“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
Sunbeams
Tennessee
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
Prepared for takeoff
This male Blue Dasher reminds me of a mini-helicopter prepared for takeoff.
“Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory.” ~Miguel de Cervantes
Summer blossoms
One of my favorite things about summer is all the beautiful blossoms.
“Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint and the soil and sky as canvas.” ~Elizabeth Murray
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
Monarch on Scarlet milkweed
A Monarch butterfly attracted to the bright red and yellow blossoms of the Scarlet milkweed — a popular flower in butterfly gardens.
“Crowded places, I shunned them as noises too rude
And flew to the silence of sweet solitude.”
~John Clare
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
This Tiger Swallowtail visited one of the vines in my yard in the late afternoon. It had suffered a tear to its left hind wing, probably as the result of a bird bite. Fortunately, it was one of the lucky ones that got away, and this didn’t hamper its movement as it gracefully fluttered from flower to flower sipping nectar. Watching this beautiful butterfly was one of the highlights of my day.
“There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others. Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.” ~Unknown
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
walking on a country road 