Giant Allium

"Flowers are the music of the ground,

From earth's lips spoken without sound."

                                                     --Edwin Curran

Shriners

"I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown.

It places me on a far higher plane than any politician."

                                                  --Charlie Chaplin

Strawberry Shortcake

Did you expect to see a dish with shortcake dripping with strawberries and topped with a dollop of whipped cream?  Well, this version resembles the doll instead of the dessert.  In the recent annual Strawberry Point parade, this young woman made lots of folks smile as her costume so closely mirrored the clothing of a doll with which several of us used to play.  The jingle went something like this:  "Strawberry Shortcake, my you're looking swell.  The cute little doll with the strawberry smell."

Gardener & Rototiller

These amazing structures were created by LEGO brick artist Sean Kenney and are currently in the delightful Nature Connects 2 exhibit at Powell Gardens in northwest Missouri.  And, as one can easily see, along with the LEGO sculptures, there are beautiful flower and vegetable gardens throughout the many acres of this property.  Of course, one benefit of being a LEGO brick gardener sculpture is that NO bug repellent is necessary while residing among all the gorgeous greens.

Thinking

"Never be afraid to sit awhile and think."

                                                                      --Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun

Cats

"In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance,

everyone should have a dog that will worship him

and a cat that will ignore him."

                                                        --Dereke Bruce

Marching Band

"Big companies are like marching bands.

Even if half the band is playing random notes, 

it still sounds kind of like music.

The concealment of failure is built into them."

                                                         --Doug Coupland

Honoring Dads

"A daughter needs a dad to be the standard 

against which she will judge all men."

                                                  --Gregory Lang

LEGO Ducks

No "wise quacks" about these shots that feature yet another LEGO sculpture currently on display at Powell Gardens in northwest Missouri.  As the primary architect of the many creations in this Nature Connects 2 exhibit, LEGO brick artist Sean Kenney crafted this mother and her young and appropriately placed them in a pond -- the perfect setting.  And, as an added benefit for all the onlookers, these ducks leave no messes.  Gotta love it.

Whitewater Park

If you enjoy paddling through Iowa's lakes and rivers, then plan a visit to Manchester as a newly constructed whitewater park awaits.  Six 18-inch drops are located on a 900-foot portion of the Maquoketa River as it passes through the city's downtown.  This coming weekend, June 19-20, a grand-opening celebration is planned to showcase this exciting attraction.

Wedding Anniversary

Today my husband and I celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary and I wanted this post to honor that as well as the anniversaries of all those couples that married in June.  This image is one of my doodle creations -- yes, it's not yet finished but nevertheless fitting.  And, honestly, this drawing is indicative of any relationship as there is always work to do to sustain and strengthen the marriage bond.

"Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate,

 but through being the right mate."

                                                     --Barnell R. Brickner

Service

"Sometimes you earn more doing the jobs that pay nothing."

                                          --Todd Ruthman

Old Glory

"... My name is Old Glory.  Long may I wave."

                                   --Howard Schnauber

Bald Eagle LEGO Sculpture

Perhaps you've been waiting to see another one of these amazing LEGO sculptures that are currently on display just a short drive from Kansas City.  Located in northwest Missouri, Powell Gardens is a beautiful property that will host this exhibit, Nature Connects 2, now through September 6.  Using only LEGO bricks, LEGO brick artist Sean Kenney created this and several other amazing pieces that are scattered about the sprawling outdoor space.

Dream Weaver

"The most colorful thing in the world is black and white,

it contains all colors and at the same time excludes all."

                                                                  --Vikrmn, 10 Alone

Out & About

"What is the city but the people?"

                                    --William Shakespeare

Indiglow

Originating with an ornamental cabbage, this image, Indiglow, was altered to highlight the texture and layers of the plant.  By doing so and converting to black and white, the outcome is an intriguing piece of abstract art.  In addition, in the recent Light Space & Time Online Gallery Abstracts competition, it earned Special Merit.  To view several outstanding abstract images, visit the following:  http://www.lightspacetime.com/current-online-juried-art-exhibition/

Waiting for Bride

"Think not because you are now wed that all your courtship's at an end."

                                               --Antonio Hurtado de Mendoza

Birds v Squirrels

Look carefully and you'll see four birds and four squirrels all vying for a hearty meal at the feeder.  Upon viewing this sculpture, made entirely of LEGO bricks, immediately I thought of all the 'issues' folks in these parts have with squirrels and birdseed -- I laughed and laughed.  Also, be sure to notice that even the birdseed is LEGO bricks.  Pretty neat!  Anyway, made by LEGO brick artist Sean Kenney, this creation and several others are currently in an exhibit at Powell Gardens in northwest Missouri.

Bold & Beautiful

"Beauty is not in the face;

Beauty is a light in the heart."

                            --Kahlil Gibran

80 Years Young

To a wonderful father-in-law, happy birthday!

"Age is a case of mind over matter.

If you don't mind, it don't matter."

                                                   --Satchel Paige

Hello, June