Thank You!

This has been a very busy year for us. Here's a little bit about my family. 

Sarah graduated from Davidson Academy as valedictorian in May. She then began her freshman year at Sewanee: the University of the South. She continues to be an avid runner and is currently training for her third half-marathon.

Callie has completed her final semester at Sewanee, where she is summa cum laude. She will receive a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in environmental studies. Callie will continue working at the University doing research before going to graduate school. Our cats, Gray-gray, Stormy (Fatboy), and Creamy (Tyrone) are fat and happy.

My wife, Karen teaches at Davidson Academy and I have been growing LeoLakes Treasured Maps. 

Thank You for purchasing my vintage style maps. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Water Falls on Center Hill Lake!

What is a "Stress Free Environment?" Well, a stress free environment means different things to different folks. To some, a stress free environment may mean the beach, mountains, a round of golf or maybe a spa treatment. Is it a place or a state of mind? Well, a few weeks ago I found a 'Stress Free Environment." I spent a few days on a beautiful lake in Tennessee called Center Hill Lake.  We stayed at Pates Ford Marina which is located on the tail end of the lake and a great place to eat, rent a boat or stay for a night. The waters of Center Hill are some of the clearest lake waters in the state, however a rain the day before causes them to be slightly murky. Actually, this turned out to be a good thing because the water falls were flowing.    

We rented a pontoon boat to cruise the lake looking for any adventure. We had hopes of spotting an Eagle, which have become common around the lake. Also, this lake has many water falls back in the hollows that I would like to take a few pictures of.     

Heading out on a beautiful day, we pass houseboat row. This brings back memories, because several years ago, I had a boat that we used on most weekends. 

To give you an idea of Center Hill Lake check out this map that I did. Look at all of the twists and turns this lake makes and all of the coves. That's because it's located in very hilly terrain.   

You ever heard of the Old Man of the Sea? This is called face on the lake, not. I'm not sure what its called but it sure looks like a face. Checkout those nose hairs. 

One of the many falls that was flowing. I'm guessing that this fall is 40-50 feet high. It seemed that in every cove, there was a fall flowing down from the hills. It was great to move close to the fall and feel the cool mist, and listen to the shower of water against the limestone.

Another water fall that has attracted other boaters. Interestingly, water falls seem to draw folks in close because of their beauty and sound. I think this would be called a "stress free environment".

I paint Lake, River and Bay maps and here's a vintage style map of Center Hill Lake. I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. 

I hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. These maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalized lake, river or bay maps, too. If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoLakes.com. 
 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift. To see more of my work click here www.LeoLakes.com. 

Remember: Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, or at least enjoy one

Leo Humor

Okay, this is not décor maps, but sometimes I blow off a little creativity by drawing cartoons. Here's a few that I thought I would share. I called them Leo Humor. Enjoy!

This cartoon may be my favorite of the bunch. Looks like the guy has found a major fishing breakthrough, however I'm not sure that I would ever dress like bait. Also, this could be called Zen fishing.

I just can't come up with a way that Bob would have ever managed to get his fishing line down his pants. You know, I bet some fisherman has done this  before, because there are some crazy people out there.

After Harold somehow hooked his butt, it's clear that poor Marge is going to have a tough few weeks ahead. Don't you think?

Don't Forget to be one with your bait. Ommmm!

Check out my decor maps, try to find the hidden fish and mermaid!

Vintage Style Map of Lake Champlain

I just finished this vintage style map of beautiful Lake Champlain. I always do some research on a lake that I paint, and here's what I have discovered.  Lake Champlain is a natural lake located in Vermont and New York with a small portion in Canada. Interesting, did you know that Lake Champlain almost became the sixth great lake? Yep, but more about that later. The lake is a large lake being about 125 miles long and up to 23 miles wide. Lake Champlain is a very historic lake and was named after the French explorer who discovered it, Samuel De Champlain. In colonial times, battles were fought at Ticonderoga, Saratoga and a naval battle at Valcour Island led by Benedict Arnold.

In 1998, a bill signed by President Clinton gave Lake Champlain the title of the nation's sixth great lake, which allowed states to apply for educational and research money for the lake. There was such an uproar about the lake becoming the sixth great lake, the bill was rescinded after 18 days, but the educational and research money continued to flow.  The lake has about 80 islands. I love some of the island names such as, four brothers island. It makes me wonder why they came up with such a name?  

 

There have been reports that a monster lives in the lake, not unlike the Loch Ness monster, but smaller. Vague descriptions indicate the monster is 5 to 10 feet long and is silver or gray.  Skeptic's suggest that it's only floating logs or large sturgeons schooling. 

Oh yeah, it's not a monster, but I do hide a tiny mermaid in all my maps for fun. Anyway, this lake does have many species of fish including huge pike, salmon, bowfin, trout, bass, walleye and large sturgeons. A great lake for the fisherman. If you like more information on a Lake Champlain vintage style map or other maps, checkout my website at LeoLakes.com. We also do custom maps and personalized maps.

Remember: " Get away from the big screen and get on a big stream, if not, then at least put on the wall." Frame your Favorite, Lake, River, or Bay, LeoLakes.com. 

A bang at the door!

Today while at home, I heard a bang at the door. I opened the front door and found that no one was there and I wondered what caused the sound. When I looked down, I found a small Carolina Chickadee lying on its back near the edge of the first step that leads into the house. The bird was not moving and its legs were held tightly against its body. Apparently, the Chickadee had crashed into the side windows that are on each side of our front door, probably thinking it was an opening that it could fly through.   

I decided to pickup the little fellow so that I could place it in the yard, thinking that it may have just knocked its self out and would fly off. As I went to scoop the bird up, it began to move. When I put the chickadee on the ground it began to stand and flex its wings, but still not totally aware. I watched it for a few minutes and then I went back inside. After a while, I looked back outside to where I placed the small bird and found that the chickadee was gone.  I bet it had a headache. 

We have a bird feeder near this area and this may have contributed to the bird flying into the window. Interestingly, I have noticed a lot fewer chickadees at the feeder this year than in previous years. They say it is due to the severe winter because 50% of the chickadees can freeze to death during a cold winter. Well, it appears that this chickadee will make it for a while longer. Anyway, checkout my vintage style maps, custom or personalized.  

  

Beautiful Rhodhiss Lake

Snuggled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a crystal blue clear lake with beautiful panoramic views. That lake is Rhodhiss Lake. Located about 1 hour away from Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina, making it  just far enough to keep it peaceful, yet close enough for the urban amenities.

The lake is fairly small with a surface area of 3,060 acres and 90 miles of shoreline. Boating and fishing are the main recreational activities. Rhodhiss Lake is becoming known as a tournament lake by the increasing number of fishing tournaments being held. What makes this a special lake? Probably, the sandy bottom, which makes for some crystal clear water and the beautiful mountain views. The decor map above, is a custom map that I did for a customer who lives on Rhodhiss lake. I paint lake, river, and bay maps, both custom and personalized. See more at my website www.LeoLakes.com. 

Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big screen!  

Chautauqua Lake

I have had a few requests to paint a map of Chautauqua Lake. Before I paint a map of a lake, I always do some research on the lake to get a feel of the area.  Here’s what I have discovered. Chautauqua Lake is a beautiful lake. Located in western New York between the city of Jamestown and the village of Maryville, Chautauqua Lake is about 17 miles long and 2 miles wide. It is shaped like a finger lake; however it is not considered a finger lake. Interesting, if it were considered a finger lake, then it would be a thumb because it runs perpendicular to the eastern lakes.

I find it fascinating the meaning of lake names. Chautauqua has several intriguing meanings and the one that I think is most interesting is, Bag Tied in the Middle, which is referring to the narrow area about half way down the lake. The name comes from an Indian Tribe in the area.

There are many recreational activities at the lake such as boating, fishing and tourism. Chautauqua Lake is an excellent muskellunge lake. A major hangout is Chautauqua Institution, which has many shops, restaurants and live entertainment. Also, many boats can be found at Sandy Bottoms and Long Point State Park.

Here’s the finished décor map of Chautauqua Lake. I don't hide snapping turtles, but I do hide a tiny mermaid/fish in the waters of all my lake map paintings that folks love to search for. I call my maps treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. These maps make great gifts for the lake house owner, lake lover, or fisherman. I have over two hundred on my website that can be purchased right from the site, or I can do custom and personalizes lake, river or bay maps, too. If you would like to see more and read about my treasured maps go to LeoMaps.com. 

"Remember, Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream."

I Love This Lake!

I Love this lake,

The most amazing scenes appear in its wake,

The sun arises just above the shore,

Giving grace and beauty to this place I adore.

LKO, 2009

 

Get away from the big screen and get on a big stream or at least put one on the wall!

 

New website in the works!

I've been working hard moving the LeoLakes website to a new hosting site. The new site will have an improved look and better features. It has been a lot of work to move, but I think it will better serve the customers. Stay tuned for the official date when the site is ready. Also, holiday orders (personalized & custom)start picking up by the end of October, so don't wait too late.

Get away from the big screen and get on a big stream or at least put one on your wall!

 

Decor map of Shuswap Lake

Here's a lake that you have probably never have heard of, Shuswap Lake. I Just finished a custom canvas lake map of Shuswap Lake located in British Columbia, Canada. This is my first international map that I have painted.

Here's a photo of the lake that a customer sent me after receiving her map.
This lake is located near Salmon Arm, B.C. and is a large lake. 

It's unlikely that I will ever see this lake in person, but from what I have read it's a beautiful lake with many recreational activities, including some great fishing. 

Here's the feedback that I received:

 "Just received my Leo Lakes map. It is absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait to give it to may parents for them to keep in their simple little lake house that brings them such joy!! Thank you so much!! Highly recommended:)"

Paddle over to my website, LeoLakes.com. I paint beautiful lake, river and bay decor maps. Folks are discovering that these decor maps are wonderfully unique gifts that become family heirlooms. Oh yeah, I hide things in the lake waters, such as a tiny mermaid/fish. Folks love to search for them. I call my maps, treasured maps because most folks have that special body of water that they treasure. My treasured maps make a great Christmas gifts for the fisherman, lake lover, or Lake house. 

As you can see, my maps make a great gift.  Orders are picking up during the holiday's, so order soon. Click here www.LeoLakes.com for more information.

Just remember: "Life is short, get away from the big screen and get on a big stream".

Santa Rosa Sound

I just finished this painting of beautiful Santa Rosa Island and Santa Rosa Sound. I remember the family vacation to this area when I was just a kid. We actually camped at Fort Pickens State Park. While there I exploded the island, which was very exciting to me because it was my first time to the sea. One time, I came upon a very large ant hill and saw many ant going in and out. I sensed that I should not disturb them. Lucky for me, I now believe they were fire ants.  

Any way, I have fond memories of Santa Rosa Island, so I painted this decor map of the area. Checkout my website at www.leolakes.com for more beautiful river, lake and bay art. Great for the beach house or gifts. Many sizes to choose from and comes on canvas.

You know what, it feels great to know that you have created something that folks love and enjoy. I realize that the folks receiving my maps, treasure their special lake, river or bay, just as I do my favorite place. I put a lot of care into each decor map, whether it's a custom, personalized or a map that I have already painted. One of my favorite things is reading comments from folks who have purchased one of my decor maps. So, I thought I would publish a few in this blog post.

Larry, Yough print arrived safely yesterday! It's beautiful, can't wait to give it to my husband for his birthday! Found the fish & Mermaid, great conversation piece! Thanks for all your help; I'll definitely recommend your website!

Hi Larry, It just arrived. It's beautiful and we love it.

Thank you Larry - Monday is her birthday. It’s so perfect! Take care.

Larry, got it, looks great. It’s going up to lake house.

Hi Larry, received my map yesterday. Love it and have found the fish and mermaid. Thank you again.

Leo, I am so glad I bought it! It's so much more than I imagined. It's really beautiful and I know they are going to love it. So.... Thank you so much and I'm sure you will be sending me or someone I know another map again!

Hi Larry, letting you know the map arrived. Thank you! It's very special and we are going to enjoy it so much.

Larry, thank you for your help. We love the map; it turned out exactly as we had hoped it would. It's off to the framers and we can't wait to get it up on the wall. I'll be sure to recommend your services in the future.

If you would like to learn more, visit my website www.LeoLakes.com .