Raw Earth Ink

“Galdr: Thought + Memory” poetry by Michael Raven

Posted on April 5, 2022 by tara caribou

Raw Earth Ink is proud to present Michael Raven’s debut poetry book, Galdr: Thought + Memory.

Michael Raven offers his collection of dark poetry, ringing with elements of nature, the heart, shamanic roots, and clever wordplay he weaves an esoteric tapestry using the threads of thought and of memory found within the loom of life. Part mystic, part arcane, and all deep, he pulls from the old ways to bring some semblance of order to the chaos in the mind. He wends and entwines the art of poetry with philosophy. Read and allow your spirit to reap merit.

In paperback at: lulu, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and signed copies directly from the author.

Leave a review on Goodreads.

Wintery Ocean Photography

Posted on February 25, 2022 by tara caribou

57 Comments

The other day I mentioned I had been unable to leave my property (via vehicle) due to a combination of heavy snow, warming up to rain, back to snow, several cycles every few days. Then a big wind which drifted the snow. My driveway, and indeed the road to my driveway and even the byway to the road were all unplowed and even four wheel drive was a struggle.

I don’t mind staying home. But when the front end loader was able to make it to my place and clear the snow away, I took the opportunity to get to the beach for a fresh view.

Unsurprisingly, I took about 500 photos which I have now pared down to about 30. In no particular order, here are some of those. I hope you enjoy.

A group of about fifty crows were hanging out. I love how friendly and smart they are.

I’m particularly enamored with sunlight through the wave or the spray.

Sea ice dots the waves. It’s very humbling to watch them dunk under and flip and turn.

I thought it was cute how this one was standing up in a clump of snow, the advantage of mere inches.

A sudden gust of wind seems to have caught this sea bird by surprise… and photo-bombed my shot. I’m not complaining…

The reflection off the iced over snow field was quite dazzling.

A couple days prior, it was quite foggy all day. I like the layers looking through the trees.

I know this one isn’t quite in focus, but I like the shape of the wave and the light coming through.

The foam is always such a nice contrast to the dark water.

“Confession from Eden” poetry by R.H. Alexander

Posted on February 23, 2022 by tara caribou

8 Comments

Raw Earth Ink is proud to present R.H. Alexander’s debut poetry chapbook, Confession from Eden.

Poet R.H. Alexander works through the human condition: love, despair, loss, grief, wistfulness, memory, hope, and will in this collection of poetry and prose. His compilation glimpses through the windows of lives come and gone, of widows and workers, sons and sisters, deadbeats and loners – we all become a part in the tapestry of mankind.

Found only in paperback at lulu, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

Leave a review on Goodreads.

Sunday Vibes

Posted on February 20, 2022 by tara caribou

25 Comments

After being housebound the last few weeks with about ten feet of snow surrounding my house, my driveway impassable, I was finally dug out on Friday just enough to get down the drive and out to the beach for an hour of salty fresh air and wide open skies.

I couldn’t have asked for a nicer afternoon.

I took about 500 photos so I’m working my way through them to pick out a few of my favorites for a future post, but for today, here’s one as I was driving away. Unedited.

Windy Afternoon Photos

Posted on February 15, 2022 by tara caribou

41 Comments

The other day it was quite windy here. Winds 25-30 mph (about 40-48 kmh). Fairly typical winter winds. That brought temps down to about -5*F (-21C)… which doesn’t feel (or sound) too bad … except it was. To snap these photos, I had to put on full gear, including balaclava, glasses, down hood and parka. Normally I don’t have to go to such extremes, since I’m used to the chill, but man that wind makes a difference. Fingers (or any uncovered skin) go numb in mere seconds without protection. As such, I didn’t stay out long but I hope you enjoy a few windswept snowbanks and a lovely setting sun.

Wind whipping snow off the bank and you can see the snow in the sky as the sun glints off them.

Looked like one of those contour maps to me.

Might need to clean off the back window before I go anywhere…

5:40pm. We are gaining about five minutes of daylight a day.

No sound (it was way too loud with that wind whipping, but it’s mesmerizing to watch the snow crystals skip across the surface. At least it is to me.

Light and Shadow Photography

Posted on February 12, 2022 by tara caribou

72 Comments

In winter, it seems to me, the play of light and shadow appears most intense. Especially when observing the snow and sun, freezing and thawing, ocean and air. I hope you enjoy a few examples.

The afternoon fog on a calm day creates a mood.

A sharp wind and a grey sky produce black waves.

Although this shot is out of focus, I rather liked the mood it engulfed.

In a few months this willow should see green buds again.

It wasn’t until I was reviewing my photos that I saw I caught a drop of melted snow in the act.

The sand of mixed with the snow which has been plowed off the road melts at an accelerated rate.

These last two images I share together only to show how different one scene can look merely by viewing it landscape versus portrait. Two totally different feelings.

Abandoned in Decay Photography

Posted on February 1, 2022 by tara caribou

27 Comments

What stories could be told? Lost in a field now overrun by alders and grass.

What a story this abandoned building must hold. I found this hidden amongst the alders.

Winter Glow and Soft New Life Photography

Posted on January 11, 2022 by tara caribou

48 Comments

The winter glow is like magic to my soul. I find myself unable to look away. The chill buries itself in my bones, but it’s not unwelcome. Gone are the long overheated days of summer with its unrelenting sun rays and sweat on my brow. These are the days of hibernation, of introspection, of root growth.

Winter (and autumn) are my favorite seasons, which is one of the many reasons I live here in Alaska. Where I live, it’s about six months long and I love it.

I also got a precious little bundle of gifts when my one of my rabbits had a litter of kits the last day of the year. I’m in love with these little guys. I hope you guys enjoy the photos.