2009 was way better
than 2008.
but we’re both
hoping that 2010
is even better.
in 2010, i hope
to see maddy
doing a lot
more of this:
(thanks to dj lance rock and yo gabba gabba she’s constantly dancing. she’s working on the “crazy daisy”in these photos).
we’ll also be doing
a lot more traveling,
which seems weird
because we did
a ton of traveling
in 2009.
gonna be hard
to top that, but i’m
sure we will.
to start off our
2010, i decided that
i needed to
get away for a bit.
we’re heading to
a couple of
warm-weather destinations
in the next few weeks,
so i decided to
do something different.
i left maddy at
home with the grandparents
(i didn’t think it would be good to take her on this trip)
and i jumped in
a car and
headed north for
four days.
seemed like a good
idea when i booked
the place, but
looking at the forecast
for the weekend
made me seriously
question my sanity.
i could spend
an entire blog post
bitching about
the below zero
temperatures, or i could
just post
a bunch of photos
to show you what
we encountered.
i think the photos
would be more enjoyable,
so here they
are, with limited commentary…
on the way up,
we encountered
lots of giant things
(i did this trip last fall with a few friends, and let’s just say it was a lot different in this weather).
we stopped to
take in some of the
beauty of lake superior
before finally finding
the condo.
it was right on the
lake, and it provided
some great photo opportunities.
i can’t remember
if i’d ever seen
steam rising off
of a lake, but
this looked totally awesome.
spent new years eve
at a restaurant,
laughing at some newlyweds
who, by 9:00pm
were way too drunk
to be out in public.
they caused quite a
scene in the
place, and left
the area around their
table looking
like it had been
used by 25 two year olds.
a lot of
the folks in
the restaurant were
annoyed, but i
thought it was awesome.
i fell asleep
by 11:45 that night.
i am officially old.
the next day we
did a lot of driving
and just
a little hiking
(it was -20 degrees f, with a -40 windchill)
and walks
across a couple
of frozen lakes
after the hike,
we headed
back into town
and took in
the sights of
some sites i hadn’t
seen in many years.
i spent some
time loving the signs
then we made our
way to the lake
before heading in
for some warmth.
i love eating and
drinking with old folks,
so i
chose the american legion.
true to form,
i met some great old
dudes, who talked about
wwii, fishing, hunting
the weather, cooking, beer
and lots
of other awesome
old people stuff.
thanks to the
four signs i saw
on the way
into the place,
i learned about
the legion’s most
important rule.
and though i did
my best to contain myself
and was
self conscious when
i slipped up, the
guys i met broke
the rule
over and over again
and thought nothing
of it.
awesome.
caught an amazing
sunset on the drive
back to the condo.
the next day
was much like the
day before.
i went outside the
condo and took
some photos
and watched the wind blow
the waves away
from shore and
toward the low clouds.
and before driving
off for our hike,
i slipped on some
ice and landed
hard on my elbow.
my camera also hit
the ground pretty
damn hard,
but it still worked,
which is great,
because we saw
some amazing stuff.
that night we ended
up back at the
american legion
and had a great night.
drove home
the next day,
stopping to check
out a few mn landmarks.
and took in
a lot more ice.
watched a couple of ice
climbers purposefully
ruin this,
but i got a couple
of good shots
before they did so.
stupid jerks.
made it home
in the early evening and
got caught up
on maddy’s weekend.
grandma broccoli taught
her some new words
and got her hooked
on a blanket or two,
grandpa tom l. painted
her fingernails,
grandma candee taught
her to march
(can’t wait to use that one in the airport)
and grandpa tom g.
taught her to sing
a song.
i followed her
up and down the
hallway as she yelled,
“come on, dad!”
and watched her
show me countless
other new tricks.
the next morning
i listened as
she spelled her name
(after hearing grandpa tom g. spell it for her).
yeah.
2010 is gonna
be a good year.
169 Comments
The Ice shots are amazing!
Here in Amsterdam a ‘beaver house’ is something VERY different.
All the best for this year you two.
Sorry about your elbow, but OH NO, not the camera!!
Maddy saying “Come on, Dad” is the cutest thing ever.
Happy New Year! Beautiful photos. I could tell how cold it was. Good for you for doing something for yourself. Nice to hear a happier tone. xoxox
Amazing pictures!!! I hope you have a great 2010!!!
What great photos!! Still mad at myself for not stopping to get a picture of you taking pictures!! (and one of you & me) Oh well, next year!
Happy new year to both of you, your pictures are amazing, I can’t believe Maddy will be 2 in less than 3 months
AMAZING pix. Possibly some of the most amazing I have seen from you, which is really saying something.
Happy new year to both of you! Here’s to a tragedy-free 2010!
Matt, my little guy just started doing “funny faces” from Yo Gabba Gabba. It’s quite hilarious!
UNREAL pictures. What an amazing experience.
have fun on your next trip!
all the best in 2010, matt and madeline.
The ice shots are absolutely breathtaking…So amazing! Happy New Year to you and Maddy.
Damn Matt – you make the Minnesota winter look amazing and almost…tolerable!
Happy New Year ~
I love, “come on mama” and seeing what’s in store for me in the next room. What a great age this is, and, you’re right, it will continue to get better. Glad you had a good time up north.
yeah, it’s amazing when we aren’t looking (like, for a few days away from kids) how much they learn and grow and change.
I dont blame you for some warm weather destinations after being in all that ice!
are these pictures up in Tofte?? Beautiful!
Awesome pictures. Excited to travel with you (via your words and pics) in 2010.
Great pictures! Thanks for sharing as I never in my lifetime would have seen something like that. Maddy is getting so big, I still can’t believe it. Wishing you & your family all the blessing in this new year…xoxo Stephanie
I am cracking up at the crazy daisy comment…my daughter is a huge YGG fan…love it when she does Biz’s beat of the day.
Happy ’10!
Great, great pictures. Maddy, as per usual, is a doll. And what’s with being taught how to march? My mother did the same with my son and he actually thinks it’s so darn funny! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year’s Matt and Maddy!
Wishing you both the absolute best in 2010.
Sending you both much love,
Sarah
Um, Matt? You POLISH fingernails. You PAINT cars. Just a little sharing of something I learned back when I was a nail tech. Yeah, that education helped me a fuck’n lot. 2010 is going to be the best year yet. I think this year you need to start a Maddy clothing line. Just sayin’. xoxo
Darn it Matt! i have to work!!!! but still taking a breather to look at the post again,:) I loved the photos. here in El Paso, if we are lucky(?) we get snow once or twice every two years, but nothing like what you described with the photos… here is to a great 2010, wish you averything you want this year and more, and may Miss Madd make you laugh more and more every day, you look a lot better smiling
(still hate the beard tho…)
Isn’t it amazing how much kids change in a short time.
Awesome photos…looks like you need to invest in a warmed coat for your trips home!
Maddy is so gorgeous…get that kid in some commercials and you could be a beer swilling retiree in under 10 years!
Kidding. Happy New Year!
Snow Patrol have nothing on you. Nor even The Reindeer Section.
Glad you managed to get away for a few days over New Year. You can get through it, but I think you’re right — celebrations just ain’t what they used to be.
With all best wishes for 2010 — from a very snowy London.
OMG those shots are beautiful, but I am cold just looking at them! Have fun in warmer climates – make sure you post a ton of pics to warm us all back up!
The ice pictures are amazing. Being a native to Arizona, I have never seen anything like that. Very, very cool.
I can’t wait to read about all the new things Maddy learns in 2010.
Next time you visit northern Minnesota in January, you may consider investing in a slightly warmer coat. You’re crazy to be out there in a hoody and thin jacket. And zip up for Christ’s sake. Have some sense.
Hope you and Maddy have a wonderful 2010, can’t wait to read about this years new adventures! My daughter loves Yo Gabba Gabba too, we have taken to DVRing the episodes, so that she can watch them over and over and over…..
Amazing photographer!
Yeah…the Little Store at the Barnum exit!! I too, have a similar picture. I love that little town. Amazing pictures of your trip…cold, yet beautiful. Happy New Year!
Gorgeous pictures!
I actually watched Yo Gabba Gabba the other day trying to figure out what the appeal is…I still don’t get it. Maybe I’ll have to have my 2 yr old explain it to me. Typical conversation with Geneva (2 yr old) while playing with her favorite monkey:
G: Maddy in Inny-Ya. See monkeys!
Me: Yes, she saw monkeys. Now she’s in Minnesota where it snows.
G: Mini-Soda?
Me: It’s cold in Minnesota.
G: No monkeys?
Me: No monkeys.
G: Gram-ma likes soda. Make burp.
Me: [laughing]
Happy New Year to you, Matt and Maddy. Thank you for sharing. Now go warm up!
love this post – mainly because you were in my neck of the woods totally enjoying what we all take for granted! it is amazing (and freezing)! i hope you and maddy have a crackalackin’ 2010!
Those ice shots are amazing, esp the one of you looking up at the ice. However, I’m now freezing having just looked at all those pictures. DAMN! I’m not sure I could have gotten out of my car at any point on that trip.
Happy New Year to the Logelin’s!
I’ve never walked across a frozen lake but totally want to! *jealous*
Here’s to 2010, the year of the Crazy Daisy!
Wow – those pictures are incredible and definitely makes me realize what I take for granted as a native to this frozen tundra! I abosolutely ADORE that you stopped at a Legion for lunch – you probably made their day telling stories with them (I know for a fact that shooting the shit (oops) with people was my grandfather’s favorite past-time at the local legion in our MN town).
Wishing you and Maddy ALL the best in 2010!
YIKES thats cold! have fun in mexico!!
Stunning photos.
Happy New Year!
Matt, your pictures are amazing. I love reading your blog entries and really enjoy your writing style (cannot wait for the book!), but the pictures….WOW…they add so much!
You should consider publishing a book of your photographs as well!
Hears to a wonderful 2010 for you and Maddie!
that would be “here’s” not hears
Gorgeous pictures, and oh how Maddy is growing into such a young lady! I wish you both all the best in 2010!
I like that the I in BEAVER FLICKS is painted a different color, because you can see how the L and the I might otherwise look like a different letter. I wonder how many people complained before they decided to paint the I?
You took beautiful shots! I hope Maddy and you have a wonderful 2010
Awesome pics, as always. You made the frigid temperatures look beautiful instead of miserable! Can’t wait till your book comes out!
Love the ice shots! Hope you and Maddy continue to have a great year!
I’m cold just looking at those pictures. GORGEOUS. I love ice. It’s fascinating.
Your slipping on ice story reminds of the time I went snowboarding with a friend. She was on one side of the car and I was on the other. I glanced away for a moment when out of the corner of my eye I see hair FLYING past the window as she fell HARD on her ass. I haven’t laughed that hard since. I’m pretty sure she fell again while boarding and bruised her tailbone good.
We are also HUGE YGG fans over here. I have at least 10 on my DVR at all times. It’s the only show baby G will watch. (she’s 21 months) She runs around the house and says, “FOOFA FOOFA FOOFA” until someone turns it on for her. Her fave is BIZ’S BEAT OF THE DAY!
Have you seen the episode with Jack Black? That’s my personal favorite!
2010 WILL be great!
Thanks again for sharing all of your fantastic photos. They’re beautiful and inspiring!
Okay, so what is a beaver flick? Is it like a chick flick? Do they have moose flicks? What are beaver flicks rated? The only beavers I know starred in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe…are they in a lot of these flicks?
Can’t wait to hear all about your new adventures, as they happen, in 2010, Matt!!!
Maddy is looking more and more grown up every day! As always; she’s positively gorgeous!!!
Happy New Year to you & all of your family!!
Well done on capturing MN winter. I love me some legions as well!
LOVE the ice shots! Especially the platform of ice, which dripped to a puddle, creating a “puddle” of ice!
Happy New Year blogging friend!
Beautiful pictures of the water frozen water!!! -40 windchill!!! Thats Freezing!!!
The sign: Catch more fish here-Beaver House!! Freaking Hilarious!!!
Good to hear that 2009 was definitely better than 2008 and really F’n happy to hear 2010 is going to be good too!! Although we are strangers….I still feel so happy for you and Maddy!! You both deserve Greatness!!!
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year Matt & Maddy!!!! What great pictures! thanks for sharing! Wishing you much love, joy, health and happiness for 2010! you deserve it!
great pics. I cant believe shes spelling her name.
Breath-taking photos – I’m glad this friggin brutal weather is good for something! I’m also glad you and Maddy are having a good time, with more fun lined up. (Kite festival at Lake Harriet this weekend?) Happy New Year, Matt. Sending love from my girls, too…em
Love your pictures of Maddy, I, and the “up north” americana. I’ll be up there in February which I’m guessing will not be much warmer…how cold can it get at a Wilco show? Anyway, all the best for a happy and healthy 2010 to you both and those you love.
I bow to your awesomeness. Which, you should know, I never, ever do.
happy new year matt…best wishes for safe travels, lots of writing and a healthy 2010! love the sky facing ice shots…best scenery in mn to be seen during ANY season!
Paul Bunyan with the Thigh Highs. One of our all time favorites. We were on the north shore for New Year’s, too. Insanely cold, but just as beautiful as you photographed it.
You’re going to have such a fun year with Maddy! Age 2 is really fun! Can’t wait to hear about your upcoming trips!
Those pictures are amazing! Are you sure you didn’t go to Antarctica??
who did you take the trip with? cause you know, it’s all up in my business to know……ha!
Awesome! A blessed 2010 to you and Madeline! Gimmie a yell if y’all ever visit the MS/AL gulf coast!
DUDE! You are in my backyard! Seriously. Just knock on the door of the half-finished 20 year old house up the hill from the lake and warm up by our fire!
Wow, what amazing pictures! I am actually from the Duluth/Superior area and you gave me a new appreciation for it! I always love hearing the new things Maddy is learning, my daughter is just two months older, and we share similiar milestones
Happy New Year, Matt and Maddy! awesome photos, and the pic of Maddy in the hat is just adorable.
Well done, well done. All the best for 2010 – enjoy your trips! My youngest daughter is one month older than your Maddy. We are having so much fun watching her grow and change. It’s awesome, isn’t it? Take good care. We will be thinking of the two of you and sending lots of love and peace your way.
Sounds like the grandparents are influencing her in all the right ways!
Those pictures are amazing! Sounds like a fun and freezing weekend. Bring on the sand and sun!
Life if MN….you captured it well
Looks like you had a great trip. Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!
Awesome ice pictures-so neat!!
What a great 2010 you and Madeline are already having! Love that she said “come on, dad”!!!!
hi Matt- I’m also reading your older posts on Widow’s Voice. It’s pretty amazing to read those and then to read your current posts. Encouraging.
Thanks.
Samir and I were in your neck of the woods (er, city) for the holidays… Loz Feliz, Griffith Park, etc. So fun, and 70 degrees felt AWESOME. Sorry we missed you. Happy New Year, you two!
Ok I really want a copy of the picture of you under the ice on the waterfall! I hope that 2010 is a great year for you and Maddy!!!
“come on Dad”? That’s so cute!
hey matt,
on one hand you’re a celebrity. with a tragic love story, but celebrity none the less.
i love that you’re also? just matt.
i love it even more so that i can read your blog and see photos like this post from HOME. from places that i have explored time after time after time after time up north.
next time you are up there? in winter? there’s a stunning place that few know about that i’d love to direct you to. email me and i’d be happy to share. last year? the ice shards and piles of ice shelves were in.tense.
here’s to an amazing 2010 with your girl and your writing and the big publication! and mostly? just being maddy’s dad.
Sounds like you got a much needed break, glad Maddie had fun with her extended family. I’m laughing because I live in Northern Canada, and the weather here is that way for the majority of our winter which seems like it lasts from October to May!! Great photos, beautiful scenery. And what’s up with all the large objects?!?!
Wow… fantastic pictures! Looks like it was a fun (albeit cold!) trip. Wishing you and Maddie a WONDERFUL 2010!
Those ice pics are fantastic, not sure why anyone would want to ruin it!
Love the one where you are directly underneath it with the camera pointed up. Great shot.
And my son is 25 months old and can’t say shit.
Happy New Year to you and Maddie. She sure is getting to be a big girl! Love, love, love the ice shots. I’m really glad you didn’t damage your camera beyond it working so you could share those photos with us!
Awesome pics as always. I am with Maddy I am a CA girl (SF) no fan of snow/ice, pretty to look out. Looking forward to your book and a wonderful 2010.
those pics are *beautiful.* makes me want to go visit someday!
your pics are pretty much bad ass… can you please teach me…
… Love them… Big hugs… Happy New Year!!!!
and lets get together sometime…
~g.
stunning photos matt! wow.
beaver flicks. nice.
i hope 2010 brings you peace, fun and lots of laughter and love for you and madeline.
Beautiful Photos! Although I live in minnesota and really dislike this winter crap you just reminded me there is beauty in it too. Thanks for that!
I hope you and Maddy have a fantastic 2010!
Gorgeous pictures! Thanks for sharing. Yo Gabba Gabba is also a big hit here….
Beautiful photos, Matt. I definitely haven’t seen anything like that in my native Texas. Heck, we rarely see snow at all, and rarely ice. I like the fact that you appreciate the older generation like I do. They are just precious and totally underappreciated. Good luck to you and beautiful Maddy on your next adventure(s)!
The North Shore is gorgeous any time of year. We were in Duluth one January weekend when it was -50 windchill and saw the steam coming off Lake Superior as well. Nature is amazing. And you sir, were significantly underdressed for Minnesota in January. How could your mother let you go up North like that?????? Enjoy your warm destination vacation and take lots of pics to share with us stuck in the tundra.
Here’s to an awesome 2010! Love the pics! I live in MN and I LOVE Duluth and the North Shore. Lake Superior is awesome! Maddy is getting cuter all the time, she reminds me so much of my daughter, they are close in age and both blondies.
Gorgeous pictures as always Matt!!
I wish you and Maddy all the best in 2010!! May you both find peace, love and laughter and enjoy making more memories for the two of you! Can’t wait to hear about all your adventures and watch that beautiful little girl grow…my daughter is 4 months older than Maddy and it is cute to see the stages they go through!!
Ok so a while back you mentioned something about Yo Gabba Gabba so beings that my children are past the Yo Gabba Gabba stage I had to check it out. So now my daughter and I will just random say Yo Gabba Gabba Yo…..just thought I would share…..
Anywho Loved the ice photos. Glad you got away a lil but and I am sure Maddy was glad to be daddy free for a few days so she could impress the grandparents some.
Hope your 2010 is filled with lots of fun and exciting things.
HAPPY NEW YEAR– Matt and Madeline!! May 2010 hold peace and happiness for you… Awesome photos, as always. Madeline is just beautiful, it’s so cool to hear she’s talking now! Take Care.
Happy New Year Matt!
Sending you and Maddy a whole lot of love from across the globe. I can’t wait to follow your journey in 2010.
By the way, awesome photography!
Miss you guys a whole lot.
So I’m driving through TN and there’s always this water that runs from the rocky hillsides all along I-40. Well…since it’s in the teens at night right now, the water is now these great icicles hanging off the rocks. It’s so cool looking. And then I saw your pictures and I was thinking the TN ice looks ridiculous in comparison. Such awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing.
And as for your last sentence there, you got me a little teary eyed. Here’s to a great year for you and Maddy!
The ice and snow is beautiful…until the cold starts to freeze your face off
I finally broke down and turned Yo Gabba Gabba on for the kids last night…they were mesmerized. I think the lead character is a long lost member of the band Deee-Lite (from the 90′s). I was very impressed with the celebrity cameos, Andy Sandberg(sp?)and MGMT. This show must be the new/cooler Sesame Street.
Happy New Year! Looks like a great trip…possibly best enjoyed from inside a very warm car.
Amazing photography…but then you already know that. Thanks for always taking such great pictures to share. All the best in 2010.
Beautiful pictures Matt! We do come from one of the most beautiful places! Happy New Year and all the best to you and Maddy.
Love the snow and ice pics!
You did a great job capturing the beauty (and frigidness)of the North Shore. I absolutely love the picture of the sun over the lake and peeking through the cedar tree with ice hanging down. Awesome shot! The steam coming from the lake and the way the ice formed over the rocks are the sights I loved about the winters in Duluth. It was neat to see the infamous Buffalo from the Buffalo House, too.
Happy New Year to you and Maddy!
Kudos to your crazy ass for being there on that beautiful lake in the cold to take those pictures! They are unbelievable.
I completely understand why you have to head to a warmer destination…since it will take that to thaw you out from your visit here.
Enjoy 2010…it’s gonna be a great one!
Absolutely stunning pictures!! I can’t wait to read your book!! Hurry up and publish it!
Maddy is amazing! 2010 will be amazing year, you deserve the best!!
Happy New Year to you and Maddy! The pictures were awesome. The one looking up into the ice….man o man!!!
There is nothing better than hanging out at a local legion. My husband and I go to the Hugo legion almost every Friday night for the meat raffle!
Matt, I just started reading your blog. You are an amazing father. It’s not often that you get a glimpse inside someone’s healing. I am sure that you get this a lot, but I had to tell you that you are an inspiration. You and your daughter are adorable, thank you for being such and honorable man.
When I click on your website this post does not show nor does anything else from 2010. The last thing is has is a post from 12/29/09. I don’t think it’s loading from Twitter.
All my best to you in 2010. nest time you are in the Duluth area.. don’t hesitate to look me up. Stella and I could meet up for a play date. Keep up the fight! Aaron in duluth
Amazing shots!! I have to ask, what is this propensity of your to stand between the legs of large men? hehe
Loved this post! Thanks for sharing!
Oh s-h-i-t. Spelling is now out too??? Besides the burden of coming up with some creative swear words, it sounds like 2010 will be a wonderful year for you and Madeline. You are truly resilient, Matt.
May only peace, and nothing but happiness, fill you both over the coming year.
The North Shore is so gorgeous and your photos are amazing. The Buffalo house brings back memories… Ahhhh Duluth.
Wow, where is that place with the beautiful lake and ice? I have never stepped foot onto US, so I would never know.
Maddy is gonna be picking all sorts of things, good and bad, from now on!
Photo’s are amazing!!
Wishing you and Maddy a very happy 2010!
Put South Africa on your list of destinations- you can take Maddy up table mountain in Cape Town- she would love the ride up the cable car.
Hi Matt…
Had to comment…long time stalker (but real life friend of Melodie’s)…
The green screen? Did you get filmed to be ON Gabba Gabba??
My daughter loves the Jumping Jellyfish Dancey Dance best of all.
Look what we have become…discussing dance moves on a preschool show..
aren’t 2 years old great
Those ice shots are amazing. I would love to capture that if it didn’t mean I had to venture out to sub-zero temps. I just have to know…what the hell is a “beaver flick”??
Happy new year to you and Maddie, I’m sure it WILL be a great year!
Hey Matt, Great trip up north. We’ve spent a few hours at that American Legion in Grand Marais (but only in the warm, summer months). As usual, your pictures are outstanding.
Maddy is beautiful. Her photos are precious. I love your blog.
If you ever get to Grand Marais, take some photos of the rocks with antique graffiti (in the summertime, of course). Some are over a hundred years old and each one tells a story. I always thought it would be a great idea to write a book about some of the people who carved their names into those rocks. My God, the cursive writing is amazing, it must have taken forever. They are along the shore where everyone walks, sort of near the Coast Guard station. I loved your pictures, Lake Superior has long been a recharging station for our family. Maddie is looking muy guapa!
Here’s hoping for a better year for both of us!
Matt- The photos are amazing… some of my favorite places. Grand Marais is a beautiful place, even in the winter!!!
Great pictures of my favorite thing in the whole world. I was lucky enough to grow up on the shore of Lake Superior her in MI. It is my heart.
I love your ice photos. We got some cool stuff like that when we lived in Iceland. Thanks for continuing to share your life and Maddy with us.
Praying that 2010 is a great year for you guys.
Hugs,
How awesome, I live in Grand Marais. You certainly picked the most unique “watering hole”.
back in grand marais after all these years…tell me you hit up the old fashioned doughnut shop and bought some beaver bait rigs!
wow, amazing photos! care to share the name of the places you visited? i’m fairly new around here!
Man, I love those first couple of “happy New Year” pics…she is stunning! Have a fun trip. And, as always, wishing you peace and love in the new year.
I always love your photos, but these are definitely some of my favorite!
I love your photos from the tiniest details to the largest landscape and fascinating beauty that your eye sees. Awesome and beautifully done! Rugged winter huh?! Brrrrrr.
Glad you took time for you and your friends to reconnect and have a blast. Love older folks too and they are fun and pretty fearless!
Happy New Year to you and Maddy – Here’s to a wonderful, exciting 2010 and new decade!!
May you always be blessed with walls for the wind. A roof for the rain. A warm cup of tea by the fire.
Laughter to cheer you. Those you love near you. And all that your heart might desire.
(Irish blessing)
Hey, I have been following your blog and admiring your photography for the past year. What kind of camera do you have. Is it “really” expensive? Have been wanting one for ages and don’t know where to start?…
hi
my name is “madalena”, just like your daughter´s name, but in portuguese…
Anyway, I just saw your story on oprah show.. what a love story. I feel like i needed to leave something here, so I wish you, and your beautifull daughter lots of happiness
love from Portugal
happy new year !
does sound and look like a amazing start.
Awesome photography–thanks for sharing. You were in my neighborhood. Easy to spot the landmarks. We once watched an ice climber who fell through on the river at Gooseberry. Scary! Fortunately, he used his picks to pull himself back out.
All the best to you and Maddie in this bright new year!
Sorry! I missed spelled Maddy’s name. My daughter is Addie….it must be a memory thing in my fingers!
The winter photos are amazing, but the best of all is Little Miss New Year! I am glad she likes Yo Gabba Gabba (and that you listen to the cd because she listens to your music). My son writes music and songs for the show, is the voice of Muno, and is also the sound editor. And DJ Lance is an absolutely awesome guy.
Wow what amazing shots, I’ve never seen ice like that. It does look bloody cold though, I don’t know how well I could have coped with that! I hope you both have a great year in 2010 and enjoy your travels and adventures. I’m hoping to do a bit more travelling this year too – there’s just so much out there to see. Looking forward to hearing all about the adventures of you guys this year!
Jade
Happy New Year! Amazing photos! Best Wishes for a year full of adventures and laughter.
Matt!!!!
I have always loved your photos, but seeing as how you were in my neck of the woods you captured some amazing ones! Please tell me you’ve thought about either doing a photo book or selling these? Seriously! CRAIG BLACKLOCK has NOTHING on you! These are breathtaking!
I love your optimism for the next year. I’ve loved being part of your journey this year and I look forward to 2010.
Blessings!
Great pictures! And I love the first one of Maddy in the New Years headband – too cute!
Best of luck to you both in 2010!
- those pics are from up my next of the woods. Barnum – Paul Bunyan, Esko – Buffalo, Two Harbors – Chicken. I read your blog and if I would have seen you taking these pictures I would have thought I was seeing a celeb! Beautiful country too bad it was soo cold! Still is!
So happy you are happy.
Wow…..she is growing up so fast! Great pictures of all the ice formations. When we lived in Vermont I took a lot of ice pictures, too! Great post!!
Beautiful pics of the North Shore! I’ve never ventured up there in the winter (to much of a freeze baby) but after seeing those pics I might have to think about it.
You have a gorgeous daughter!
Holymotherfuckingshitballs!!! That’s looks as cold as hell—frozen over!!!
Man, as much as the cold weather must have just sucked, it is so beautiful up there. I’ve lived outside of northern MN for just about as long as I lived there and I think I forgot how gorgeous it is.
Still not enough for me to move back though. As you drove up 35, right around Elk River you were probably like “This is in the middle of friggin’ nowhere!”
Thanks for sharing.
oops…Elk River might be on the other side of the cities…whatever.. Elk River…Moose Lake…Deer Lake….They gotta find more descriptors for all their damn lakes.
Happy New Year to you and Maddy! It’s gonna be a great one!
Great pics too! Makes me happy I’m in VA though.
Did I miss something? Who is *we*?
I really really want that giant chicken for my yard-it’s wonderful!
Beautiful albeit very cold looking photos, the ice is amazing.
Amazing pictures!!!
Happy New Year! I hope you have a wonderful 2010!
Those ice pictures are THE most beautiful pictures I’ve ever seen! You could easily make money with those (not that you need another project!). Wishing you, Maddie, and your family a most fabulous 2010!
Love the ice shots!
Hey, I love your pictures!!! You and your love inspire me every day!!!! I wish a great 2010 to you and your little girl!!!! Sorry for my poor english – Portuguese and english… – I am trying…
Our Great Lakes are so awesome! It’s what I love about living in Michigan.
Maddy is at such a great age right now. From now until she starts school is a really cool time. My little guy just turned 4 and I’m having such a ball with him. My girls are older…once they get into school and really start to turn into “older” kids, the toddler stage is gone and it’s sad. They’re just awesome right now. Yeah…2010 is going to be a great year.
Thanks for the wonderful pictures of where I grew up on/near Lake Superior – it was nice to see Split Rock in the winter.
You drove right by us – Wyoming, MN represent!
Glad you had a great time on the North Shore. Awesome photos. Next time stop at the Wyoming thrift store on the way up and get yourself a decent winter coat. Sorry, I mean “coaaat”.
Hope you and Maddy have a great New Year. Love from MN!
Love your pictures as always! She is turing into a beautiful little girl!
I wish you all the best for this new year, Maddy is looking so cute, she’s getting big hey.
I’m a faithful blog reader and just wanted to wish you and Maddie a happy and healthy 2010. The pictures of the frozen stuff is just magnificent. Here’s hoping you get to a warm spot. I look forward to following your adventures in the new year.
VANNAKKAM! Happy new year Matt and Madeline! So glad u were able to get a few days away Matt. It’s 38C heat here in Sydney…ah! Now, tell us how the book is coming along.
<3'd this post.
I love that you hung out at the American Legion!
My husband and I (not senior citizens)joined both the Eagles and the Elks here in the Los Angeles, in an effort to become more connected to our community.
As someone who grew up sans grandparents, I don’t know who gets more out of it — the seniors (who love having a younger, captive audience) or me. Amazing the local history they have to share.
Plus, the $2 drinks don’t hurt. ; )
Happy 2010!
You gotta get a warmer coat, hon. And careful when you’re running around on those frozen lakes – I see a few mushy footprints.
Great photos, really wonderful – you have an amazing eye for a beautiful, striking shot.
2009 sucked for me. I am sensing 2010 will be a great year for me. I hope the same for you and Maddy.
–Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford
Two Harbors! I love it up there! Although, I’ve never been there when it’s -20! Happy New Year and thanks for the great pics!
To Jan Deibert – please give your son an extra hug for me…his music helps prevent car accidents on the way home. Sometimes, the kid is a little irritated about going home from day care and singing Gabba songs helps “change the subject”. What talent!
Jackie
Wow! Those pictures are incredible!!! Looks like you were able to truly enjoy, and capture the beauty of what surrounded you. Even in the crazy cold!!! Happy 2010!
Grand Marais, right? I’d forgotten how gorgeous it is up north in the winter, thanks for the reminder
Fucking phenomenal photos.
xo
HMFT
The pic of the sun coming through the trees w/the frozen branches @ the bottom is simply gorgeous (right before the 2nd dinner @ Am Legion) Love the icy pics. I was cold just looking at them and I live in Buffalo NY!!