Submersibles...

Patterns always catch my eye and random patterns in nature are so stunning. The seaweed and lake stones hiding under the water were creating such beautiful images that shimmered with life. It was lovely to look at from above. July 21st

Layers of beauty...

Ah beauty, what do you find beautiful? This day’s post features two of nature’s wonders: a beautiful painted sky at sunset and a home of distinction built by insect instinct. I wish I was a little braver and could have gotten a little closer so you could see how the nest looked like it was formed from strips of antique lace. The designs woven into that cone shaped hive were truly lovely to see… from a distance. I also wish I had my tripod because I was zoomed all in and trying to hold as still as possible. They had no interest in me and I knew it but I still wanted to stay under their radar. OK, fine, National Geographic isn’t going to send me on any jungle expeditions any time soon. (Dear National Geographic. I will get over any fears I may have if you would like to send me on a jungle expedition in the near future.)

The sunset was all cotton candy pink and grape slushy purple. I can never resist a sky like that and over water too. It is always a gift to the senses. July 20th

The birds...

The temperature was in the three-digit range and my son was cooling off in the lake when a few friends decided to drop in for an afternoon snack. The duck bread was appreciated but also too much of a temptation for the upstairs neighbors. Once they crashed the party the ducks found another place to chill out. I felt a little like Tippi Hedren. July 19th

Tied up in knots...

It was the patterns that struck me first. The sharp clean, straight, orderly lines of the brick juxtaposed with the soft, curved, chaotic lines of the hose caught my eye. The bits and pieces of debris just added something to the whole composition. I almost moved them but I liked them there. For some reason, I feel like having a soft pretzel though. :-)  July 18

Breakfast is served...

Every once in a while someone does something that sets you back on your heels and lets you know that you are loved. If we look we can see it every day in the little things but every once in a while, if we are really lucky, someone will point it out to us in a big way. This day, how much I was loved was staring me in the face and came with options! My son planned breakfast for us. Phil and I each had our own menus at our places and we were waited on with style. He even cleaned up after. Fruity Cheerios never tasted so good. July 17th

Other people’s gardens, part 4, falling water…

The lovely woman who created this beautiful oasis planted my moon flowers for me. She is a wiz with things that grow and I am going to have to show you her gardens soon, but this post is about her waterfall. We have talked about how cool it would be to put a water feature in our yard. We, apparently, are all talk but our neighbors took action. Isn’t it beautiful? My son was adamant that the frog get his 15 minutes of fame. July 16th

Fish eye view...

I brought the water camera with me to the pool and was ready to take the standard images of the kids swimming, things floating on the water, me being splashed by kids swimming with the things that were floating on the water… but then I had a crazy idea. I took the camera into the pool and held it under the water pointed towards the sky. I love what I got to see. Not all my grand plans work out but this one made me smile. July 15th

Medieval moments...

Wander back in time with me brave lords and faire ladies for we are getting a little medieval today. My grog was from the cellars of Diet Pepsi, the meal roasted fowl and root vegetable and all quite tasty. The horsemanship was first rate and the rabble all were roused quite nicely. Our knight fell out of favor early on but the handsome prince still took the day. Good triumphed over evil and peace settled upon the land once more. Oh, and I took photos!

If you find yourself drawn to the faire land of Medieval Times, root loudly for your knight and use the wet wipes frequently. Eating with your fingers is messy business. We took two 9-year-old boys along on our journey; it was wonderful to see what true joy looks like through their eyes. July 14th

Mysterious bursts of light...

Eleven years ago, when I planted this, I knew what type of hydrangea it was. Now, it is just the huge bush that is trying to annex the azaleas turf. It has the coolest flower display though. Looks a little like fireworks to me. Ok, squint a little and don’t be so skeptical. See, you see fireworks too, right?  Fine, just humor me. July 13th

Photo 101...

Had the best time today combining so many things that I love into one package. I held a basic photography class for two girls that are a joy to spend time with, got to hangout in the park on a beautiful day and talk about photography, and then take photos! Even on paper, it sounds like a great day, doesn’t it? In the bright sun we spent some time talking about the benefits of finding shade and how your flash can help you even when the sun is high in the sky. It was wonderful. I cannot wait to do it again. Here are a few images. To see a few more, head over to my Facebook page. July 12

Bright side of the moon...

Moon flowers! They are in the small gardens in my front yard and they grow in spite of me. Man do they grow, tall and wild and full of flowers. They are too big for their location and last year I transplanted half the bunch trying to tame the chaos but this summer the ones left just multiplied to fill the space. However, the ones I transplanted didn’t make it in their new location. I love them so much that I can’t bring my self to move them again. I guess I will have a mini jungle of small purple and white flowers greeting all who step foot onto my front path, at least until I can find a new home they will like. It is beautiful chaos. July 11th

Peaceful…

Sunday morning, ah… July 10th

Secret garden...

Back behind my garage, regrettably hidden from view, is the most beautiful hydrangea plant. I would transplant it but I fear that it would hate its new location and wither. Right now, all on its own, it flourishes; unattended and uncared for, it puts on this flashy display of pink and purple and blue splendor. I didn’t even know that one plant could produce both pink and blue flowers. How is that possible? It is a lovely surprise each summer, right around the corner in my backyard. July 9th