Understated Beauty

I'm heading out to one of my favorite places this afternoon.  It is a wondrous place of delicate, understated beauty.  I would imagine, a lot of people who go there miss so many things the first few times they walk the boardwalks.  After the senses become attuned to the surroundings, it will suck you in and bring you back many times through the years and different seasons.  It is an ever changing place.  A true gem to be preserved for ALL, future generations.

Golden-backed Snipe Fly

The diversity and variety of God's creatures never ceases to amaze me.  It is hard to imagine, what purpose, each individual variety of creature has on this earth.  It would seem at times, that certain creatures are here merely to annoy or cause problems.  While others provide overwhelming joy and comfort.  Maybe, some are here just to remind us that unique beauty can be found in the smallest of places.

The Wedding

I had the pleasure and honor, of being a part of two very good friends' wedding yesterday. They asked me to photograph the evening for them and I gladly agreed. Over-all, I'm happy with the outcome of my images. I think some were very good and some, maybe not so much. The lighting during the ceremony was very difficult to figure out on the fly, and I don't think I got the best shots, even though everyone else is more than satisfied with them. But it was a great evening for everyone. Met some new friends and fun was had by all. It was an honor to be a part of this celebration of life's journeys.

Rue Anemone

I love Spring wildflowers. They are so delicate and diverse in their beauty. Even the simplest and plainest wildflowers have a personality to them. Of course, being in the woodlands and wetlands during Spring just makes life more grand. There is a spiritual rebirth that goes along with the rebirth of the plants, tress and wildlife this time of year. I'm not sure what grand plan there is for us, but I am glad that I've discovered this part of it.

Cherokee Sunset

My Cherokee Sunset Dogwood. One of the most beautiful dogwoods I've seen. The blooms are almost fully open and in full splendor. I have nursed this tree since the day I planted it. It has struggled. I've changed it's location a couple of times, trying to find a spot that suites it. I think it may be where it needs to be now. I guess changes through trial and error, along with lots of hard work are what is needed to thrive in many aspects. Further nurturing, to continue.

Rainbows

Rainbows can be found in unexpected places. They always come with the hope and promise of something new and good. As things move into the past, better things will reveal themselves. Sometimes, they'll be somewhere you're not even looking. Other times, they're right in front of us. Remember the promise of the rainbow.