“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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 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
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 