Curls of Nature

~ Soapwort Blossoms ~

~ Campanula ~

~ Hosta Blossoms ~

Nature's beautiful designs are abundant in whimsy.

 I absolutely love whimsical curls...in my art, in nature, in life. One curl in a whisker, a flower, or cloud reminds me to smile and remember the happiness in life. 

~ I wish you a wonderful, whimsical weekend! ~

Lilies of the Morning

~ Elegant Lilies of the Morning ~

Beautiful pink Daylilies greet the morning sun in one of my many gardens.

After the Storm

~ Pink Daylily ~

~ Mammatus Clouds ~

~ Orange Daylily After the Storm ~

It is not uncommon for Minnesota to see turbulent storms in any of its seasons, from blizzards and heavy snows in winter, to tornados, large hail, and torrential rains in warmer weather. Wednesday began as one such day, with severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings covering nearly the entire state. By late morning we had received significant rainfall, and ancient trees were toppled just blocks from our daughter's house. These storms kept us all on our toes for quite a few hours.

When the heavy weather began to lift I took a venture outside to view the amazing beauty left in its wake. The sky was filled with incredible Mammatus clouds that seemed as if they would drip to earth with an enormous splash.  And every petal on every flower and every leaf was covered with silver drops of rain, each reflecting a tiny version of the world around it.

Today the sun shines and a gentle breeze blows, giving not a hint of the raging storms nature produced for its Minnesota inhabitants two days ago. I wonder what beauty awaits for me to discover today.

The Frog and the Toad

~ Frog on the Window ~

~ The Tree Toad ~

A few little friends that live in our yard.

~ I Have A Little Frog ~

(author unknown)

I have a little frog,

His name is Tiny Tim,

I put him in the bathtub,

To see if he could swim,

He drank up all the water,

And gobbled up the soap!

And when he tried to talk,

He had a bUBble in his throat!

Minnesota Sunset

~ Bayfront Sunset ~

Some of the most beautiful sunsets appear after a storm. I was able to capture this image at the waterfront in Duluth.

The Littlest Rose

~ Miniature Heirloom Rose and Friend ~

When trying to capture images of blossoms on the heirloom rose bushes I was gifted many years ago from my grandmother's old gardens, I was surprised when I discovered this little bee taking shelter from the rain under the petals. I do not know the name of these very hardy, extremely thorny bushes, but despite the pain they inflict when weeding around them, I still love them. Their roses are adorable, measuring just a wee bit over 1 inch when fully opened, and their scent is heavenly! Being so small, twas not much shelter for the bee! 

Nature Glows

Under the Forest Canopy

Glowing Rose Bud

I love how leaves and flower petals seem to glow when illuminated from the sun's rays!

~ Wishing you a beautiful weekend. ~