Backyard Blast

taken:
day thirteen
07.03.2011

On the eve of the 4th of July the fireworks are usually already flying. 

My dad and brother set off this spectacular show. It’s always fun to try to get a few photos of the fireworks. I’m often surprised when indeed some of the photos turn out because I don’t use a tripod and in between pressing the shutter release button I’m continually swatting away flocks of mosquitos. Granted they’re not award winning photos but still fun!

Tangerine Horizon

taken:
day twelve
07.02.2011

There’s nothing like the serenity of watching the sun disappear behind the horizon. It’s almost as if you can feel the world calming as the air cools and the light fades. And sometimes you are blessed with colors so vivid that you’d swear you were on a another planet.

This is the sunset over Lake Mille Lacs. The lake is so vast that you can only barely see land in the distance. Sometime I imagine I’m on a Hawaiian Island or on the shore of Jamaica soaking in the finale of a tropical day. And with dew points reaching the 70s on some summer days, Minnesota can feel pretty tropical itself.

Glittery Droplets

taken:
day eleven
07.01.2011

I just love surprises in the garden. And gardens offer up many surprises, usually daily.

Just in time for July 1st my day lilies began blooming overnight. After a good soaking from the sprinkler right away in the morning this lovely day lily is glittering with water droplets.

Bracing for the Heat

taken:
day ten
06.30.2011

It was a steamy morning. With temps in the upper 90s and dew points in the 70s predicted for the next couple of days the air feels sticky and dense. Maybe summer is here to stay!

This black eyed susan is basking in the morning sun bracing itself for the heat of the day.

Cotton Candy Sky

taken:
day nine
06.29.2011

The sun has been shining and the sky has been bright. And now that the sun is finally beaming, the sunsets have been extra beautiful. The clouds overhead have taken on pink and orange hues. 

This fluffy cloud looks like sweet cotton candy in the sky.

Dreamy Bells

taken:
day eight
06.28.2011

I love exploring the gardens and yards of my family and friends. It’s so fun to discover flowers, plants and light that I don’t have in my own yard.

These dreamy coral bells are in my mother-in-law's garden. They are so enchanting with their tiny pink bell shaped flowers wavering in the breeze. 

Neon Lights

taken:
day seven
06.27.2011

My butterfly weed is exploding with color this time of year. It's vivid orange is like neon lights flashing to the butterflies and bees that pass by my garden. With these tiny enticing flowers they are a sure sign that summer is truly here.  

Sweet Surprise

taken:
day six
06.26.2011

I’m tired of all the clouds we’ve had lately. There's only been spotty sunshine for far too many days in a row. I’m sun deprived and need a full day of bright sunny-ness. Even if it means heat and humidity too.

This black moth and sunny yellow wild flower caught my eye today. The moth is snacking, can you tell? It's indulging on a sweet sip of nectar. I love that the camera captured something I didn't see until I viewed the photo later. A sweet surprise.

Warm Welcome

taken:
day five
06.25.2011

Moss roses have become a new favorite of mine. Especially in container gardens. With their layers of paper-like petals they appear so delicate yet are very hardy. Displaying their brightly colored blooms all season long makes them a must in the garden each and every summer.

This moss rose is a cheerful greeter in a container garden along our front sidewalk offering a warm welcome.

In the Tall Grass

taken:
day four
06.24.2011

It's fun to explore. And you never know what will come fluttering by when strolling through tall grasses. 

Today as I walked the fringe of my yard I passed by deer tracks, wild yarrow and a playful chickadee. Then this little moth flickered past and landed in front of me. Halting only for a moment. Just enough time to pose for a photo. Then it was gone in a flash as quickly as it came.

Almost But Not Quite

taken:
day three
06.23.2011

It's supposed to be summer, right? Well mother nature has us fooled because today was another cloudy, dismal and cold day feeling more like October than June. It was only in the low 60's. Ugh! Luckily for us though, warmer and sunnier weather is on it's way with 80's in the forecast for next week. Summer may make a grand entrance after all. Hurray! 

This black eyed susan is about to make a grand entrance as well. Almost ready to reveal it's cheerful petals and brighten up the garden.

Sunny on a Cloudy Day

taken:
day two
06.22.2011

Today is cloudy, chilly and downright dreary. Raindrops are still lingering from last nights storms. These happy honeysuckle vines bring sunshine even when it's cloudy.

Summers Glow

taken:
day one
06.21.2011

There are 94 days of summer and today is the first...hello summer! It was a very rainy start. The rain came down on and off all day leaving only moments of sun. Finally as the sun peeked out this evening it gave me a chance to grab my camera and head outside. I love searching for sunlight and raindrops. 

I snapped this photo of a willow shrub glowing in the summers first sunshine showing off the evidence of a rainy afternoon.

Summer and New Beginnings

It’s almost officially summer! The world around us is becoming lush and green. Flower blossoms are blooming bright and beautiful. Veggie sprouts are bursting from the soil. My favorite time of year! Witnessing the freshness of summer always amazes me. This is the season that overflows my heart with happiness. It’s the season of newness and growth.

Which is what brings me to take a huge step...starting this blog. As summer begins, my jounery of newness and growth begins as well. My venture is just unfolding and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.