Loving Lilies

Yes, I LOVE flowers.  And, lilies are on that list.  So often it goes like this:  I see beautiful lilies in gorgeous colors and immediately am drawn to them and want to photograph each particular stem.  I can't get enough.  But, when I put the camera lens into action I'm quickly reminded how difficult it is for me to photograph them.  Seems like I have to get on the ground, on their level and then some neat images start to appear.  Nevertheless, the effort is worth it, and I'm sure you agree.

Serenity

This is dusk on West Lake Okoboji.  But, in my estimation, it doesn't matter where in the world the photo was taken as it's simply serene.  One look at this and I pause, feel myself breathe and relax into the calm that this image elicits.   Geez...I need to do this more often.  Honestly, this serenity is within all of us and we can access it by just getting in touch with the moment and dropping all other emotions and thoughts we have that are about the past and future.  Just for a moment, be in the now.

In Memoriam

"Some people around you will not understand your journey.

They don't need to; it's not for them."

                                                                                                                                                                     --Paulo Coelho

Stella D'Oro

Each June these beauties light up the landscape with their warm golden-yellow blooms.  Since they typically bloom a second time a bit later in the season, we often enjoy their brilliant color for much of the summer.  Ever since starting this blog, I have wanted to feature this daylily variety whose name translates to gold star; however, I am just getting to it....so, being outdoors in the early morning with a camera in hand proved to be a great idea.  Of course, I'm not revealing how long it took me to complete that walk since I was stopping what seemed like every ten seconds to photograph something beautiful in nature -- spider webs, clouds reflecting on the water and so on....it really was refreshing.

Bird Watching

Artwork by Stephanie J. Funke, CZT

Bird watching certainly is one of my favorite pastimes.  So, I decided to blend my love for tangling (drawing patterns) with a cool bird outline and here's the result.  Repeatedly I notice that if I pay attention to the things that I really enjoy and dedicate time to those pursuits, the results are wonderful, and I'm left feeling happy and wearing a smile.  Each time I follow my heart it leads me in the right direction.  

Anyway, I think this is a toucan but if not it's pretty close.  Regardless, it's simply adorable, including the piano keys on a portion of the legs.  Did you notice them?

Boating

Cruising along the river bluffs in this ride is a favorite part of my summer.  No gasoline is required and just a little paddling takes me along the cool shallows lining the river.  Among the trees and the bluffs reside all sorts of living things that are so easy to see, including blue herons perched on branches high above the water, kingfishers flitting about the shore and hummingbirds that sound like drills and look like miniature drones.  And I can't forget other things with wings -- butterflies.  There are monarchs and swallowtails galore plus other species not so easily recognizable.  The refreshing cool along with the damp smell of the forest meeting the river is invigorating.  Oh the places I can go ... in my kayak.  

Spontaneity

For several years I've walked and driven past this shed...and it has always looked like it was in the middle of being remodeled.  But just a few days ago while standing at the kitchen sink washing some fruit I suddenly had an idea -- take a marker and tangle on the side that still doesn't have new siding.  And that's exactly what I did.  The owner thought it was a terrific idea and just wished I would have done this years ago...and I felt the same yet until that moment it never occurred to me.  So, that's my takeaway -- go running in the direction that seems open and warm to you.  The neighborhood was abuzz in excitement about my art on the old shed.  Got an idea?  Run with it.

Nature Inspires Art

 In full bloom on my patio is the bee balm "Rockin' Raspberry" variety -- see the fuchsia plant in the photos above.  And, I love it so much that look what happened when I put pen to paper.  I created my own version of the plant in that beautiful hot-pink tone.  Funny to notice how I love certain things and that manifests in what I select for my environment as well as what I create in my art.  Hope you take a moment to notice those things about yourself -- just reaffirming what you already know about yourself.  It's fun.

Artwork by Stephanie Funke, CZT

4th of July

"America is a tune.

It must be sung together."

                                                                         --Gerald Stanley Lee