I Have Questions

July 19, 2026

July 16, 2026

Hello friends! I keep trying to write a post and it keeps not happening this week, so I’m going to pivot. I’m going to share some questions I’ve been pondering. Maybe these will spark something interesting for you - or maybe you’ll just enjoy today’s photos. I’d love to hear from you if you care to share your thoughts on the questions too!

Dew drop sparkles

I’m always looking for those shimmers on the dragonfly wings that only show when the light it hits the wing just right. (widow skimmer)

Question #1: What are one or two core values that guide you in your life? (If you need ideas, a quick internet search of core values will give you many different lists. Narrow down your list - and don’t overthink it for now.)

I think eastern kingbird’s core value is bug-eating.

Wings flap, never loses focus.

Question #2: How do these core values influence your daily activities?

My ruby-throated friend has a core value of vigilance. Here he is making sure nothing breaks the perimeter.

Returning to his post.

Question #3: If you look at the things you do regularly, how do those things support your values?

Caught a skipper in the air!

Hello painted lady!

Question #4: If you were to think about your values while doing simple tasks (like washing the dishes or going for a walk), would it shift how you do the task?

Little hispid cotton rat would run back into the underbrush when a dog and their human walked by, then sneak out again to eat the clover.

Eastern amberwing, one of our smaller dragonflies.

Question #5: Are there things you think you “should” be doing that you are not? Do those things align with or support your values?

Duskywing butterfly on clover.

Water droplets on a tiny yellow flower that might be called birdsfoot.

Question #6: Could the things you do regularly and the things you don’t do that you think you should possibly point to a different value or purpose you haven’t acknowledged?

Fledgling brown thrasher hunting blackberries.

Fledgling robin found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I can say these questions are very fuzzy for me, even though I’ve done values exercises many times. That’s why I find them interesting! I would love to know what you all think my key values are based on my Substack?

The noisiest bird on the block, the killdeer.

This might be my favorite photo I’ve ever taken of an indigo bunting.

Ok, that’s it for now, though I could always ask more questions! If that was too much deep thought, please go and enjoy the rest of your day now!

Dew drops on clover. I love dew drops as much as I love birds! (and butterflies, and dragonflies, and…)

May you find moments in your week that feel full of meaning - for no reason at all.