A Look In Black and White

Recently, during a short stay in Salt Lake City, I took these pictures of some rather simple items, an iron gate, a metal dome roof, and limestone blocks with wooden detailing. Then, I edited the images and turned them into some interesting creations. And, as most of us who dabble in the arts realize, sometimes the very ordinary and mundane things produce great results.

What A View

Located just outside of Jackson, Wyoming, this Chapel of The Transfiguration is a functioning Episcopal Church situated at the base of the Tetons. It is as quaint and serene as it appears plus, from a window behind the altar, it also has a spectacular view of the mountains. As one might expect, several couples find this to be the perfect setting for their weddings. A little gem nestled in Grand Teton National Park.

Giant Blooms

While waiting just outside of Jackson Hole to take a tram to the top of a mountain, I spotted this beautiful variety of columbine growing under a shade tree. The blossoms were incredibly vibrant and big as they were the size of my palm. In Iowa I have seen several thriving varieties of columbines but none with flowers this big. How pretty in pink!

Antlers Galore and More

As featured in today's photos, the four corners of the Jackson, Wyoming town square are covered in enormous antler arches and serve as a backdrop to the nightly gunfight staged by local actors. During a recent visit to the area, I captured pictures of the gorgeous landscape as well as some of the more peculiar elements of the locale. Many future posts will include tidbits from our trip.

Happy Anniversary!

Today's post honors my parents for forty-five years of married life. Congratulations and best wishes for many more.

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."

--Mignon McLaughlin

Rural Iowa On Parade: Part II

Clowns! Some love them, others not so much; however, this group of Shrine Motor Clowns adds a special touch to this annual celebration. Kids as well as adults enjoy watching their stunts as they drive through the streets and entertain. Have a look.

Rural Iowa On Parade: Part I

Warm weather brings all sorts of wonderful things into bloom as well as kicks off a season of small town celebrations. Some communities pay tribute to their heritage, others have an annual theme and all highlight something wonderful about that particular locale. Since I will have a variety of photos from such festivals, I plan to share several and will do so throughout the summer.

La Luna Bella

In early June the full moon is referred to as the strawberry moon, and here it is. Not a lot of words are necessary when this amazing sight captures your attention.

Out On A Limb

In my parents' neighborhood five young squirrels reside and are often spotted doing acrobatic maneuvers, chasing one another and attempting to get into any containers holding birdseed. One afternoon I followed this young one around as he seemed to tolerate my presence and wonder just what I was doing. He finally settled in branches of the Walnut Tree and quickly began gnawing on the small nut.

Little Visitors Return

Recently my nephew and niece were in town as they spent the week with grandpa and grandma. For me that meant spending every free minute playing with them and laughing at all their silly tendencies. Our short excursions included visits to the library, to a wildlife exhibit and to the fish hatchery.

Happy Father's Day!

Since Sunday is the day we honor all dads, today's post includes photos of my dad, my father-in-law and my brother. For all the ways they have enriched our lives, we are grateful.

Flag Day

June 14th commemorates the 1777 decision to adopt the official flag of the USA; therefore, the featured photos probably resemble scenes you already have seen in numerous settings throughout the day.   Be sure to salute Old Glory as she waves in the wind.

In addition to the observance of our flag, today I also want to pay tribute to two wonderful men.   First, I honor the memory of my late paternal grandfather as June 14th was his birthday. Although he is greatly missed, I cherish the many memories that so often make me smile.   And, secondly, another special individual celebrating a birthday today is a former US History professor who always challenged his students to read, write AND remember!   To each, my thanks.

Fire Station Lilies

Currently, in gardens throughout these parts of Iowa, lilies are in full bloom. The many varieties create a wonderful display of colors and shapes, including some with spotted curled back petals and others resembling trumpets. Interestingly, today's photos feature a bright red-orange variety that adorned an entire side of our local fire station. Such an appropriate color for that locale!

After The Rain

One recent morning the rain cancelled my tennis match but left some wonderful photo opportunities as petals were filled with gigantic water drops. So, I went to the park anyway but to the flower gardens rather than to the tennis courts.  The air was cool and damp but capturing these images was well worth wearing a jacket and trekking through the wet grass.

Paddle!

A few years ago my husband and I sold our motorboat and purchased kayaks!  Some folks thought that was a crazy decision while others were curious and eager to learn more about paddling.  Regardless, we have enjoyed our time in these small vessels as there is no roar of a motor but just the subtle sound of paddles dipping in and out of the water.  And, although my husband may not always find the physical exertion so relaxing, our experiences in these boats have helped us appreciate the beauty in the landscape that we previously 'flew by' with the throttle wide open. 

BEE Happy!

While taking photos of some flower gardens and the bright yellow coreopsis, I encountered numerous bumble bees, including the large decorative variety featured in one of today's photos. In the other pictures, the gardener included a butterfly net and decor as this particular area attracts numerous winged-visitors. Hence, be sure to enjoy all the delightful blooms in any flower garden but also take a second look for the not-so-obvious birds, butterflies, insects and whimsical features that make this outdoor space so unique. Of course, all of this is guaranteed to help you "BEE" happy!

Evening Sky

"Softly the evening came. 
The sun from the western
horizon like a magician
extended his golden wand
o'er the landscape;
Twinkling vapors arose; and
sky and water and forest
seemed all on fire at the
touch, and melted and
mingled together."

--Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
(from Evangeline, pt. II, sec. II)

Fetch!

While at a recent family gathering I took these pictures of this dog as it thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to retrieve a tennis ball!  Now, to be honest, several family members often give the dog's owner a lot of grief regarding this "Puggle" (a Beagle-Pug mix) named Chloe; however, when I saw how adorable she looked in these action shots, I just had to feature her on my blog!   So, if you also enjoyed these pictures of the athletic-looking Chloe, leave a comment and I will pass along those positive remarks to her master.