Early Autumn

"Summer passes into autumn in some unimaginable point of time, 

like the turning of a leaf.

                                                              --Henry David Thoreau

Riveting Colors

 

Hey, folks!  

In post-flood Iowa City, Iowa, there is a new art museum, and these images are from the lobby where this enormous and invigorating installation fits beautifully in the modernly constructed building.  Upon entering the Stanley Museum of Art, the first work of art visitors encounter is "Surrounding," a mural by Odili Donald Odita. 

Treat yourself to a day at the museum and see this piece for yourself.

And the Stanley Museum of Art is also home to Jackson Pollack's "Mural" plus admission is free.  Wow!  

Get there to see it all.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Another amazingly beautiful sunset at Lake Delhi.  This is a stretch of the Maquoketa River that meanders through a portion of eastern Iowa and eventually makes its way to the Mighty Mississippi. 

More from Noelridge

More gorgeous images of the bounty of blooms in the beautiful gardens of Noelridge Park, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  

Wow!  

That was my initial reaction after coming upon the stunning views of every imaginable color, texture, stature, blossom and so and on.  

Truly this is a gardener's paradise or just a terrific destination for anyone who loves something beautiful.  

Run out the door, start the car and go!  

"I love how summer just wraps its arms 

around you like a warm blanket."

                                                                                        -- Kellie Elmore

 

Bursting with Blooms

 

Recently I drove by Noelridge Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was instantly absorbed with the stunningly beautiful flower beds bursting with blooms.  Many of the blossoms in these images are recognizable and will continue to dazzle passersby well into autumn.  If you have the opportunity, a stroll through or a drive by these colorful gardens will brighten your day.  Indeed, this is something beautiful.

"I must have flowers, 

always, and always."

                                                                                                --Claude Monet

#1750

So how does the title of this post, #1750, relate to photos of a dead monarch used as a prop to spotlight some gorgeous hydrangeas looking magnificent in their full summer bloom?

For sure 1750 is a big number.  In fact, in my estimation, it is so big that I cannot overlook it.  I have to give it all the credit it deserves.

This large number refers to the total number of blogposts I have created since starting this in 2012.  Whew!  Yes, I am extremely proud of my dedication and grateful to all of you followers; however, the most important part for me is that I truly love this endeavor. 

Honestly, I love taking photos, editing them, writing about them and incorporating corresponding quotes.  And I love sharing my beautiful work -- and currently I believe the world needs all of the beautiful things it can get.  My work is an extension of me, and I want to share my beautiful talents. 

Thank you for showing up in my beautiful space.

Following the Sun

 

Nestled in the far northwest corner of the state, the Iowa Great Lakes offer all sorts of recreational activities as well as dynamic photo opportunities for anyone who notices.  And, it is no surprise that sunrise and sunset are great times to take pictures as the colors, reflections, expansive water and light are simply amazing.  If you are a regular to my blog, you know I love this area as well as capturing these awesome vistas that bookend summer days.  

Ahhhh.....something beautiful.

Go Play!

Today in the USA is an official holiday that seems like a perfect opportunity to indulge in something you love.  It is a vacation day and time for doing something that makes your heart happy.  If you follow my blog, you know the photos below feature things I love doing when I play the day away -- and those days are the best.  Anyway, today may you rest, play and repeat.

"It is a happy talent to know how to play."

                                                                                 --Ralph Waldo Emerson

artwork by Stephanie Funke

"We don't stop playing because we grow old;

we grow old because we stop playing."

                                                         --George Bernard Shaw

artwork by Stephanie Funke