Serengeti

This is one of the Sculpture Tour pieces of art on display in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Over 30 artists allow sculptures to be on loan for a year.  The community votes to choose their favorite and that one is purchased by the City Council to become a permanent display for years to come.  Of course all items are for sale.  Some are purchased by individuals and some are purchased by businesses in the community.  

This photo was taken while I was on the sidewalk looking up in order to eliminate the background.

Lupine Abundance

Surprised to find this beautiful field of lupines behind the motel in Duluth, MN  The pink and yellow add to the attractiveness of this photo.  It was great to see them growing along the highways.  

It is just one of gifts of nature.  Nobody planted them   No body has to water them.  Nobody has to weed the flower bed.  They just grow freely and abundantly.  Sort of like God's grace.

Message of the Tower

Have you noticed that some churches build very tall steeples that reach out into the sky pointing to the heavens?  Then there are others whose towers look like a fortress maybe to be protected by the  evil forces of the world.

Or just maybe the message is to say that here is a safe place where people can come for spiritual nourishment in a nurturing   environment so they can be a force of love, charity and peace to the whole world.

July Snowballs

 It almost sounds like an oxymoron to talk about Snowballs in July.  This one and dozens of others were found on Golf Road adding attractive scenery on a beautiful July day.  

To be honest with you I would not have noticed these snowballs had I not been trying to be successful  in taking at least one photo a day.  This task has opened my eyes to things I would have missed before.  

Night Lights

I submit this photo not as one of beauty but a moment of learning.  The assignment was to take photo and demonstrate what can happen with a slow shutter speed.  These are tail lights on cars driven on Golf Road.

I can imagine an interesting night photo taken from a bridge overlooking the Interstate Highway where there is a curve coming in the distance.  That kind of photo would certainly grab my attention.

Almost Unnoticed

My Million Belles are almost unnoticed when they are put next to the Arbor Vitae trees.  Yet each one in their own way is special.

Columbia Gorge

Enjoying M. Hood

We spent 5 days on a trip to Oregon where our leader was a forensic geologist.  He told us that sometime in the next 30 years it will erupt and the explosion will make Mt. St. Helen's look like child's play.   Let's enjoy it while we can.

An Abundance of Roses

A rose is a rose even when there are 10,000 other plants in the same garden at the International Rose Testing Garden in Portland, OR

Buddy and Viburnum

Buddy said, "Ok now it is my turn to do the posing.. I am going to sit right here  Now get me and the tree together."

Honey Harvest

Viburnum blossoms attract the bees on their search for honey.  Bees were not concerned about good composition so I had to shoot quickly.  They did not tarry or pose.  Blossoms provide a very attractive view in our back yard.

Dinner Time

Driving through Carson Park we found these Canadian goslings enjoying their evening meal.  Right behind them were Mom and Dad supervising and making sure I would not get to close their their family.

Blu-tiful

"Hello!  I am from the Million Bells Family.  If you think I  am colorful you should see my 999,999 siblings.  Our Creator has done a spectacular job."

Ordinary Beauty

There is nothing more ordinary than petunias among the family of spring flowers.  Yet when we look closely they are marvelous works of art.    The Creator must be pleased.

Mini Bell

Here is one bell from the "Million Bells" flowers.  Our plants do not get the million bells, but we enjoy each one that  shows up.

The yellow spots must be the pollen that makes this time of the year uncomfortable.

High Places

 I appreciate cities that keep these older buildings in good condition and the people who have to maintain their beauty and elegance.   I am glad I am not the one who has to paint these structures and risk their lives to do it.

City Hall - Merrill

Stately and proud this tower catches you eye just driving through town.  

The Race Begins

Looks like I had a great seat to see the Kentucky Derby.  Only kidding.   This photo was taken from the TV as I was home testing out a new lens.

Signs of Spring

Trillium on the floor of the forest means spring has arrived.  Oh how we welcome such a sight because we know there is lots of color to follow.  

Reaching for the Sky

Steeples and towers always grab my attention.  They are designed to be seen and call attention to something important.  This one comes from Door County Wisconsin