Happy Winter Solstice

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Beautiful day here in mid-Michigan. Today is the first official day of winter. The day will be short and the night long.

Canadian Geese enjoying the sun on the Maple River

But for now, the sun is shining brightly. I cannot ask for a better day, especially for this time of year.

Happy Winter Solstice, my friends.

Until next time…peace

Bridgeville Beauties: Butttonbush

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I often hear, “it’s just a weed” or “it’s just a bug”. Despite their humble beginnings, I find everything in the natural world beautiful. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there a few critters that make me squeamish. Wild rats, did I mention rats? I know the irrational fear comes from reading too many history books about the plague.

My new nature series, Bridgeville Beauties highlights my finds in my area. The weeds, bugs, and critters of Michigan will be my area of focus.

Starting with the first one, the Buttonbush or Bush Willow is one of my favorite plants to photograph. Growing up to 12 feet, I generally find the white flowering bush near the creek line. The white flowers with spike-like yellow heads are oddly beautiful.

Attracting bees and hummingbirds, I find the Buttonbush to be a very beneficial “weed”.

A bee enjoying the pollen from the Buttonbush.

Until next time…peace

A Sunny Turtle

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Spending time outdoors is my favorite summer activity. I do tend to take a lot of photos.  I loved watching this little-Painted Turtle sunning himself (or herself) on the rocks today. Do you see the snails off to the side? I didn’t even realize they were in the picture until I put them on my computer.

Until next time…peace

Summer Solstice

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Wishing everyone Summer Solstice Blessings! Today is the perfect tribute to the first day of summer. As evening approaches, the sun is still shining brightly. I admit, being outdoors today was exactly what I needed. Often, the news and other media sources weight heavy on my soul. Spending time among nature reminds me there is beauty in the world.

Until next time…peace

Off the Beaten Path

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Doesn’t the scene resemble a portal to another world? I imagine stepping through a veil to experience the magical world that surrounds us without our knowledge. Yes, I am writing a story right now. Take time to get off the beaten path, the inspiration may be all you need to start a new chapter.

Until next time…peace

Morning Sunrise: Pretty in Pink

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am thankful for long days filled with family, friends, and yes, work. But before the day gets too hectic, I love to watch the sunrise. This morning, the beautiful pink sky was breathtaking. I could hear the turkeys calling in the distance. The morning birds beginning to sing. I cannot think of a better way to start a day.

Until next time…peace

The Setting Sun

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The setting sun always attracts me. Tonight, even though the temps were low, I had to go out to take photos. The wind blew the crisp air across my face as soon as I stepped out the door. But I still could not help but capture the setting sun.

My advice: always find a moment to watch the sunrise or the sunset. Each one is different. The stolen moments before or after a chaotic day provides a sense of calm.

Until next time…peace

Stolen Moments

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I admit, watching the sunrise never gets old for me. In fact, there are some mornings that just take my breath away. I guess, the beauty of nature will never cease to amaze me. The stolen moments before a hectic day leave me with a sense of peace.

I particularly loved this sunrise. The thick heavy fog seemed to lower as the sun began to peek over the Michigan landscape. At every stage of the sunrise, the natural world began to wake. Chirping birds sang, insects buzzed, turkeys strolled across the field, and the deer slowly pranced by me, a perfect start to the day.

Until next time…peace