These are buds and blooms from a flowering tree this past spring; perhaps a kind of Crab Apple tree. The varying shades from white to purple make the flower fascinating to observe; at least for me. Copyright Pamela Breitberg
Sometimes the best view is super close-up. These images were taken with my Nikon macro lens. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) close-up view. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
CLICK this image to read more information on the Purslane. This cluster was on the beach side of Sea Watch restaurant in Lauderdale by the Sea,a Florida. BOTH places I heartily recommend. Copyrightberg
The Pelicans are waiting patiently for a fisherman to drop some bait. They are young, thus their brownish colors. These were sitting on the rail of Anglin’s Pier in Lauderdale by the Sea, allowing me to capture some images. They are amazing creatures to observe. I was able to get close enough to capture the details in the feather patterns.
Cousins calmly holding this pose for me. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Drop of water hanging on the tip of this bird’s beak. It must have just landed after a fish dive in the water. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
The shades of brown feathers indicate this is a young Pelican. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Layers and patterns courtesy of nature. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Most people see a puddle with a little weedy grass growing out of a crack in the sidewalk/pavement. When I walked past this spot I saw a miniature island paradise complete with sunshine peaking out of a few clouds in blue skies. I am ever the optimist. I look imaginatively at people and things.
Puddle or someone’s paradise? I must get out the microscope; but risk being run over. Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
May your days be
full of miracles,
large and small.
I wish you faith, hope and love.
May you have faith as
You set hope-filled goals which
Include love
Love for yourself and
Love for others.
Faith that spirng will arrive at winter’s end. Hope that the robins’ return as plants waken from dormancy. Love for all of God’s “routine” miracles. ….nothing is routine about miracles. Each is wondrous. Happy New Year. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Fall mums in mass across from Lincoln Park, in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
While most perennials are going to seed a few new blooms brighten the landscape. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breirberg
Autumn brings a physical change in the weather and Midwest landscape. This week a nearby condominium replaced summer flowers with these hardy Mums. They are hardy officially but still considered as annuals in the Chicago area; they aren’t “hardy” enough for Lake Michigan’s winter temps. Other flowers are in their final bloom cycle as blossoms fade in color and turn to textured seed heads bringing a new element of design and pattern to the garden. During this time of change, pods begin bursting so that puffs of feathery seeds are dispersed in hopes of ensuring future generations. Among the fading petals and growing seeds there are some late bloomers adding perennial colors to the scene.
Embrace the changes in the season. Embrace changes that are natural. At this time of year, it’s easy for me to be reflective and to realize changes in my life and myself during the past year. Somehow this “end” of season time of year brings renewed energy and purpose to me. May you marvel and feel empowered from your own changes this past year. May you find energy and passion to be able to embrace changes in your life. May change be positive and meaningful for each of us.
I write all this realizing it’s a challenging time as we strive to come to terms with other’s choices and decisions. Other’s choices can make us feel dis empowered and hopeless. We always have a choice in how we react to others and their actions. The fact that we have our own power and choice is what keeps me optimistic.
Milkweed seed has been temporarily caught by a spiny seed-head. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Fading Hydrangea bloom; many collect dried flowers for their continued beauty. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Stay safe everyone in Irma’s path. Midwesterners are credited with strong health and stamina because they deal with multiple seasons and weather events. But those that live on a sea coast are the most determined to be resilient against nature’s energetic presence. Prayers for wisdom and calm as you deal with Irma’s invasion.
These images share the subtle beauty along Florida’s seashore.
Hunker down in a secure location fellow Floridians. God be with you. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
The beauty of the coast shall return. Nature is healing as well. Copyright 2017, Pamela Breitberg
Power and brilliance. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Walking along Lake Michigan’s shores in Chicago Lincoln Park I was graced with the springtime explosion of these bright cheery blossoms. “Hope springs eternal”; but here spring brings forth eternal hope.
Budding Cherry blossom. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Cluster of spring blooms on tree. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Springtime 2016 in full bloom. I believe this is a hardy Phlox in our school’s garden. Copyright 2016 Pamela Breitberg
Faith sometimes wane during the grey days of winter. If springtime seems soooooooo long ago, I offer this image from 2016 to stir your thoughts. The Iris‘ violet flower takes backstage to its crisp green new leaves. Look closely to the flower’s petal on the far right and you’ll spot a newly emerged springtime grasshopper. The background echos the green hues with greening trees and a green tinge to the South Pond in Lincoln Park, Chicago.
Bearded Iris brings promise of warmer days along South Pond in Lincoln Pond, Chicago. Copyright 2016, Pamela Breitberg
Time is evidenced in this image showing that spring has been progressing rapidly. The Iris bloom appears to be one of the last of this season; the other blooms are dried and wilted. Iris is one of the first blooms after a long winter’s dormancy. Soon blooms will be displaced with prolific green progress.