Rest Stop

“Unexpected wonders happen,  not on schedule, or when you expect or want them to happen, but if you keep hanging around, they happen.” — Wendell Berry taking a short rest waiting for life to happen unscheduled affair *.  *.  * Glossy fish crow, common resident along coastal salt waters, hangs out for a moment before … More Rest Stop

Caution

“Never say there is nothing beautiful in the world anymore. There is always something to make you wonder in the shape of a tree, the trembling of a leaf.” — Albert Schweitzer call me what you like maybe rosy bonnet mushroom but just don’t eat me *.  *.  * With an estimated 10,000-14,000 identified species, … More Caution

Settling

“There is something magical about the way a sunset can make us feel at peace, grateful, and alive all at once.” — Morgan Harper Nichols sun shares its red glow light and warmth spread on the ground priming tomorrow *.  *.  * Setting sun infuses the sky and hills below with its upending splendor and … More Settling

Cool Shade

“To sit in the shade  on a fine day  and look upon verdue  is the most perfect refreshment.” — Jane Austen deep green shade invites sun pokes thru low hanging leaves coolness and comfort *.  *.  * With cool shade tempered by warm sun, a perfect place for sitting • “Cool Shade” acrylics painting and … More Cool Shade

Picnic Plates

“Know how to behave at a buffet. Take a clean plate for a second helping.” — Marilyn vos Savant clean plate club member spotless but nourishment free load ‘em up again *.  *.  * One of the largest and most popular Hosta plants, the “Sum & Substance” Hosta is famous for its gigantic mound of … More Picnic Plates

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