As most of my readers know, I am days away from our “epic” European trip. I feel a bit distracted, therefore, I am attempting to keep this post shorter than longer.

Having lived in Southern California until my 20s, then living in Northern California for another 40 years, I enjoyed each place we lived. No matter where you live, there is an attraction, or a charm you enjoy and like to brag about.

“It’s not necessary to go far and wide. I mean, you can really find exciting and inspiring things within your hometown.” – Daryl Hannah

I mean, who wouldn’t love San Diego Beaches and waterfronts? …

… and Sacramento autumns?

We had visited Spokane, Washington several times before we decided to move there in late 2020 to be closer to the Schrandt side of the family.

We’ve called Nine Mile Falls home for almost 6 years. I think it’s romantic and quaint to live in a small town named after its waterfall. Plus, I always wanted to live in the pine-forested mountains with a lake nearby. I had toyed with the idea of living in the Lake Tahoe area years ago.

But who knew I’d get the wish fulfilled with a never-before-heard-of place like Nine Mile Falls?

If you know me, you’ll understand my style while photographing nature. I’m adding this post to Lens-Artists, hosted by Anne this week as she explains how and why she moves when capturing the perfect angle.

I love Eastern Washington’s 4 seasons, complete with snow in winter…

and, yes, even the heat in the summer.

Not to mention, spring…

“If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” – Robert Capa

(I am known to kneel down despite achy knees to capture the scene like the sunflowers and lake.)

and, of course, Autumn.

Our home town has community events we attend, like the annual Christmas Tree lighting.

(Sometimes a selfie angle is called for to capture the moment.)

Nine Mile Falls hosts the annual July 4th event, quaintly advertised with the banner at the entrance to the town of 9 Mile.

(Other times call for a quick shot from the car).

We enjoy a few seasonal vendor fairs. We always see people we know at these events.

In 2026, even the extraordinary things are noticed, where fires threaten to burn down the town, but unite a community,

or the random moose that walks through your backyard,

and of course the northern lights from our front door!

“To photograph is to hold one’s breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It’s at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson

Also sharing for Dawn’s Festival of Leaves, and Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday and

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge Reminders

The Sunday Stills weekly-themed photo challenge is simple to join. You have all week to share and link your post. Please use your own original images, whether new or from your archives. Your original images reimagined with AI tools in post-editing are also welcome.

• Remember to title your blog post a little differently from mine.
• Entries for this theme can be posted all week.
• Tag your post “Sunday Stills.”
• Don’t forget to create a pingback to this post so that other participants can read your post.
• I also recommend adding your post’s URL to the comments.

If you are participating in the photo challenge, I look forward to seeing how you interpret this week’s theme! Creativity is encouraged, so please share your own photographs (old or new), poems, original short stories, and music inspired by the theme.

Let’s gush about our hometowns this week. What do you think of as YOUR hometown—maybe a big city, a small town, or any place that feels special to you?

Don’t forget that Hugh Roberts is hosting Sunday Stills October 4th and October 11th, while I gallivant around Germany on the Rhine River. I’ve shared his themes on my Sunday Stills Photo Challenge page.

I’ll post the last Floral ABCs challenge for The Flower Hour this Tuesday.

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