In the "hurry up and get there" world we live in, it's so easy to look past the beauty that surrounds us or just take it for granted. As a photographer, I pride myself on seeing the beauty around me, but even I have to remind myself to look up, out, and back once in while.  It's so easy to get caught up in where we've got to be that we don't take time to appreciate the beauty along the way.  I find myself consciously taking note of the beauty each day as I drive to work.  Whether it's a beautiful sunrise, fresh-fallen snow on the evergreens, or a deer standing by the side of the road, it's a great way to start the day. 

Frozen Cattails - Brainerd PhotographerFrozen cattails captured by Brainerd Lakes Area photographer, Deb Mitzel on an early morning outing to appreciate the beauty just outside her door.

Once in a while, I make it a point to get up early on a weekend morning and set out on mission to discover some new beauty right here in the Brainerd Lakes Area.  I set out early one Saturday morning recently, and caught a beautiful sunrise from Crow Wing State Park, then headed East and drove through some beautiful farm country, where I captured a great old  barn, and then made my way back to the Northland Arboretum in Baxter, where I always find great photo opportunities.

Barn - Brainerd PhotographerBarn south of Brainerd captured by local Brainerd photographer, Deb Mitzel on a recent photo journey through the lakes area.

There's beauty all around us if we take a moment to stop and notice it - take a moment this week as you're "hurrying up to get there" and take it all in.  You'll be glad you did.

Have a great week!

Deb

Memory Garden - Brainerd Photographer A walk through the memory garden at Northland Arboretum in Baxter will lead you to this beautiful rock.