“Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug. Sometimes it all comes together…” (And sometimes it doesn’t.) (From “The Bug” by Mary Chapin Carpenter)
July 22, 2026
Well, friends, I had been working on a piece of writing for several days, and it just wouldn’t come together. So today, it’s “just” photos. But let’s be honest, that’s the best part anyway! Ironically, I was writing (again) about my lifelong habit of trying too hard and holding on and my desire to create a new habit of letting go.
So, I am practicing letting go of the struggle and sharing the part that came easily:
Female goldfinch in the chicory, which is probably her second favorite to the thistle. I wish I could wallpaper my living room to look like a field of chicory in the summer with a few goldfinches scattered in.
Baby bluebird in the berries. I don’t know what kind of berries these are, but the birds like them!
This spider was no bigger than my pinkie nail, but look at the intricacy and colors!
Spotted sandpiper coming in for a landing. I noticed she still has her spots. (They will disappear by October.)
Ironweed adding a gorgeous purple to the landscape.
Light through a dragonfly’s wings.
My blue grosbeak friend is still singing away.
Mr. ruby-throat only lets me take his photo when there’s a competitor around.
A fierce predator, but I think she’s smiling.
Hovering with one eye to the ground, the eastern kingbird is a great hunter.
Hidden treasure.
Lots of fledgling orioles flitting through the bushes.
This is what my brain felt like with way more social interaction than I’m used to this week. BUT. It’s still beautiful, so maybe my brain is too.
Tiny little moth hiding in the bushes. So easy to miss! I thought it was a piece of fluff at first.
Can’t get enough of these cute little hispid cotton rats.
Barn swallow zoomies. Watching them swoop and turn over the fields is like watching a ballet.
The cuckoo is easier to hear than to locate!
Caught a falling leaf floating in the wind.
May you toss whatever is stressing you this week into the wind and dance like the falling leaves.
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Good morning, Karen, yours was the first Substack I opened this morning, and the opening photo made my heart say, "Yes!" It's so beautiful, as are all your photos. The tiny spider has a big heart, I've decided, and is unaware of its beauty. Thanks for a wonderful photo gallery to start my day!
Good morning, Karen, yours was the first Substack I opened this morning, and the opening photo made my heart say, "Yes!" It's so beautiful, as are all your photos. The tiny spider has a big heart, I've decided, and is unaware of its beauty. Thanks for a wonderful photo gallery to start my day!
Barn Swallow zoomies,
spotted Spider, Moth, cute Rat!
Smiling predator?