Spirit Forward

Well! Do I look like I am ready for the Christmas spirit season?

Where I worked at there is a hat decoration contest. So I threw on all the old and new pins I have earned through the many years I have work. I even attached a small string of blinking light to make it more festive.

Last night at work I was told that someone earlier in the week came in and paid off five peoples lay-a-ways. Out of those five people who came to pick up their lay-a-ways, one went on to pay off someone else's lay-a-way.

I was also told that in another state a person paid off every one's lay-a-way. What a great way to pay the Christmas spirit forward.

I can not pay off any one's lay-a-way, but I can pay the spirit of Christmas forward in other acts of kindness.

Muskrat Love

The first day in Iowa, Don and I set out to explore the area. There was a little pond by the hotel. Don noticed something going into the water. When the muskrat went under the ice, we waited to see where it would come back up. When he did he had something in his mouth. it was sometime of vegetation and he was enjoying a good meal.

I just love watching this little muskrat. I just think that they are cute creatures. It was a nice start to a great weekend attending my nephew's wedding.

God blessed this weekend with great weather and safe traveling. It was nice spending time with family and enjoying God's creation.

I pray that the newly weds enjoy loving each other for years to come as I enjoy watching this muskrat loving his meal.  

Eagle Fight

For the past several years I have been waiting to see eagle fight over a fish in the sky. Well, this past Saturday I finally got to witness it. It was so cool seeing the second eagle fly almost upside down and try to grab the fish from the first eagle.

He did not succeed and left empty footed so to speak. He tried a couple of more times and still did not get the fish.

I wondered why they do this. There are so many fishing just jumping out of the water begging to be caught. Yet the eagles fight over the one caught.

I sometimes find myself wanting what someone else has, but I will not go to war for it. I will try to find a way to obtain it by earning it myself. If it is God's will, it will happen.  

Room In Each Refrigerator.

Today we set off to go to my nephew's wedding. It is a long ride to Iowa. We only made it half way and decided to stop at a Best Western.

The receptionist sign us in, and mention that it had been a long day for her as well.  So when I asked her if our room had a refrigerator in it. She said "Of course. There is a room in each refrigerator." Well, that made my night.

If we had to sleep in a refrigerator, we might as well be like this wren and sleep outside in the snow. I am so glad that we have a warm room with a small frig and not the other way around.

 Tomorrow is going to be another long ride. At the end of this part we get to be with family. It might be cold outside there as well, but I will have a warm feeling inside with my family.

Shopping Surprise

After heading for  my car from my shopping trip to BJ's, I noticed several birds flying in and out of one of the tree. Upon closer inspection, I saw that they were robins. I got into my car and notice that there were smaller birds among the same tree. So I drove next to the tree to investigate. It was not long before I was able to make out the other birds. They were cedar waxwings.

The cedar waxwings were having a party devouring the berries on the tree. Between the waxwings, robins and a few sparrows, a squirrel was enjoying the fruits of this tree as well. It was a nice treat even with a raining day. It is my silver lining in the clouds.

We all need that silver lining. My shopping surprise made my day.

Slow Down

Every time I entered Harford Glen, I would see this sign, "Please Slow Down Wildlife At Work." Of course I never have seen this. What kind of work do they do? They just go on with their lives doing what wildlife do.

The part of this sign I like the most is where it said to slow down. How often I find myself rushing around because there is not enough time in the day to get my work done, Add the fact that I love to go out take pictures, write these blogs plus spend much of my time on this computer time flies away too fast.

I need to slow down. I need to spend more time with God. I need to let Him work in me His will. Than I can enjoy watching wildlife at work. Which is one of my favorite thing to do.

Wreath Decor

It is time for my autumn wreath decoration to go. I need to make room for a more festive wreath.

This afternoon I will be heading to the annual Festival of Trees. There will be plenty of trees and wreaths to see. I should be able to come up with a new idea for a wreath to hang on the door.

This year I would love to make it an old fashion kind of Christmas. Today there should be plenty of decors to view.

Every year I decorate the home with a hodgepodge of decorations. I want a theme this year.

The main theme will be Jesus, with a side of time gone by. I can not wait to see what I come up with.

Snow With Thanksgiving

Who would have thought that the day before Thanksgiving that is would be snowing? Not me. I was hoping for a warm sunny day filled with white fluffy clouds. As I look out my door I see the rain pouring down. Yet, the news is reporting that we may get up to five inches of the fluffy stuff.

There will be many people traveling to relatives. While I enjoy a good snow when I don't have to be out in it, I know the dangers of roads. So my prayers are that God's angels are out in force protecting everyone.

This is a family holiday. A time to get together, eat a lot of food and give thanks for the many blessings. But I do know that it is a time to reflect on the love ones we have lost this year as well.

I pray that God's angels watches over my sister's and brother's families. They may not be here to share in the snowy Thanksgiving, but they are in our hearts. I will eat an extra portions for them.

Ice Flower

The frost patterns on the hood of my car were just beautiful.  I never knew what they were called until I just happen to watch the weather channel.  They are called fern frosts or another name they go by is ice flowers

What ever they are call it is just another example of the wonders of God's handy work. I can not help but think how just the right set of circumstances makes these crystallized beauty on the car.

I expect this winter to be brutal. Yet I am looking forward to see more of these wonderful ice flowers now that I know what they are called.

Seventy Plus

Four years ago, this simple little turf titmouse caught my attention. He was just too darn cute. So I got to wondering what other cute little birds might be hanging around. This started my search for birds at the Mariner.

Another bird watcher told me once that he had documented over one hundred species. Well! Those that know me, knows that I had to start a count of my own. I wanted to document one hundred plus  as well. I am up to seventy.

Over the past four years these birds have kept me entertained. Some have stolen my heart. While others have peaked my curiosity. I have learned more than I ever thought. Now I teach others about the birds of this park.

I am not an expert. But I do know how to get certain birds to show themselves. I love the reactions of the children and their parents when I can get the chickadees, nuthatches and titmouse to land on the fences.

Before the year is out, I want to say that I have seventy plus. I guess I have a lot of walking and picture taking to do if I hope to achieve this.

Fall Decor

I can remember seeing decorations for the fall season everywhere long before Thanksgiving. But it seems that the holidays consist of only Halloween and Christmas. Every year Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier, In fact, most stores had their Christmas decorations out before Halloween.

I love Thanksgiving. It is a time to reflect on all the blessings throughout the past year. It is a warm the heart time of year. Families get together and feast on the goodness of this time of season. The harvest is in and we give of the bounty.

When I put up my decorations, I can not help but think of all the past Thanksgivings. I am reminded of the blessings of family, friends and food. I look at my fall decor with a longing heart of days gone by. Yet I see hope for my future as well.

Jesus gave His life for me. This also warms my heart. I am thankful for all the blessings. I will keep my fall decorations up until December 1st. I want to be reminded that Thanksgiving is a true holiday to celebrate for more than one day.

Eagle Watching

My husband and I went out to go eagle watching. We were free for the day. My grandson was not here. The weather was great after a cold windy day the day before. With cameras in hand we set off.

When we got to the road that led to the Conowingo Dam, we encounter a road block. It turns out that this day just happen to be "Conowingo Eagles Day." Anyone and everyone who has a love for eagles were trying to get there as well.

We ended up going to the visitor's center parking lot and taking a shuttle bus down to our destination. We waited for about thirty minutes to get on the bus. I was not expecting to see that there were several stands and tables set up for this day.

They were there to give everyone an opportunity to learn about wildlife photography, bald eagles and birding. The best part was that there were many different birds of prey being shown. I was in seventh heaven.

I took so many pictures of these birds that I almost forgot why I was there, and that was to see the eagles. Eagle lovers of every kind were lined up with their cameras. The eagle were showing off for the cameras. It was as if they knew that they were the stars of this day.

This is an yearly event. You can bet that next year I will be ready.

Groundhog Evidence

Sometime after moving here from Niagara Falls, New York, my cousins came to visit. We took them to the HDG boardwalk. As we made our way down the boardwalk we encounter a groundhog. I was unable to get a good picture. So for the past ten years plus I keep searching for him.

 This time I looked again like always around all the holes. I knew he was still around. The evidences were all around. Several times others would tell me they just saw him, and I would run to get the picture. But again he would elude me.

The evident was not wrong. It was just a matter of time. So as I was leaving there he was peering out at me. I finally got my picture.

Evidence of our Creature is everywhere. Sometime it does elude us. Yet the evident is not wrong. unlike the groundhog, He is always there. We just need to keep seeking Him. I promise it will be worth it.

Queen Autumn

I told my co-workers that I would wear a costume for Halloween. Every year a handful of employees will dress up. Some will go all out, while others will just wear a hat.

I wanted my costume to represent me, the real me. I thought long and hard about my costume.

It was kind of chilly this morning. So I threw on a sweatshirt that my cousin sent me. The sweat shirt is me because it is from Niagara Falls like me. It has fall leaves on it which is my favorite time of year. And it is a fall color.

I bought me a orange wig, a crown and threw on some fake leaves. I pronounce myself Queen Autumn. Somwhat do you think? Is It me?

The Great Pumpkin

One of my favorite cartoon this time of the season is "It's The  Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". It takes me back to my childhood and the innocence of my youth. Life seemed so easy than.

I can relate to each of the characters in this Halloween special. My favorite is Snoopy. I never get tire of all the adventures he gets involved with. He lives in his own little world of a vivid imagination.

There are many times I would love to escape into my own little world. Life can get so hard and complicated. I long for the simple times when all I was responsible for was cleaning my room.

Life is not so simple anymore. But I am alright with that. Like Linus who has complete faith that the Great Pumpkin would arrive, I have faith that God who is greater than the Great Pumpkin or anyone else will arrive to guide me.

The Great Pumpkin, the Easter bunny and Santa Claus are all stories and not real. I am glad that God is real and not just a story for a season. He is the Story for all seasons.

Seagull First

Anytime that I am around any body of water, I know I will see at least one seagull. They always are the first to go after the breads, crackers and peanuts that people toss at the ducks, geese and squirrels.

This time I saw a seagull first. I was watching them glide along the water and wonder what they were doing. Than I saw this seagull catch a fish. This was a first for me. They actually work for their meal sometime.

I love it when I see God's creatures doing what God created them to do. We all have been created to do good works. When we seek to do God's will for our life, we make the world a better place.

Each day when I make my way out in this world, I hope that God see that the first thing I do is seek Him first.

Inside And Out

Ever notice that the wings of a butterfly looks different from the inside and out? Sometimes the inside of the wings are more colorful, and sometimes the outside holds more beauty. Than there are some butterfly's wing that looks good from the inside and out.

People are like that as well. They may look great on the outside but hold some darkness on the inside. Than there are others who are not attractive to the eyes but the beauty within shines bright. There are a few that has it both ways.

If I had to choice, I would want all my beauty to come from the inside. The outer being grows old and looses is beauty over time. I know because I just have to look in the mirror to see what little beauty I had is gone.

Yet, the inner beauty can grow when we allow God to be in control. I want the inner beauty to shine bright for all to see. So as I grow even older I seek God's guidance. With His help my beauty will shine.

The Treasure Box

When I got to be part of this pass year Fourth of July parade, I made the treasure box to put on the float. I gathered up little trinkets, costume jewelry and an old chest. With a little bit of hot glue, I created this decoration.

This got me to thinking. What would I put into a real treasure box? If I could gather up what I hold dear to my heart, what would it look like?

I would like to think that it would be overflowing with precious memories of all the good things in my life. With each trinket a story of bravery, sacrifice or love would be attached.

But my life has been a simple one. My treasure box is full of costume jewelry and old picture frames that are worthless to others. Yet, I do hold dear the memories that they hold for me.

My treasure box is priceless to me. And that is all that matters.

Love The Sparrow

I just love the little birds that are in every bodies' backyards. One of my favorite bird is the sparrow. They are such a simple little creature. Yet there are so many different species that is it hard to pick just one.

The sparrows that I have been watching this pass year has entertained and taught me about God's love. If God cares enough to provide these silly playful birds all that they need, how much more will He provide this playful somewhat silly person all that I need?

God's eyes are on the sparrow. He watches over me as well. I know He love His sparrows. I also know He loves me. Thank God for the sparrows.

In Your Face

It look like this robin had something in his face. I don't know if he was trying to wear this moth or if the moth was trying to get in his face. Whatever was going on it was funny to watch.

So many times things get in front of my face and keeps me from seeing what is happening around me. I allow these things to take my focus away from God. I need to get the distractions away from my face. But, that is not always easy to do.

I know that this robin made the moth a tasty meal. I just wish I could do that with all the things that get in my face.

Eat Like A Squirrel

When you think about what squirrels eats, the first thing that comes into mind is peanuts. Over the many years of watching them I find that they eat a wide variety of food. This one is eating a mushroom.

Squirrels eat all kinds of vegetation. I see them hanging off many limbs and stretched out as far as they can reach to get the sweet morsels of fruits, nuts and flowers. It is this wide range of food that completes their diet.

I often look at what I eat and realize that it is not healthy or consist of a wide range of food that is needed for my body. I need to rethink my diet and eat like a squirrel.

A Closer Look

As I was driving by the marsh I pulled  over like I always do. Nothing unusual. Off in the distant I see my swans. A good two dozen Canada geese are swimming together like always. Than something catches my eyes.

At first I thought it was a pigeon. It was acting really weird. So I got out my camera took several shots. When I took a closer look, I could see that it was not a pigeon but a belted kingfisher. The reason it was acting weird was that he was trying to eat his catch of the day.

I love visiting the marsh. I never know what I will get to see. But when I take the time to get a closer look  it is always a nice surprise.

Quitting Is Not An Option

Three times he tried. Three times he failed. Yet quitting it not an option for this hawk. If he quit he would not get his next meal.

There is so many times I want to quit. I had a bad day at work, so I want to quit job. My kids are driving me crazy, so I want to quit motherhood. My husband doesn't understand me, so I want to quit my marriage. Yet quitting is not an option.

When I have these bad days I just turn to God. I know that God will never quit on me. He gives me the strength and the wisdom to carry on in spite of the difficulties.

Quitting is not an option. With God's help I never have to.

Duck Hair Do

Talk about a bad hair day, this duck needs to do something about his hair do.

I hate waking up in the morning and looking into the mirror. There is always a section of my hair sticking up like this duck's features. No matter how much I comb it it just will not stay down. I end up sticking my head in water to wet down my hair so that it will bend to my will.

There was another time that I had to stick my head in water. That time it was not me making my hair bend to my will. It was when I was bending my will to God.

The day I decided to give my life over to God was the best day of my life. Not only did I get a new hair do, I got a new life as well.

Now this doesn't mean that my life is perfect. What it means is when ever I have a bad hair day, I just turn to God to put my hair back into place.

Fearless Fox

First thing this morning I set off to getting back into the routine of walking again. As I got out of my car and made my way to the path someone pointed out a fox nearby. Boy was I excited about getting some pictures since I have not seen the fox all summer long.

This fox seemed to be fearless. As I was taking the pictures many other people were walking by and the fox kept his ground searching for food. Even when there were dogs walking by the fox showed no fear. As I got closer he even sat down to check me out. It wasn't until a dog started barking that he finally went into the bushes.

This is very unnatural. A fox should not be comfortable around people. Yet here he was excepting of us as though it was normal.

Many of the creatures here at the Mariner have come to except the coming and going of people. I think one of the reason is that most of these people respect these animals and keep their distant. Even I have the sense not to press my luck.

Even though the fox acted fearless, he had the sense to hide when danger got just a little to close for comfort. But I am glad he let me get close enough to get my picture.

Pending Storm

Today all my focus was spent dreading the pending storms throughout the day. You see I am afraid of water. I can not handle the thought of being surrounded by water of any kind. Driving in any kind of rain storm puts me into panic mode. So I prayed and prayed.

God knows my fears. He knows what I can handle. Today I had to go out several time. The blessing was that it fell in between the storms. Also my daughter left work early to take me to the doctor appointment because she knows my fear as well.

God makes a way through each storm in my life. I know there are times that I have to face my fears. Yet through prayer I get a helping hand. Even though I will always dread the pending storms, I know from where my help comes from.

Butterfly Wonder

I wonder how long butterfly stick around? It seems like that through out spring, summer and autumn they are fluttering around enjoying their short life. The beauty of these delicate creatures decorates the changing landscape. I will hate to see them go.

I wonder what the reason for this. Why did God create something that has so much beauty last only a short time. What ever the reason I can only guess.

I also wonder why God brings other beauty into my life only to have it go so soon. I want to hang onto them for the rest of my life. Yet God reasoning is beyond my understanding.

So until they are gone for good, I will seek them out, share pictures of God's butterfly wonders and enjoy the other blessings to the fullness of my ability.

Pumpkins Pumpkins And More Pumpkins

Pumpkin, pumpkins and more pumpkins.The pumpkin patch. It is full of possibilities.

When I look at these orange spheres of beauties my mouth waters at the thought of a juicy pumpkin pie. The aroma of fresh baked pumpkin bread brings fond memories of autumn days gone by. Not to forget the joy of carving these each October brings out the child in me.

 Fall is my favorite time of year. The heat of the summer is over, and then cold of the winter days are still a couple of months away. The trees leaves are changing, and soon they will show their true colors. It warms my soul every year.

It is time for me to pull out my favorite recipes and get down to baking pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins.

Had To Go For It

Today I decided to go for a ride. It has been too long being trapped inside recovering from surgery. The sky was blue, temperature just right and I was feeling pretty good, so I had to go for it. Just like this hawk taking off to catch his prey, I took off to get some pictures.

He was just one of the many pictures I took today. The first stop was the marsh where my swans live. They were there along with some wood ducks, geese and turtles.

The next stop was the pond by the hotel. I usually look for the resident wood duck. But he was not there. This time I got to get close to an egret, a few mallards and more geese.

 The third stop lead me to the industrial pond with the three fountains. There I got this hawk, a grebe and of course geese.

After my meeting with the writer's group I made my last stop at the Mariner. It was nice walking around there again. It was like visiting an old friend. Birds were everywhere along with the squirrels and the sound of whole ganders of geese.

I had to go for it, and it turned out to be a beautiful day.

Blood Moon

I could not sleep last night. Why you ask? Because I wanted to get pictures of the blood moon. Started from four am until six I kept my eyes on the progress of the eclipse.

What made this even a better experience is that I did not have to leave my home to get the picture. I just opened the window, sat on the love-seat and snapped away.

When I heard the rain through out the night, I thought it would end up too cloudy to get the shot. The storm soon moved on and than it was clear.

The blood moon is rare. It reminds me what a wonderful Creator we all have. If you missed it this morning. It will happen again in April. I will have my camera ready.

Farm Fresh Tomato

I just had one of my favorite food, a farm fresh tomato sandwich. I slice my tomato nice and thick, slap some mayonnaise on two slices of bread and sink my teeth into bliss.

If I had bought my tomato from the store it would not have been the same. There is something about getting it fresh from a produce or farmer's market that makes it worth all. If I could pick it myself that would even make it better. The fresher the tomato is, the better the experience.

The sad thing is that I can only get them for a short time. Soon it will be back to getting them from the store. But until than, I will enjoy every bite of my farm fresh tomatoes.

First Day Of Autumn

Today is the first day of autumn. Summer is a thing of the past. I am not sadden over this fact. I am looking forward to seeing the colors of this season. The colors of fall warms my spirit.

I set off today to get pictures of these colors. A visit to Brad's produce gave me what I was looking for. Between the mums, pumpkins and other produces, I soon felt in the mood for autumn. I even bought some tomatoes and peaches to eat later.

My favorite flower of the season is mums. It is such a simple plant, yet its blooms spread out inviting you to partake of its aroma and beauty. So I did. If I had the money I would have bought up the whole lot and brought them home.

Today is the first day of autumn. I can't wait to enjoy the rest of the days of this wonderful season.

Gripped By Fear

Today a neighbor was gripped by fear as she tried to get back down from her roof. Tried as she might she was unable to summon enough courage to get on the same ladder she had just use to get to the roof. So she called for help.

Within minutes the fire company arrive and gave her the encouragement she need to overcome her fear.

What gripped you with fear? Who do you call when you cannot summon enough courage?

I call on God. Within seconds He is there. In fact, He never left me. I just have to call out.

Drive By

One of the thing I have learned while on the many vacations with my cousins is that you can take many pictures as you drive by the sites. Even the elusive bears, wolves and hawks can be caught on camera during our drive-bys. It is being at the right place at the right time and having your camera ready that you get the shots. Just like this hawk on our last vacation together.

This holds true as I make my way around town going to work, shopping or the church. My camera sits by my side, and I am ready to take the shot of what ever comes my way.

I got to thinking, how ready am I when trials comes my way? Do I try and drive by them? I am afraid the answer is "yes". When trials comes my way, I hit the gas pedal and try to speed pass them.

Than God tells me that He is sitting there beside me. All I have to do is be ready and let Him be in control. When I do, He helps me not to drive by but to stop and take the picture.

If you are facing any trials today, I pray that you don't try to drive by them. Let God drive you to and through them. With Him the picture becomes clear when you reach the other side.

They Beckon Me

After yesterday stress test, I got to talking to the nurses about photography. One of them ask me if I had taken any pictures of the sunflowers off of Hess Road.

"No", I said. "But I was gonna do it the next morning".

Last night it was not just the pain in my leg that kept me from sleep, but the thoughts about sunflowers. They beckoned me.

This morning I set off to get my pictures. I use to think that sunflowers were big, bulky and ugly. But there is something about seeing a whole field of them that takes your breath away.

It is only than I realize the beauty of the single sunflower.

We are like these sunflowers in some ways. When we band together under the power of God, we do amazing things. The beauty of each of us shine.

These days I feel like the big, bulky sunflowers. God beckons me and with the help of the other sunflowers in my life I will shine also.

Do I Risk It

Only a few things puts the fear in me. Reading this sign when I was at the hospital today did just that. I had to go, so I risked it.

In a couple of weeks I am risking something else. I am having surgery on my back to decompress a couple of discs. I have been dealing with just too much pain in my leg. Two of the discs are pressing on the nerves that runs down my right leg. It has made it hard to sit, stand or walk for any length of time. I have not be able to get a good night sleep for quite a while.

Today I had a lexiscan done at the hospital. This is a stress test done with a shot to speed up my heart rate instead of using the treadmill. When I pass this I will be able to have surgery. Within a few weeks of my surgery I should be able to walk again without the pain.

I miss my nature walks. I miss doing my blogs. I miss feeling normal. Even though the surgery scares me, I am ready to risk it. I want my life back.

Another You Tell Me

Okay my bug friends, here is another I don't know what it is bug. I saw it at Harford Glenn. I was chasing the birds as I always do and came across this insect.

It was scary and big, yet cool at the same time. It just amazes me the many new bugs I have seen this year.

So, I will go home and research with the hope of naming this one. Unless you all can tell me and save me the trouble.

First Job

Do you remember when you did your first job for money? Was it delivering newspapers, baby sitting or mowing the lawn? Well, today Arthur made his first 20 bucks mowing a neighbor yard.

My first job was baby sitting. It was so nice earning my own money. My satisfaction was doing a job well. The money did not hurt also.

Arthur wanted to buy a new controller for his game system. I told him if he mow the lawn I would give him money towards one. It just worked out that our neighbor needed her lawn done as well. Between the two lawns he made enough to get the controller he wanted.

So off to the store with money in hand from two jobs well done. You go Arthur.

Had to Turn Back

Today as I past the marsh, my plan was not to stop like I always do. So I kept my eyes forward and drove on by. Than my eyes caught a glimpse of the swans close to the road. I had to turn back.

It was hard to get a good picture through the vegetation, But I did manage to get a few good shots. Than a truck past by and blew his horn and off they went.

This was the closes that I have been able to get to them. I am still trying to get that one perfect picture. But until than, every time I pass the marsh and see them, I will have to turn back.

Catfish Feeding Frenzy

What would bring a group of catfish so close to the edge of the pond? A bunch of children throwing pieces of bread into the water. It was a catfish party.

Actually it was a catfish feeding frenzy. They were pushing and shoving each other in all kinds of directions just to get their turn. It was fun to watch and the children enjoyed the interaction.

I wonder what would put me into a frenzy? What would I fight for if it was right there in front of me? I am not sure of the answer. But I would like to think that I would not push and shove others to get it. But than again I might just be the first one in line.

What Do I Do With It?

Today a friend called and asked if I wanted to walk around the Mariner with her. Of course I said yes. It has been a few weeks since I could ready do any kind of walking. As we near the end of the path we notice this bird.

He seemed lost and out of place. My friend and I were tossing out peanuts to attract the cardinals, blue jays and any other birds that might like peanuts. This bird did not seem to know what to do with the peanut.

The funny thing was that he would watch the other birds go for the peanuts and than he would try his luck. He would peck at it and than walk away. This went on for a while. He even would chase the other birds away, but yet he could not figure out what he was suppose to do with it.

I can relate to this bird. How many times have I try to copy what others were doing, only to not know what I was suppose to do? Everyone else knew. But I was lost and out of place.

I am sure this bird will figure it out someday. I am glad that I have family, friends and God to help me figure out what to do with my peanuts.

American Goldfinch

I have been trying for more years than I can count to get a good shot of a goldfinch. They are fast little buggers. As I pulled up to the drive through bank a pair landed next to my car. I was so glad I had my camera sitting next to me. And I was glad there was no one else waiting behind me so I could take my time shooting off many shots

Growing up I would call them Wild Canary. They were always fun to watch. But they were just birds, nothing special to me. Now I spend my days chasing them and learning all I can. I have become a birder.

When I sit in my room I am always looking out the back window. I watch the many birds go about their daily life. Sometime I run to get my camera when I see a new one or when I see my cat chasing one.

Seeing this Goldfinch made my day. Getting a picture of him made it even better. I love being a birder.

Super Moon

It has been a week since I have been able to go out and take pictures. So when I looked out my door Sunday night I was shocked to see the moon so clearly. I grabbed my camera and did my best to get a descent picture.

I found out on the news that this was called the Super Moon. This moon was at the point of being the biggest and brightest for the year. I am glad that God nudged me enough to look outside to see this rare event.

So many times I feel the nudges of God and push them aside because I am too busy doing my own thing. I wonder how many of His wonders I have missed because of my stubbornness? I am glad that this one night I listen and got to see this wonderful Super Moon.

Grandpa's Banjo

I am sitting here reflecting on the past. For some time now I have been dealing with a lot of pain in my right leg. The pain became so great I went to the hospital. I now have to wear a brace and keep my right leg elevated. So I have been going through the multitude of pictures that needed my attention.

This one picture was taken at my brother's home. He past away unexpectedly and just before his viewing I got to hold onto a banjo. Funerals and pictures has a habit of bringing back the memories of good times and bad.

Holding onto my grandpa's banjo brought back memories of good times during a hard time. This old worn out instrument represents love and acceptance. Grandpa Wood was a great man. My brother was a great man as well.

I find myself missing them both equally. Time has not erased my love for my Grandpa Wood. Time will not erase my love for my brother or my sister who past away months earlier.

This year has been a rough one so far. I am not sure what else to expect as the year continues . Being able to hold my grandpa's banjo was a blessing in this time of sorrow. I am glad I got this picture. It will help me to focus on good times and help me through the sorrows.

Flower Garden

When I visit a flower garden it is hard to pick which flower will be my favorite. It all depends on the time of year it is and what kind of mood I am in. Sometime it is just the way the colors flow together that makes me attracted to the flower.

That is the way it was in this case. The two main colors of this flower seemed to bring out the best this flower had to give. It was the right amount of yellow and purple.

When I walk into a room full of people, I am not sure who I will be drawn to. Than God shows me a person with the right amount of personality and  humor. He lets me see what He sees and for this day they are my favorite person.

When ever I meet a new person. God lets me see the beauty of this person. To Him every person is made up of the right amount of colors. I thank God for each and every friend, the past, present and future ones.

A Caterpillar's Life

The caterpillar spends it's days in search of food. He does this to prepare himself for the next stage of his finale purpose of becoming a moth or butterfly. Sometime the path is hard and he has to move through rough spots to get to his destination.

There are times in my life that I find myself going through a rough spot. I know that there is a purpose for my journey. When I seek the food of the Word of God I am better prepared for the rough road ahead.

When I reach the end of my journey I hope that I can spread my wing out wide and show the beauty of the plans that God had for me all along.

Another Flat

I must have the all time record in having the most flats in a life time. Today as I made my way to church for the writer's group I got out of my car took the things inside than came back out to discover the flat. I called my husband and he began to make his way back to church after being here all morning.

While I waited for him to arrive I proceeded to empty out the trunk. Tim, a friend from church, saw me and came over. He joked about me trying to clean all the DNA evidences of doing away with Don. Than he did a wonderful thing. He got out of his car and began to remove the flat. He put the donut-tire on and left the car up on the jack. This way when Don did show up half the work was done.

This is why I love my church. People are not afraid to help out when you are in need. I did not even ask for help yet Tim save the day anyway. Don did as well when he took the flat and got it repaired and back on my car as I attended the writer's group.

Today I had another flat. Praise God.

Two Snakes

This year I have notice that I have not seen many snakes. This day I saw two. I kept looking on the ground for them. The problem was that they were not on the ground. They were in the trees.

The only reason I saw this snake at all was that this is a tree that I always stop at to feed the birds and squirrels. I would not have notice him because he was staying still. He was laying in wait for his meal.

There are many things in life that I do not notice. I need to stop what I am doing and pay attention to the things going on around me. Maybe a friend needs a listening ear. Someone else might need an encouraging word. Even just standing still by their side is all they need.

What ever it is I need to be more aware of my surroundings. So that I can be a better servant of God.

Not What I Was Expecting

Doing my rounds I went to the pond near my home. I like going there to visit one of my favorite bird. There is a male wood duck that calls this pond his home and I love taking pictures of him.

But this visit I came across something different. This green heron was not what I was expecting to see. It was a nice surprise. I sat in my car watching it hunt for it meal. I must have taken around thirty pictures.

The one thing I did notice, each time he was ready to strike the feathers on the side of his neck would fluff up. That was cool to watch and I knew when to get my camera ready.

I love when God gives me things that I was not expecting. He knows my heart's desire and gives beyond my expectations. Knowing He cares about me helps me to face each day. I can't wait to see what He has to show me tomorrow.

Tight Skin

While painting the outside of the trailer I notice a praying mantis on the shed. It looked kind of weird. Than I notice that it was shedding.

It took a very long time for him to get the outer skin off. You could tell it was very tight. I thought that it would be night time before he was finished. Finally before sunset he was free from his tight skin.

When God tells me it is time to grow I find it hard to get out of the tight skin. Between my old habits, stubbornness and fears I hang onto my skin.

When I finally let go I find so much relief. I can feel the weight of my burdens lifted and move on.

I have been going through many trials lately. I think it is time to get out of my tight skin and move forward.