mother Nature at her best!
Posted by: Donna Olson | December 4th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Beautiful photos. I grew up in the country; and, I still love the beautiful and refreshing country scenes.
Posted by: Edna/HandmadeDiva | December 4th, 2009 at 1:44 am
As always you manage to catch the most beautiful shots with your camera. Thanks for spending time so late at night just so you keep connected with your fans and admirers.
Go to sleep Martha, as we used to say as kids,"goodnight, sleep tight, sweet dreams".
Posted by: Nikki | December 4th, 2009 at 1:48 am
I love your sensitivity in nature, and your love of animals. Thanks for sharing such beautiful morning scenes with all of us. Growing up in a big city, that is exactly what I focus on when visiting my husband's family in Northern Maine (Caribou).
Posted by: Margaret Alward | December 4th, 2009 at 7:25 am
Such a beautiful place. My home in Virginia, which is near Willis Mountain, sees the same kind of light mornings after a storm. It is a true joy to live life in the country.
Posted by: Christopher Brochon | December 4th, 2009 at 7:50 am
Martha,
It takes a special kind of person to see the beauty all around us. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to your blogs every morning you start my day off in the right direction.
Posted by: Bernadette | December 4th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Hello, Martha! You capture so much beauty with your camera! I'm an emerging artist and just loving my new found interest . . . painting. While I really enjoy coastal scenes, lighthouses and sea birds, I found another interest and that is 'snow scenes'. I was greatly inspired with the dramatic beauty of your Bedford farm snow scene that appears in the Dec.2009 LIVING issue and so I decided to paint the scene. It's turning out awesome and just wanted to ask you what year that shot was snapped as I date all my photos accordingly. Thanks so much for sharing the beauty of your farm in all seasons of the year. I wish for you a wonderful holiday season. Cheers! Linda
Posted by: Linda M Decker | December 4th, 2009 at 8:47 am
MARTHA, THE VIEWS OF YOUR FARM, JUST TAKES ONE'S BREATH AWAY.I LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA, AND I ASLO AM SURROUNDED BY DENSE WOODS. I EXPERIENCE DEER, RACOONS, OPOSSUMS,FOXES, AND A LOT OF OTHER WILD LIFE. I ASO HAVE MANY BIRDS FEEDERS, TRYING TO ATTRACT DIFFERENT SPECIES, I TOO AM A LOVER OF NATURE.I LOVE DIGGING IN THE DIRT AND PLANTING BOTH FLOWER GARDENS AND VEGETABLE GARDENS. THOUGH NOT ON YOUR GRAND SCALE.I LOVE TO SIT ON MY PATIO DURING THE DIFFERENT SEASONS, AND WATCH THE TRASITION FROM ONE TO ANOTHER. THAT IS WHY I ENJOY YOUR PICTURES SO MUCH.. KEEP THEM COMING.. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND...
Posted by: dolly grazionale | December 4th, 2009 at 9:01 am
love the photos and all you've achieved. simply beautiful; i admire your enterprising spirit too.
Posted by: gen cupolo | December 4th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Martha, Just heavenly! Could heaven be more beautiful? I don't think so. Love your photos! Thanks once again for sharing. Living in the country we too are blessed with beautiful views, any season. What a delight. Good for the soul. Judy
Posted by: Judy Corras | December 4th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Hi, Martha nice pictures thanks for sharing. I live in germany and missing your products here. I mean not your products only your creativity and all you do and your thoughts.
Hope to see you picture once in one of our magazines and perhaps some of the products in our stores.
have a nice day
Posted by: Eckhardt Nagel | December 4th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Mother nature does interesting and beautiful scenes. It was great to see that captured in your camera's eye. Hope to see more of your 'eyes' discovering the landscape that is before us.
Posted by: Ray | December 4th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Gorgeous, gorgeous, photos!
Posted by: Morgan | December 4th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Hi Martha,
With all your roads and buildings, your property looks like its own little gorgeous town. You are a very skilled photographer – very impressive photos once again! Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 4th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Hi Martha,
Some things just leave a person speechless.
WOW!!
That sky....our "Maker's" heavenly handiwork !
You captured it so beautifull.
There are so many ways to catalog photos for viewing. Sometimes I like to quietly sit with an album in my hand and slowly relive the moments caught in time. Another favorite is the recent addition of a digital photo frame I keep running often so my father and I can catch favorite scenes as we are passing through a room.
I need to redo many of my much older albums and toss the photos of very poor quality that have faded and have left little to the imagination. It will be an investment of time and money replacing with photo friendly materials and some restoration, but I'm looking forward to the project someday.
With all of your spectaculor photos I am wondering how you best keep them near for enjoying and viewing, and if you keep many albums from past years or transfered them to the hi-tech method.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful shots. A glorious moment in time for your collection.
Posted by: Becky HK | December 4th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
.
Martha Wallpapering Rainbows!
.
Have you noticed the sweet French Bulldog looking out of your rainbow, and the lovely outstretched hand to the left.
.
You and your animals will always be cared for before and beyond the rainbow. The visiting hand, I hear, was commissioned to drop a bit of glitter to you and yours on this fine day, in promise.
.
From the Bridge,
Professor and the Pups
.
Posted by: andyjspencer.blogspot | December 4th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
We had similar morning revelations here in Maryland the morning after that rainy and windy event on Wednesday. The skies began to brighten at dawn, and lo and behold, morning blossomed into beautiful blue and sun-filled skies! The rain watered the earth an exact 1.5 inches of liquid - thus said my rain gauge yesterday morning.
~
Martha, you probably know by now after reading my many posts that I'm a kindred spirit when it comes to nature in general, but based on others' comments, she's striking a chord in many others as well! One commented that could Heaven be anymore beautiful than your landscape...we sure can MAKE it our Heaven while we're here on earth! Thank you as always for sharing it with us!
~
Grace and peace always,
~
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | December 4th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Wow, Martha, you are so blessed to live on that beautiful property. Many people say they want to be you, but I don't think they realize what you went through to become "The Martha Stewart". You deserve all that you have. Enjoy your life! I know you miss your Mama. My Mama just died three weeks ago at the age of 99. I sure miss her but Heaven is sweeter with her there! Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Susie | December 4th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
.
Morning After
.
*"The best laid schemes o'mice an' men gang aft a-gley,"
And so it appeared the night afore this bonny day;
A rainstorm of great magnitude had beset Bedford,
Gale force winds a-howling,few, if any, snored.
But, traces of the storm seemed to be clearing, at early dawn.
The light all across the farm was spectacular on this fall morn.
Something to catch your eye is how remaining needles are copper
On the bald cypress, transition from green to a glowing topper.
Slowly the sky became more painterly, of honorable mention,
Dear ancient apple trees witness a cleansing storm intention.
Clouds were tripping over each other to get clear blue thru.
Contrasting colors in Nature blend nicely, green n grey hue.
Rainbows are a sign of forgiveness, a band of color after the rain,
A golden hill and evergreens like everlasting love,survive again.
The scenery was magical, the last bow to fall, waiting winter's chill.
As the sun rose higher a golden promise of return soon, and they will.
Tree structure is interesting showing many facets from night to morn
Bird nests, spider palaces, honey harbors unaware while leaves adorn.
So, after the darkness and deluge, we hear the owl begin to hoot.
Instead of a washout the day was not too shabby for the activity afoot.
.
*Robert Burns (To a Mouse).
.
.Song in my heart - Poor People of Paris.
*Robert Burns (To a Mouse).
Posted by: celia stock | December 4th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Dear Martha,
I know that landscape well, as my family also has a house in Bedford. I'm currently living in California, which is so new, different and unfamiliar, and I can't wait to get home to Bedford for Christmas. Thank you for capturing so well the beauty of the area! We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful, peaceful corner of the world- let us count our blessings.
-Katie
Posted by: Katie Jackson | December 4th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
These pictures have an almost spiritual quality. You continue to inspire me. I can't get enough of the beautiful photos of your farm. I hope you are planning a big, heavy, photo-heavy book (similar to your famous "Gardening" book!) called "Bedford" - I'd wait in line for hours for that book!! (all photo's by Martha herself!!)
Posted by: elle | December 4th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Hi Martha, Wow, what a wild, strong storm you had. We had several similar ones here last month and only the last one on November 30th was followed by an absolutely beautiful sunny day. It was like a breath of fresh air! How wonderful that the next day after your storm, everything cleared up so you didn't have to cancel you event. Your photos are absolutely stunning. I loved your show again today. Great guests and wonderful craft projects. Sure wish I lived near New York so I could go to the craft sale tommorrow. Have fun! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 4th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Hi Martha, Please tell Kristina that the Coursen's say hello! Also please tell her that Caroline has a wonderful dip for bread and foods that is available at Billy's Bakery in Fairfield, Ct... It is called Tah-Dah and is in the cooler section at the bakery... If Kristina goes in to get some please tell her to tell Bill at Billy's that it is "on the house" and Caroline Coursen will take care of it! You may also try one "on the house" from Caroline Coursen. Best to All... Linda Coursen
Posted by: lindacoursen | December 5th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Martha, beautifully breathtaking photos of your farm. You have captured it perfectly. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Vicki | December 5th, 2009 at 4:06 am
I know what you mean - I crave the sun after a rainstorm, and I'm so relieved when I finally get to see it!
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | December 5th, 2009 at 7:04 am
This is a beautiful scene. It is actually snowing here in TN. I love it. I would like to say I enjoy your show daily. You are an inspiration. Someday I hope to be there to see your show in person.
Posted by: Lynn Edick | December 5th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Hi, Martha,
I recently found your blog and wanted to tell you I especially enjoyed looking at your photos just now while listening to Carly Simon's new record! Thank you for making everyone's holidays a bit brighter by all your endeavors. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Posted by: Adrienne from Texas | December 5th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
My twin brother and his family live on Paddock Lane in Bedford (I grew up in White Plains) and every time I visit his home, it is magical. My husband and I now live on the southern shores of Lake Winnisquam in NH and it is just as beautiful with a snowfall today. By the way, I'm addicted to your oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and make them at least 2x a week!
Posted by: Laurie McCarthy | December 5th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
These photos are so beautiful Martha! It must have been amazing to stand there and breathe it in.
Posted by: Rowena | December 6th, 2009 at 1:36 am
The photos are beautiful! What a lovely farm you have. Thank you for sharing those photos with us. I can smell the fresh rain soaked earth as I look at them.
Posted by: Rita Bomberry | December 6th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Martha, I live in Massachusetts and experienced a morning like yours as well.
Your photographs are great btw.
Posted by: Ed Stacey | December 6th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Hi Martha,
I stumbled accross this blog while I was looking for chutney recipes
Anyway...Beautiful scenery! I am a designer/photographer and can appreciate the beauty of God's green earth. I have a tip for you... use your flash even during late evening or dusk shots.It will help to illuminate the fore/midground without effecting the beautiful sky clouds and color. There are other settings you can use on your camera to accomplish this, but I won't go into detail here.
I'd love to share some of my photography with you
We have the same eye for nature and it's beauty.
On another note:
As a designer, I was noticing your logo on your website. I would like to take a stab at improving/re-designing it for you. It seems a little "non-Martha Srewart-ish" if you know what I mean. Not to discredit the designer who created it, but I just thought that based on your exuisit sense of style, your logo should carry the same level of style and finesse.
I have been an award winning designer for over 26 years. My specialty is logo design. I know I sound like I am spamming, but I am not, I just have an eye like yours and thought I would mention it.
I know how busy you must be, especially this time of year, but I hope you can respond. I have always enjoyed watching your tips, recipies, crafts throughout the years and have bought many of your books. Thank you!
Have a wonderful, safe and joyfull holiday season!
Tom Graney
tgraney388@yahoo.com
Posted by: Tom Graney | December 6th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Good afternoon Martha,
Your early morning photos are beautiful, and I particularly like the ones of the bee hives. I like that you showed different angles and told us how and why you protect the hives. Christmas feels so close.
Posted by: Elaine | December 8th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Martha,
What a beautiful place to call your own. How can you bare to leave it everyday. Then again I enjoy you show so much, I believe you would have to do it once again from your home. Your pictures are magnificent. The rainbow a sign that you are watched over. Thank you for sharing your life.
Posted by: Sharon | December 8th, 2009 at 6:44 pm