Swirl

"night thinking,

day dreaming"

                                                --Unknown

Honoring a Loved One

                                               

                                                 

"There are no goodbyes for us.  

Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts."

                                                 --Mahatma Ghandi

Foliage Emerges

"You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming."

                                                                  --Pablo Neruda

Not Just Any Desserts

If you've ever been to The Cheesecake Factory, then these desserts you've already seen.  What a beautiful presentation of some delectable gourmet goodies that are sure to make our mouths water.  Which is your favorite?

                         

Memorial Day

Magnificent Monarch

For more exact details, see my post from Tuesday, May 12 (Pretty Cool Sculpture); however, this is another one of those awesome sculptures made entirely of LEGO bricks and currently in an exhibit at Powell Gardens in northwest Missouri.  Along with several other outstanding pieces, LEGO brick artist Sean Kenney created this magnificent mariposa.  A visit to this attraction is sure to delight your senses.

Peony in Pink

This giant bloom is just one of many on an Abowkya Tree Peony.  Honestly, I have never seen such a beautiful plant that was full of blooms and could support its weight.  Even after rain, this 'tree' had no visible sign of droopy branches.  Truly, I was mesmerized by the color and size of the flowers and snapped several shots while admiring its splendor.

Birdseed Gone Wild

"There is no abstract art.  You must always start with something..."

                                                 --Pablo Picasso

A Shadow

"To contemplate is to look at shadows."

                                                  --Victor Hugo

Pedal On

"Life is like riding a bicycle:

you don't fall off unless you stop pedaling."

                                                      --Claude Pepper

Explore the Reflection

If you haven't been to the Windy City to see Millennium Park and this 110-ton elliptical sculpture, widely referred to as The Bean, then take a few minutes to explore the city's skyline with this wonderful reflection.  Officially, this enormous structure, by British artist Anish Kapoor is titled Cloud Gate and measures 66 feet long by 33 feet high.  In addition, a 12-foot high arch on the underside acts as a "gate" to the concave design and allows visitors to touch the surface.  According to the City of Chicago website, the inspiration for this design came from liquid mercury.  Enjoy the view.

1st Birthday

Today this adorable little woman celebrates her first birthday.  As seen here on her daddy's lap, her bright blue eyes are beautiful and captivate anyone in her company.  May this birthday include all sorts of fun toddler activities, including splashing in the dog's water, climbing on the furniture and grabbing your older siblings' toys.  Lots of birthday hugs and kisses to you, precious niece.

Cool Cabbage

"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds

if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon."

                                                                 --Doug Larson

Pretty Cool Sculpture

Located in Missouri, just east of Kansas City, Powell Gardens currently is home to this delightful Nature Connects 2 exhibit.  Using almost 300,000 LEGO bricks, the extremely talented LEGO brick artist Sean Kenney constructed 27 sculptures, including this hummingbird, a monarch butterfly, a bald eagle and many more.  And, yes, throughout the next few weeks, I plan to post more images of these amazing pieces. If you are in the KC area, this is a definite must see as the exhibit is open through September 6.

Chives

Have herbs in your garden?  If so, recently you've seen this image in your own outdoor space.  Just think of the many ways you can incorporate chives into your meals...yum.  If you've never used them, start by chopping a few stems and adding to a potato.  And, if you live nearby and would like a plant of your own, I'll be happy to share.

To Honor Moms

"Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,

Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,

Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,

But only one mother the wide world over."

                                          --George Cooper

Home Sweet Home

"Home should be the treasure chest of living."

                                        --Le Corbusier

Forest Freeway

Forest Freeway by Stephanie Funke

This image, Forest Freeway, recently earned Special Merit in the Light Space & Time Online Gallery Landscapes art exhibition.  In order to view several outstanding pieces featuring the great outdoors, be sure to visit the following website: www.lightspacetime.com/current-online-juried-art-exhibition/

Make Your Way

"Do not go where the path may lead,

Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

                                                           --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pretty as a Picture

"The beautiful spring came;

and when Nature resumes her loveliness,

the human soul is apt to revive also."

                                            --Harriet Ann Jacobs

Dad's Birthday

Special birthday greetings to a man who often makes his family and friends laugh.  Many happy returns, Dad.