Bedford Mornings
After an extremely busy traveling schedule, which took me to many fascinating locations, I've been spending some much-needed time at home. On these hot and sultry summer days, I really enjoy rising early, in the relative coolness if dawn, to explore the farm as the sun rises. As usual, I carry my Canon EOS 5D Mark II to capture images that I might share with you. Here is a compilation of photographs taken on three separate mornings. Enjoy!
1 A view of my tropical garden with the summer house in the background - read more about this tropical garden in the August issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine!
2 On this particular morning, the sunrise began with soft pastels. This building is the corn crib - with slatted sides, it was once used for drying ears of corn.
3 These two trees are some of the farm's original apple trees - this year, they are laden with fruit. The donkeys love eating these apples!
4 I love how the farm is transforming with all of the many trees we've been planting. The building with the three roof ornaments is the equipment shed.
5 As the sun rose higher, the colors became more vibrant.
6 And higher still
7 On another morning, the sky was painted with puffy clouds. A view of the clematis pergola with a border of nepeta, cat mint, ready for harvest. The cats will be so happy!
8 The donkey run in - It's a little too early for Clive, Rufus, and Billy to be out in their paddock.
9 The rooftops of the four chicken coops
10 Two days later, it was a very different morning - heavy with humidity.
11 Princess Peony explores the early morning on the terrace. She's a very good stalker of birds.
12 Verdi is enjoying himself.
13 The farm is blanketed.
14 The stable is barely visible.
15 Another look at the corn crib.
16 European settlers learned about growing and drying corn in corn cribs from Native Americans.
17 Another look
18 The fog is still draped over the stable.
19 I love photographing these apple trees in any light.
20 Such wonderful forms
21 A great shot of the shrouded stable
22 A tinge of pink through the dense atmosphere
I'd click a love button for these pictures if there was one!
Posted by: Wendy | July 15th, 2010 at 12:31 am
I love the fog photos. So inviting.
Posted by: SuzieQ | July 15th, 2010 at 1:17 am
What a difference from one day to the next...here in Maine much the same thing.. but dense humidity on a daily basis.. almost like that misting room in singapore.
Martha, thank you for sharing so much of your life with us on a daily basis...for some of us it's a absolute joy to get to know about you a little bit! Your very special! Thank you!
Dan Viger
Hollis Center Maine
Hollis 5 Corner's
Posted by: Dan Viger | July 15th, 2010 at 7:02 am
Great pictures Martha. I'm sure you are happy to spend some time at home. I can't even imagine being away from my home for such long periods of time I would miss my dogs
Posted by: Ann | July 15th, 2010 at 7:03 am
What a good morning! Everything looks so quite and just waiting for the day to take shape. I find that time in the morning when the air is cooler and most of life is still asleep a good time to meditate on what is to be for the day. Your home looks so inviting and I am sure every living creature just loves it. You enjoy!
Posted by: Debbie Hutchinson | July 15th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Dear Martha, Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos. Could heaven be any nicer than your Bedford? I don't think so. You have done so much travelling this year, do you find, "there is no place like home?" Enjoy your summer! And what a summer it's been in the northeast....Big hugs to you, Judy xo
Posted by: Judy Corras | July 15th, 2010 at 9:14 am
Breathtaking!!!! Thank you Martha.
Posted by: Cynthia | July 15th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Martha, thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | July 15th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Thank you for sharing all of your pictures Martha, they are so beautiful and I enjoy looking at them over my morning cup of tea!
Leanne P.
Posted by: Leanne P | July 15th, 2010 at 10:15 am
You must have some happy tomatoes with those hot humid mornings!
Posted by: R. | July 15th, 2010 at 10:30 am
I'm totally in love with the foggy morning shots! While it can create such a problem for travel, fog does make for some very dramatic photos.
Posted by: Tara | July 15th, 2010 at 11:03 am
After a wonderful time traveling there is indeed no place like home! Enjoyed the photos of the special morning time I too enjoy when I can. Thank you for sharing them.
Posted by: Cerendia W | July 15th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Hi Martha,
Your tropical garden is so nice – I can’t wait until the August issue of Martha Stewart Living arrives. I’ve been reading about it and saw the beautiful cover on Twitter @MS_Living so I’m getting a little anxious here! Today’s the 15th and that’s when I usually get it.
~
I can’t believe the beautiful and varied mornings you wake up to! When I open up the garage door to get the paper, the big hot sun is already heating up the pavement. We get some nice sunsets once in while though.
~
You looked great on Jimmy Fallon last night! Here’s the video for those who missed it – you can FF about a quarter of the way in if you don’t want to see the opening. http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/wednesday-july-14-2010/1238917/ Loved the earrings and you looked thinner. Not that you are ever fat looking but sometimes you are just slimmer. That was interesting to hear that people write essays about your paint colors/names. Now, an essay with all 280 colors would be a real challenge! Remember the time you asked your staff if they knew the difference between tole, tuile, toile, twill and tulle? (I hope I spelled them right). Anyway, I had fun making up a story with those words, but feel safe; I won’t post it here! Actually, I think I emailed it to you several years ago. Over and out – have a great day! Trish
Posted by: Trish | July 15th, 2010 at 11:22 am
The photos are so lovely. You are funny, "as usual I carry my Canon...." Well, if I could afford that camera I would too..and take photos everywhere...Enjoy Martha !
Posted by: kade madison | July 15th, 2010 at 11:29 am
Martha, did you take all of these lovely pictures? Whoever took these pics reveals of love of the land and nature. Also, your home is made perrrfect for your lovely cats. Verdi & Princess and I bet a lot more sniffing out the good stuff around your place. Martha, what do you usually eat for breakfast? I read your answers to this over the years and I bet a missed your speaking to this question on your radio show...but if you can manage the time again post here on your blog. I know you are so very busy. You seem to look younger with each day and even after very long trips and work hours. Organic food helps perhaps? All your healthy-for-you food you grow at your farm is probably the real answer. I wish I and the world could eat simple and healthy-for-you foods each and every day. Thanks, kindly
Posted by: http://twitter.com/Geotravel | July 15th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Ahhhhh, it always makes my morning when I come to your website and see your blog includes something about your farm. As I've said many times, thank you for sharing and I appreciate any 'glimpses' you choose to share.
Posted by: Esther | July 15th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Hi Martha:
Your farm looks beautiful in the morning. Thanks for sharing such lovely farm photos with us.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | July 15th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
the tropical garden is so beautiful and peaceful. a place to speak with God and be reminded how great He is. thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Linda | July 15th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
your pics are amazing.you should consider making them into jigsaw puzzles.The martha stewart puzzle collection.just sayin.
Posted by: paula gunstream | July 15th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Thanks for sharing, Martha. Your home and gardens are beautiful.
Posted by: KimAnn | July 15th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Gorgeous!!! Love those early, misty and foggy mornings. Going for walks with a coffee! Nothing sweeter.
Posted by: Frances | July 15th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Dear Martha, your farm is breathtaking. Thank you so much for showing us those photos. Thank you as well for sharing your creativity with us.
Posted by: Marfa (Crafting Marfa) | July 15th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Martha,
Home is where the heart is and this is just beautiful.
Posted by: susie | July 15th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Hi Martha, I love seeing every part of your delightful farm at any time of the day and year. This was a beautiful tour in the early mornings. Photos #10 and 22 are a lot like it was here this morning. The sky started out very clear and then all of a sudden there was a misty, cloudy fog that appeared on Puget Sound and it covered most of Maury and Vashon Islands. It took a couple of hours to fade away. It sure was fun seeing you on Jimmy Fallon's Show last night. Thanks to Trish, I was able to see the whole thing because of a tweet she did on Twitter. Stay cool everyone. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 15th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Martha, Your are so Blessed and talented!
Posted by: louise | July 15th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Simply magical.
Posted by: Jace | July 15th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Hello Martha,
Just wanted to say, I adore and admire you.
I've enjoyed watching you over the years.
You're one of the reasons, I have 4 ChowChows.
Hope life is treating you great.
Sincerely,
Robert Strait
Posted by: Robert Strait | July 15th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
You have such a beautiful property Martha
My relatives are European and when I visited them (in Eastern Europe) they all had corn cribs..but have never laid eyes on a native American or left their country. ?
Posted by: Maria A | July 15th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
I love how you display your tropical plants, Martha. And I loved your article in the August issue. It makes me want to knock out one of the walls of my apartment and build an enormous greenhouse. The landlord may not appreciate it, but I would!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | July 15th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
What a lovely time of the morning with the fog covering the meadows and buildings. Just wonderful!
Posted by: Sharon Love | July 15th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
MISS MARTHA,
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW BLESSED YOU ARE.
I WOULD LIKE TO BE IN YOUR SHOES FOR ONE MORNING.
LOTS OF PEOPLE THINK I LOOK LIKE YOU,MY PTS.
AT WORK AND A FEW FRIENDS.WE HAVE THE SAME HAIR
STYLE.I'VE ALWAYS ADMIRED YOU EVEN THRU YOUR DARKEST TIME.BECAUSE YOU ARE VERY TALENTED.
I LOVE THE PICTURE OF VERDI,BEST.
Posted by: donna jean | July 15th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Stunning, Martha! You make me want to move to a farm.
Posted by: Lecia | July 16th, 2010 at 2:42 am
Beautiful - thanks for sharing
Posted by: Helena Pereira | July 16th, 2010 at 7:19 am
I relate to a person with vision. It's wonderful that you bought a farm which had so much in the past and you are breathing new life into it. I love to see the "new and improved" which you add to your farm. (I have vision too but not a work force
) I wonder what we're going to be treated with next? Enjoy your July!
Posted by: Brenda Knowlton | July 16th, 2010 at 9:08 am
No wonder is called New England, that's how in summer we start the day, fog or mist until about 10 am then the sun (if any). I live in the counbtryside, my husband is a farmer and we have a small vegetable patch with some fruit trees and a glass house where I have my mexican vegetables, I would like a big glasshouse to be able to home an avocado tree and a papaya tree . Lovely photos, I love New england, every 2 years we have holidays in CT with the family. Regards from the UK!
Posted by: Violeta Charlton | July 16th, 2010 at 9:33 am
.
Three Mornings at Cantitoe
.
An early riser embraces the morning and wonders what's in store?
Admires the sky, hears the birds and wonders all the more.
During sultry summer days, nice to enjoy the coolness of the dawn
Enabling a tour of the farm at sunrise, that's surely 'top o'the morn?
A summer house backs up the garden of many interesting tropicals,
Spiny, bumpy, stumpy, variegated succulents pleasingly optical;
The camera catching the sun playing it's magic with soft pastel hues,
Farm's original apple trees laden with fruit for donkeys to choose;
The planting of more trees is transforming the character of the farm,
The additional growth has added beauty and keeps things warm.
Slatted sides of the corn crib used for drying the ears of corn,
As the sun rose higher colors from pastel to serious were born.
Noted on another morning the sky was dotted with cottony clouds.
A pergola swings down the garden with a border of catmint avowed.
Too early for Clive, Rufus and Billy to be in their paddock tanning,
Under the four chicken coop rooftops there is a day's planning.
Two mornings later the birds were also a little slower, damp fog.
Princess Peony, a very good stalker, explores the terrace, eyes agog.
Verdi is enjoying himself waiting for the sun to tweak his nose.
Maybe looking around for the perfect spot,to have a quiet doze.
But the farm is blanketed, the stable is still wrapped in mystery,
The corn crib and ancient apple trees assume their place in history.
A tinge of pink along the strati, a promise of things to come,
The fog unravels, tranquility exudes,a perfect fix, for some.
.
.
Posted by: celia stock | July 16th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Such beautiful photos Martha! I love the stable surrounded by the fog! Fantastic, such a lovely place to call home. Hope you enjoy your time at home.
Posted by: Kim G. | July 16th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Pure Heaven......you make us all wish we had a piece of Bedford in our lives.......
you are very blessed.........
Posted by: Suzanne Morelli | July 19th, 2010 at 7:31 am
I feel connected to you---I was also born in Jersey City, 1941. And my mother's name is Martha! My husband, Mark, and I will be traveling from No. California to Connecticut the last week in October, 2010, to do genealogical research. Is there any way that I could visit your lovely Connecticut farm in person? I've seen bits of it on your TV show. Seeing it LIVE would be wonderful! Meeting you in person would, of course, be great; but, I know that is WAY too much to ask.
Posted by: Irma Mastrangelo | July 24th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Today is 8/3 - just wanted 2 with you a Very Happy Birthday!!!
Posted by: Rachel | August 3rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Today is 8/3 - just wanted 2 wish you a Very Happy Birthday!!!
Posted by: Rachel | August 3rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Hello Martha,
I appreciated you sharing your peaceful haven with us. The fog photos were incredibly inviting to linger long over while I enjoyed my morning coffee. Glad you were able to find some down time to nestle in your peaceful corner of the world.
I met you years ago (14 to be exact - I was pregnant with my youngest son) in Riverside, CA at a fund raiser. In our brief 3 minutes together while you signed my gardening book by you, you made me feel like I was the only person in the room you were talking with. I appreciated your genuineness and am happy to see your life continues to be richly successful with experiences, friends, family, and love.
A very happy belated birthday as well!
Posted by: Diana Shay | August 14th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Lovely picture and a great blog
Posted by: Chandni Lahoti | August 23rd, 2010 at 5:53 am
i just want to ask and suggest... why dont you buy the hallmark channel and all of the stores to do your own thing... what a great vealicle
Posted by: patrick.boomer | September 21st, 2010 at 5:51 am
I simply love your pictures and your blog ..
and Maine is one of my favorite places to go. I live in Canada and have been migrating to pick blueberries in maine every summer since i was a little girl. Theres something about Maine you can't seem to get enough of.
Thanks for sharing .. bev from sweetgrassartscentre.wordpress.com
Posted by: Beverly Julian | October 15th, 2010 at 7:52 am
dear MARTA merry Xmas and happy new year. hope lord reward you for more happiness,love,joy,health and long long life. big hug romeo.brandow@hotmail.com
Posted by: romeo brandow | December 23rd, 2010 at 10:54 pm
I so love this picture. I would love to see this picture with orange pumpkins or lanterns glowing. Beautiful!
Posted by: Tina | June 15th, 2011 at 8:54 pm