“While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary.” Matt Bevin
country road
Busy pollinators
Presently, the fragrant flowers of the White Snakeroot plant can be seen along the edges of the road, especially flourishing in the filtered sunlight of the tall oak trees. Being one of the last wildflowers to bloom in the autumn, it provides a valuable source of nectar for a variety of busy insects.
“It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted.” ~Mary Flannery O’Connor
Taking in the view
“Wherever you may be … take a few minutes to just sit and enjoy the view …” ~Unknown
Sunbeams
“The beauty of the sunbeam lies partly in the fact that God does not keep it; he gives it away to us all.” ~David Swing
Zebra Swallowtail
Unhampered by the missing sword-like tail on one of its hind wings, this Zebra Swallowtail gently floated along the roadside, making its way from flower to flower. It was a truly amazing and beautiful sight to watch.
“O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.” ~ Psalm 104:24, NLT
Curious calves
These calves seemed to be as curious about the two-legged beings standing before them as we were about the four-legged ones standing before us.
“People are the best show in the world. And you don’t even pay for the ticket.” ~Charles Bukowski
Wild Passion Flowers
This is the time of year that Tennessee’s state wildflower, the Passion Flower, can be found growing wild by the roadside or in fields and woods. The vines run along the ground or climb up trees and fences, and produce beautiful lavender flowers and greenish-yellow fruit.
The things you are passionate about are not random. They are your calling. ~Fabienne Fredrickson
Keeping cool
It’s been a hot summer, and these blue dragonflies at Reelfoot Lake were trying to keep cool. In order to stay cool during hot weather, dragonflies raise their abdomens straight into the air to reduce their exposure to the sun. They also use their wings to deflect the sun.
“He who keeps his cool best wins.” ~Norman Cousins
Feeding time
In the above photo, the deer was feeding out in the back of a soybean field in the middle of a hot afternoon. The photo below was taken at dusk — a cooler time when the light is low and deer are usually more active. We rounded the bend in a road and could see several grazing on vegetation off in the distance.
“Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it love.” ~Unknown
Sunny and bright
“Flowers … are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” ~Luther Burbank
walking on a country road 