Cypress trees reflected on the still waters of the lake.
“There is something more beautiful than a beautiful thing and that is a beautiful thing which has a beautiful reflection on the water.” ~ Mehmet Murat Ildan
Autumn Reflections
Author: Rebecca
Mississippi Map Turtle Basking in the Sun
We spotted a Mississippi map turtle basking near the base of a cypress tree in the lake. These turtles inhabit waters along the Mississippi River and are identifiable by their shell patterns, which resemble the contoured lines of a map. They feature vivid yellow markings, yellow eyes, and a serrated ridge down the center of their shells. Their diet consists of aquatic plants, fish, and invertebrates.
“Picture me then idle, basking, plump, and happy, stretched on a cushioned deck, warmed with constant sunshine, rocked by breezes indolently soft.” ~Charlotte Bronte
Stepping Into Autumn
Autumn is my favorite season of the year. Stepping out into nature, breathing in the crisp, changing air, and observing the ever-changing surroundings inspire a feeling of thankfulness and joy.
“Every footstep into fall fills my soul with undying awe.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
Spiders and Their Webs
A spider lives inside my head
Who weaves a strange and wondrous web
Of silken threads and silver strings
To catch all sorts of flying things,
Like crumbs of thoughts and bits of smiles
And specks of dried-up tears,
And dust of dreams that catch and cling
For years and years and years …
~Shel Silverstein
Mealtime
The barred owl, with intent focus, glided over the flooded forest floor, stretching out its talons to swiftly snatch up its prey. Then it landed on a nearby tree branch to examine its prize. Carefully, it extricated its catch from collected debris. Aware of my presence, the owl took flight deeper into the woods to savor its snack in solitude.
“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.”
– Luciano Pavarotti
Dancing Among the Asters
Each day, during my walk along the country road, I come across a small cluster of white asters. This area has clearly become a “happening spot”, serving as a source of sustenance for a number of pollinating insects. It is fascinating to watch as they perform their graceful dance among the blooms.
The careful insect ‘midst his works I view,
Now from the flowers exhaust the fragrant dew,
With golden treasures load his little thighs,
And steer his distant journey through the skies.
~John Gay
Enjoying the Beauty
Last week, we finally received some much-needed rain. Between the rain showers, we were able to see a variety of clouds, several rainbows, and patches of low-lying fog. It was a joy to witness all the natural beauty around us.
Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
~Mary Oliver
Spatterdock (Yellow Pond Lily)
Spatterdock can be found growing around parts of the lake, providing a habitat for a variety of creatures and serving as nourishment for others.
Below is a dragonfly laying eggs on one of the leaves.
“The most beautiful gift of nature is that it gives one pleasure to look around and try to comprehend what we see.” ~Albert Einstein
A Flying Jewel
The vision of a butterfly effortlessly soaring through the air and gently landing on a flower or leaf is captivating. It can revive the sensation of being a child once more and the excitement of the pursuit.
“Watch with fascination and joy as a jeweled treasure glides by and gently touches your soul.” ~K. D’Angelo
Finding Feathers
Occasionally I come upon a beautiful bird feather on the ground while we’re out walking. I enjoy seeing the different colors and patterns that each one has. It is also a clue to what types of birds are in the area.
“Worry is an old man with bended head, carrying a load of feathers which he thinks are lead.” ~Corrie Ten Boom
walking on a country road 