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Archive for nature photos

A World Where There Are Octobers [printable calendar]

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ~ Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

I’m glad, too. I think October may be my favorite month, although it’s certainly hard to choose. When the weather cooperates, we get those first few cooler mornings that are such a blessing after Mississippi’s long, hot summers. October’s blue skies are distinct, and the season’s signature goldenrod and golden light always inspire me. At some point, we’ll probably get one of those yellow-orange harvest moons, and I imagine we’ll schedule a s’more-making bonfire. No matter how much summer wants to hang on, the calendar says autumn is here!

As the temperatures slowly drop, if only by a few degrees, everyone’s spirits seem to get lighter. This year, the month ushering in nature’s season of transition also seems to be bringing some transitions to our family. I feel like my heart is juggling health changes for my parents, the ever-changing flux of children growing more independent and, I guess, more themselves, along with the perpetual array of work opportunities – blessings, to be sure – that all require weighing choices. With October, I seem to be on keen alert to notice every hint of change toward the fall days we love. So, I’m excited to look back at a few of my favorite autumn glimpses along with this month’s printable calendar.

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sojourn . Flora and Fauna from Summer at Busy Bee

Farm days. They are always full of discovery, and the theme for last week’s trip seemed to be green, green and more green! We’ve returned from our annual sojourn to Noxubee County to kick-off summer vacation, and I’m always amazed at the new flora and fauna we find. It was unusually hot this year for May. At least it felt that way. So, lingering in some of our favorite activities was a little uncomfortable. But we enjoyed at least a few drives through the pastures and exploring. So many greens and blossoms. And, although some of my close-ups got a little grainy, we got to see a few critters, too. I hope you enjoy some of the sights of summer at Busy Bee, including some of the inspiration for the Small Pond…

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sojourn . Smoky Mountain Views

“Measureless mountain days… opening a thousand windows to show us God.” I love that quote from John Muir, the naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club who was so instrumental in advocating for the preservation of some of our nation’s most treasured natural lands. Last fall, we traveled back to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and this week, I’ve been enjoying inspiration from the images captured there. There is, indeed, so much about experiencing the mountains that seems measureless — the views, the heights, the colors, the distance. Our drive over the Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina offered great views of the vastness and great roadside stops and climbs to discover the view up close, too. Read More →

sojourn . Starting Spring at Busy Bee

March is coming to a close with all its fickle Southern tendencies! For a month that always ushers in the Spring season, this year’s has sure given us the full spectrum of Mississippi seasons from winter freezes to summer heat. My children were out of school for Spring Break a few weeks ago, and we were able to spend the week at Busy Bee, our family farmhouse in Noxubee County. I always enjoy taking time there to unwind, enjoy unstructured family time, and get my fix of pasture walking and breathing in country air. This year, our Spring Break weather included some cold and rainy days, but we made the most of it, squeezing in at least a few of our favorite farm adventures.

I don’t know if it’s because of the burst of warmer weather we had early in 2017, but I can hardly remember a time at Busy Bee when the pre-Spring days were SO green! Although we had some freezing temperatures, the pasture carpet was full of new life. In these early Spring days, the green seems the most lush before summer’s heat has the chance to tire it out. Of course, I always have my camera with me, and it was fun to capture a few glimpses of how Spring on the farm cracks through the more stark color and contrast of winter. For us, it was a week of seeing two seasons at once, sometimes in the same frame. I came home with renewed energy and excitement for the ideas I’ve wanted to tackle this year.

log . Farm Journey One

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I think I mentioned that we are spending the week at our family farmhouse for Thanksgiving holidays. I’ve taken care of a few client details remotely this week, but for the most part I’m enjoying some down time and concentrated time with my kiddos. I brought a few arts and crafts projects that we’ve been enjoying, like the stamping designs I shared yesterday — a good thing because we’ve had a few rainy, cold days. Still, not much can keep us from exploring gravel roads and hay yards while we’re here, so I thought I’d share part one of views from our farm journeys. Overcast November days make for a nicely monochromatic palette, at times. I love the mood that flat light and neutral colors create. I hope you’ve have a chance to wander this week.

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