Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Colours of the Spirit


Nature always wears the colors of the spirit. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson



soft blossom
The very pink of perfection. ~ Oliver Goldsmith
There's something very soft and dreamy about a tiny pink blossom about to open.




grackle take off
Birds have wings; they're free; they can fly where they want when they want. They have the kind of mobility many people envy. ~ Roger Tory Peterson
This was supposed to be a photo of a grackle on that branch but the grackle thought otherwise. He wins. But so do I.




ladybugHow brave a ladybug must be!
Each drop of rain is big as she.
Can you imagine what you'd do,
If raindrops fell as big as you?
~ Aileen Fisher
I snapped several dozen photos of this little lady. She was very accommodating.





empty blossom2
These flowers, which were splendid and sprightly, waking in the dawn of the morning, in the evening will be a pitiful frivolity, sleeping in the cold night's arms. ~ Pedro Calderon de la Barca
These were once tiny peachy-russet coloured blossoms. They're still pretty even when their petals are missing.





sidewalk art
The concrete walkway is a masterpiece…
chalk lines of sunshine yellow, serene blue,
cotton candy pink and soft grass green
create a wonderful place where children drew
~ Theresa Ann Moore
Some creative children decided to brighten the sidewalk... and my day.





rwbb
Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them? ~ Rose Kennedy
The late day sunlight caught the tree's branches and the Redwing blackbird's tail feathers, and turned them all to gold.





backlit leaves
Rise and put on your foliage, and be seen
To come forth, like the springtime, fresh and green.
~ Robert Herrick
That beautiful sun shines her spotlight once again. These lovely new leaves are backlit by her warming rays.





grape hyacinth
Blue thou art, intensely blue; Flower, whence came thy dazzling hue? ~ James Montgomery
These pretty little Grape hyacinth, standing on tippy-toes, trying so hard to appear large in stature - when in truth, they're only about three inches tall.





bandit2
Some people are uncomfortable with the idea that humans belong to the same class of animals as cats and cows and raccoons. They're like the people who become successful and then don't want to be reminded of the old neighborhood. ~ Phil Donahue
My next-door neighbour, Caroline came to my front door suggesting I head out to the back yard with my camera. From her own yard, she could see this daring (and darling) little bandit trying to figure out my anti-squirrel bird feeder. She wasn't overly greedy or destructive, and left the feeder intact with plenty of seed for the birds. She's been back a few times since. Did I ever mention how very much I love raccoons?





beersuds
Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll have another drink. ~ W.C. Fields
This was a long walk on a sunny day. Have a seat. I'll pour you a beer. There's also wine, juice or water, if you prefer.


Thanks for joining me on another stroll. I'll have more photos in a few days.

53 comments:

Andy said...

Another enjoyable stroll you have shared Hilary. Just a reminder... Davy Crockett also loves raccoons.

Dan said...

I can picture it, Hilary with a Raccoon hat.

But that is unlikely to happen so I'll settle for a cold beer.

Btw... thanks for the nod POTW.

Hilary said...

Ah, I'll have a brew, please. And a chat. Loved your pictures.
Let me know when you get your package. Those brutes over at customs are probably feeling it up as we speak.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

OH! I love the racoons too! So many dead on the road this spring :(

Rita said...

I don't know how you do it, but it is always a pleasure to dome and see what you have captured with your magic lens...here in Ontario.
Rita

Leah J. Utas said...

Wonderful. Your photos capture life so well. And that raccoon is adorable.

DJan said...

Magical, as usual, Hilary. Thank you for the sweet little raccoon picture!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Ya never cease to amaze me on not only what ya spy with your little eye but the marvelous pictures ya catch of it too.

I've gotta tell ya...I'm a bit (leaps and bounds) jealous!

Thanks so much for givin' me a shout out for POW!!! I'm always honored to bits!

You have a fantastically blessed day sweetie!!! :o)

Daryl said...

yes, I think I'll be taking my macro along this weekend ... thanks for providing the impetus

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

I've missed your lovely photos as of late. Glad to be back and especially love the selection of "your world" today. Oma Linda

Unspoken said...

I LOVE that shiny little lady bug. Raccoons are so so smart! Cute little guy... from a distance :)!

ellen abbott said...

Have I ever mentioned what a great photographer I think you are?

I love it when the grandkids cover my driveway with chalk drawings.

Brian Miller said...

smiles...these are lovely and hard to pic a fav...the mischievious raccoon though def gave me smiles...the chalked sidewalk too....loved these hilary

TexWisGirl said...

i would SO love to take a walk with you, then relax w/ a glass of wine.

that raccoon is darling!

sage said...

Thanks for the beer. That raccoon photo is wonderful--I had one of those feeders and the (blank-blank) squirrels kicked it off the stand and chewed the end up... I really like the photo of the chalked sidewalk.

messymimi said...

These words and pictures you've melded together have made my morning.

Gail Dixon said...

So many gorgeous photos, but the one that sticks out in my mind is the raccoon! I'm a bit envious, but happy for you. Such a great capture with his tongue hanging out and the way he's peeking from around the corner. What a nice neighbor to alert you. :)

Linda said...

I enjoyed the walk as usual. All nature's critters are cute, especially your little bandit. I'll take a glass of Chardonnay if you have it.

Suldog said...

The ladybug poem by Fisher is far superior to the usual one about her heading home to see if her children are on fire.

~JarieLyn~ said...

dreamy petals, colorful sidewalks, daring raccoons, and ice cold beer. Ah, the perfect combination. I too, love raccoons.

Ruth Hiebert said...

The only word that comes to mind when looking at these pictures is 'EXQUISITE'.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

The ladybug photo is especially wonderful. But the raccoon steals the show. :)

Barb said...

Perfect lighting in these springtime gems! The backlit leaves photo is my favorite.

Pauline said...

as always a delight from start to finish - you make me long for a telephoto lens!

Red said...

It was not only a great stroll but also some tremendous quotes to illustrate your photos. The black bird that left it's post and you still got a shot id pretty funny.

yaya said...

I'll have a glass of ice water and a peek at that handsome little raccoon! The lady bug shot is amazing too!

Kerry said...

Splendiforous pictures Hilary! I can't even begin to pick a favorite this time. Just terrific.

What a naughty adorable little raccoon.

Glo said...

Just beautifully uplifting in spirit thanks to your photos, quotes and words. Your lighting is amazing!

But don't get me started on raccoons! I don't know if you ever met Bandido in the cherry tree in my past blogs...just sayin'

Rob-bear said...

Awesome as always! And the racoon is cute. Glad I'm seeing it in your picture, not first hand. They are delightful, as long as they're at someone else's place.

Country Girl said...

Sublime photos here. But then, there always are. You never disappoint!

Dave said...

A wonderful selection of photos Hilary, and excellent matching quotes to go with them. My favourite was the ladybug poem. So short and fun - Dave

Steve Gravano said...

Great walk with you! I love the Grackle photo, you can see her shimmering blue hooded mask perfectly. Up close they are such a regal and beautiful bird.

Reb said...

You took us from breathtaking to adorable, over to stunning and around to cute, then refreshing. What a great series of shots.

Scott Law said...

Fun post and a day brightener.

Jayne said...

Love all the quotes here, Hilary. And oh my gosh, that lady bug! Looks like her dots were painted on! Great shot.

Betty Manousos said...

yet another stunning series of photos, dear hilary.

i really like the lighting in some of them.
truly GORGEOUS!
awesome, mesmerizing photos, oh, i could go on and on.

wish you a great weekend!

xx

NitWit1 said...

Love the raccoon! And like another comment, I, too, wonder about the number of raccoons DOA on our roadways in Arkansas. Here it usually skunks.

However, I think the grackling symbolizes freedom of a spirit.

Often I miss photos just like this. by the time I compose and focus--BYE BYE see you later.

Rita said...

Fantastic pictures, as usual. And I love how you find the perfect quotes to go with them, too. Always feels so good to come here to visit. :)

photowannabe said...

Love this eclectic serving of photos, Hilary.
The shadow play on the green leaves is beautiful and you make my mouth water seeing the beer head. Good stuff as usual.
Have a great weekend.
Am dog sitting my "granddogger" this weekend. It should be good for a picture or two.

Karen said...

Loooverly! I think that racoon pic should be on a card with something funny written inside. Love it!

Anonymous said...

Loved every minute of it, and the beer hit the spot! I just bought that same feeder for my dad - his old one is wearing out. It gets a lot of visitors!

Indrani said...

A great tour! Loved the little delights you focused on. :)

Anvilcloud said...

Thanks for the walkabout. Great pics, especially the grape hyacinth.

Stewart M said...

I'll take a beer!

But that little face looking around the corner is a real winner!

Stewart M - Australia

CiCi said...

Great sidewalk art the children shared with you.

The light on the leaves is so appealing. I have a soft spot for shots of sun on parts of places or through things.

The pink blossom is calming and very sweet.

Anonymous said...

What perfect magical light!

Dianne said...

I love blooms about to open, so sweet

the racoon is adorable! they make so much muss but they're so cute
and this one acted like a lady :)

Meri said...

Gifts of nature and sidewalk artists. How fun!

Zuzana said...

I think this post can be summarized as an "Ode to life".;))
Love all the images and the sentiments.;)
xoxo

Jo said...

The little pink bud stole the show for me. The accompanying quotes are a great touch, you're a storyteller on many levels.

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

I'm always thrilled to take a walk with you -- sunny day or no! Thank you for the beer. :)

I was away for 5 days and it is taking me an additional 3 days to catch up with everyone!

lime said...

love the ladybug and the poem about her. so cute. and that racoon....what a funny little face peeping as he raids the birdfeeder.

Unknown said...

What a fun collection of shots! Totally taken in by the sidewalk mosaic, and taken aback by Rocky Raccoon. Love it!