A Forest Find

Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Mama Downy Woodpecker

I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.
― Alan Wilson Watts 

Mama Downy hanging out at the bird feeder wreath.

Female Cardinal Perched in the Pines

Good heavens, of what uncostly material is our earthly happiness composed... if we only knew it. What incomes have we not had from a flower, and how unfailing are the dividends of the seasons. 
~ James Russell Lowell

Fly Away Home

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. ~Frederick Keonig

Quickly it Goes

The lost leaves measure our years; they are gone as the days are gone.

~Richard Jefferies,

Walking the Line

In my travels I found no answers, only wonders.

 Marty Rubin

Ready for Take Off

Doesn't that Look Like Fun?!

A highlight of our vacation one summer (in North Carolina) was seeing all of the birds that I never get to see normally. It was fun to see this guy running through the mud getting ready to take off. I'm just sorry that it isn't a clearer picture. I was totally unprepared! Hope you all have a Wonderful Day!

The Arrival

Oh Those Leaves! 

 In my Cafe Press shop as a set of note cards - Here.

Butterflies in Flight - An Autumn Dance

For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad. ~Edwin Way Teale

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

Beauties and Mysteries

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” ~ Rachel Carson

Wishing you A Happy Day!

Destination Unknown

Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.

~ Matsuo Basho

Blue-headed Vireo

Blue-headed Vireo seen during one of my walks. They blend in really well with the leaves.  I really love his little white "eye rings" that extend out to his beak. Looks like he's wearing little white glasses :)  
Have a Wonderful Day!!

Caterpillar Courage

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. 
~ e.e. cummings

Let's Dance!

Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.
~Voltaire 

 This is one of the Herons that Hubby and I saw while on vacation in North Carolina. It looked like he was doing some dance moves! 

 Hope you all have a FABULOUS Day!

A Favorite Place

This is the scene along one of my favorite trails. I am VERY fortunate to have a LOT of nice walking trails where I live.

Happy Thursday!

Handsome Mr. Red

A Tweet of Greeting
He Poses
Handsome Mr Red 

Skink and His Colorful Tree

I saw this little guy while I on vacation in North Carolina at the end of June 2010.  I thought he was a cutie - but I also LOVE the bark on this tree!

Present Blessings

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some” ~Charles Dickens
Hope your day is full of blessings!

Like Stained Glass

~~ Viceroy Butterfly ~ a mimic of the Monarch~~
"Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life." ~Rachel Carson

A Monarch Moment

Imagination is the highest kite that can fly. ~Lauren Bacall

Hope your kite is flying high today!!

The Tuxedo Bird

You were expecting a penguin right? But doesn't this little guy look like he's got a tux on too? At the very least a nice suit :)

To sing is to love and affirm, to fly and soar, to coast into the hearts of the people who listen, to tell them that life is to live, that love is there, that nothing is a promise, but that beauty exists, and must be hunted for and found.~Joan Baez.

A Tasty Treat for a Cedar Waxwing

Yes, you guessed it - I was digging into my archives again. This one is from October. This cedar waxwing is getting ready to feast on a what looks to be a wasp. I wonder how they eat them without getting stung?  

Wake up with a smile and go after life .... Live it, enjoy it, taste it, smell it, feel it. 
 ~ Joe Knapp

The Birdie Buffet

I wonder if the birds in this tree think that they are at an all-you-can-eat buffet?  An image from my archives from October 2010.   That tree sure had a lot of berries, and the birds sure did love it. I am hoping it has a lot this year too so that the birds can sit down to dinner one day and eat until they are full :)  

A September Moment

I really LOVE September. It may be my favorite month of the year. Everything is still green but there is a hint of Fall colors just around the corner. Some leaves start to fall which makes it easier to see the birds. Days aren't quite so hot and we get to sleep with the windows open ~ one of life's simple pleasures :) Hope your day is full of simple pleasures!

Follow the Berries

If you find a tree with berries, most likely you will find a tree with birds in it. However, spotting those birds can be a bit of a problem. They really do blend right in! I am not sure what kind of bird this is (a warbler of some kind??) but I'm hoping my dear blogging friends can help ID it :)  

**Edited ~ possibly a Nashville Warbler**

Orange and Black Caterpillar

 These caterpillars remind me of Fall with their orange and black colors. Almost like a Halloween caterpillar :)

I think this is a Tussock Moth Caterpillar 

Mystery

Let the mystery carry you breathlessly along.
― Marty Rubin 

I "think" this is a leaf-footed bug. Whatever it is, I thought it looked kind of neat!  

Towhee in the Tree

 During the summertime it is so hard for me to get any decent shots of birds. The birds are usually hiding behind the leaves. This Towhee was a bit more cooperative.  It helps when the leaves start to thin out a bit.   

The Monarch and The Moth

Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.
~ Ruth Reichl
A Monarch Butterfly and an Ailanthus Webworm Moth feeding together.
I LOVE it when they share!

Together

How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.
~ Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel