The Dew Of Little Things

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

~ Kahlil Gibran

Celebrate Unique Creatures

Today you are You, that is truer than true. 
There is no one alive who is Youer than You.

~Dr. Seuss

As we grow as unique persons, we learn to respect the uniqueness of others.

~Robert H. Schuller

 As I grow older I am learning to accept and recognize my own uniqueness and the uniqueness of others - and I celebrate it!

About the images: These images were taken July 17, 2011 - Heritage Park, Blacksburg, VA. I believe this is a mayfly - but I am not positive on that. What the pictures don't show very well are the little "tails" at the end. These were the first I've ever seen of this creature - a "life bug" for me :)

Green Shield Bug - The Climb

Always continue the climb. It is possible for you to do whatever you choose, if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it.

~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Bug - Doing the Hokey Pokey

Looking at this bug I am reminded of an old elementary school song - The Hokey Pokey

What a fun song that was to sing! Even as adults we sing that song here in Blacksburg during Virginia Tech Football games.  

Here is the same shot of the bug - just not cropped as closely. 
 He has Queen Anne's Lace as his "umbrella".  

Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one place. 
~ Josh Billings

The Unknown

All nature is but art unknown to thee. 
~ Alexander Pope

 I love those hairy legs!!

Update:  I think this is called a Feather-legged Fly 

Small Steps

Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps.

~Saul Bellow

Spider - with Lunch!

Always show the you in you that makes you the you that you are. ~Chidinma Obietikponah

I know this shot may creep some of you out. A few years ago it would have creeped me out. Now I find it fascinating how the little creatures of the world go about their daily business - just being themselves.

Taken at the Izaak Walton Park - Christiansburg, VA - 05-21-11

Walking the Line

In my travels I found no answers, only wonders.

 Marty Rubin

Mystery

Let the mystery carry you breathlessly along.
― Marty Rubin 

I "think" this is a leaf-footed bug. Whatever it is, I thought it looked kind of neat!  

Sharing The Leaf

These little guys were sharing the same leaf. 
 The smaller one I think is a type of leaf hopper.

Isn't it nice when we all get along?  

Planthopper

I have a confession to make. I used to be really intimidated by bugs. OK maybe intimidated is not the right word .... how about SCARED of bugs. They really used to freak me out. Not quite so much anymore. I found this little (and I mean little) guy outside one day.  He is about 1/3" long (if that) I took this with the macro lens and closely cropped it so you could see the details. I believe this to be a Northern Flatid Planthopper. He has quite a unique look ~~ don't you think?

Getting Ready for Take Off

There is an undeniable exhilaration in moment of even the smallest discovery
 ― Graham Moore

 Soldier Beetle spreads his wings
readies for take off
new flowers to discover
(my attempt at haiku)

Little Creatures

Red Milkweed Beetle on a Milkweed Leaf

Observing Nature - A Collage

To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.

 ― Marilyn Vos Savant

BUG, BUD and BIRDS

I found this bug/flying critter at Bissett Park yesterday.

He just sat there on this bud. He was TINY!

A Male Red-Bellied Woodpecker

I had the most Amazing Experience yesterday!

A Carolina Chickadee ate seed directly from my HAND!

I have never feed a wild bird from my hand before....it was AWESOME!

An update on the Boys Basketball Team.....they came in

Fourth Place at Nationals. They were playing many teams across the

United States....so I thought that was pretty awesome too.

We are so proud of them!