A Little Piece of Me

Skywatch Friday - Moon Set on the Trees

2012-01-27T06:49:00.005-05:00

Only from the heart can you touch the sky.

~Rumi

Lovers of the Sky - Visit Skywatch Friday HERE

Spread Your Wings

2012-01-26T06:55:00.001-05:00

About the image: Taken 01/21/12 - Hethwood Pond - Blacksburg, VA

Question Mark Butterfly

2012-01-25T07:38:00.005-05:00

About the image: Taken 05/21/11 - Izaak Walton Park - Christiansburg, VA

I believe this is a Question Mark Butterfly - ID help is always appreciated!

Mockingbird - Grabbing a Bite

2012-01-24T07:39:00.003-05:00

Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.

~Rumi

Damselfly Close-up - Macro Monday

2012-01-23T07:13:00.004-05:00

If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.

~Vincent Van Gogh

About the image: Taken 08-13-11- Gateway Trail - Blacksburg, Virginia with a Nikon D7000 - Nikkor 105mm lens, Aperture Priority, F7.1 - 800 ISO

Check out MACRO Monday hosted by Lisa - HERE

Hummingbird Moth - Marvelous Nature

2012-01-22T09:36:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite quotes to go with one of my favorite creatures. Taken in August 2011

Keep Climbing

2012-01-21T09:31:00.003-05:00

When you reach the top, keep climbing.

Proverb

Camera Critters is hosted by Misty - HERE

Skywatch Friday - A Morning Star

2012-01-20T07:14:00.006-05:00

The sun is but a morning star.

~Henry David Thoreau

For Lovers of the Sky - Visit Skywatch Friday - HERE

Winter Wildflower

2012-01-19T06:55:00.003-05:00

About the image: Taken with my iPhone and Olloclip lens on the same day I captured the snowflake.

Great Blue Heron Strikes a Pose

2012-01-18T07:30:00.006-05:00

Miracles come in moments. Be ready and willing.

Wayne Dyer

I count these little glimpses into nature as daily miracles. There was a time when I would not stand still and look but hurry past. Thankfully not any more.

Have a Miraculous Day!

White-breasted Nuthatch - Treat in His Beak

2012-01-17T07:13:00.003-05:00

Every day is an opportunity to make a new happy ending.

~Unknown

Snowflake Macro with the Olloclip

2012-01-16T07:05:00.005-05:00

No snowflake ever falls in the wrong place.

~Zen

My very first snowflake macro - captured with the Olloclip lens for my iPhone.

The more I use it - the more I LOVE it!

Lisa hosts MACRO MONDAY -HERE

Female Cardinal Showing Her Crest

2012-01-15T08:20:00.006-05:00

She's got quite the Mohawk!

For more Cool Critters visit Camera Critters HERE

Skywatch Friday - Morning Moon Set

2012-01-13T06:44:00.005-05:00

The night walked down the sky with the moon in her hand.

~Frederick L. Knowles

About the Image: Captured the morning of 01-10-12. The bird was a huge bonus!

More Sky shots found at Skywatch Friday - HERE

Muscovy Duck - A Unique Beauty

2012-01-12T06:58:00.002-05:00

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

~Confucius

Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic.

~Rosalind Russell

About the images: Taken 12-25-11 - Virginia Tech Duck Pond - Blacksburg, Virginia

White-breasted Nuthatch and His Song

2012-01-11T07:37:00.005-05:00

And the song, from beginning to end, I found in the heart of a friend.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

A Link to the White-breasted Nuthatch Songs and Calls can be found

HERE

About the image: Taken 12-30-11 at Bisset Park

Chickadee on Frosty Thorns

2012-01-10T06:46:00.005-05:00

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

--Unknown

About the Image: Taken early in the morning on 01-08-12. With temps at 27 degrees things were quite frosty. It was one of those amazing mornings that even though it's cold on the outside - you are warm on the inside. The pounding in my chest was not from the exercise, but from this consuming emotion that seemed to take over my body ..... Thankfulness.

Linking up with the Creative Exchange - HERE

Dandelion Droplets With an Olloclip - Macro Monday

2012-01-09T07:02:00.009-05:00

Above straight out of the camera (iPhone) - no editing

Straight Out of the Camera but cropped closer.

Early last week I stumbled across some amazing MACRO shots on Instagram and was AMAZED at how fabulous they looked. I soon found out that most were using a lens designed specifically for the iPhone called the Olloclip. They are sold at Best Buy and even on the Apple website but were back ordered. That told me that this was something to check out! I went direct to the Olloclip webiste. Ordered it on January 3, it shipped January 4, and I had it on January 6. Pretty quick service! The above shots were taken with my iPhone with the Olloclip. If you love taking pics with your iPhone and love Macro, I encourage you to check out their website HERE. The lens is actually a wide angle, fisheye, and macro all in one!

Olloclip did NOT ask me to write this review - I just wanted to let you know what a great product it is!

For More Macro shots - visit Lisa's Chaos HERE

PS - not sure what the little creature is in the pics - maybe an aphid? It was TINY - I couldn't even see it when I was taking the shots.

Sun Rising

2012-01-08T07:00:00.006-05:00

The morning light, which rains its quivering beams

Wide o'er the plains, the summits, and the streams,

In one broad blaze expands its golden glow

On all that answers to its glance below.

- Oliver Wendell Holmes

About the Image: Taken 01-07-12

Inspired by Leia Cator to see the sunrise each morning.

Visit her HERE and see how she starts her day.

Great Blue Heron - One Step At A Time

2012-01-07T06:35:00.007-05:00

A close up of the Great Blue Heron walking up the tree branch

A view with the GBH and the tree.

There is no one giant step that does it. It’s a lot of little steps.

~ Peter A. Cohen

About the Image: Taken 12-26-11 Izaak Walton Park - Christiansburg, VA

Misty Dawn Hosts Camera Critters - HERE

Skywatch Friday - Rising

2012-01-06T07:06:00.004-05:00

In the morning, everything is new.

The day's blank slate lies before me,

ready for my writing.

May it be words of beauty I write.

May it be deeds of grace I do.

May it be thoughts of joy I think.

~ Ceisiwr Serith

About the Image: Taken 01-01-12 with my iPhone

Visit Skywatch Friday - HERE

FREE January Sunrise Calendar Download - HERE

Mockingbird - His Eye On the Prize

2012-01-05T07:15:00.004-05:00

Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.

~Wayne Dyer

I am so excited about this! -

Did you know that you can “check out” books from the library for your Kindle? (or other e-reader) I think that is sooooo cool!! I have found LOTS of new authors that way. Check with your local library – you can probably pull up their website online and see if the offer e-books. I must say it’s opened up a Whole New World of reading for me!! I would LOVE to hear if you own a Kindle/Nook/e-reader and are currently doing this.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - Eyeing Me

2012-01-04T07:10:00.004-05:00

There are many things in life that will catch your eye,

but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those.

~Unknown.

About the Image: Captured 12-30-11 - Bisset Park - Radford, Virginia.

Summer Softness

2012-01-03T19:03:00.002-05:00

Life is soft and smooth when lived gently.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

About the image: Taken 09-24-11 - Gateway Trail - Blacksburg, Virginia

Posting a bit of summer on a cold winter's day

Cardinal Connections

2012-01-03T07:55:00.005-05:00

When we know ourselves to be connected to all others, acting compassionately is simply the natural thing to do.

― Rachel Naomi Remen

I definitely feel a connection with the birds and the beasts of this world - and a VERY SPECIAL connection with the cardinals in my backyard.

About the Image: Taken 10-28-11 - thru the window - very dark day - ISO at 1600

Equipment: Nikon D7000 - Nikkor 70-300mm Lens with VR - at 300mm

Instagram-ing

2012-01-02T19:15:00.002-05:00

The Overlook at Pipestem State Park - Pipestem, West Virginia

SO Much To Explore In 2012!

The Road Ahead

About the Images: I have found a neat way of photographing "every day" life - with the Instagram Ap for the iPhone. (these are both iPhone pics.) Some come out pretty cool. These are two of my faves taken on New Years Eve. "The Road Ahead" was taken thru a dirty windshield at about 55mph - but I still like it :)

We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.

~John Franklin

And if you didn't see it earlier - a FREE January Calendar download is HERE

Free January 2012 Calendar Download

2012-01-02T08:45:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends - You GIVE SO much to me - with your kind visits and sweet comments. I want to make 2012 a year of Giving Back! I am a bit late in getting this up - but I wanted to give you this January 2012 Calendar. You should be able to click on the pic and download it. (Please let me know if this doesn't work for you and I would be HAPPY to email the file to you.) It should be a Hi Res shot - so if you print it out it should look OK. I hope to be able to do this on the first of every month.

You All Mean So Much To Me!!

The Image Was Taken January 1, 2012

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

~Albert Schweitzer

Hover Fly Macro

2012-01-01T19:24:00.005-05:00

Let your mind start a journey thru a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be…Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar, and you’ll live as you’ve never lived before.

~ Erich Fromm

Lisa Hosts Macro Monday - HERE

Sunrise and Another New Beginning

2012-01-01T09:00:00.004-05:00

Another Sunrise, Another New Beginning

Jonathan Lockwood Huie

About the image: Chasing the sunrise again on New Year's Day. Taken with my iPhone.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T19:43:00.006-05:00

I chased the last sunrise of 2011 ......

And got a Bonus Rainbow!

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.

~ Oprah Winfrey

Ducks in Flight Over The New River

2011-12-31T06:52:00.006-05:00

I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.

~ John O'Donohue

About the image: Taken at Bisset Park, Radford Virginia during a walk along the Riverway Trail on the New River

Misty Dawn hosts Camera Critters - HERE

Blue Skies in December

2011-12-30T20:15:00.001-05:00

The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Image: Taken 12-30-11 (from the car) on my iPhone.

Skywatch Friday - Great Blue Heron In Flight

2011-12-30T07:23:00.005-05:00

Be like the bird in flight . . . pausing a while on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, yet sings knowing yet, that she has wings.

— Victor Hugo

About the Image: Taken 12-26-11 - Izaak Walton Park

Visit Skywatch Friday - HERE

Woodpecker - Ready for Launch

2011-12-29T19:03:00.001-05:00

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

~Confucius

A Red-bellied Woodpecker - getting ready to take off.

Decorated by Nature

2011-12-29T08:31:00.005-05:00

I remember a hundred lovely lakes, and recall the fragrant breath of pine and fir and cedar and poplar trees. The trail has strung upon it, as upon a thread of silk, opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets. It has given me blessed release from care and worry and the troubled thinking of our modern day. It has been a return to the primitive and the peaceful. Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and benumbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me - I am happy.

~Hamlin Garland

Holiday Re-Cap

2011-12-28T19:05:00.001-05:00

On Christmas Eve the entire family got together and opened presents at my parent's new home just six houses down from where I live. It has been such a blessing to have them so near. My son had 10 days of leave from the Army - so he was able to be there too. We had our first non-traditional (for us) meal - Lasagna, Penne Alfredo, Salad and bread. Dessert was Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, and Pecan Pie. It was a GREAT meal and may become our NEW tradition.

On Christmas Day my brother in law made his special breakfast casserole which was YUM-O! Having a breakfast meant that the rest of the day was available for enjoying the outdoors and some much needed imaging making (aka picture taking). Hubby and I traveled to Bisset Park in Radford, Virginia where we saw lots of birds and almost had them eating out of our hand - literally. That is where we saw this little Carolina Chickadee. After Bisset my Mom and oldest Sister and I went for a walk around the Virginia Tech Duck Pond. There were lots of Mallards and Canada Geese.

This was one of the best Holidays I can remember!

Carolina Chickadee - Simply Living

2011-12-28T07:59:00.007-05:00

The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.

~ Steve Maraboli

Mallard At the Duck Pond

2011-12-27T08:23:00.006-05:00

Just let awareness have its way with you completely.

~Scott Morrison
About the image: Taken on Christmas Day 2011 at the Virginia Tech Duck Pond. The Duck Pond is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. More info on the VBWT found - HERE

It is a great resource!

A Pooped Pooch for Macro Monday

2011-12-26T08:06:00.006-05:00

Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
~Henry Van Dyke
Roxy, my sister's dog, resting after the festivities.

Lisa hosts Macro Monday - HERE

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:02:00.005-05:00

Wishing You

Merry In Your Christmas

Peace In Your Home

Joy In Your Family

Blessings To Each One

Blue Jay - Taking A Big Bite

2011-12-24T08:55:00.004-05:00

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Have I Mentioned That I LOVE Birds?

2011-12-23T07:08:00.005-05:00

That should come as no surprise, right? These little creatures bring me such joy!

A White-breasted Nuthatch enjoying a little treat.

The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach, is Joy.

~Fra Giovanni

Skywatch Friday - Salmon Colored Skies

2011-12-22T19:46:00.005-05:00

The ground we walk on, the plants and creatures, the clouds above constantly dissolving into new formations - each gift of nature possessing its own radiant energy, bound together by cosmic harmony.

~ Ruth Bernhard

Another Iphone Pic

Visit Skywatch Friday - HERE

White-crowned Sparrow in the Falling Snow

2011-12-22T06:56:00.003-05:00

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!

~Hamilton Wright Mabie

About the Image: Taken on Christmas Day 2010

Sharing Is Loving

2011-12-21T19:55:00.000-05:00

Puffed Up Grackle - A Rainbow of Colors

2011-12-21T07:50:00.008-05:00

Don't miss all the beautiful colors of the rainbow looking for that pot of gold.
~Unkown

Sunrise Greetings

2011-12-20T20:01:00.001-05:00

How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!
~ John Muir

Taken on my Iphone one morning when the sun was just starting to peek thru the trees.

Dark-eyed Junco On a Branch

2011-12-20T07:01:00.002-05:00

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.

~Anna Quindlen

Frost On the Berries

2011-12-19T07:15:00.002-05:00

Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts.

~Charles Dickens

Lisa hosts Macro Monday - HERE

Cedar Waxwing - Watching Me

2011-12-18T06:58:00.004-05:00

First you need only look: Notice and honor the radiance of Everything about you... Play in this universe. Tend All these shining things around you: The smallest plant, the creatures and objects in your care. Be gentle and nurture. Listen... ~Anne Hillman

Mockingbird Close-Up

2011-12-17T08:12:00.001-05:00

Learn to... be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not.

~Henri Frederic Amiel
Do you see the berry juice on his feathers?

Misty Dawn hosts Camera Critters - HERE

Mourning Dove - Golden Moments

2011-12-16T07:39:00.005-05:00

The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.
~George Elliot

Enjoy the Golden Moments of Today!

Skywatch Friday - December Sunset

2011-12-15T20:01:00.000-05:00

When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator

~Mahatma Gandhi

For More Sky shots visit Skywatch Friday - HERE

Little Bird - Big Leaves

2011-12-15T08:50:00.001-05:00

Above - So small against the big leaves

Below - a closer look

I believe this to be a yellow-rumped warbler.

Wings of Friendship

2011-12-14T20:03:00.003-05:00

Cedar Waxwing Conversation

2011-12-14T07:30:00.007-05:00

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

~Dr. Seuss

I wonder what this Cedar Waxwing is "saying" to the other one?

About the Image: Taken on 11-25-11 - a very dark morning. The waxwings were in the backyard tree. I took this thru the window - at ISO 1600.

Learn, Live, Hope

2011-12-13T20:10:00.002-05:00

White-breasted Nuthatch - On the Climb

2011-12-13T07:35:00.001-05:00

That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

Cardinal in the Snow

2011-12-12T20:04:00.002-05:00

Remember

This December,

That love weighs more than gold!

~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon

About the Image: Taken on Christmas Day 2010.

Hearts in Nature - Frosted Heart

2011-12-12T06:45:00.002-05:00

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles. ~Washington Irving

About the image: Seen during a morning walk 12-03-11 - Izaak Walton Park

Lisa hosts Macro Monday - HERE

Singing Titmouse

2011-12-11T20:10:00.002-05:00

Some days there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.

~Emory Austin

White-throated Sparrow - Outside My Window

2011-12-11T08:55:00.003-05:00

What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.

~ Ralph Marston

Bluebird Celebration

2011-12-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

~Celebrate Each Day~

House Finch

2011-12-10T07:26:00.001-05:00

Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen carefully.

~Littlefoot's mother, Land Before Time

Misty Dawn hosts Camera Critters - HERE

Skywatch Friday - Sun Setting on the Branches

2011-12-09T20:02:00.003-05:00

Life is the fire that burns and the sun that gives light. Life is the wind and the rain and the thunder in the sky. Life is matter and is earth, what is and what is not, and what beyond is in Eternity.

~Seneca

Taken on my Iphone last weekend.

To see more cool Sky Shots from all over the World - Visit - Skywatch Friday - HERE

Carolina Wren - All Puffed Up

2011-12-09T06:49:00.001-05:00

A wonderful realization will be the day you realize that you are unique in all the world. There is nothing that is an accident. You are a special combination for a purpose - and don't let them tell you otherwise... only you can fulfill that tiny space that is yours.

~Leo Buscaglia

Mushroom Discovery

2011-12-08T20:10:00.001-05:00

I embrace emerging experience. I participate in discovery. I am a butterfly. I am not a butterfly collector. I want the experience of the butterfly.

~William Stafford

I "think" this is a Shaggy Ink cap Mushroom. ID help is appreciated!!

Preening Mama Mallard

2011-12-08T07:35:00.000-05:00

This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happiness Flutters .....

2011-12-07T20:08:00.002-05:00

Laugh, Think, Cry - Make it a Full Day

2011-12-07T07:16:00.004-05:00

To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special.

~Jim Valvano

~ This Quote Speaks to My Soul ~

Journey-work of the Stars

2011-12-06T20:35:00.003-05:00

Carolina Chickadee - Eye to Eye

2011-12-06T07:00:00.003-05:00

You can observe a lot by just watching.

~ Yogi Berra

The Art Of Living

2011-12-05T20:21:00.002-05:00

Let Go of the Worries ~ Hold On to Your Hopes and Dreams

About the image: I used a bunch of textures by Kim Klassen - can't remember which ones. Visit her blog - HERE - to see the details on getting free textures and tutorials on how to use textures.

Wispy Dandelion - Macro Monday

2011-12-05T06:58:00.005-05:00

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About the Image: Dandelion Pappus - 12-03-11 Izaak Walton Park - Christiansburg, VA

I didn't know what the little "wispy" part of the dandelion was called. I looked it up and Wikipedia tells me that it is called a Pappus (Pappi would be the plural).

"feathery bristles of the pappus function as a "parachute" which enables the seed to be carried by the wind" I LOVE learning new things!

For More Macro Monday shots - Visit LISA - HERE

Bare Trees - Reflections

2011-12-04T18:41:00.007-05:00

This is actually the "upside down shot"

Trees reflected in the pond.

Seeing, in the finest and broadest sense, means using your senses, your intellect, and your emotions. It means encountering your subject matter with your whole being. It means looking beyond the labels of things and discovering the remarkable world around you.

~ Freeman Patterson

About the image: Taken 12-03-11 Izaak Walton Park - Christiansburg. Virginia

Hearts In Nature - Tree Bark Heart

2011-12-04T07:38:00.001-05:00

Cultivate a heart of love that knows no anger.

~Unknown

About the image: Taken 12-02-11 - Deerfield Trail - Blacksburg, Virginia

I love finding hearts in nature!

Cedar Waxwing - The Berry Grabber

2011-12-03T07:33:00.005-05:00

With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.

~Thomas Foxwell Buxton

Visit Misty Dawn for Camera Critters - HERE

Frosty Leaf

2011-12-02T07:43:00.006-05:00

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.

~Stanley Horowitz

Red-Bellied Woodpecker Smiles

2011-12-01T06:33:00.003-05:00

If you're not using your smile, you're like a man with a million dollars in the bank and no checkbook.

Les Giblin

Get Your Smile On!

White-breasted Nuthatch - Beneath the Beak

2011-11-30T06:45:00.002-05:00

Laugh at yourself and at life.

Not in the spirit of derision or whining self-pity,

but as a remedy, a miracle drug, that will ease your pain,

cure your depression, and help you to put in perspective

that seemingly terrible defeat and worry with laughter at your predicaments,

thus freeing your mind to think clearly toward the solution that is certain to come.

Never take yourself too seriously.

- Og Mandino

A Unique Gift Idea

2011-11-29T20:15:00.004-05:00

Several years ago I was searching for a unique Christmas gift for my brother and two sisters. Using Photoshop Elements (see link in my sidebar) I made a "sketch" from an image of my parents' hands using the Photocopy filter. I printed them on a heavy bond paper and put them in black frames.I am happy to say they were a HIT! Do you make gifts for your friends/family? Please share them with me.

Hummingbird Moth - A Winged Heart

2011-11-29T07:58:00.007-05:00

BokehLicious

2011-11-28T20:30:00.002-05:00

Stay the course, light a star,

Change the world where'er you are.

Richard Le Gallienne

For More info on Bokeh - Click HERE

Butterfly Curls and Kindness

2011-11-28T07:05:00.000-05:00

It is not genius, nor glory, nor love that reflects the greatest of the human soul;

it is kindness.

-Henri-Dominiqe Lacordaire

Kindness is like a boomerang, it always returns.

~Author Unknown

About the images: Taken 06-25-11 at the Cecil B Day Butterfly Center in Georgia. This is some type of tropical butterfly but not sure of the ID.

For More Macro Monday images - Visit Lisa's Chaos - HERE

Viceroy Butterfly - Velvet Wings

2011-11-27T08:24:00.004-05:00

The true worth of a man is not to be found in man himself, but in the colours and textures that come alive in others.

~ Albert Schweitzer

About the Image: Taken 06-04-11 - Gateway Trail - Blacksburg, Virginia

A Male Cardinal

2011-11-26T07:13:00.003-05:00

A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.

Winnie The Pooh

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:32:00.004-05:00

For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird, and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Eye To Eye With A Carolina Wren

2011-11-23T07:14:00.005-05:00

For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.

~ Author Unknown

Along with my family and friends - I count the wonderful creatures on this Earth as true blessings. And I feel VERY blessed to be able to see them and "capture" a few with my camera.

White-throated Sparrow Surrounded By Berries

2011-11-22T07:03:00.006-05:00

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

~Epictetus

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

2011-11-21T07:15:00.002-05:00

Play with life, laugh with life,

dance lightly with life, and

smile at the riddles of life,

knowing that life's only true lessons

are writ small in the margin.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

About the image: Taken on a foggy morning 09-25-11 - Gateway Trail - Blacksburg, Virginia

I believe this is a Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Not a bird a see very often so it was a thrill to see this one!

Shades of Green - Delicate Wings - Macro Monday

2011-11-20T19:23:00.009-05:00

Beauty comes from a life well lived. If you've lived well, your smile lines are in the right places, and your frown lines aren't too bad.
~ Jennifer Garner
Visit Lisa's Chaos for more Macro Monday Captures - HERE

Dark-eyed Junco - Blowing in the Wind

2011-11-20T07:16:00.006-05:00

Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.

~Author Unknown

About the image: I always seem to give "my" birds human characteristics. This one reminded me of the famous Marilyn Monroe image with the white dress blowing.

Taken 11-05-11 Izaak Walton Park, Christiansburg, Virginia.

About the quote: It doesn't really have anything to do with the image - but reminds me that each day we live on this wonderful planet is a blessing!

Mourning Dove Music

2011-11-19T07:45:00.002-05:00

There's music in the sighing of a reed;
There's music in the gushing of a rill;
There's music in all things, if men had ears:
Their earth is but an echo of the spheres.
- Lord Byron

About the image: Taken on a very dark morning - 11-16-11 thru a window at ISO 3200. I'm using a Nikon D7000 (A 2010 Christmas Gift from Hubby) and I'm ALWAYS amazed at how well it does on a high ISO.

We have an abundance of doves here at my house - but I never tire of seeing their sweet little faces and listening to the lovely "coo" they make. Click HERE for A link to their sweet voice.

Droplet on a Leaf

2011-11-18T20:05:00.001-05:00

Butterfly Ballerina

2011-11-18T07:00:00.006-05:00

It takes so little to make people happy. Just a touch, If we know how to give it, just a word fitly spoken, a slight readjustment of some bolt or pin or bearing in the delicate machinery of a soul.

~ Frank Crane

About the image: Taken the morning of August 21, 2011. The Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly reminded me of a ballerina. I used a Kim Klassen texture on this one.

About the quote: We can change someone's day and yes, I believe, their entire life, by speaking kind words. And when you speak kind words, it changes your life as well.

Cedar Waxwing - A Backyard Treasure

2011-11-17T07:18:00.001-05:00

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

~ Thornton Wilder

Where the Tail Tips Meet

2011-11-16T08:00:00.004-05:00

Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.

~ Lao Tzu

Falling Rain

2011-11-15T20:08:00.001-05:00

For after all the best thing one can do when

it is raining, is to let it rain.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Grackle Giving Me The Eye

2011-11-15T07:36:00.005-05:00

The man who has no imagination has no wings.

~Muhammad Ali

About the image: This Grackle looks like he is doing "toe-touches". I often think of my bird friends (actually all of my animals friends) with human characteristics. Like this Cedar Waxwing reminded me of Audrey Hepburn - HERE. And this Red-bellied Woodpecker looked like he was doing Chin-ups - HERE

I'm not sure if it comes with age - or if it is due to my passion for photography - but I find that my imagination has developed more later in life than when I was younger. Do you find that you have a vivid imagination?

Macro Monday - The Embrace

2011-11-14T16:19:00.004-05:00

Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

Albert Einstein

About the image: Taken early morning on 07-17-11. I thought it looked like the

bee was being embraced by the wildflower.

For more Macro Monday captures - visit Lisa - HERE