Monthly Archives: July 2019

Afternoon Delight

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Took a walk in a local park with a small lake and came across several unexpected treats for the eyes. I don’t know what this flower is called, but the deep purple is so beautifully rich that I had to take a photograph and share it.

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Then, a group of kayakers worked their way around the lake. The gentle paddling and smooth waves added a sense of serenity.

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A little further down the path we came across this guy’s skin. The reptile must have shed recently because the skin was entirely intact. Fascinating how snakes exit their outer layer of skin to rid themselves of parasites and give them room to grow.

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Came across another flower which caught my eye. Again, I don’t know the name…obviously I am not a botanist or gardener, but I do appreciate the unusual and the beautiful.

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Then, we arrived home to be greeted by our bright friends, the Black-eyed Susan’s. Not bad for an half hour walk in the park. May your walk in life produce joyful moments.

 

Loitering

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What appears to be just standing around without a purpose is a false premise. Actually, these King Penguins are discussing the weather. Upon exhausting that subject, they then contemplate taking a dive. Nothing like a cold swim on a cool day for these birds.

Although Penguins can’t fly they are prolific swimmers and divers. Their average foraging areas are seventeen miles from their home base. They can swim up to 6 miles per hour and have been known to dive anywhere from 200 feet to 1,000 feet. They can stay submerged for up to 9 minutes.

Not only do they swim, but they waddle walk and often ‘toboggan’, sliding along the snow on their bellies. While in the ocean, these birds ‘porpoise’ swim similar to the mammal the style is named after. This allows them to swim farther while breathing regularly.

Penquins are social creatures and live in large colonies. They are fascinating creatures, and handsome, too !

 

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Headless in Kansas City ! Look closely.

Living Drapes

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There is something special about balconies of plants raining forth their vines for all to behold. They are like drapes fashioned by a master’s hand.

One would think the yellow awnings and mirrored windows are enough decoration to entice the hungry and thirsty to come inside this pub, however, someone wanted more.

“More of what?”, one might ask. In our up-side-down world, one might say more zing, more glitter, more glamore, more noise, more speed…more more more.

I prefer more calm, more beauty, more exploring, more discovery, more laughter, more fun, more peace, and certainly more joy.

This photograph offers me most of those things I want more of. There is beauty, a sense of calm  and a hint of discovery on the exterior of this establishment. On the inside I can imagine laughter, exploring, fun, and even a bit of joy.

One doesn’t need to travel to Old Quebec City to find all of these, but it sure was enjoyable to do so. I have come to the realization that I can find all that I want right where I am. That doesn’t mean I won’t visit other places, it simply means that I can be at peace in my own back yard. That is what I am learning even as I plan my next trip!

 

 

Summer Breeze

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” Summer breeze makes me feel fine, blowin’ through the jasmine in my mind…”               Seals & Crofts 1972

Not a care in the world, these two. Unlike so many in our shattered reality. But, for a moment, pretend you are them. What joy ! Everything is a mystery to be sought out and solved. Life is full and exuberance runs wild.

The earth and the sky, the bugs and the pets, the lakes and the trees, all have significance and are filled with wonder. Time has little meaning and rest comes only after playful exhaustion. Oh, to be a child again !