Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Up, Up and Away.....

The above photos were taken Friday evening at the Quechee Balloon Festival in Vermont.  The NEPE (New England Photo Expedition) group had a Meetup planned for the entire weekend, but I was only able to spend a few hours ~ thankfully, a few GOOD hours! 

If you've never been to a hot air balloon festival, I would like to suggest that you search for one in your area to attend.  There is nothing quite like observing and experiencing such a magical event...  As soon as the balloons begin to inflate with their hot air ~ one by one until there are too many to count, it's like being a kid in a candy store. 

However, I must admit, I couldn't imagine actually riding in one...  I have a fear of heights that puts my kids into fits of laughter at any carnival.  It's gotten better over the past couple years ~ as I've found the inner strength to settle my self and my heart as needed, to will a friend across the edge of a bridge for a photo op, or to accompany my kids on a high gondola ride.  But inside, I am absolutely fluttering.  I find it interesting, that even with such inexplicable fears, my most enjoyable dreams are those in which I am flying...

Thank you friends, who have decorated my life in countless ways and have given me wings to fly.

 

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

how interesting that in your dreams you love flying and fear it when you are awake. I am so glad you went to this balloon festival and had a good time. I love the pics.
LOVE YOU TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Anonymous said...

I too have the same fear. I saw Nancy's balloon pics and got a case of the nerves. Her pics were beautiful indeed but I wouldn't have been the photographer. I wrote a little diddy on my fear of flying in my journal today.

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

I love hot air balloons!
Missie

Anonymous said...

i attended my 1st hot air balloon festival last month and it was exciting and so colorful and so much fun to shoot!  :)  i also rode in one a couple of years ago and was amazed at how gradual and gentle the ascent was...a wonderful experience i would like to repeat someday.  :)
gina

Anonymous said...

Did you see betty there??
I think she went to the same one.
Nancy went on one by her....
Beautiful shots, Chelle!

Anonymous said...

Hot air balloons are so colorful and they look so fun.  While I don't have a fear of heights, I do have a fear of landing, and something about staying aloft only because of some hot air freaks me out.  However, I would like to try it some day.

Greg

Anonymous said...

Amazing pictures. My fear of heights usually stars when I get stuck on a chair!!! lol. As you can Imagine, I get a lot of laughter from others'! Love Pam xx

Anonymous said...

Ooh..ooh...ooooooooooooooh!

(Ok, I'm done, now let me look at your entry)  
KIDDING!

Anyway, first off I just love the way you're showing them...gives the feel of flying with the balloons.  Your shots are wonderful Chelle.   I especially like the one with the kids reaching for the basket.    Maybe, just maybe, you and I will go up in one together.  (I know you'd do it for me).

Love ya lots,
Nance

Anonymous said...

Oh, those pictures are awesome!  So colorful and bright!  You take some of the most beautiful pictures!  
They have a Balloon Festival near us in Temecula, California, and it's always a fun and exciting event.  I've only been twice, but both times, I enjoyed myself completely.  I'm afraid to get in one, too, Chelle, so don't feel bad! lol

Hugs
Jackie

Anonymous said...

Just Beautiful!  I haven't been to one in years, none near me here in MI.  I have a fear of heights and claustrophobia, but I'd sure like to try this.  I'd have to find someone that could take me right back down if I freaked though!  Or some very good booze!
                                                        Have a great weekend!  Leigh

 

Anonymous said...

I have heard that from many about going to one, I really need to do that. I am afraid of heights to, however I would do this in a heartbeat!
Hug
Ang

Anonymous said...

We went to one years and years ago.  They are amazing.  I've always thought it would be cool to ride in one.  And after seeing Nancy's pics....I think it's a must!

Anonymous said...

Lovely to look at but my feet too are planted on the ground, lol lol ! I did a parasail once and thought my heart would stop with fear! haha soooo no more flying for me unless its in a plane and even that I'm not to happy doing but.... hahaha  Love all your photos of them taking off though!!
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Those photos are beautiful! I wish I could make slideshows like that. Have NO CLUE! We have an annual hot air balloon festival in our little town here. It's grown over the past 15 or so years to over 10,000 people coming. There are fireworks, craft fairs, car shows, whole bunch of stuff all going on at once, and of course, 3 different balloon launch times. When I was young, I used to roll out at 5:30 am to go see them launch at 6. Haven't done that in 10 yrs. lol.

xo Phin