• flowers,  Photography,  Plants,  quotes

    Maya Knows

    September 19, 2021

    “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”

    Maya Angelou

    Personally some defeats in my life knocked me down and I stayed down: defeated. Yet for some defeats I was able to get back up, try again, and more often than I want to admit, sometimes failed again. I remember when I labeled my defeats as who I was, a failure, and in many areas of my life. But, over time we do begin to grow up and with the help of others I’ve since learned I am not my failures. Each of those defeats has been a lesson in life when I pay attention and vitally needed for my growth. Maya knows what she’s talking about. Have a super Awesome Sunday!

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  • flowers,  haiku,  Plants,  writing/reading

    Busy Sunday

    September 12, 2021

    touch of morning dew
    stamens reaching for the sun
    walk in the garden

    ms

    It is cloudy and overcast this morning but still warm. Rain is possible later and welcomed. Have a rather busy Sunday which will help keep me out of trouble. This image is from Friday mornings walk at The Gardens on Spring Creek. Have a great Sunday!

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  • flowers,  lifestyles,  Plants,  rants,  writing/reading

    Opinion or Belief

    September 6, 2021

    I’ve reflected and journaled for over a year whether I want to say “in my opinion” or “I believe” and what the difference is.

    I’ve not always wanted to share my words on some issues because differences in opinion rise to the surface that have the potential to bring up conflict, and I hate conflict. Yet, it seems there is a desire within all of us to express ourselves, to be heard, voice our opinion or belief. I’m questioning if my opinion is really more about my egoic thinking, sharing my knowledge or what I’ve been taught. Is my opinion really my belief?

    When two people have a difference of opinion, mutual true sharing can get lost in defending our opinions or refuting theirs. In my own life I would like to get to a place where I say what I believe from that deep place within, my heart or gut, rather than what I just think! Saying “In my opinion” can be an aggressive phrase while saying “I believe” is not. Doesn’t the poet, writer, lyricist share from a deep place within rather than from what they think. So, just for the heck of it, what is your opinion or what do you believe? 🤔 Happy Labor Day!

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  • flowers,  Plants

    The Grieving

    August 28, 2021
    Dahlia from the CSU Flower Trial Gardens

    We had my mother’s graveside service this past Thursday morning, just a small gathering of family and friends. It was good for me to meet my mothers best friend since high school for the first time. They were each others maid of honor. Saw family I’d not seen in a while. And, of course we always say how we only meet at funerals anymore. My sister and I returned late Thursday evening so it was a quick trip. Found myself emotional and crying yesterday morning. I’ve heard it said that greif does not go away but only becomes different. The grieving process.

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  • flowers,  Plants

    Thank you

    August 12, 2021
    Red Bird of Paradise

    A quick update on my mother. They began morphine yesterday. She sleeps almost constantly and is so weak. It’s been 3 weeks since she stopped eating and drinking except for jello and sips of water. We have all said our goodbyes with her and she has said goodbye to us. She wants to go. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

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  • animals,  flowers,  insects,  Plants

    Another time

    July 23, 2021

    Met my friend, Diane, at Gardens on Spring Creek. The gardens are an impressive 18 acre facility. Great for us older kids to enjoy! We brought our own coffee and met in the parking lot. They have this set aside time for members to have the garden all to themselves on certain days from 8:00-10:00 am. Today was one of those days. What a wonderful world it is. They also have a butterfly pavilion but it did not open until 10:00 am. Another time.

    Had this little one come right up to me as if I was suppose to feed them. Hope you are having a great day!

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  • flowers,  insects,  Plants

    Getting Close

    July 19, 2021

    Well, so far I am pleased with the Fujifilm XF70-300mm f4.0-5.6 OIS WR. In the reviews I’ve read they talk about the close focusing ability of this lens and I find it to be true. All of these images were taken at 300mm and handheld.

    I am noticing quicker battery drainage but that may be caused by shooting more images as I learn, practice and experiment with thisl ens.

    This spider is about the size of a quarter. I am about three feet away and maybe could have gotten closer so the close focusing distance is good for me.

    Also, all images are cropped to some extent.

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