More from the Pumpkin Party

 

A few days ago I featured images from "Spirits in the Gardens," an annual event on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa.  Indeed the artistry is amazing as each jack o' lantern is hand carved and hundreds of these illuminated works of art line the multi-acre botanical gardens.  For me, attending the event was as terrific as being in the audience for a great musical act performing in an outstanding venue.  Little folks in costumes, a few with canes, some solo while others were in the company of many, most snapping selfies and posing for group photos, a few wearing shorts while the majority were in long pants and coats .... so, yes, this is a popular event that appeals to many; however, the most amazing thing was the energy and excitement that was palpable while traversing the trails throughout Reiman Gardens on this cool autumn night.   And, although there were hundreds of amazing orange globes, my favorite is the pumpkin in the photo above.  It is black with the words "Smell My" and those shoes ... ahhhh.  Something awesome.

Autumn on the River

 

Need a break from the news, social media, work, and whatever else keeps coming to mind?  Perhaps a slow drive through some tree-lined streets, a walk in a nearby park, a hike in the woods or just a few deep breaths and some of your favorite music.  For me, walking along the river soothes my soul and connects me to the universe and all living things.  It's magical yet free and easy to access.

These images are from Lake Delhi.  A few days ago it seemed that almost instantly the leaves turned from blah to beautiful.  So, of course, I went for a walk and started taking pictures....and about two hours later, after covering less than a mile, I returned to my place.  

Inhale.  Exhale.  Walk.  Look up.  Look down.  Look near.  Look far.  Look left.  Look right.  Listen to the river.  Listen to the woods.  Listen to the sky.  Repeat.

"Is this not a true autumn day?

Just the still melancholy that I love -- 

that makes life and nature harmonize."

                                                                                                               --George Eliot

Party with Pumpkins

On several occasions I have featured various art exhibitions at Reiman Gardens; however, I think this particular event is tops.  Essentially, imagine a chilly mid-October night where rows of over a thousand hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns line and light the 17-acre botanical gardens.  As you can see in these photos, pumpkins are everywhere while all ages stroll through the magically illuminated space.  Truly, it is a feast for the senses, and I am certain there is a design on one of these hundreds of pumpkins that will be your favorite.  For me, I had several top choices, and in future posts, I will share photos some of my picks.  Anyway, if this amazing event interests you, early next fall check that website for details as all tickets are sold in advance and sell quickly.  

A riddle:

?  --What do you get when you drop a pumpkin?  

Answer --Squash 

 

Party of Three

 

Patterns, lines, textures, tone and the list goes on and on regarding all the design elements that I love.  So, here are a few of my creations that contain those things that make my heart sing.  And, this art form, referred to as Zentangle©, involves drawing repetitive patterns and creating something beautiful.  It's that easy.  Today, may you allow yourself to do whatever brings you joy ....and that also is something beautiful.

"Go easy on yourself.  Today whatever you do, let it be enough."

                                                                             --Unknown

Full of Fall

 

Just as the title implies, I am full of gratitude for the opportunities to photograph gorgeous autumn scenes, walk through the forest, bicycle along fields where the harvest is underway, kayak among gently falling leaves, and for the inspiration as I put pen to paper.  The piece below comes alive with just a light layer of soft blue pastel chalk coupled with brown ink.  For me, autumn is magical, and I want to spend each day wonderstruck in the world outside my door.

"Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen."

                                                                                                    --Unknown

Autumn Splendor

It's that time -- October in the Midwest.  Most things related to autumn, including the moderate temperatures, leaves in all of my favorite shapes and colors  (I often say that my favorite color is "Fall"), pumpkins and gourds and mums and .... I love it all.  As I photograph these incredibly beautiful fall scenes, I feel myself energized yet calm as the outdoors seems to wrap its autumn arms around me and gently propel me with a soft tailwind.  And, I am grateful for the time to capture these images and also for having noticed such incredible gifts just outside my door.  

Coming soon -- more idyllic fall scenes along with me trying to be clever as I repeatedly mention my favorite color.

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

                                                      - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

 

Look Both Ways

As a youngster learning to cross the street, I was always reminded to look both ways --  left and right.  However, during this visit to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin, I was reminded of the importance of looking up rather than only straight ahead or down.  Of course, there are metaphors for life that correspond to looking up and acknowledging the positive or the bright side.  But, before reading more, look at the image below.  Obviously, beautiful and often unexpected things are everywhere, including overhead -- we just have to notice.

Clearly this statue was one of my favorite attractions in the 16-acre garden, and I owe my discovery to the storm that rolled through as we were caught outdoors in a downpour and took shelter in an area alongside the sleeping giant.  And, as I found myself looking up at the sky in order to gauge the duration of the rain, I was also lucky enough to spot the big cat positioned just above me.  After the storm, I made my way to an elevated walkway where I could admire the lion and also observe those below who, like myself, missed the large stone figure perched so perfectly on the elevated stone wall.  

Although I was not thrilled with wet clothing, I was grateful to Mother Nature as she helped me find something beautiful that I would not have noticed without the rain...hmmm....more metaphors for life....

"Keep looking up...

That's the secret of life..."

                                                                             --Snoopy

 

Ornamental Cabbage?

 Yes, this cabbage won't be in your coleslaw but rather will make a beautiful component in any landscaping or container garden.  As seen in these images, the gorgeous shades of blue, green, purple, pink and yellow are stunning as stand alone pieces or coupled with other ornamentals and autumn hues.  For someone who loves fall colors, plants, textures and patterns, finding these amazing arrangements was like winning the lottery.  And, therefore, I spent a chunk of time with this winning ticket taking pictures, being inspired and finally moving on with a grateful heart.

"Plants give us oxygen for the lungs

 and for the soul."

                                                                                                                 --Terri Guillemets