Last week I spent time recharging and writing in a beautiful house on Cobb Mountain. My creative, giving, and loving friends helped me figure out the title of the short story book I’ll be self-publishing in April. I wrote the introduction and edited several stories. They were invaluable in listening to me rattle on about my dreams and fears.
In this tumultuous time in America, it felt good to surround myself with strong women. We need each other more now than ever.
“They will want you seated, conformed, and quiet but don’t you dare fit in. Scream the house down if it’s what it will take to make your noise heard. The divine feminine has been shamed and shunned for self-expression for far too long, we aren’t here to silence ourselves anymore.”—Nikki Rowe
As always, all photos were taken by me with an Olympus OM-D and edited with ON1 Photo RAW. Let me know if you have a favorite and have a wonderful week.
Lovely momentos of your retreat. I like #14 best, is that the cottage?
Thank you. No, it appears to be an abandoned building I saw off the road and had to stop and get a photo. It’s actually kind of tiny.
Great capture. I understand why you wanted to stop and get a photo!
I can’t choose, Bridgette, I love them all! You’re not on Threads, are you? Jx
Thanks! I’m not. I do have Instagram though and I just added BlueSky. You can find me at both places @bridgettetales
Off to find you – many thanks, Bridgette
Glad we connected on IG. I visit there a lot more frequently then here because it’s so quick. I find WP a lot less easy to navigate.
Wow, Bridgette! This is a beautiful photo set! Nature, raw and wild!
Thank you so much, John! Yes, it’s really a magical place. The drive up was in pouring rain and I woke each morning to watch the fog dance among the trees. Truly wonderful.
A magical experience! ❤️
Wonderful autumnal snapshots, Bridgette! 🙂 10, 12 and 15 were my favourites <3
If you add in #14, those are my favorites too! I always forget to drive the opposite direction of the ocean and explore the wonders of the woods. I won’t forget again.
Really nice contrasts between the foreground and background – can feel the dewy damp ambiance so well! 🙂
So many beautiful photos! I can’t choose.
Yay! I’m so glad you liked them. Thank you.
omg Bridgette, you’re speaking my mind! I’d love to learn more about writing and publishing short stories. Please send me an email when you get the chance.
I’m only tip-toeing into the process right now, but I’ll absolutely share the process when I’m a little further down the line.
Cool beans. Thanks Bridgette.
Beautiful photos.
Gorgeous photos!
Thank you! I’m so lucky to live in California.
Beautiful photography.
Thank you!
Too many wonderful photos to pick favourites Bridgette. Misty and water drops, macros and colours, all so good.
Lucky you to get away by yourself to do your own thing and be Bridgette
Thank you so very much! It was a much needed reset before the holidays. These might be my favorite photos yet.
I just wanted to say how much I admire your creative spirit and the incredible photography you’ve shared. The way you captured the essence of your retreat on Cobb Mountain is truly inspiring. Your words resonate deeply, and it’s clear how passionate you are about your work and your upcoming book. Looking forward to seeing more of your journey unfold!
Your comment has me feeling all warm and fuzzy. Thank you. It means so much to me.
#4 drew me in to take me to #14. They are all gorgeous, Bridgette! Sounds like a lovely retreat! 💞
I’m so glad those photos drew you in. I usually venture toward the ocean, but I can’t deny the beauty and power of the mountains, especially in the fall.
Really like the trees in mist
Me too! It was beautiful to watch.
I love all photos. The great photography. Beautiful nature beauty pics.
So glad you like these. Thank you!
Most welcome!
Really great photography. Beautiful nature photos.
gorgeous Bridget! Cobb Mountain in Lake County? 💓
Yes! I’ve never been before, but I want to return. It’s such a beautiful area.
Oh soooo lovely. It really is. Our lake house is in Lower Lake, close to there and we love it as well! 💗
A great collection there Bridgette and a whole palette of colours. Maybe #14 over #1 by a short head but both are amazing.
Thank you so much, Roy. I was so fortunate to visit such a beautiful place.
These photos are stunning! I love how they capture the peaceful vibe of the mountain retreat. The landscapes feel so calming, and I can almost imagine myself there, just soaking it all in. You’ve really got a way of making nature feel alive and inviting. My personal favourites are 14 and 8. Thanks for sharing this beautiful escape!!!
All gorgeous photos, Bridgette!
Thanks so much, Lauren!
Just catching up: these are the strongest set from you I that I can recall. It’s easier to say that #16 is the only one which doesn’t grab me. I wondered if these are all dark purposefully? It’s very interesting, and it adds a lot to many of them. Brooding. That’s the mood I get from virtually all of these. –on a separate note, I’m so proud/envious that you’re self-publishing your stories. You’re living your vision. Cue applause.
You know, #14 would be a great cover for a book…I don’t know if it fits with what you’re publishing, but….
Thank you so much for your support! Yes, these are dark on purpose. It was a stormy day and I just amplified it even more because it seemed to fit the mood of Cobb Mountain.
I just hired someone to do art for my cover, but I might use that photo for a poetry collection at some point. As I’m working my way through this self-publishing journey, I can see how I’ll probably start doing at least one a year now (yikes!)
Also, thank you for the applause. It’s scary, but I’ve been dreaming of this forever and the time is now.