“In case no one told you today: You’re beautiful. You’re loved. You’re needed. You’re alive for a reason. You’re stronger than you think. You’re going to get through this. I’m glad you’re alive. Don’t give up!” — unknown
Category: nature
Bloom!
My neighbor’s azaleas are over the top.
Cheers!
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” – Robin Williams
Choose Wisely
“You are being presented with a choice: evolve or remain. If you choose to remain unchanged, you will be presented with the same challenges, the same routine, the same storms, the same situations, until you learn from them, until you love yourself enough to say “no more”, until you choose to change. If you choose to…
Good to See You.
“A garden is a friend you can visit anytime.” Not a floral photo, but this guy and his dog looked like the epitome of relaxation. Above photos are from CityGarden. Below are from the neighbor’s garden. Can you spot the bees in the redbud blooms above and in the purple blooms below?
Life Lately…
…according to the iPhone. Beautiful blooms. A makeshift Color Run in my neighborhood. Unparalleled Easter enthusiasm. Baking, decorating, running, enjoying. Is there anything better than a weekend? (No.)
I Spy…
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” – Henri Matisse
Of Course
The first day of spring coincides with the International Day of Happiness. Coincidence? I think not. Violet is worn out from the excitement. Wishing you happiness in the warmth and light of the new season.
Everything Will Be Okay
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” (unknown) Somehow quotes from “Unknown” are always so smart. Here’s to a new week and new hope.
Whoops.
After enjoying the snow outside in the Garden for a bit, it was time to bail on the 30 degree temps and head back inside for the annual Orchid Show. As a result, I was reminded of something today. Big temperature swings can fog up the camera lens. So the hazy effect in these photos? Yeah, that…
Here, Here!
“A Strong Woman… …is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow just as abundantly as her laughter… A Strong Woman… …is both soft and powerful. She is both practical and spiritual. A Strong Woman… …in her essence is a gift to the world.” Pausing on this International Women’s Day to celebrate Strong…
Little By Little
“People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world. They hold an unshakeable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing…
Dream in Color
“If you inherently long for something, become it first. If you want gardens, become the gardener. If you want love, embody love. If you want mental stimulation, change the conversation. If you want peace, exude calmness. If you want to fill your world with artists, begin to paint. If you want to be valued, respect…
I’ll Get There Eventually
“Aging is the extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” – David Bowie So I aged a little bit today. Every now and then, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of something in ourselves that really isn’t as it ought to be. Maybe we’re not as patient or kind as we thought we were. Maybe we could…
Icy Stroll Through Laumeier
Photos just don’t do this justice. The ice makes everything look so beautiful. Another bonus? I had the entire park to myself. Somebody is missing this, I’m sure. Somebody else is missing this.
On the Surface
With temperatures outside in the 50s, I decided to grab my Canon and head out for a walk in the woods. I didn’t have anything in mind when I set out, but I settled into a photo project that I really enjoyed. But as I took pictures, I noticed some curious looks from other hikers….
Sunday Stroll in the Garden
“Autumn…the year’s last, loveliest smile.” – William Cullen Bryant
Madison in Fall
Just a few photos from my recent work trip. Madison, Wisconsin, you’re lovely.
Saturday Stroll
The first Saturday in November brought temperatures in the 70s. So there was no option but to get outside. And off to Laumeier I went. The fall colors haven’t been great this year, but it’s still beautiful and interesting. I have no idea what this sculpture is all about, but I love this photograph. This…
Plant Courage
“Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: You don’t give up.”- Anne Lamott I marvel at plants that grow where they’re not supposed to. It’s oddly inspiring. Growth can happen in…
God is Everywhere
“The presence of God is everywhere, you have only to embrace it with your attention.” – Deepak Chopra LOVED this story in Spirituality & Health by Snatam Kaur called “God is Everywhere.” The contrast between her childhood buddy’s view of God and her own made me laugh. I tend to subscribe to the author’s view. I do…
It’s the Japanese Festival!
Got to spend the afternoon at one of my very favorite places with some of my favorite people. Today our Botanical Garden was host to the annual Japanese Festival. Bonsai displays, art, demonstrations, food, flowers, Japanese product vendors…there was a lot of neat stuff. We were surprised by how many people dressed in ethnic costumes for the…
hey there, friends 