If you live in California, winter’s passing is more of a transition. In Alaska, keeping tabs on day length is a statewide sporting event. As a gardener, I watch these things, even to the point of knowing The Day when our day length marches past 10 hours, the life-switch that triggers plants to start to growing again. At latitude 58 degrees north, it’s February 22. (To see a daylight/darkness table for anywhere in the world, click here). Day length influences everything from the reproductive cycles of red crossbills and a salmon’s return to the rivers, to the moment a harbor is free of ice and hey, our moods over the course of a day. I took this photo as a celebration of spring to come…
I’m Marion Owen. I work, relax, and love life in Kodiak, Alaska. I’ve worked on research ships, created photographs that hang in The Smithsonian, given up cheese and meat, and enjoy watching bumblebees and snowflakes. And somewhere along the line, I co-authored the New York Times bestseller, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul. I’m learning how to not do too much. To be authentic, embrace joy, and not burn the oatmeal.
Thank you for being here,
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marionowen
March 21, 2012 at 11:51 AMThe boat harbors never (knock on wood) get frozen in, which makes Kodiak a very attractive, year round place for vessels, be it Deadliest Catch boats or sailboats and yachts traveling around the world.
trishgreg
March 21, 2012 at 11:42 AMBeautiful scene, Marion. Are those boats there for the entire winter, or can they get out? I’ve read where the ice packs in the boats, and wonder if they’re stranded until late spring or summer.
Jessie
March 4, 2012 at 5:39 PMMarion, I have loved this photo from the moment I first laid eyes on it. Is there perhaps a way that I can buy a print of it, or else purchase a digital copy of it? I would love to display it in my home. Your work is so unique and breathtaking!
Steve
March 4, 2012 at 7:50 AMMarion, timing is everything. Of course you have to be at the right spot and you were, just fantastic!
marionowen
March 4, 2012 at 8:51 AMThanks for your comment, Steve. Now we’re gaining almost 5 minutes a day. More celebrations with the camera and in the garden. Cheers from Kodiak, Alaska!
Steve
March 4, 2012 at 1:43 PMSince I am new here allow me to introduce myself. I know I am going to enjoy hearing and seeing about your two passions, photography and gardening. My wife and I took a cruise, starting in Alaska and going to Vancouver in 2007. Of course this was in September of 2007, have no idea what winter is like up there for you, I live in California. Celebrate with camera and working in the dirt.
Carol Hult
March 2, 2012 at 11:59 AMMarion, I think looking at this photograph on a winter day would do more good than sitting by a full-spectrum lamp. It is so beautiful.
Velda
March 1, 2012 at 10:32 PMThe harbor picture is spectacular. Great job Marion. Stay warm and dream of green gardens to come.
marionowen
March 2, 2012 at 8:21 AMI have seeds starting in my garage, entryway, kitchen. Spring is near!
rich968
March 1, 2012 at 11:35 AMWhat a beautiful photo of a beautiful harbor! You have an excellent eye and produce masterful images. Thanks for sharing this striking scene!
marionowen
March 1, 2012 at 11:40 AMThanks so much. Have a blessedly beautiful day!
Ron Padgett
March 1, 2012 at 11:27 AMBeautiful Photo Marion!!
marionowen
March 1, 2012 at 11:40 AMAnd a big, Alaska thank you, Ron!