Obligitory Dam Photo...

So I live by a dam, and I feel the need to have at least one post about it. Considering Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest dams in North America, and it generates power for an absurd amount of people. Not to mention, my dad works there!

Pretty Cool. I know. Well, not too much else to explain. This is a view of the dam from a lookout point that you can drive to just North of Grand Coulee on the road towards Brewster.

My Alone Time...

How do I keep myself occupied/entertained in this inexplicably small town without any friends?

Exhibit A (Fantasy): Layna's favorite slippers, Lady Slippers, called out to the frisky BlueMoon beer bottle, enticing him with her cozy interior. BlueMoon hopped into my left shoe to snuggle up with her. It's a fine romance.

Mr. Ukulele was a little drunk and he passed out, misssing his chance to get with the Lady Slippers. Poor Mr. Ukulele.

Exhibit B (Reality) : I put my slippers on my bed, placed my beer in my shoe, and set my Ukulele down beside them.

Down the Road...

 Occasionally I will make my way down to the water just behind Grand Coulee Dam either on a run, or for a nice long think without any distractions. This area is one of my favorite spots, and is conveniently located about 5 minutes from my home.

 I loved the stark contrast between the bright yellow brush and the dazzling blue water.  The day was tired, but choppy waters and light blue skies lifted me up. The desert climate is really growing on me. It's October,
yet I got slightly sunburned today despite the low temperature, and this brings me joy.


Dear Grand Coulee,
Although the population hasn't impressed me yet, your subtle beauty and sunshine has brought you redemption.

Thank you.

-Layna Be.

The More I Look...

The more I look at this photo, the more I like it. This was initially a mistake due to the incorrect white balance setting that I had forgotten to change, but luckily I kept it. I used a florescent light setting outside on a cloudy day, which as you can see created an interesting effect. I love the detail, and the ethereal glow it gave the flowers. I think it's just right.

Outside my Window...

The weather has changed, and I took advantage of the friendly overcast lighting in my backyard. Exploring the decrepit, rustic, yet beautiful surroundings just outside my window, I am armed with my dear friend, Mr. Camera. Although our neighbors have slightly-less-than-desirable-looking buildings, which encircle our yard, I have taken a liking to their rundown facades. The gritty detail, and dilapidated charm, which can only come from the hands of time, are simply exquisite.
      Strangely exquisite.

This last photo is perhaps my favorite. Just a rundown shed on the abandoned property next to mine. I love the way the autumn foliage pops against the faded old wood, and with just a hint of green lingering on the tree in the foreground. Perfection.

To me, this is rustic charm at its finest.

Blast this Cold...

Whilst battling a persistent cold nearly 2 weeks, I decided to refresh my photoshop skills and play around with layering. Here is what I came up with:

The bottom layer is a photo I took several years ago at one of my favorite places, Emerald Lake. Located near Colville WA, this gem of a lake is just a 3 mile hike from the trail head. A secluded paradise.

I then placed a self portrait, which I took today, over the base photo. I messed around with different layer options, as well as  the brightness/ contrast, and there you have it.

A quick, fun way to create a majestic piece of art...and feel like a badass after it's finished.

The Banks Lake Scene...

In mid-September I found myself driving along Banks Lake, in order to quell my boredom, and I decided to stop at Northrup Point to soak up the last evening rays of sunshine.

Inevitably, I got some photographs out of it. 



 I discovered the rocky landscape surrounded by the serene waters of Banks Lake (the only lake in Washington without a speed limit btw) were to my liking. Thus, I have for you 4 photos from the aforementioned location that capture the my experience on my little outing.

The variety and grandeur of the rocks tell a vivid tale of the land here, and its dynamic history. From the tall, looming cliffs of the Gorge, to the giant boulders that seem to have fallen out of the sky, there are infinite stories to behold.

As I hiked up towards the view my eye was immediately drawn to this barren rocky scape created by the interplay of low-growing shrubs and large cracked boulders strewn about.


In the background you can see the coveted Steamboat Rock State Park, which attracts a bounty of tourists and locals alike to its beaches and hiking trails every summer.










While the golden sun drifted down into slumber, this magnificent landscape was set a glow with yellow and orange hues, highlighting the delicate orange blossoms on this shrub.


I had spent many days and nights, before this mini-adventure, pining (pun intended) over west coast evergreens and lush forests that set my soul at ease. But I discovered the beauty that this wasteland-ish place holds, and found a different kind of bliss. I have captured this beauty for safe keeping, and as a reminder that there is magic to be found wherever we are on this beautiful planet.

In the Beginning...

                                      Self Portrait, Banks Lake (Steamboat Rock), Sept. 2012                   

Greetings Earthlings,

I am now embarking on my very first, and much overdue, photo-blog. My name is Layna, I'm 23, I'm broke, I'm "on a break" from college, and I currently live with my parents. This, let's call it, transitional phase in my life, has left me stranded in the "paradise" that is Grand Coulee, WA. Home to approximately 1,000 non-existent individuals and now myself.

I am not unfamiliar with small towns growing up in such places as  Diablo, Ione, and Colville, WA. What's that? You haven't heard of these towns before? That's because they are tiny, and I know this all too well.

The decision has been made that whilst I labor my way through another 6 months of living/working in Grand Coulee I shall document, via the photograph (my long-time favorite art medium), the sights, sounds, and ridiculous ways in which I keep my free-spirited, liberal-minded, adventure seeking soul entertained in this temporary locale.

Join me on the journey. Small Town Adventures here we come...