Relationships

“And when it comes to critical life decisions—be they personal or professional, and regardless of the complexities and accompanying drama— at the heart of these issues, in one form or another, it’s all about relationships.” — Karen L. Rancourt, Ph.D.   “Trustworthiness pertains to truthfulness, reliability, and dependability; counting on someone and banking on them; … More Relationships

Best Buddy

“The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog.” — M.K. Clinton “They motivate us to play, be affectionate, seek adventure and be loyal.” — Tom Hayden Family member, best buddy and playmate, loyal and affectionate friend, that’s Bella! *    *   * Bella — Watercolor … More Best Buddy

Hidden Beauty

“Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eyes of one who sees.” — Rumi “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” — Roald Dahl *   *   * Well hidden Red-shouldered … More Hidden Beauty

Spoon fed

“Spoon feeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon.” —      E.M. Forster Born with its own silver spoon in its mouth? Swinging its spoon-shaped beak from side to side when walking through the shallow waters of mangrove keys and mudflats, the Roseate Spoonbill Stork uses its slightly open bill … More Spoon fed

Duck Boat Viewpoint

“Rivers run through our history and folklore, and link us as a people.” — Charles Kuralt “We must begin thinking like a river if we are to leave a legacy of beauty and life for future generations.” — David Brower “Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing … More Duck Boat Viewpoint

Counting the hours

“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear.” —      Henry Van Dyke “I suppose we all tend to remember only the happiness from our childhood, as a sundial refuses to tell the time except in fine weather.” — Bernard Levin *   *   * Sundial in the Gardens … More Counting the hours

Stillness

“Life’s most precious moments are not all loud or uproarious. Silence and stillness has its own virtues.” — Kilroy J. Oldster “When you approach something to photograph it, first be still with yourself until the object of your attention affirms your presence. Then don’t leave until you have captured its essence.” — Minor White * … More Stillness

Pride

“Spend less time with nightingales and peacocks. One is all talk, the other only color.” — Rumi “The proud peacock of today may be only a feather duster tomorrow.” — Rick Barnes *   *   * Proud as a Peacock — Photo at Flamingo Gardens, Davie, Fla., by Ellen Franks © 2019

Dramatic Flair

“Being glamorous is about strength and confidence. It’s black and white—dramatic. You have to be strong.” — Catherine Zeta-Jones “Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you?” — Fanny Brice … More Dramatic Flair

Taking control

“Sometimes we let life guide us, and other times we take life by the horns. But one thing is for sure: no matter how organized we are, or how well we plan, we can always expect the unexpected.” — Brandon Jenner Staghorn (or elkhorn) ferns receive their name from their unique horn shaped fronds. Also … More Taking control