• About
  • Visit Gray Star Design
  • Minted Collection
  • Design Services
  • Contact

The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: meroke preserve

Inspiration Photo Friday: Finding a Way

28 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

advice, bellmore, earth, life, meroke preserve, motivation, nature, new york, outdoors, path, patience, positivity, strength, success, trees, woods

There have been plenty of times in my life when I thought things couldn’t get any worse. Just like most people. Staying positive and being strong has helped me move past these road blocks as well as having patience. Sometimes you just have to stop and breathe to see the bigger picture. Know that everything happens for a reason.

This photo was taken a few years in Bellmore, NY at the Meroke Preserve.  I have always loved pathways, whether they be a bridge, a road, or just a simple trail, they remain one of my favorite things to photograph. Its become such a connection to my life, the will to keep moving forward.

You may not see a clear path in this shot, but I do. The trees are silently guarding it and the sun is delicately lighting the way. Nature always shows you where to go. Sometimes you have to look a little deeper and really think about the best way to move forward in life. Don’t let anything or anyone get you down. Be positive, stay motivated, and kick ass. Hopefully, just like me, you will always find a way to succeed.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Finding a Way - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve

20 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Historic Places, The Bride & Groom

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

bellmore, bride and groom, bridge, earth, engagement, engagement shoot, fall, forest, garden, historic, history, lauren elle photography, long island, love, marraige, meroke preserve, nature, new york, photography, plants, rustic, seasons, stream, trees, woodland, woods

If you feel the need to escape and you live in the Long Island area, then I have got the place for you. I must say I was very surprised by the size of this secret hiding place and suggest that you explore it yourself. The Meroke Preserve, located on the corner of Orange Street and Farmers Avenue, is a wonderful and exciting place to visit. My experience the first time I was there was serene, delightful and inspiring.

Being part of the 3,300 acres of preserves that Nassau County manages, the 25-acre Meroke Preserve is maintained so we may enjoy the natural spaces of Long Island. It’s these areas that really give our communities a sense of organic environment. We should appreciate them because they are the Earth’s gifts to us. Taking care of these preserves is important to keep our history alive. Plus, they are great places for us to take our children so that they see the beauty in their surroundings and learn how vital it is to appreciate nature.

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

When you enter the preserve you will be greeted by a sign that says Faith Laursen Meroke Preserve. If you don’t already know, Faith was a former publisher of the Freeport/Baldwin Leader as well the owner of Merrick Life with her husband. From what I read, she was an intelligent caring woman who loved nature and felt it was important to appreciate life. For this reason, the Meroke Preserve was named in her honor. Although she is not here today, the light inside her will continue to shine and give life to all the trees and plants that call Meroke home.

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

There were certain trees that held so much character it amazed me. The detailed cuts and aged growths really made me feel like I was not in Kansas anymore.

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

As you start your walk through the preserve the trails effortlessly lead you while the trees welcome you quietly. Hearing the birds chirping and the leaves rattle were music to my ears. It was a gorgeous day and the sun lit up the area so brilliantly I was practically seeing through a lens the whole time. It was really hard not to capture all the beauty I was able to witness. Although it was the time for the trees to be quite sparse their was an interesting amount of foliage. Browns, greens and oranges surrounded me creating an autumn rainbow that would soon turn to spring.

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

In the middle of my walk I came to a small bridge. As I continued over the bridge I could see a lot of brush up ahead. Eventually the path turned to hectic for me to go on so I turned back. With the stream to my left I walked to the edge and admired the swampy area, the overgrown roots protruding the earth ever so slightly and the moss green as ever. There is so much about nature that is captivating and as I continued on my journey that is proven over and over again.

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

The time I had spent at the Meroke Preserve felt like a brief moment in history and I am the lucky one to go back in time. I wound up visiting the preserve once again after that to show my husband, then fiance, the area. I thought it would be an amazing place to have our engagement shoot since it was a natural environment and I had such a magical experience the first time I was there.

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Copyright 2012 Melissa O'Connor

Well, once Dan witnessed the awesomeness of this place he agreed and we set it all up with our photographer, Lauren Elle. I can happily say the preserve didn’t let me down. Our experience during the shoot was personal, serene and fun. We were so happy with how the photos came out as well. They clearly show the beauty of the surroundings as well as both our happiness with being engaged. Being surrounded by the Earth felt perfect and we couldn’t ask for anything more.

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Photo by Lauren Elle Photography

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Photo by Lauren Elle Photography

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Photo by Lauren Elle Photography

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Photo by Lauren Elle Photography

Historic Series: The Meroke Preserve - Photo by Lauren Elle Photography

It’s interesting to think that nowadays you can experience a place that has been standing over 100 years. With a bit of the past surrounding you its not hard to let go of any issues or daily struggles you may be dealing with. Breathe in the cool air, feel the sun peaking through the trees and thank Mother Nature for providing yet another beautiful place where you can relax and set your soul free. A new view of the past will always brighten your future.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Autumn Lush

20 Friday Jul 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

autumn, blue, branches, brown, earth, fall, ivy, meroke preserve, mother earth, nature, seasons, sky, trees

Happy Friday Everyone! Today is a rainy day over here in New York which is kinda nice considering its been very hot and humid the past few days. The rain has brought a cool breeze as well which I have been waiting for. This weather reminds me of my favorite season, fall. This is why I have chosen this photo for this week’s inspiration. It was taken at the Meroke Preserve in Bellmore, NY, which will always have a special place in my heart.

I call it Autumn Lush because there is so much vibrancy in these branches. Reaching out to one another, becoming tangled in the sweetness of the cool air. The ivy acts as a cushion for harmony to form as it boasts its earthly colors and soft cloud like shape. This is one of the reasons I love fall. You look up and see the trees connecting with each other, spreading life, and the remaining leaves appearing to hang on delicate garland of hugs.

It may seem like everything dies during this season but it is indeed the opposite. Mother Nature resets and recharges as it sheds its outer layers for all of us to see. Its quite personal and beautiful, if you ask em. Seeing the bare souls of many of Earth’s gifts. it opens up a world where details and hidden secrets come alive. In this autumn lush, I am invited to get a little bit closer to what I love the most, Earth.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Autumn Lush - 2012 Copyright Melissa O'Connor All Rights Reserved

color in films sound in color art inpsired palettes
art and design the home events and parties weddings real weddings color inspiration film-reviews historic places news and updatesminted






minted.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives



martha

Magnolia Rouge

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.29.10 PM

Etsy

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.18.10 PM

logo

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.42.13 PM

P&PBlogHeader

wedding chicks


ruffled

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.47.49 PM

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.16.32 PM


lauren-elle-photography

jenlombardo

logo_website

site-logo1

kelly_dekenipp_logo

homelogo

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×