A Visit to the Arboretum

Rose Gardens

Earlier this week we strolled through the arboretum.  Not only are the flowers gorgeous but the walkways are amazing.  

I'm joining Friday Finds with photos from this visit (warning - lots of photos!)

Although I took hundreds of photos, mostly flowers, I did not want to overlook the quiet beauty of these wonderful walkways.

Sit for a bit under an ancient oak tree

Stroll through the magnificent hosta glade.

The rose gardens were in full bloom during our visit - and here are just a few pics.

Splattered Roses

Lots of butterfly and bumblebee sightings too!

We startled this baby bunny (hiding in the hedge) while walking through the Victory Garden exhibits - he'd been nibbling on the arboretum's leaf lettuce!

I have so many photos from this visit!  I'm sure that more images will find their way on to a blog post or two.

Have a great weekend!

Be Wonderfully Odd!

Balloon Flower

I'm quickly popping in today to join texture tuesday.

Yesterday we strolled through the state university's arboretum.  There is so much beauty in this place - gorgeous blooming flowers, stunning architecture, and quiet, peaceful walkways.

We walked for four hours and were not able to see all of the gardens.  I think that I'll need to visit again very soon :)  I took hundreds of photos and I'll share more soon.

This image is of a beautiful purple/blue balloon flower - I don't think that I've ever seen this flower before.

Balloon Flower

I added two layers of Kim Klassen's "Achieve" texture on this image.

I hope that you have a beautiful day!

Be Wonderfully Odd!

Stillness

Taking a break to sip hot, milky coffee.

Soft morning light streams through the open window and outside birds sing softly.

Enjoying the stillness of a beautiful summer morning.

Summer Morning

I'm joining Texture Tuesday and BeStill52 today.

I used two layers of Kim Klassen's "Cora" Texture on this image.

Have a beautiful day!

Be Wonderfully Odd!

Summertime - Peony

I love peonies - the hand-sized bloom heavy with layers of delicate petals and a sweet subtle fragrance.

Right now I have a table full of these beauties.  A couple of days ago I raced out and clipped as many of them as I could before a storm blew through.  These heavy blooms on thin stems don't fair well in any kind of windy weather!

Summertime-Peony

I'm joining Texture Tuesday today - I used one layer of Kim Klassen's "Waterfront7" on this image.

Enjoy your day!

Be Wonderfully Odd!

Catching up

I'm a bit behind in posting - and today is my day to catch up!

Bringing my daughter home from school for the summer, saying a heart breaking final goodbye to my sweet pup, and the long holiday weekend have filled my days.

I'm hoping to be on track after today {maybe!} - life can be so unpredictable!

S2F - the Egg challenge

I love Ukrainian eggs - the colors and symbols are so beautiful.  

S2F - the hook/drape challenge (diptych) 

A silky white scarf, a fresh pink flower, and a cup of tea

S2F - Story telling challenge

I love summer and its abundance of fruit!

Plump blueberries

Juicy raspberries, sweet strawberries, and ripe blackberries

and a touch of fresh mint

a delicious summer snack!

Be Still 52 - Breathe

Take a moment, find center, and take a breath . . . be calm.

I hope you are having a fabulous day!

Be Wonderfully Odd!

Believe

I’m joining up with Texture Tuesday today with this photo and new favorite quote.

Wow, I just love this quote!  It is a wonderful reminder to believe in yourself, your abilities, your strength ~ you are stronger than you can imagine.

I used two layers of Kim Klassen’s Simplicty texture and one layer of her Total Grunge texture.

 

Believe

Have a great day!

Be wonderfully odd!

Sweet bird

I’m joining Texture Tuesday with a photo of a sweet bird.

It was a beautiful summer day and I was out taking pictures of our late summer blooms.  I looked up and spotted this cutie watching me as I worked.

She sat for the longest time and allowed me to take a bunch of photos of her.

 

I used two layers of Kim Klassen's Bestill texture on this image.

Can you see all of the bark shreds hanging off of the branch?  The squirrels have been busy nesting again.

Have a great day!

Be wonderfully odd!

Friday Finds

Today I am sharing photos from a late summer photo shoot that Lily and I did last weekend before she headed back to school.

We have lots of beautiful and bright sunflowers growing in the garden this year.  (The pear and apple were not grown by us :)  - I just like the look of them!)

I have great weekend!

Be wonderfully odd!