Foggy Path

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked,

in which you can walk with love and reverence."

                                                       --Henry David Thoreau

Cats

"There's no need for a piece of sculpture 

in a home that has a cat."

                                                                    --Wesley Bates

Mmmmmmm

"Gardening requires lots of water -- most of it in the form of perspiration."

                                                                                    --Lou Erickson

"Scare Clothes"

Of course, we've all seen scarecrows situated in gardens but these photos show a slightly different take on that idea as I refer to this outfit as "scare clothes."  No stuffed mannequin dressed in old clothes but rather a cute blue jacket (or rain coat) along with yellow boots -- how adorable.  This was featured in one of the many gardens at the Dubuque Arboretum.  Love the creativity.

Gardeners made of Bricks

These two appear to be hard at work in their flower bed; however, they've been in this position for some time since they are LEGO sculptures created by LEGO Brick Artist Sean Kenney.  Until the end of October you can see these gardeners and several other amazing pieces in the Nature Connects exhibit currently at Reiman Gardens on the Iowa State University campus.  And, because you'd probably like to know, Kenney used 46,940 bricks to make this duo.

Scenes of Green

Currently in Iowa the countryside is full of "crop" along with some colorful wildflowers.  Mostly corn and soybeans can be seen for miles as the growing season is in full swing, and to this point conditions have been favorable for plants in the fields of the heartland.  In these parts we are blessed with fertile soil and men and women who dedicate their lives to working the land.

Dancin' Boots

These two are members of the Texas A&M Aggie Wranglers exhibition country and western dance team.  In June a few squad members were present for the Edgewood Rodeo Days festivities and are seen here performing in the parade.  Although I don't know much more about the group, their website states that they perform around the world and requests can be made on that site.  Indeed these talented young men and women delighted spectators with their recent performances in eastern Iowa.

Create!

                  

"To live a creative life we must lose our fear of being wrong."

                                                            --Joseph Chilton Pearce

So, think you aren't creative?  Just put pencil to paper and see what happens.  That's the case with my recent creation featured in this post.  Actually, I started with regular colored pencils and a Spirograph tool (yes, it's for kids AND adults) and first made the second layer.  Next, I added dots to the center and then filled in the outer ring and added some finishing touches.  Go grab some paper and get started.  Let your creativity flow as there are no mistakes in doodling.

White Water Fun

Know any paddling enthusiasts?  Send them to Manchester, Iowa to navigate six, 18-inch drops in the newly constructed whitewater park.  Located in the downtown, with plenty of parking and easy access, is a 900-foot portion of the Maquoketa River that provides all sorts of entertainment for anyone with a kayak or inflatable tube.  And, if getting wet doesn't interest you, take a stroll on the concrete walkway bordering the river, sit in the gazebo and enjoy the view, or visit a nearby brewery to quench your thirst.