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"And into the forest I go, 

to lose my mind and find my soul."

                                                                   --John Muir

As mentioned in my previous post, recently I spent time in Door County, Wisconsin, where the scenery is stunningly beautiful.  Indeed it is a place that a nature-lover like me loves to spend time.  And since trees are some of my favorite things, riding my bicycle through the forests was delightful.  When I think of the north woods I often envision the photo above; however, only after getting off my bike to photograph the trees did I also have the pleasure of noticing all the cool things on the forest floor, including the wild mushrooms in the photo below.  

So, this post is a reminder for me to consider the entire picture or all perspectives as the forest, just like life, is multi-faceted and full of so many beautiful things just waiting for me to notice.

 

On the Peninsula

 

Recently my husband and I spent time in Door County, Wisconsin and toured the area on our bicycles as we participated in an organized event that included approximately 150 riders.  As we pedaled through this stunningly beautiful area full of amazing vistas, the temperatures were warm yet moderately cool and crisp with mostly sunshine, puffy clouds and light winds.  Ahhhhh....the entire week was something beautiful.  Since I love the water, harbors, boating, cycling and quaint villages with splendid architecture, this was an ideal vacation. And, in case you wondered, throughout six days in the saddle, I logged 181 miles.  So, I spent a portion of each day riding and then relaxing and taking in some wonderful attractions.  Now, of course, I'm back in Iowa; however, this scenery and the lake life remains permanently etched in my being.

Regarding these images, all are from the village of Egg Harbor with the first two being scenes from the marina and a town park.  The third photo is another park along the bay that contains a great lookout area and has delightful sculpture.

Late Summer Favorite

 Each year I am delighted with all the bright and beautiful blooms that appear in spring and early summer; however, this late bloomer is worth the wait with hundreds (or more) of gorgeous star-shaped flowers.  This is the sweet autumn clematis variety that has dainty, pure-white blossoms and a distinct scent.  As seen in the image below, over the past several years this one clematis plant has expanded to cover about half of our home's façade.  This year, notably, no windstorms blew the large expanse of green from the many anchors hidden below and allowed for four months of growth across a large section of the house.  The primary challenge for me is to keep the enormous bundle trained to grow upward rather than out onto the arborvitae nor launch downward and cover the evergreens below.  Indeed, this is something beautiful.

"I must have flowers, always, and always."

                                                                                             --Claude Monet

After the Storm

Although not verified by an expert, from what I have read the brownish-orange substance is jelly fungus.  According to online sources, it appears in many colors and grows at the point where a tree is internally rotting.  Typically, the rot is slow and for years often goes unnoticed.  However, as the fungus populates, during a rain/windstorm this explosion in weight can easily cause the already-weakened branches to snap.   And, yep, that is what happened as after a recent thunderstorm while surveying a path along the river I found this chunk.  In the photo below one can see other lichen growing on the tree.  

In addition to identifying the fungus and learning how it typically grows on the host, I also was captivated by the artistic elements present on the splintered limb....I still find myself staring at Mother Nature's composition and use it as inspiration when putting pen to paper.   Ahhhh...something beautiful.

"There is no Wi-Fi in the forest 

but you will find a better connection."

                                                                                                    --Unknown

 

Things with Wings

Monarch butterflies are some of my favorite winged creatures, and during mid to late summer in these parts more and more emerge.  Daily I see many wafting through my yard, alongside the riverbluffs and cruising through the countryside in what seems like effortless flight.  Not only are they incredibly beautiful, their migration and life cycle stories are amazing.  According to sources, monarchs exhibit the most highly evolved migration pattern of any known species of butterfly or moth and perhaps any known insect.  Monarchs spend winters in the mountainous forests of Mexico and migrate during warm-weather months to the USA in order to feed (largely on milkweed) and reproduce.  To think of this creature traveling that distance is, to say the least, inspiring and peaceful as I look to the rhythms of nature for tranquility in otherwise seemingly turbulent times.

"Butterflies... flowers that fly and all but sing."

                                                                                                                     --Robert Frost

Water Lilies

For me just seeing these beautiful ponds with glassy smooth water, large waxy lime-green leaves and cup-and-saucer-like flowers is like winning the lottery.  These elements are so beautiful as they unfold atop the surface and are gracious hosts to things with wings, including dragonflies.  And, by the way, in the image below there happens to be just that which is mostly obscured by the translucent border.  Look closely at the bottom just off center to the right, and perhaps you'll see it.  Ahhhhh .... more of summer's splendor that inspires and captivates.  Of course, I call this something beautiful.

 

Like Patterns?

If patterns are your thing but you need some inspiration to put pen to paper, I encourage you to enroll in my virtual Zentangle art class in which we use repetitive forms to create something beautiful.  For example, in the above piece I used the same pattern but embellished it with different designs easily visible in the three distinct sections.  Of course, I also included some color with brown and white markers, plus graphite and charcoal pencils.  

Think you could never do this?  You will be surprised as during classes I assist you with step-by-step instructions and some tools to enhance your original creations.  Currently there are some terrific folks (who have take previous classes and fallen in love with the art form) who will also be in the class as peers who inspire and encourage one another.  If this sounds like a good match for you, please use the following links to obtain more information and register.

For the introductory class -- 

https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-art-ages-16 

For the class using circular tiles -- https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentangler-art-going-circles-ages-16

Following the Sun

In late summer these beauties rise well above many other blooming things that adorn our gardens.   With varieties differing in size, height and color, sunflowers are not all exactly the same in their hues of orange, gold and yellow.  For example, given the light yellow tones, some folks thought the image above was that of a daisy.  So, be surprised as you venture out your door and go in search of all sorts of these pretties.  Bet you will love what you find as each one is something beautiful.

"Turn your face to the sun, 

and shadows follow behind you."

                                                                         --Maori Proverb

 

Pen to Paper

The virtual Zentangle© art classes that I teach are so much fun and include participants from different parts of the USA who all have different artistic skills but are simply willing to show up and allow themselves the time to create....and forget about everything else for a short 90 minutes.  The results are amazing and the encouragement and inspiration palpable.  For these reasons, I continue to promo the upcoming virtual classes, including an introductory class for those that may be interested but not sure exactly what this is or feeling a little shy but still curious and willing to take the plunge.  We meet on Thursdays with the next session starting in mid-September and running 12 weeks.  All other details are available on the following links.  

For the introductory class -- 

https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/introduction-zentangler-art-ages-16 

For the class using circular tiles -- https://www.evanstonartcenter.org/school/zentangler-art-going-circles-ages-16