Nature's Artistry

Nature lovers are never without something beautiful to observe. Yes, sometimes we have to look a little harder, but it's always to be found.

These photos are from a while back, but it really doesn't matter, they still show the beauty in nature.

Of course this first one is Lake Minniwasta, a favourite pace of mine. These days this lake is dangerously low, because of the extreme drought we are in.

When I'm outside, I make it a point to look up. Our skies are full of ever changing beauty. A nearly full moon set in the dark sky is a thrill to see, even though it is a constant.

I zoomed back to capture the surrounding area and the moon becomes aa small dot in the sky. When I look at the moon, I often think back to the day Jake and I got to chat with a man who had walked on the moon. Astronaut  Jim Irvin was the special guest at a company Christmas banquet we attended. 

Driving around in the countryside, this peaceful scene caught my attention. I love a sky like this one.

I was at the end of the road and needed to make a turn around, but not before capturing this image. I love those sunbeams pouring through the trees.

Today I close with aa quote by one of Americas early astronauts:

To look out at this kind of creation out here and not believe in God is to me impossible.

  John Glenn

 

A Walk at Discovery Nature Sanctuary

As we walk out of August and into September, let's take a walk at Discovery Nature  Sanctuary.

A Wild Rose, even in its' final stages before the petals fall, is beautiful.

Shall we see where this path leads to. The beauty at this place may be in the eye of the beholder. It its often subtle, but lovely non the less.

We stop as we round the corner and look way up into the branches of this old tree.

Looking down, a small dragonfly catches our attention. I think this is a Double-striped Bluet.

We have slowly made our way to the far end of the path. One Red-winged Blackbird was not happy with the Canada Goose being there. They did eventually part company and no one was the worse for wear.

Before long we will see falling leaves, so this quote seems to fit.

Falling leaves are simply summer’s way of saying good-bye.

 

A Sunny Day

Come with me on a bit of a road trip. We won't be going too far, but it will take about an hour and a half to get there. Today I didn't stop to get any pictures along the way.

We reach a beautiful lake, nestled in a valley. Pelican Lake is quite picturesque.

As you can see, it was windy so the water was quite choppy.

A lake means there are fish and fish attract the Bald Eagles. I saw this one from a long ways off and fearing he would veer off into a different direction, I started shooting.

This Eagle was very cooperative and flew almost directly over where I was standing.

It doesn't matter that I already have perhaps hundreds of Eagle shots, I just keep on adding to that number.

Pelican Lake has a sailing club, so there are usually some small sailboats on the water.

I realize that these are small boats, but I find them fascinating.

Remember this:

God, You are bigger than the universe yet closer than a breath. Thank You for being so interested in us, attending to every prayer.

 

This and That

Summer is a time to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds around us.

I love going out and seeing what I can find to capture.

Seeing a Black-billed Magpie on this fence line, was reason enough to stop the car and try for a shot. I was pleasantly surprised when he didn't fly away immediately.One shot was all I got, but at least I got that one.

In early summer, I had some baskets of flowers that were blooming profusely. The Monarch butterfly seemed to enjoy them as much as I did.

By now those baskets of beauty have all dried to a crisp and been tossed out. the severe drought has led to an order not to water anything except a vegetable garden.

I have been thankful for a few hardy Geraniums that are almost dead, but still manage to put out a flower now and then.

 

While out and about I was greeted by this pretty face.He seemed very serious and I was thankful that he was in a fence and I was in my car.

I think he was doing his best to ignore the old lady with a camera. I snapped this shot and left him to enjoy the green grass by himself.

Something to remember:

Kindness doesn’t cost anything, yet it’s the richest gift you can give.

Pileated Woodpecker

The following pictures have been hiding on my computer since late May of this year. 

If you don't care for birds, now would be a good time to go do something else, for the rest of you, here are a series of Pileated Woodpecker shots.

I had spent quite some time wandering around in our local park and was on my way back to my car and home, when a kind lady alerted me to "that big woodpecker" in a tree nearby.

I cautiously approached the tree and realized quickly that this big woodpecker was more concerned about getting a morsel of food than about me.

He, and yes this is a male, the red moustache tells me that, has been very busy for quite some time

As I was watching and clicking away with my camera, I slowly moved closer.At one point he decided to get a look at me,  but soon went back to his feeding.

Seeing this bird up close, one really sees the size. He is one big woodpecker.

None of these photos have been cropped, so it shows how close I was. I think I had a smile on my face throughout the whole time.

 Sometimes it all just works out. I left the park with thankfulness on my heart. Had this lady not made me aware of it, I would have missed this opportunity, and she left not knowing how much I appreciated having this chance.

Unexpected Sunset Beauty

These photos are from some time ago, but the beauty remains. I am pairing them up with lyrics from an old hymn. At time we all feel like we are in a storm. May these words bring hope and comfort.

The song title is:

Till The Storm Passes By

“In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face

While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place

'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Many times Satan whispered

There is no use to try

For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by

But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise

Where the storms never darken the skies

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by” 

Jesus is our shelter in the storm of life.

 

Perfect Skies

Beautiful blue skies filled with puffy white clouds, that is a winning combination in my mind.

Since we are stepping into August, this seems like a perfect time to share these images. note the green grass, yeah, it doesn't look like that any longer.

All these images were captured within a few miles of where I live. I may not have the privilege of travelling far, but I can usually find beauty wherever I am.

I trust that your summer is filled with fun activities and peaceful moments to capture the beauty around you.

I have been kept busy with ongoing renovations in my house, but I have also taken time to get out and enjoy the beauties of nature.

Seeing those blue skies makes me more aware of the lack of them recently. The smoke from fires many miles north of us, has filled the sky and caused it to look overcast on most days. 

As you greet each new day or each new. month:

Have Faith,Stay strong,

and Keep On Believing

 

Bejeweled

Earlier in the year we had some rain, not a heavy rain, but just enough to decorate the plants.

When I saw what was happening, I gabbed my camera and headed outside.

The leaves of the Wild Rose on my yard, which are usually quite ordinary, suddenly became artwork.

Not to be outdone, the Honeysuckle shrub also was adorned with raindrop jewels.

Still the Honeysuckle, but from a different angle. beauty was everywhere.

Every little pine needle also shone with tiny jewels of rain.

When I turned around, I noticed that the young Oak leaves had perfect droplets on them.

This was one of those moments that I had a hard time knowing when to stop shooting.

So much beauty and just how could I capture it at its best.

Think About It;

In  photographs we stop time and enable the viewer to pay closer attention to the details of simple everyday occurrences we so easily walk by without seeing.

I have copied this from a friend,Valerie Acee

 

Spring On My Yard

I know we are fully into summer, but I still have some spring photos to share. 

Sitting at my house in spring, I never know which birds will show up.

For a period in spring the Common Grackles are around. I admit that I really don't like them around, as they clean out a bird feeder in record time. Having said that, they are still a beautiful bird.

This spring I had a large number of Pine Siskins around. They may be small and more drab in color, but their cheery twitter is so enjoyable .

Of course when the American Goldfinches arrive, there is no lack of color.

One of the flowers that usually performs well for me are the Geraniums . I did have several plants, but due to water restrictions , they are all slowly dying. I am thankful I got some pictures while they still looked good.

Isn't that a cheery color?

Something To Think About;

Just keep taking the next step and you can take any mountain. 

The Beauty Of Spring Flowers

I have been missing in action for a while, but it is time to get back to more regular blogging.

All is well at my place, I have just been busy with other things.

A hot summer day is as good a day to look at spring flowers as any.

Step back with me into May of this year and enjoy some refreshing spring sightings.

The city off Morden is home to many Ornamental Apple trees. Actually many of the varieties have been bred right here in Morden at the Research Station.

A tree covered in these bright flowers is sure to bring joy to most everyone.

As the new leaves emerge, they are so delicate and even the humble Oak is pretty.

These white flowers are on my on my Goodland apple tree. This is another tree that has been developed in Morden.

Every spring brings with it the beautiful Lilac blossoms. Each flower is very simple but together they make a striking display, filled with a lovely fragrance.

When my apple tree is loaded with blossoms, I must capture yet another shot. Again, these flowers are not brightly coloured, or fancy, but they sure are pretty. Because of our severe drought situation, my apple tree may be full of small fruit now, but I am fairly certain it will not develop properly.

I think we can learn something from these flowers.

You and I may feel small, plain and insignificant alone, but when we join with those around us, we become a beautiful bouquet.