Mealtime

/ Rebecca / 28 Comments

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

/ Rebecca / 14 Comments

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

/ Rebecca / 19 Comments

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)

/ Rebecca / 15 Comments

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

/ Rebecca / 15 Comments

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

/ Rebecca / 13 Comments

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

Sun Shining on a Rain Shower

/ Rebecca / 13 Comments

As we headed towards home, the sight that we saw up ahead was stunning. Sun rays were shining upon and accenting an isolated afternoon rain shower. This was one of those “let’s pull over and watch this” moments.

“If we are shut in by life’s troubles, we can look to the open heaven above us.” ~James M. Campbell

Dragonflies

/ Rebecca / 16 Comments

During these hot and humid days of summer, while other critters are hidden away in shady, cooler places, dragonflies seem to be out in good number, enjoying the sun.

“When the heat of the summer
Made drowsy the land,
A dragon-fly came
And sat on my hand.”
~Eleanor Farjeon

Sunny Faces

/ Rebecca / 17 Comments

I’m enjoying the sunny faces smiling up at me from all the beautiful summer gardens.

It was only a sunny smile,
and little it cost in the giving,
but like morning light
it scattered the night
and made the day worth living.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Dickcissel

/ Rebecca / 9 Comments

A Dickcissel sitting in tall grass along the Mississippi levee.

His eyes, with elf-like air did peer,
Then cheekily, he flew down near;
I watched in awe as he posed with pride,
His tittering chest expanded wide!
~Amanda Tuohy