Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 4:52


This time of the year always brings to mind a scene from the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice. Lizzy is sitting at her window, looking out over the bleak winter landscape as she pens a letter to Jane who is away in London. Being fond of the out-of-doors, Lizzy was dejected about being confined inside. But more than that, without her beloved Jane to act as a buffer between her and their ridiculous mother and sisters, the situation is downright intolerable!

Thankfully, I am not forced to sit and listen to ridiculous or obtuse people (unless you count the TV), nevertheless, I can identify with Lizzy with regard to the weather of late.

Cold, bleak winter days are a challenge for me. Especially when it is damp. The dampness does help reduce the pollen, however, so even there we find a silver lining.

That's not smoke but rather pollen coming off the cedar trees. Ah-choo!
I did take advantage of one sunny, dry day last week to escape our cozy cottage.

I enjoyed being out under the tree canopy and visiting with my friend the gold-fronted woodpecker! They are so amusing to watch! But hard to get a clear picture since they dart around so much.

One thing I love about living here is that you never know what you're going to see out the window!

It's common to see the does grazing but - wooza! - they have a gentleman friend with them today! It's hard to tell from the picture but there is actually a ledge just behind where the doe is standing in the foreground. The buck is down in the lower field. The first time I looked out all I saw was his, um, derrière!

I was so glad he came up, closer to the cottage so I could get these pictures.

I wanted to ease the door open for a clearer shot but I knew he'd be gone in an instant. Hope to see more of you, big fella!

Despite the dreary, gray days there is always beauty to be found.

This is a truth that God is consistently revealing to me.

There are lessons to be learned and blessings to be received even during the stark, bleak days of winter. I hope you'll join me later this week as I explore some of the things God is showing me and teaching me during this season.

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 27:52

I thought you all might enjoy seeing an encounter we had earlier this week. It appears our dog, Sandy, has been making friends.

We had just finished putting out her food when we spotted this doe approaching. Since we were only a few feet away, I was surprised she kept advancing. We decided to wait around and see what would happen.

It's been hot here, so we assumed she was after Sandy's water. We were surprised when she started eating Sandy's food, instead!

Sandy was getting a drink of water off to the right side of this picture at the time.

The doe ran when Sandy finished drinking and headed back toward the food. But she didn't run far. We figured the she must know from experience that Sandy won't hurt her.

As you can see, Sandy is more interested in her food than her new friend!

The doe came right back when Sandy got down for another drink of water. 

Sandy came back for her food and seemed completely nonplussed by the presence of the doe. I wonder how often Sandy misses out on her meal. Around here, you snooze - you lose!

We were sitting just a few feet away the entire time. Normally, the deer won't come this close. 

I took all these with my cell phone and it was after sunset, so the pictures aren't the best. 

What I really want to know is: why do the deer have to eat my plants when they have Sandy's food to eat?

What interesting encounters have

you had this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 16:52

If you stand in a wildflower meadow long enough something magical is bound to happen.

Sharing the magic . . .

Common Buck-eye Butterfly

Black-chinned Hummingbird / Nodding Thistle

Black-chinned Hummingbird / Nodding Thistle

Orange Sulphur Butterfly

Orange Sulphur Butterfly

Variegated Fritillary

Variegated Fritillary

Some type of Skipper Butterfly - can't positively id

American Lady Butterfly on Nodding Thistle

Have a wonder-filled day,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 11:52

Sunday was one of those rare days when time seems to stand still, and JOY overflows. After five days of {much} needed rain, the sun emerged triumphant, wrapping me in it's warm embrace. It shone almost too brightly. Like a dream where you keep rubbing your eyes, trying to focus.

The breeze, which has been largely unwelcome all winter, came leaping and bounding from the south, bringing with it promises of warmer nights and just a hint of the sea.

Besides getting the second flower bed cleaned out, I'm unashamed to admit that I accomplished very little. 

Nature is wholly captivating to me. I can sit or wander for hours in complete wonder at her performance. I may or may not have sat, slack-jawed, as a giant swallowtail fluttered by. Already? It's only March! I grabbed the camera and went chasing after it, but alas it was gone, leaving only a vague impression of it's radiance.

My Dreamer has completed the first stage of the fence that we're putting up around our yard, and the Phoebes are taking advantage of the extra perches.

Rain or shine.

The rain also brought one of our occasional visitors, the Killdeer. They are such neat birds. This one wasn't at all camera shy, but I was shooting from inside the car, so it's not the best capture.

I spent a rainy day at my mom's place last week and her bird feeders were especially active. We counted seven male Northern Cardinals. Although I can only locate six in this picture.

What a treat it was to watch them!

Hopefully you haven't tired of all the birds . . .

Carolina Chickadee

. . . and butterflies.

American Lady

Because my big news this week is - - the hummers are back!

Black-chinned Hummingbird

I'm thinking about relocating my feeders, so my pictures don't look all the same as last year's.

What are you seeing

through your lens

this week?

Have a wonder-filled day,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 5:52

Sad to say, with everything going on, I haven't been out and about much. Which makes it even more amazing that I got these shots! I've been trying for three years to get pictures of the Western Meadowlarks that winter here every year, and I finally succeeded!

As you can see, they blend in very well with the grasses.  They are nearly impossible to spot, and very timid. They always fly before I even know they are there.

Normally, I can't get within 10ft of them. And this time was no exception. These are taken with the zoom on my Canon Power Shot SC50 HS.

The field had been mowed earlier in the day, and I just happened to spot these two foraging when I stepped out onto the front porch.

Pardon the "butt" shot, but it's the only one that shows a hint of their brilliant yellow fronts. The little buggers never turned around for me! So technically, they are still on my bucket list, since I'd love to get a shot of their beautiful yellow fronts, marked with a distinct black V.

Hmm, maybe I should install a few fence posts.

My other delight this week was this American Lady butterfly.

You can distinguish the American Lady from the Painted Lady by the small white dots. I was so thankful that my purple lantana has continued to bloom. I can't imagine where else the butterflies are finding food!

I've lived in TX nearly nine years now and this is the first time I've seen butterflies in January! If you're snuggled in under a warm blanket of snow, wishing for spring, I hope this brings some warmth to your day!

What are you seeing

through your lens

this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday at Pierced Wanderings

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 02:52

I can't believe it's been three months since I've shared #LTTL! 

October is always a blur with #write31days and then November and December were filled with gratitude and anticipation!

This edition of #LTTL is in keeping with my new theme this year. All the images were developed in Lightroom. Whereas I've worked exclusively in Photoshop before, I've finally taken the Leap into Lightroom! And I'm so glad I did! Starting off the year with my pictures organized - that in itself is awesome - but Lightroom offers so much more!

If you're interested in getting your feet wet, Kim Klasson offers a online course. Just click on Leap into Lightroom above, and it will take you there.

So these are my first attempts at editing in Lightroom, after only three lessons, so bear with me as I learn.

*******

The gold-fronted woodpeckers are always a great source of amusement. Doesn't it look like he got into a box of melted crayons?

There are still some plants blooming around here. Mistletoe for one. I know it's a parasite, and we have to be careful that it doesn't overwhelm the tree, but it sure is beautiful!

A few leaves are still hanging on. I love the way the afternoon light makes them glow!

I looked out my window the other day and saw this:

Why drink out of the bowl of fresh water that mommy puts out when you can get  your stretches in by drinking out of the birdbath. Cats!

I have to say, editing and cataloging these in LR was a lot of fun. But it was the export process that really blew my mind! LR is the master when it comes to workflow. Check it out.

What are you seeing

through your lens

this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global