Take Another Look

(click to enlarge images)

Certainly when we think of nature we think of all the beautiful flora and fauna we can see around us. We look for the vibrant color, the distinctive shape, the intricate pattern. And yet sometimes we overlook the small incidental treasures that are right there under our nose.

Do you look at the seed head of a dandelion and think that it's just a weed? Why not take a minute and look at how each little seed is attached to the head and how together they form a little globular masterpiece of form.

I like the yellow of this tumble mustard and left it in the flowerbed where my bird feeders are. The birds seem to like the cover it afforded them. This bed is under a huge old oak so not much grows there.Now that the soil isn't moist anymore it is dying off. I could have pulled it out; but I enjoyed the little pop of color.

How many times have you looked for a four leaf clover straining your eyes to find that little good luck charm while pulling the bloom and throwing it aside to get it out of your way.

Cleaning out my flower bed the other day I reached down and almost pulled this weed up out of the ground. I have no idea what it is but I really looked at it. The intricate pattern of the leaves astounded me and I asked myself why did I want to throw it away. It's all alone in the corner of the bed; but it's green.

Looking over my wisteria vine I found some of last season's pods that had broken apart but refused to let go. They were no longer soft and green and velvety but brown and twisted and almost shouting how artsy they looked against the lush green of the vine.

One evening while sitting at the dining table I glanced at the bay window and saw this moth on the outside of the glass. Normally I wouldn't have thought twice about it but my camera was sitting there and I took a macro shot. Imagine my surprise when I downloaded the image to see all the different parts of this little white winged creature. I hope the picture will enlarge for you. My flash caught his eye and made it bright orange.

Michelle in her Nature Notes meme has challenged us to 'look at something you might never had paid attention to.' I hope my post today will inspire you to do just that. Observe some of those things you don't ordinarily pay attention to and take another look. You might be surprised at what you see.


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Clinging Moth

To the light he flew

On the screen he landed.

When morning came I shooed him away.

I feared he'd stay too long

And be fried by the morning sun.

(Be sure to enlarge him to see his furry features.)

"Oh Say Can You See..."

National Flag Day 2008

I have to send a big thank you out to Mary who made mention on her post Thursday afternoon that Flag Day was this Saturday. Thanks Mary for the timely reminder.

Just by chance I had taken this photo last Sunday. The flag flies over the Sears store at our local mall.

Nature's Red, White, and Blue

(click to enlarge and enjoy)

Little Red Berries

Do I see a fairy on that iris?

The clematis bloomed this week.

It looks good from the front....

....and from the back!