Messages In Nature

Last week as I waited to give Bob his lunch out in the field, I saw the most interesting Russian thistle plant growing on the fence line.   As I snapped from above and below -

I was reminded of how sometimes I can see someone - just blending in to the crowd, not standing out in any particular way, not really making much of an impression.  And how I don't notice their uniqueness or the special way that God created them.

It's not until I take time to look at them on their own, away from the colour and glitz and glamour of the world's view, that I notice the most amazing things  - like how much their beauty differs from what society calls beauty and how some of the marvelous is hidden.

And how they are amazing when viewed from another angle, the one that I would have missed at first glance, the one the world doesn't take time to appreciate.  

I was blessed to have this very tall, very brown plant speak its message to me that quiet autumn day.

World Wide Photo Walk - part 1

Saturday morning, bright and early, our group of about 40 photographers met at the Muttart Conservatory in the Edmonton river valley.  We started out in the gardens there - I love this shot of people busy capturing images.

I decided to show you my nature photos in this post and my city photos in the next one.

This is one of my favourites - it's really hard to capture insects but this little grasshopper was most cooperative :))

Also hard to photograph are birds!  I was inspired to try my hand at it by some photos my nephew shared in his presentation last week - thanks, E!

These were the most interesting buds / blossoms on a plant that had leaves like rhubarb.  I think they are some sort of thistles. 

I really like the composition of elements in this one.

It has been absolutely amazing - and so, so inspiring  - to see other pictures taken on the walk.  You can check it out at our Flickr site.    I took 270 photos in the 2 hours and already I know of some shots that I missed.  I would definitely go on another of these walks again sometime!

So Much Beauty

It's been such a beautiful weekend, with the temperature getting up to +11 degrees C today, and it's been a pleasure to be outside.   

Bark peeling from birch trees

White spruce loaded with cones

Maple seeds still hanging on

What beauty we are surrounded with each day!  Our Heavenly Father has definitely created a marvelous world and I am grateful to see these snippets today.