Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you all a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving!

"For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!"
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thankful for flowers. 

As fall settles in flowers far and near turn to seed. Absence makes the heart grow fonder through the long seasons of fall and winter. Bringing happiness once the buds appear again in the spring and summer. This is a 'bright lights' cosmo seed-head bursting like a star in the fall air.

Thankful for nature's bounty.

This is our one and only lonely pumpkin that survived. Out of 9-12 pumpkin vines we only got 2 pumpkins and one of them fell prey to a hungry deer. What's the secret to getting a bountiful crop of pumpkins??? I'd love to know! Nonetheless, we were happy to have this adorable little cutie. I'm excited to grow this variety again next year and hope for a few more survivors.

Thankful for vivid color.

The colors of fall are so warm and comforting. These ornamental grasses in my garden which are bright green in the summer, turn amazing shades of gold, amber and rust in the fall.

Thankful for pretty things.

I'm not sure what kind of tree this is, some kind of crab apple, maybe? In the spring it blooms pink and mauve. In the summer these red fruits plump. They resemble cherries. In the fall and winter they are such a pretty contrast to it's grey branches.

Thankful for little details.

These bright red oak leaves look so beautiful backlit by the afternoon sunlight revealing the tiny detail in the leaves.

Thankful for the glittering sun.

The morning sun beams off the melting frost on these wild grasses. A reminder that winter is on our doorstep.

May your Thanksgiving be overflowing with warmth and joy!!!
Yours Truly,
Brooke

The Final Glow of Summer

taken:
day ninety four
09.22.2011

Day 94...the last day of summer...the end of a project. A personal challenge I met with enthusiasm. My vision was to feature a photo a day for each day of the 94 days of summer. I was yearning to ignite my creative imagination and hoping that I could capture something inspirational. I was rewarded with success and the feeling of accomplishment. I learned lessons along the way that I'll treasure for a lifetime. I learned that taking chances and making myself vulnerable as an artist can only make me stronger. Another lesson I learned was how important it is to follow a dream. Even if it means facing a fear.

Day 1 started with the glow of a willow branch basking in raindrops and the evening sun. I thought it only appropriate to end summer the way it began; with a glistenting willow branch. This one, on the last day of summer, beams in the morning sun, touched by dewdrops. Soon it'll surrender to cool air. Frost and snow will touch the tips of the willow branch lending itself to a cold winter. Summer, I'll miss you. Your warm weather, vivid colors and long days will be out of reach until next year when we meet again...

Blushing Bloomer

taken:
day ninety three
09.21.2011

This blushing pink sedum is a late season bloomer bringing splendor to the vanishing summer garden. It's one of summer's last pastels before a harsh change blankets the outdoors with frosty mornings and a brisk chill.

Nature Speaks

taken:
day ninety two
09.20.2011

"Nature holds all the answers 

- go outside and ask some questions - 

open your heart and listen to the response!"

~Amethyst Wyldfyre

This green mossy tree is whispering sweet somethings. Gently asking for a closer look. Softly saying, "I'm here. The birds love me. The wind shifts me. The sun warms me. I am tranquil nature." It's soft and quiet and it's speaking to you. Perk up and tune in.

Alluring Green Eyes

taken:
day ninety one
09.19.2011

This little creature, with it's alluring green eyes, is a 'pink edged sulphur' butterfly. On this day there were many of them fluttering around the marigolds enjoying the last of summers sweetness.

From Seed to Bouquet

taken:
day ninety
09.18.2011

As the end of summer officially drew to a close I started to feel lost. My subjects were fading and I wasn't ready for them to fade. I was getting discouraged. This day I didn't step outside to take my photos, I only snapped some shots of a sunflower bouquet in my kitchen. A bouquet arranged from sunflowers that I lovingly planted in the spring. Their life had come full circle. From seed, to sprout, to lofty blossoms, to a bright bouquet in shades of yellow, gold, rust, orange and white. 

At Dusk

taken:
day eighty nine
09.17.2011

I almost forgot to take my photos for the day, but I wasn't going to let that happen again. So even though it was getting late and the sun was very low I grabbed my camera and went out on the patio. I snapped some photos of this moss rose. I like this photo for the detail on the curled leaf and the softenss of the petals in the dim light.

Little Blondie

taken:
day eighty eight
09.16.2011

I don't know why but we seem to encounter caterpillars on our way to the school bus stop. On this day we first saw a wooly bear caterpillar. Then we saw this super fluffy golden blond caterpillar. I tried to figure out what kind of caterpillar it was but didn't have any luck. Since seeing this one we've seen many more, and always on strolls down our street, weird!

Catch the Sun

taken:
day eighty seven
09.15.2011

This is what sunlight looks like as it dances on the tips of wild grasses in the afternoon. If the camera catches the sun just right, it’ll capture something magical.

Super Star

taken:
day eighty six
09.14.2011

The last half of the summer was pretty dry. Lush green turned into crunchy brown. But this morning glory still splashed with color. It’s bloom, just about to pop open, looked like a super star, twinkling pale blue among the flaxen lawn in the background.

Such is Life

day eighty five
09.13.2011

I let myself down on this day. It was late at night, drowsy from the busy day,  I felt my heart sink as I realized that I forgot to take photos for my 94 Days of Summer project. How could I have forgotten? 

I was faced with the inner negativity that I failed, afraid that it would halt me in my tracks. And then I decided, I would not let this little hurdle stop me from finishing what I set out to accomplish. So instead of sharing a photo for the day I'm sharing some of my typography. A lovely quote from Doris Day's signature song. A song I remember my mom singing to me when I was a girl. With a meaning so simple yet so powerful. For on this day I learned a lesson in letting go, persevering in the shadow of disappointment and surrendering control. 

Such is life, I told myself, whatever will be, will be. It's time I open myself up to the notion that not everything is perfect and that we don't always know how things will turn out. Que sera sera.

Sunshiny

taken:
day eighty four
09.12.2011

This sunshiny chrysanthemum adds a hint of warm fall color to a container garden along my front sidewalk. It replaced some fuchsia petunias that were worn out after a summer full of beautiful bright blooms.

Fluttering and Free

taken:
day eighty three
09.11.2011

It was September 11th. A somber day of remembrance. A day heavy with memories of that tragic day ten years ago when America trembled with disbelief and life as we knew it changed forever. 

This black eastern swallowtail butterfly lightened the day. A lifting spirit, fluttering among the white garden phlox blossoms, free from the worries of the day.

A Lovely Shade Of Lavender

taken:
day eighty two
09.10.2011

On a relaxing Saturday afternoon nature walk with my mom and my sons I spotted this 'red clover' tucked a few feet off the trail. It was tucked away like a little gem in a safe and special place. Quenched by a bit of soft and subtle sunlight. I wonder though, why is it called a 'red clover'? It's not at all red. Instead it's a lovely shade of lavender. 

Bringing Out The Brightness

taken:
day eighty one
09.09.2011

This ground cover grows only a few inches high but spans more than nine feet wide. It's been a bit of mystery to me for years because although It's growing in my landscaping I don't remember ever planting it. Every year I've watched as this dainty plant grew broader, creeping closer and closer to the concrete driveway and now this summer spilling onto the driveway. Leaving me to think it's probably time for a pruning. I love the way the evening sun highlights the leaves from behind bringing out the brightness in the green foliage and giving them a white halo.

Majestic Flight

taken:
day eighty
09.08.2011

I caught a glimpse of these geese flying overhead on a mid morning walk through my yard. A prefect v-formation. Such a majestic sight. Maybe they were flying south for the winter already? Perhaps in search of warmer days.

Bittersweet

taken:
day seventy nine
09.07.2011

The mighty sunflower. A sure sign that summer is nearing it's end. Which makes me a bit sad but at the same time I love sunflowers. It's bittersweet. This time of year always leaves me longing for the next spring already. When Minnesota is emerging from the long winter and planning out the summer garden is on the horizon. Sunflowers are always in my garden plans. As I plant the seeds I'm excited for the time when they will bloom, but I'm patient, knowing that it signifies the end of my favorite season. 

This blazing sunflower is an 'autumn beauty' variety. It's the perfect variety for cutting and making into arrangements to brighten up the home for fall decorating.

Something to Admire

taken:
day seventy eight
09.06.2011

The silken center of a daylily. It's something to admire. Daylilies never disappoint. From spring to fall they bring vivid color to gardens and landscaping everywhere. Some may find them common and possibly boring and mundane. But if you look closely you'll appriciate the dreamy softness and dainty ripples in their petals. Also the amazing detail in the stamens inviting bees and butterflies from afar. And the strong, sturdy foliage and stems that anchor these pretty plants to the earth. Never ignore what might be common, you might miss something.

Rejoicing

taken:
day seventy seven
09.05.2011

Yet another pretty cosmo. Like I mentioned before, I can't get enough of them. My summer has been full of these beauties {here and here and here and here}. This one just makes me happy. It's so pure. A proud and bold cosmo with extended petals rejoicing the sun up above.

Middle of Nowhere

taken:
day seventy six
09.04.2011

Our second day in Iowa at the Tri State Raceway and the showers of Saturday gave way to a sunshiny Sunday at the racetrack. The wind blew stronger than I would have liked but it was great to see the sun beaming. 

Again I walked along the perimeter of the raceway. This is the fence that surrounded it. Bordered by lots of wild grasses and flowers blowing brisk in the strong rustic breeze. The roar of engines and smoke from the burnouts broke the silence of the natural surroundings. It's kind of strange but this little raceway somehow is immersed smack dab right in the middle of nowhere. Amid the peaceful countryside with farmhouses and cornfields in the distance.

A Weekend in Iowa

taken:
day seventy five
09.03.2011

A weekend in Iowa at the Tri State Raceway with my husband and my sons left me wondering if I’d be able to get any nature shots. Plus it was a very rainy Saturday. The rain came down on and off all day. The race was canceled and we were cooped up in the RV for a good part of the afternoon. 

Later, between the rain showers, I was able to walk along the outskirts of the raceway only to find that there were tons of these wild sunflowers growing everywhere. A blissful discovery. Finally a bit of brightness to the gloomy day.

Gentle Blessing

taken:
day seventy four
09.02.2011

"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; 

for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament.  

Welcome it in every fair face, 

in every fair sky, 

in every fair flower, 

and thank God for it as a cup of blessing." 

 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The cosmos are flourishing. Their beauty is gentle, tranquil, quiet and shy. They bring serenity to the garden and they also bring a reminder of the beautiful blessings from mother nature. I love the calmness of this photo. The feeling of escape from the busyness of daily life.

Papery and Pink

taken:
day seventy three
09.01.2011

This is the center of a pretty hollyhock blossom in my garden. I haven't had a lot of luck with hollyhocks. The leaves end up looking terrible {dried and shriveled} but the blooms make up for it by revealing papery, delicate, pink petals towering high along tall stems.

Early Morning Gems

taken:
day seventy two
08.31.2011

This is more like it! These are the dew drops I was looking for a few weeks ago that I love. They are like polished glass gems clutching onto the bright orange marigold petals. Early in the morning, before they have a chance the evaporate, these dew drops reflect the sunlight, perfectly round, luminescent and shiny. 

Still Bursting

taken:
day seventy one
08.30.2011

Summer is slowly fading. I wish it could last forever. And ever. And ever. And ever. Summer is the best. Thankfully my zinnias are extending summer in the garden, still bursting in shades of red, orange, white and pink. This vibrant pink zinnia beams with beauty and brightness and life.

Savoring Summer

taken:
day seventy
08.29.2011

About the only color radiating in prairie flowers these days is yellow. Sunny golden yellow. It's the goldenrod's turn to shine. This 'painted lady' butterfly dances from one 'stiff goldenrod' blossom to the next. Savoring the end of summers sweet bounty.

Lazy Sunny Sunday

taken:
day sixty nine
08.28.2011 

Equipped with homemade turkey sandwiches, carrot sticks and kettle chips, my husband, my sons and I made our way to a park for a lazy Sunday family picnic. Our destination, a park where the Rum River and the Mississippi River meet. It's a tranquil park surrounded by river waters and huge {HUGE} oak trees. It was our first time visiting that park, a new adventure.

After we ate our picnic lunch, we took a stroll along the nature path. There were many of these pretty yellow 'cut-leaf coneflowers' growing beside the high river shoreline. The bumble bees were buzzing about too while we enjoyed the view, the flowers, the sun and the lazy Sunday.

Still Be Wonderful

taken:
day sixty eight
08.27.2011

I really can't get enough of our cosmos this year. They are so pretty. So much so that I've decided that next year I'm going to plant tons. Rows and rows of them. Bright, happy, pink, white, orange and yellow rows of them. Enough to cut bouquets to bring in the house and enough to leave in the garden for the bees and butterflies to enjoy. It's going to be wonderful...that is if I can remember this plan. And in the case that I forget, I'll probably end up planting my usual small batch of each variety. But that'll still be wonderful.

Soaked from the sprinkler this cosmo, in my older son's garden, droops with water drops and looks groggy after a long day in the sun. 

Amber Bursts

taken:
day sixty seven
08.26.2011

With the sun setting in the sky and the the 'yellow foxtail' at it's peak you'll find bright glowing sparklers atop long thin stems. At the right time of day and the right type of angle this bunch of beaming foxtail, growing across the street along my road, is dazzling with radiant amber bursts flowing in the gentle evening breeze.

If This Tree Could Talk

taken:
day sixty six
08.25.2011

The end of August means the beginning of the Minnesota State Fair. A beloved event for many Minnesotans. It's something I've looked forward to every year of my life. I love the State Fair. The food, the people watching, the walking, the exhibits, the animals, the shows, the everything.

This was the first day of the State Fair. My mom, my sons and I got there early for our nearly 13 hour day of fun. It was a lovely day. Midday we took a relaxing break at a park and bandshell. As we rested under a tree I actually took a nap. It was heaven. Surrounded by music, people and scents of pronto pups, this was my view, a tall and stately tree. If this tree could talk imagine what it would say about all the people that have strolled under it over the years.

Cheerful Perfection

taken:
day sixty five
08.24.2011

There's something so special about a zinnia with it's seemingly flawless petals. The layers of cushiony, cheerful petals are almost irresistible. This zinnia is like a ruffle of pure pink perfection.

Rising Sunflower

taken:
day sixty four
08.23.2011

With summer a little more than half over {officially} the sunflowers are beginning to beam. It's a sure symbol that autumn is in our future and school is about to start.

It won't be long and this rising sunflower will be blooming in all it's golden glory, with rusty hues of autumn, praising the warm late summer sun.

Bubbly Blurry Dewdrops

taken:
day sixty three
08.22.2011

Just a bit of bubbly blurry dewdrops, bright and early, glistening in the morning sunlight. You can almost hear twinkling as the dreamy world is awoken at daybreak, cleansed with dew and highlighted by the new sun. 

Pretty Pink Accents

taken:
day sixty two
08.21.2011

While at a park with my sons and on the lookout for something pretty I came across these bundles of teeny tiny pink blooms. They are called 'swamp smartweed'. Not a very pretty name. Not a pretty name at all. 

But these pink blooms ARE pretty and they gleamed in the afternoon sunlight, accenting the edge of a marshy stretch on the outskirts of the park.