Drops of Beauty #130

September 5, 2023

“When I opened the door I found the vine leaves speaking among themselves in abundant whispers…” (expert from “Aware” by Denise Levertov)¹

Hello friends! It’s funny how that extra day off from “labor” ends up being a chance to catch up on chores around the house isn’t it? I did enjoy myself this morning though, walking in a field of yellow flowers. One of the best parts of late summer here is fields of yellow. Is yellow the happiest color? Sometimes I think it might be. I once painted my whole house yellow - I might have to do that again.

For now, here’s a glimpse while I find my way through all the photos for the best ones and some other moments from the past couple of weeks and a video I finally finished!

Ah, fields of yellow! My face responds with a smile.

Sunrise, September 1, 2023

A little video of a spiny-backed orb weaver spinning a web. I understand poetry when I watch something like this.

I can’t resist a few more photos of this gorgeous first-year Mississippi Kite. The intricacy of patterns in nature is astonishing and the feather patterns of juveniles are even more interesting! Perfect for hiding among the branches in a nest.

Showing off her hunting skills.

Top of the wings

And the underneath side. Quite an impressive wing span!

A hazy August sunrise, August 29, 2023

The little fawn was frolicking all over the place while mom grazed, but everyone was a little cautious when the young buck appeared. All seemed to be be well, and the fawn went back to playing.

Cedar waxwing after a bug, like a little higher pilot.

One bird I will remember 2023 for, the great-crested flycatcher. I learned to identify their sound this year and found out they are around a lot more often than I thought!

Another mama with her little one. I got a lot of ear-flicking but they didn’t run away.

Spiderweb in the morning mist.

Barn swallow fishing for bugs.

Take good care, friends. May the magic reveal itself to you in both subtle and splendid ways.

1. Poem from the compilation, “The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness, and Joy” by John Brehm