Joie de vivre

“Don’t forget love; it will bring you all the madness you need  to unfurl yourself across the universe.” — Meera blossoms opened wide magnificence and splendor blaze of joy in life *.  *.  * Single stalk of gladiolus lives up to its name of “Sword lily” with its striking thrust of trumpet-shaped blossoms • Photo … More Joie de vivre

Petals

“Just living isn’t enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” —Hans Christian Anderson beauty of petals drooping like long eyelashes blessed by butterfly *.  *.  * The spiky raised center of the Coneflower is the perfect landing spot of the Sachem Skipper, a tiny moth-like butterfly visitor to summer … More Petals

Fine Dining

“They say fingers were made before forks, and hands before knives.” — Jonathan Swift silver tableware substitute for fingering when eating fine food *.  *.  * Giant Striped Bass sculpture made of hundreds of knives, forks and spoons stands 18’ high outside S&P Oyster Restaurant in Mystic, Conn. Created by artist Clint Wright, its framework … More Fine Dining

Construction

“Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.” — Johannes Brahms construction delayed lumber and hardware shortage nest of twigs will do *.  *.  * Using pliable shoots for structural engineering, parent-to-be sparrow is ready to proceed with nest construction. Only thing missing is the hardhat • Photo by Jan Logozzo • … More Construction

Fine Detail

“It’s attention to detail that makes the difference between average and stunning.” — Francis Atterbury tracings of fine lines understatement of beauty fragility stuns *.  *.  * Delicate star-like Campanula Bellflowers are stunning purple favorites of gardeners and hummingbirds alike • Photo and “Fine Lines” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2026

Bejeweled Splendor

“Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird— equal seekers of sweetness.” —Mary Oliver suspended jewel iridescent wingbeats airborne ruby gem *.  *.  * Ruby-throated hummingbird hovers in place, one beauty in front of another • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Bejeweled Splendor” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2026

Spilled Milk

“There are moments when the elixir of life rises to such over-brimming splendor that the soul spills over.” —Henry Miller chalice filled with wine therapeutic elixir rimmed with sweet cream *.  *.  * With its artistic violet-purple throat surrounded by a creamy white outer rim, this showy bloom lives up to its Picasso Calla Lily … More Spilled Milk

After the Storm

“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it.” — Shannon L. Alder after day’s darkness spanning the edges of earth pathway of promise *.  *.  * Painted in colors of red, yellow, and blue, the perfect rainbow arc sweeps the … More After the Storm

Spiritual Blend

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson born from two colors passion of red peace of blue optimal spirit *.  *.  * Purple Hydrangea blossoms, blend of red and blue, emit feelings of energy and peacefulness to those who pause and breathe their spiritual vibes • Photo and “Spiritual Mix” … More Spiritual Blend

Patchwork

“We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork; now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous  or brave action.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson quilt of many hues patchwork of heirloom treasures color coded assets *.  *.  * Hydrangeas often display a patchwork of colors, including … More Patchwork