Holiday Lights Linger

"It's the first day of spring.  

That means this weekend I'll take down my Christmas lights."

                                                   --David Letterman

 

"I haven't taken my Christmas lights down.  

They look so nice on the pumpkin."

                                                    --Winston Spear

The Tree

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree.  

In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall."

                                                                                                                 --Larry Wilde

Peace

"Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day."

                                                                                                                             --Helen Steiner Rice

In Memoriam

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy;

they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

                                                                             --Marcel Proust

Deck the Halls

"Christmas isn't a season.  It's a feeling."

                                                                                      --Edna Ferber

Holiday Inspiration

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched -- they must be felt with the heart."
                                                                                                                                         --Helen Keller

Poinsettia Season

"Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, 

everything is softer and more beautiful."

                                                                                                                                                                 --Norman Vincent Peale

Ordinary Turned Extraordinary

Sometimes a fresh perspective or alternate point of view transforms an ordinary topic or item into something interesting, unusual or thought-provoking.  This was the case with these images as I photographed an overhead light fixture and an end table and edited them with the Photo Booth app on my tablet.  An instant makeover created some rather unique shapes and patterns. 

"Extraordinary magic is woven through ordinary life.  Look around!"

                                                                                                                         --Amy Leigh Mercree

December Arrives

So, turning now from fall foliage to cooler temperatures and accumulating snow... I sigh as for me winter is a challenge; however, it has its own beauty and blessings.  For example, with this snowflake image, as I was discarding the  rubbery packing insert, I noticed how beautiful were the patterns and wanted to capture their simplicity in a photo.  Since December seems cold and dark with several gray days, I thought the colors were indicative of the season.  My best to you as we welcome the new month and cruise through the remainder of 2019.


"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour."
                                                                                          --John Boswell

Thanksgiving Reflection

"Not what we say about our blessings, 

but how we use them, 

is the true measure of our thanksgiving."

                                                                                                                 --W. T . Purkiser

Birthday Treats

Since today is my birthday, I decided to give viewers a treat from the heart -- another glimpse of glorious fall colors.  These Japanese Maple leaves, ablaze in orange, yellow and red, ignite my senses, inspire my creative passions and sooth my soul.  Mother Nature's freebies are priceless wonders waiting to be discovered.  Go exploring!

"And forget not that the Earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."

                                                                                                                                   --Kahlil Gibran

Burnt Orange Overload

“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, 

fluttering from the autumn tree.”

                                                                                  --Emily Bronte

Still Leaf Looking

By now it's apparent that I'm quite fond of autumn colors and the sensational images created by falling foliage and it's impact on the landscape.  Today, I've included more scenes from my trek through Backbone State Park.  These photos were taken about a month ago but the beautiful pictures remain as inspiration for a dark, cold and snowy start to November.  Long live the leaves.

Leaf Looking Continues

Like leaves?  If so, you're in luck as my adventures in these parts of Iowa yielded some pleasant images that contain lots of leaves.  As with the previous two posts, today's pictures were also taken in Backbone State Park.  The above photo is of the widely-recognized boathouse located beside the main beach.  From the river's edge the leaf-covered path winds uphill to the lodge.

The photo below is the perfect companion to the above landscape as the crispy leaves littered the lawn and walkways and crunched loudly while passing through them.

Honoring Veterans

World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C.

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women 

in the service of our country can never be repaid.  

They have earned our undying gratitude. 

 America will never forget their sacrifices."

                                                                                                   --President Harry S. Truman

Still Leaf Looking

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

                                                                                                                           --Albert Camus

Leaf Looking

As one might guess, I love leaves -- their shapes, patterns, textures, lines, colors, simplicity, shade and so on.  Annually I make time to visit nearby Backbone State Park and always pay close attention to this moderately-sized maple tree.  Honestly, I think it is a Sugar Maple but do not know that with certainty.  Nevertheless, it is positioned in an area that is easily accessible and has a unique backdrop with a stonewall bordering the forest.  Of course, if you are familiar with the park, you already know that wall is a remnant of Iowa's first trout hatchery that operated until 1987.

Anyway, in the coming weeks, look for several images featuring the season's most beautiful foliage.  And, since the red, orange and gold hues are some of my favorites, there will be plenty of those gorgeous colors.

Halloween -- Naughty & Nice

Happy Halloween!

Colors of October

"My favorite color is October."

                                                                                                                                                     --Unknown

Autumn Splendor

"Winter is an etching,

spring a watercolor,

 summer an oil painting,

 & autumn a mosaic of them all."

                                                                                                             --Stanley Horowitz

Just Perfect

To this point in these parts of Iowa the fall foliage has been underwhelming; however, I did find these colors on some bluffs surrounding the Maquoketa River near Delhi.  And, even though I love these gorgeous hues, the best part about my visit to the water was the profound quiet.  Gone was the roar of boats.  No more waves slamming against the docks.  Just the cool air and warm sunshine with no smoke from campfires to burn my eyes.  Just squirrels darting to and fro collecting anything that resembled food.  Just feathered friends flitting about trying to escape my glance.  Just leaves crunching underfoot.  Just .... PERFECT.

A Key Component

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."

                                                                                           --Pablo Picasso

Still in My Garden -- Succulents

Yes, succulents are my thing -- great textures, forms, patterns, colors and more.  Plus, they are low maintenance and offer limitless photo opportunities.  Recently in these parts we've had excessive rainfall and humidity along with warm temperatures. Evidently, from what I've observed, succulents thrive in such conditions as they've grown more in the last month than the previous three.  

In the photo below I want to note that I did edit the image and overall color as the original was overflowing with green and glistening water droplets.  The center contains the current look of the plant while the remainder is muted.

Anyway, I'm going to enjoy these beauties for the next few days as I just saw the potential for a freeze in the extended forecast.

Autumn Hues

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

                                                                                                            --L.M. Montgomery

In a Garden -- Inspiration

"Never get tired of doing little things for others.

Sometimes those little things occupy

 the biggest part of their hearts."

                                                                                   --Unknown

A Bit of Whimsy

"Whimsy doesn't care if you are the driver or the passenger;

all that matters is that you are on your way."

                                                                                                             --Bob Goff

"The Magic Hour"

In a Garden -- Abstract Art

Look closely and you'll realize how this photo was captured in a garden.  Yes, all the flower pots, with several stacked inside one another, create a unique pattern that makes for an interesting black and white image.  In addition to the shapes, I also find this picture captivating as my eyes move immediately to the middle and seem to get stuck swimming in this sea of black and white circles....and it's soothing.

"Art, undeniably, is conductive to happiness."

                                                                                 --Unknown

In A Garden -- Beautiful Berries

Yes, I'm one of those individuals who notices A LOT, including these tiny yet gorgeous berries.  In fact, their colors are some of my favorite fall hues.  After surveying my home decor, it easy to see just how much I like these tones and organic patterns as they are everywhere, including in the wall paper, window treatments, paint color, linens and wall hangings.  So, give yourself a boost-- find what inspires you and then put it in your living space.  

"Nature is the inspiration for all ornamentation."

                                                                                                         --Frank Lloyd Wright

Late Summer Favorite

A few weeks ago in a post I mentioned the sun setting on summer.  And, as I've featured a few other times in the seasons of my blog, this dreamy image of West Lake Okoboji in Arnold's Park, Iowa, eloquently screams just that.  Obviously, it's a favorite of mine and at times is worth re-sharing.  

"Summertime.  It was a song.  It was a season.

  I wondered if that season would ever live inside of me."

                                                                                                --Benjamin Alire Saenz

Art Mimics Life

This image features a portion of a Dale Chihuly glass sculpture found in the Milwaukee Art Museum.  In person his pieces are instantly captivating, grand in scope and incredibly beautiful.  His remarkable works certainly prove why he is such a prominent blown-glass artist.  

Anyway, relating to my previous two posts highlighting the unique architectural features of the Milwaukee Art Museum, I also wanted to share a photo of this dynamic installation; however, as I prepped the image nothing great seemed to appear.  Then, as I considered how intricate, involved and bold it was, the up-close shot almost seemed too overwhelming.  So, my idea was to edit it by adding jigsaw puzzle pieces and blurring some sections.  Almost immediately this became like a metaphor for our crazy and often chaotic lives with so many things taking all our time and energy.  After simplifying the scene with small portions and not even bringing some areas in to focus, I found it very pleasant and inviting.  I wanted to explore the photo instead of turn away from its bold presentation.  So, the lesson is simplify, limit the focus and don't try to do too much.  Loosen the grip and be open to that familiar refrain, "Less is more."

MAM -- Interior

In my previous post, I featured images of the magnificent exterior of the Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum with its signature wings that form a movable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan and include 72 steel fins.  Sensors on the fins continuously monitor wind speed and automatically close them when winds exceed 23 mph for more than three seconds.

When visitors enter the structure, they are treated to the views seen in these three images.  Windover Hall is the grand reception hall in the pavilion and contains flying buttresses, pointed arches, ribbed vaults and the central nave with a 90-foot-high glass roof.  

Wow.  This structure is incredible and standing inside the grand reception hall was a feast for my artistic eyes.  I snapped photo after photo as I was in awe of the delightful architectural features surrounding me and how they all interacted with the light and lake outdoors. 

 Many more significant details are on the museum's website, and I encourage architectural aficionados to read more online.

The image above is of the grand hall's chancel that was designed like the prow of a ship with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to Lake Michigan.  Indeed, this is a dynamic view and an incredible creation by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

MAM -- Exterior

Literature regarding the Milwaukee Art Museum refers to it as an architectural landmark.  Take a look at these images and you'll know why.  This particular section was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2001.  Included in this remarkable structure is a movable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that unfolds and folds twice each day.  In addition, as seen in the photo below, there is the Reiman Bridge that serves as a pedestrian link connecting the city and museum.  Officially this portion of the museum is known as the Quadracci Pavilion.  From the inside and out, it's impressive and captivating.

Be sure to see my next post as I'll feature some amazing interior views from this complex construction.

In a Garden -- Pollinators

Who or what is a pollinator?  A pollinator is a bird, bat, bee, butterfly, moth, small mammal ....to name only a few... that works feverishly as it feeds off the pollen and transports those grains and essentially fertilizes plants that we rely on for the success of our gardens and crops.  According to several sources, the majority of the crops that we like to eat and provide most of our nutrition use animal-mediated pollination.  Whoa.  What a BIG job for such little folks.  And, unfortunately, some of these species are struggling to survive, including bees.  Given that information, the message contained in my edited photo speaks for itself.

Sun Sets on Summer

Here in the USA today marks the unofficial end to summer as it's Labor Day.  For me the extended weekend offers a little extra time to do some of the regular tasks like laundry and mowing the lawn but also some time to enjoy the start of college football and a few more hours to indulge in my artistic endeavors.  But, since my childhood, there's really only once place I want to be on a warm-weather weekend -- at the cabin.  It's a small dwelling not far from home that sits on the backs of the Maquoketa River.  Albeit tiny, there's something magical about the setting and familiar scent that keeps me coming back.  A piece of my heart lives there.

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."

                                                                                                                                                 --Celia Thaxter

In a Garden -- My Art Studio

Awhile back I had the idea to feature in upcoming blog posts all sorts of items associated with gardens.  And, after proceeding with that plan, I'm thrilled with what I've shared with the world as it truly is a glimpse of things I love -- the outdoors, FLOWERS, trees, living creatures, designs and patterns, warm sunshine, nature's gifts and life lessons, the surprises, tranquility and inspiration.  Those things nurture my spirit and impact my creations, including the image above that spotlights some gorgeous dahlias at the Dubuque Arboretum.  Obviously, that place is one of my favorite outdoor spaces. 

Today may you find your happy space and let it nourish your soul.