Happy Halloween!

One cannot visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Atlanta, Georgia, during Fall and not bag some pics from their Scarecrow Display. There were several exhibits I wanted to check out at the botanical gardens before they closed for Fall. All throughout the gardens there were all types of creepy and scary Scarecrows. The Serpent Lady was oh so busy keeping a handle on her slithering friends.

Let's face it, this guy is definitely a different kind of Scarecrow, but seriously, it's Halloween so doesn't that rule apply, anythings goes.

What a Hag! I admit her dress and tights are a serious hoot, but you still better watch out as she's keeping an eye on you with her binoculars.

It wouldn't be a Scarecrow Display without a Skeleton or two. This bony guy is really a cool looking dude. Perhaps its the wide brimmed hat that does it. I don't know, but he is. Someone should offer up a free meal and perhaps a facial and manicure would help. Everyone far and wide, in the States and wherever you celebrate this Hallowed Day have fun and stay safe. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Into Fall

No words need be spoken here. ENJOY!

Let's Sit And Ponder This Weather

As I ponder this weather in Tennessee, with 69 one day and 30 the next, and back to 60 following that day, I ask myself, where is Spring. I know some of you are getting a major snow storm and many of you have had snow for some time. But this weather here in Tennessee has been so mild with nary a really cold day or even week to speak of. It almost seems like Spring has been here since Fall dropped its leaves. I even saw Daffodils in bloom on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facebook page this week. I kid you not. I hope you enjoy this image taken very very early one Spring in Bernheim's Arboretum as this beautiful tree was in full bloom. Wherever you are, be safe, be warm, and if you want better weather, I guess come to Nashville. ENJOY!

There Will Be Spring

Early Spring, Crab Apple Orchard, Bernheim Arboretum, Clermont, Kentucky

As we watch the last of Autumn's leaves float wistfully to the ground, covering our lawns and fields and forests,

 we anxiously await the first snows of Winter, with its light fluffy flakes that fall gently onto the landscape, leaving a blanket of white.

Winter comes with it blustery winds and drifting snow and a cold that chills to the bone. 

Least we forget, on the horizon is a season of salvation. There will be Spring. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend as I leave you with this beautiful image I captured in years' past of the gorgeous Crab Apple orchard at Bernheim. I miss the beautiful serenity of Bernheim's landscape. Have a great weekend all. ENJOY!

The Grandeur

The grandeur that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is truly amazing. Every year millions visit the park. There is no fee to view the park. There is no wait list to view the park.

Foggy Day, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Spring 2016

There is the Roaring Fork, Cade's Cove, Newfound Gap, Chimney Tops, Elkmont, Greenbrier and Tremont. There are Elk, Black Bear and White Tailed Deer. There are White Trilliums, Black Eyed Susans, Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels. There are rapid rivers, waterfalls, flowing streams and babbling brooks. There is blue smoke, fog and rain. There are cool days in Spring, sweltering days in Summer, crisp Autumn days and snowstorms in Winter. This is the grandeur of the Smokies.

Bright Sunny Day, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Spring 2012

Every year I visit the park at least once and often twice. I love Spring in the Smokies with the blooming wildflowers and bright green of the new leaves in the forests. Yet, I can't resist Autumn when every surface is a magnificent chorus of color. The red Maple trees, the orange Sycamores, the yellow Oaks are in contrast to the dark green of the Fir trees. Each visit I bask in the grandeur of the Smokes. This magical place shows my heart, eases my mind and soothes my soul. It ruly is grandeur. ENJOY!

Winter's Landscape

At this time last year, there were several inches of fresh snow covering the ground at Bernheim. One of the many places I visited during that Winter was the Arboretum. I have spent many seasons at Bernheim. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. I have walked the snow covered paths, felt the bitter cold seeping through my jacket and knew my toes would be frost bit soon if I did not soon retreat to the warmth of my car.

I have spent a considerable amount of time photographing here capturing countless images of the birds, the animals, the insects, the plants, the lakes, the flowers, the trees, the blooms. There is nothing so beautiful in Spring as the Arboretum. First comes the crocuses, and then the Daffodils break free from their Winter's ground. Later the Japanese Magnolias burst forth in bloom with varying colors of blush pink to bright yellow. Shortly thereafter, the Crab Apples sprout their tiny blossoms. Colors of bright pink and soft white cover the tree branches and hang low to the ground draped like a carpet surrounding the base of each tree.

As the days grow warmer and the sun shines longer in the sky, the Goslings begin to crack free of their shells. Slowly, they wobble their way among the reeds and grasses along Lake Nevin waddling in single file behind Mom and Dad, pecking about the ground for food. The Robins sing a new song heralding in Spring while the Butterflies begin to emerge from their cocoons and flitter away in the breeze.

Yet before these wondrous, beautiful scenes take place, there lies a carpet of white blanketing the landscape covering the bushes, the trees, the prairie. Tree branches lay bare whilst waiting for their buds to burst forth harkening Spring. Layer upon layer of buds cling to their twigs and branches as Winter's harsh winds blow through.

Winter, in all its wonder, is still and quiet now, while Spring patiently waits its turn. ENJOY!

NOTE: It has been a busy yet stressful week as I attempt to pick up my roots and slowly prepare to relocate my life. Thank you for all of your kind thoughts from my last post and for allowing me to share. Your words and comments give me strength.

Linking to Weekend Reflections

Autumn, Nashville, Indiana

Who doesn't love small artist's communities filled to the brim with shops, shops and more shops. Nashville, Indiana is one of my stops when I travel to Mustatatuck NWR. The small town is only twenty minutes north of the refuge so I tend to visit in Spring and Fall especially when the seasons are changing.

Moonshine Leather Goods shop is one of those storefronts that beckons you to capture a quick photo. This shop was once home to my favorite store in all of Nashville. Originally the store was packed from the ceiling to the floor with plants and ferns and hanging baskets. Some of the most unusual plants were sold here. The store had two main attractions, a coffee shop and the plant and gardening shop. Sadly, the recession happened to that shop early on. However, Moonshine Leather Goods has transformed it into a great leather shop making it the perfect place to shop for belts and bags and such.

It is especially fun to shop in Nashville during the seasons and take in all of the decor. In Fall, Halloween decor is peppered throughout almost every shop. Winter brings holiday decor, and of course, you can always find tons of gifts for the giving in all of the shops. During the holidays you will receive a warmer welcome as you enter some shops with hot cider and warm cookies to munch on. I'm thinking of making a visit during December this year to check out the holiday decor.

If you should ever find yourself traveling through central Indiana, plan on spending the entire day in Nashville if you come. Grab a bite of lunch or dinner at The Artist's Colony Inn. It's my go to place for lunch on every visit I make. Take a dip at the old fashioned ice cream parlor located at the main intersection of town or grab a bag of warm nuts at the nut shop. It sits right in the center of town. Lots of folks stop and sit and do some people watching on one of the benches scattered throughout town along the sidewalks. I feel really lucky to live so close to a fantastic place to spend some time. It's an added bonus to take photos around town too. I promise I will be back soon. ENJOY!