(((Reflections)))

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.

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• #14 Comment from geminiwilder 
  6/29/08 12:56 PM | Permalink

  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
• #13 Comment from nanmm11 
  6/24/08 9:10 AM | Permalink

  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
• #12 Comment from sunflowerkat321 
  6/23/08 8:13 PM | Permalink

  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!
• #11 Comment from peytonswater 
  6/19/08 7:57 AM | Permalink

  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
• #10 Comment from mleighin21st 
  6/19/08 7:19 AM | Permalink

  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
  
    http://journals.aol.com/mleighin21st/iwasthinking.../