Steens Mountain » You Can Sleep When You're Dead: Blog by Colleen Miniuk

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing “
Helen Keller

Happy 2014! As we celebrate the final days of 2013, I can only think, what a big adventure this year has been for us!

It was certainly a year of transition for us, one my husband, Craig, and I affectionately refer to as “Suitcases, Sticky Notes, and Tacos.” Because of our temporary move to Hillsboro, Oregon in May (to support Craig’s temporary job assignment for Intel Corporation) and our travel schedule to maintain our commitments, our clothes often went from a suitcase to the washing machine, only to be put right back into the same suitcase. Occasionally, we had multiple overnight bags packed for different trips within trips (i.e. one by airplane to one city followed immediately by another one by car). Long strands of connected sticky notes with messages reminding us of everything from flight schedules to grocery lists helped keep our heads on straight as we tried to figure out where we were going, when we needed to be there, and what we were supposed to do when we arrived. We found ourselves eating an abundance of tacos along the way, perhaps because we missed our home in Arizona. Or perhaps because it was the only type of food establishment open and convenient during half-hour airport hand-offs and tiresome late nights.

Amidst the whirlwind and chaos, I ironically found 2013 to be a year of clarity and focus for my photography and writing. When we learned in late 2012 of our relocation, I blocked my schedule from any new commitments to allow me time to explore our interim home in the Pacific Northwest with few interruptions. However, all plans for the year changed quickly in late January, when I decided to write a printed book – not just an eBook – about photographing Acadia National Park while on my third Artist-in-Residency with the park. I now joke that I spent much my time in Oregon writing a book about Maine. That said, between the trips that originated in either Portland, Oregon or Portland, Maine, I found just enough time to explore the coast, water, geology, and oceanography-subjects that excite me–in more depth than ever before.

Now that we’ve returned to our Arizona home, I joyfully bring all these experiences into next year, which represents my lucky 7th year as a full-time freelance photographer and writer. Each year, when Craig and I discuss my business plan for the following year, I wonder what could possibly top the fortunate journey I’ve already had. Then, I ponder all the new exciting opportunities ahead in the next 12 to 15 months, and I realize the adventure is only beginning.

I also acknowledge quite humbly, that I could not do what I love to do each day without your continued support. As always, I thank you for your help, for your friendship, and for the unique stories, perspectives, and laughs you bring to each of our meetings, whether it be in the field or via the internet.

In celebration of a wonderful 2013 and a cheers to an even more thrilling 2014, I’d like to share my favorite 13 photos from the year. In chronological order:

1. Ice Explosion, West Pond Cove, Acadia National Park, Maine (January 2013)

“Ice Explosion,” West Pond Cove, Acadia National Park, Maine (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

2. Fade Into You, Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine (January 2013)

“Fade Into You,” Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

3. Ice Hoodoos, Ocean Drive, Acadia National Park, Maine (February 2013).

“Ice Hoodoos,” Ocean Drive, Acadia National Park, Maine (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

4. Spring Emergence, Ecola State Park, Oregon (May 2013). Read more about the making of this photo on my previous blog post, “The Constancy of Change.”

“Spring Emergence,” Ecola State Park, Oregon (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

5. Hang On!, Ecola State Park, Oregon (May 2013). Read more about the making of this photo on my previous blog post, “The Constancy of Change.”

“Hang On!” Ecola State Park, Oregon (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

6. Moved by the Sea, Cape Blanco, Oregon (May 2013). Read the story behind the photograph on a previous blog post at “Making the Image: Moved by the Sea.”

“Moved by the Sea,” Cape Blanco, Oregon (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

7. Summer’s Gift, Olympic National Park, Washington (July 2013)

“Summer’s Gift,” Olympic National Park, Washington (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

8. Summer’s Celebration on Steens Mountain, Oregon (August 2013)

“Summer Celebration on Steens Mountain,” Oregon (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

9. Autumn’s Symphony, Mount Desert Island, Maine (October 2013)

“Autumn’s Symphony,” Mount Desert Island, Maine (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

10. Another World, Isle au Haut, Acadia National Park, Maine (October 2013). Read the story behind the photograph on a previous blog post about “Making the Image: Another World and Floating in Time.”

“Another World,” Isle au Haut, Acadia National Park, Maine (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

11. Tranquility at Long Pond, Isle au Haut, Acadia National Park, Maine (October 2013)

“Tranquility at Long Pond,” Isle au Haut, Acadia National Park, Maine (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

12. Eye of the Storm, Isle au Haut, Acadia National Park, Maine (October 2013)

“Eye of the Storm,” Isle au Haut, Maine (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

13. Storm Remnants, Red Lake, Arizona (December 2013)

“Storm Remnants,” Red Lake, Arizona (Prints available – click on photo to order!)

Thank you for stopping by the “You Can Sleep When You’re Dead” blog! Wishing you the very best in the new year, in hopes its a time of much success, learning, friendship, and of course, laughter! We’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to next year, so leave us a comment below about what you’re excited about in 2014!

~Colleen