The world is rich with diversity in nature and it’s people. That’s what makes it so wondrous. Today the brilliance and awesomeness of each of us feels dimmed because of multiple, hatred attacks to too many. May we grieve and know that it is OUR love and faith that will make each day most special; each moment a miracle unto itself. May we be strengthened by each sweet moment today. May we embrace each other and radiate the love that makes life wonderful. ………….Copyright 2018 Pamela Breitberg
Not all wildlife migrates south for the winter. Like people, some species acclimate to the many Midwest climate changes during the year. Here are some native Northerners enjoying the cooler days of autumn in Chicago.
The hardiest Heron do not migrate to Florida for the winter but remain at Lincoln Park’s assorted ponds. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Always on public display, grooming is never private. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Squirrels squirreling away nuts is easily witnessed this time of year in preparation for winter’s long season. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
The Grey Squirrel is a personal favorite on my walks though parks. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Friends in the pond community. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
More grooming, this time by a duck. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Spring is not the only time of birth for the turtles of South Pond in Lincoln Park. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
With sufficient concealment the Sun’s arrival through the cloud covered sky resembles the Moon. Dense cloud cover allowed me to aim my camera directly at the Sun as it appeared to weave in and out of the rapid moving clouds. Unswerving witness to nature’s forte.
Morning sun revealing itself through the moving clouds. Copyright 2017, Pamela Breitberg
Sun rising higher in sky has enough energy to be seen behind dark storm clouds. 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
All that is needed is sunshine, rain, and fresh air…..and space! Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
This delicate bloom can withstand the harsh shoreline environment including winds and waters. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Time on the beach, for me, includes checking out the plants on the inland edges. My newness to the area had me assuming that this thick, prolific mass was native to the area. Closer study has taught me this is not the case.
Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) is the African relative of Florida’s native Coco Plum. Both species live on the sandy shores. Both have edible plum-like fruits. Natal Plums’s invasive character includes spine tipped leaves which are oft overlooked with focus going to their graceful year-long blooming white flowers and reddish fruit.
After flowering the Natal Plum fruits emerge here, still too unripe for eating. The “plum” is the only non-poisonous part of the Natal Plum. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
Ready to eat Natal Plum. Copyright 2017 Pamela Breitberg
And winter returns with 5 plus inches of snow this week. The crocus reflects our Midwestern, optimistic persevering nature. I look at it and remind myself to stay strong and patient. copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Upright Crocus in spite of winter’s refusal to retreat. copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Rose bud for budding love, copyright 2015 Pamela Breitberg
Worthy, strong, powerful define “valens”, the Roman origins for the name Valentine. Valentine’s Day has come to symbolize love, stemming from the martyrdom of St. Valentine. Though St. Valentine’s identity is vague and speculative, his (their) impact is profound every February 14th.
The combination of worth, strength, and power mixed with love evokes a robust image of fervent attention. Roses symbolize the love offered on Valentine’s Day. The delicate, sweet smelling flower, seemingly blushes when given as a token of unspoken as well as celebrated love. How artful for the lover to give such a gentle gift as indication of his (her) robust desire.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Yellow coneflower copyright 2013 Pamela Breitberg
Prairie winds torment photographers. Dusk’s side lighting with the sky’s gentle ambient glow soothes the soul. This evening the winds were gusty as a cold front drew near and the sun began its descent. A lens shade and polarizing filter are usual additions to my lens for such settings.
Prairie winds copyright 2013 Pamela Breitberg
Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) danced chaotically. Each petal on each bloom seemed to have its own different idea of which way to go. Don’t be fooled by the delicacy of this flower. Nature’s resilience gives strength to prairie blooms so that they can withstand the frequent and ever changing winds. Yellow Coneflower survives urbanization better than most prairie natives.