“While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary.” Matt Bevin
nature
Great blue heron in an inlet
As we drove past this inlet, we spotted a Great blue heron standing motionless in the shallow water. We backed up, stopped, and enjoyed the beautiful scene.
“Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost.” ~Unknown
Napping sparrow
This sparrow found a nice, quiet, partially sunny spot on the side of the birdbath to take a little siesta. It was hard not to yawn as I watched this peaceful little scene.
“… May we learn to honor the hammock, the siesta, the nap and the pause in all its forms.” ~Alice Walker
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
Enjoying the Sedum Plants
This is the time of year when the sedum plants are in bloom. I particularly enjoy the late afternoon, when the sun brings out the colors in the star-shaped flowers and a variety of small insects stop by for a visit.
“Nature is to be found in her entirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures.” ~Pliny the Elder (Roman Scholar)
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
Along the boardwalk
Sometimes I like to take a quiet walk around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake and see what nature I can spot. Here are some of my latest finds.
“So, if you are too tired to speak, sit next to me, because I, too, am fluent in silence.” ~R. Arnold
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
Feeding on coneflower seeds
This goldfinch was feasting on the seed head of a purple coneflower. When the stalks are left intact, they can enjoy coneflower seeds from summer into autumn. Flower heads that are leftover can be cut and hung out for goldfinch to feed on during the winter.
“Whatever are the benefits of fortune, they yet require a palate fit to relish and taste them.” ~Michel de Montaigne
walking on a country road 