I received an Instagram message around mid-December from The Marina at Cherry Creek saying that they loved my photos—the Pelicans, to be specific—and that they would like to hang some of the photos in the Lake House event center.

Well, earlier this week, I met with Erik Dyce, the CEO of Vencore Marine Group, and we agreed to partner up. I am excited about this new adventure and to see my photography being displayed (and sold) in such a beautiful venue.

Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek in Cherry Creek State Park is delighted to partner with Amy Lilley, a renowned photographer who has brought her unique talents to Colorado. Her intimate relationship with the white pelican, native to Cherry Creek Reservoir, is a stunning study in the art and science of this unique bird. Pelican Bay is named for these magnificent creatures, which feature wingspans of up to six feet. At any given time, you may see well over 100 pelicans at The Marina at Pelican Bay, perched on the breakwater around The Marina or out in the stump area on the south side of the reservoir. Their sweet group behavior is something to witness. Amy’s photos will be featured in and around Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek as well as for sale at certain select events. We welcome these treasures, and so should you!'

What is so amazing to me is that from a simple kayak rental 3 summers ago, to purchasing my own Pelican kayak and spending so much time on the lake, doing what I love to do...not just take pics of the pelicans, herons, fish, and other wildlife, but spending all that quiet time on the lake, the activity of paddling when the lake was smooth as glass or in some very challenging weather situations, to creating the Pelican calendar, and then having Erik look at me and say, 'I have never seen anything like your work before.' Is this not what, as artists (all inclusive, writers, poets, actors, dancers, etc.), we dream of? I acknowledged that this is a gift, the eye, that has been given to me. So, this is my joyful announcement. I look forward to sharing with all of you, over the next few months as the pelicans find their rightful place all over The Lake House!

The morning after I met with Erik, I woke up, and the only thing I could think of was how much I wanted to call Mom, and I cried.