Seen years ago, while on a quiet spiritual retreat in nature, using a telephoto lens so to not disturb… Sweet, wonderful encounter.

With a sweet little smile on her face,
cute puffed-out cheeks, &
tail casually curved onto her back,
this small, desert Antelope Squirrel (size of a Chipmunk)
holding a seed in her tiny paws, relaxed & ready to eat!

#Photography #WildlifePhotography #Wildlife #Squirrel
#Nature #Mammals

Seen years ago, while on a quiet spiritual retreat in nature, using a telephoto lens so to not disturb… Sweet, wonderful encounter.

With a sweet little smile on her face,
cute puffed-out cheeks, &
tail casually curved onto her back,
this small, desert Antelope Squirrel (size of a Chipmunk)
holding a seed in her tiny paws, relaxed & ready to eat!

#Photography #WildlifePhotography #Wildlife #Squirrel
#Nature #Mammals

In the desert, Oxalis blooms will thrive abundantly in spring, if given a shady area with only early morning sunlight… These are growing in pots. Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

Shady springtime, in a desert – peaceful Oxalis flowers;
green leaves with vibrant pink flowers,
& maroon leaves with soft lavender flowers in background.

“Seeking wonders in life,
while sojourning through, this lovely world.” K.L.

#Photography #Flowers #ImageAndVerse #Stunday #Wonder

The wonders of earth's flowering plants...

Thank you.

Thanks, they are such unique plants!

Bright purple, small flowers, blooming right next to a cactus, in a desert garden. They’ve been growing like this for months on end… Bible verse is from Job 12:8, New Revised Standard Version.

Verbena flowers, gracefully blooming next to
an Old Man Cactus, with soft white ‘hair’ and sharp spines.

Those who are very different, can peacefully co-exist.

For plants – no cease fires or peace deals required.

“ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;”
Job 12:8

#Wisdom #Plants

In the desert, Oxalis blooms will thrive abundantly in spring, if given a shady area with only early morning sunlight… These are growing in pots. Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

Shady springtime, in a desert – peaceful Oxalis flowers;
green leaves with vibrant pink flowers,
& maroon leaves with soft lavender flowers in background.

“Seeking wonders in life,
while sojourning through, this lovely world.” K.L.

#Photography #Flowers #ImageAndVerse #Stunday #Wonder

We call ourselves "intelligent," yet the humblest fungus can decompose waste and build soil, a tree can harness solar energy, and a wetland can purify water—all without toxic byproducts. True intelligence is learning from these systems, not bulldozing them.

Globe Mallow blooms – cheerful, bright orange flowers with a yellow center. Blooms are only ~ ¾ inch across, yet they give us so much. Background is desert greenery. In a desert garden, the other day.

Creation’s blooms are not selfish, arrogant, or cruel.

Flowers, are naturally what they are:
Giving. Humble. Kindly.
~ Strength ~

Freely seen, wonderfully sensed,
if perceived with an open mind, vibrant heart, seeking soul.

#Photography #Flowers #Peace #Kindness #Nature #Garden

Globe Mallow blooms – cheerful, bright orange flowers with a yellow center. Blooms are only ~ ¾ inch across, yet they give us so much. Background is desert greenery. In a desert garden, the other day.

Creation’s blooms are not selfish, arrogant, or cruel.

Flowers, are naturally what they are:
Giving. Humble. Kindly.
~ Strength ~

Freely seen, wonderfully sensed,
if perceived with an open mind, vibrant heart, seeking soul.

#Photography #Flowers #Peace #Kindness #Nature #Garden

A male Anna’s Hummingbird – instead of the usual bright pink, is displaying a lovely, vibrant raspberry color on his neck feathers. This deep raspberry may be observed, if the angle of ambient light is a certain way, or one’s viewing angle is different (like from the side.) Seen Dec. 26, 2021, mid-day; taken with a telephoto lens so to not disturb. Anna’s Hummingbirds, are quite common to see in the desert in winter, where daytime temperatures are still relatively warm.

Flying so free…

Little desert hummingbird,
hovering in mid-air for mere seconds,
amidst a winter wooded area.

My heart tells me, that even creation’s smallest,
value their own sense of freedom…

Please see ALT for interesting bird details.

#Photography #Hummingbird #Birds #Wonder #Desert #Nature

Deep blue desert skies, with vibrant orange Trumpet Vine flowers – a scene that radiates a sense of overarching peace & wise boldness. The color of orange can symbolize: youth, safety, confidence, motivation, transformation, vitality. Quote in post by Kelly Lantana… Photo from mid-autumn, last year.

“A deep concern held in my soul, heart, and mind –
What kind of world, are the earth’s children being handed?
Choices today, matter deeply, for many tomorrows…” K.L.

#EndViolenceAgainstChildren

#Photography #Wisdom #Flowers #BlueSkyMonday #Peace
#Compassion #Awareness

Close-up of a Moth Orchid flower re-blooming, in colors of purple & magenta, with some white in the background. The flowers are only 1¼ inches across at the widest. Image taken just yesterday morning.

Orchids may take quite some time to bloom again,
and the waiting can be challenging for us –

Yet wise perseverance, is a vital part of navigating life…

May we find on this special day,
peace, strength, and divine love to meet life’s challenges.

#photography #orchids #flower #Easter #peace

Close-up of a Moth Orchid flower re-blooming, in colors of purple & magenta, with some white in the background. The flowers are only 1¼ inches across at the widest. Image taken just yesterday morning.

Orchids may take quite some time to bloom again,
and the waiting can be challenging for us –

Yet wise perseverance, is a vital part of navigating life…

May we find on this special day,
peace, strength, and divine love to meet life’s challenges.

#photography #orchids #flower #Easter #peace

Wild blue Morning Glories, gently embracing a desert cross…

A quiet, special remembrance…

Image taken during a rare summer, of abundant desert rains.

#Photography #GoodFriday #Flowers #Cross #Nature #Creation
#InnerStrength #Wisdom #Inspiration #Love

What a special scene to encounter.

Wild blue Morning Glories, gently embracing a desert cross…

A quiet, special remembrance…

Image taken during a rare summer, of abundant desert rains.

#Photography #GoodFriday #Flowers #Cross #Nature #Creation
#InnerStrength #Wisdom #Inspiration #Love

An early spring evening in a desert, the other day… Scenes like this, give a sense of hope for much needed rain, so they are delightful to see.

Really enjoy vibrant, natural contrasts in this desert scene:
Vivid green, fresh spring leaves of Mesquite tree;
puffy clouds in white & light grey;
touches of clear blue sky just above;
dark blue ribbon of thunder clouds over all,
with a few rainy tendrils reaching down.

#Photography #Clouds #Art

An early spring evening in a desert, the other day… Scenes like this, give a sense of hope for much needed rain, so they are delightful to see.

Really enjoy vibrant, natural contrasts in this desert scene:
Vivid green, fresh spring leaves of Mesquite tree;
puffy clouds in white & light grey;
touches of clear blue sky just above;
dark blue ribbon of thunder clouds over all,
with a few rainy tendrils reaching down.

#Photography #Clouds #Art

Heartfelt... Poignant...
Deeply grateful for the love they give to these little ones.

Why was my book, Trauma: Jesus Deeply Gets It, written?

This excerpt will begin to answer the question –
in a down-to-earth, realistic way,
that is also heartfelt and spiritual.

See photos, full-view:

#Book #Inspiration #Authenticity #Faith #Peace
#Wisdom #InnerStrength #Compassion #DailyLiving

The bird’s length is ~ 5½ inches (14cm)… This one is likely a first spring male, given how his head isn’t completely turquoise yet. His upper chest area is a cinnamon color, & his tummy a soft-white. He’s perched on a small branch of desert Mesquite tree… I usually only see them here-abouts during spring migration, perhaps for a few days. The male arrives first, soon a female also; then they leave for an unknown destination together… Photo taken several springs ago.

Lazuli Bunting, springtime in a desert…
A rare, delightful sight here, during migration.

When my soul ponders creation,
I’m quietly awed by the
deep sense of beauty in our world,
the loving creativity of it all.

This softly gladdens my world-weary heart…

#Photography #Birds #Inspiration #Nature

The wonderful honorable mention: a profound message.

A calming, nearly perfect half-moon, seen high up in a desert sky two days ago. Background is a cerulean (clear blue) sky… Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

Our lovely solitary moon, on a cerulean desert afternoon…
As our world becomes increasingly unhinged,
remember to go outside in creation, often:

“Pausing, is to see…
Seeing, is to enjoy…
Enjoying, is to find needed refreshment.” K.L.

Gifts, from God’s heart.

#Photography #Inspiration #Moon #Scape

A tiny bird, resting a few moments on a tree branch. His back & lower front are green, the upper front a greyish-white, & his throat a wonderful vibrant pink with some iridescence… Photo from a few years ago, but they are present now also.

So much beauty in our world –
Every instance, to my spirit’s way of beholding life,
a gift to us all, from heaven’s heart…

A male Anna’s Hummingbird in the desert;
amidst a soft blend of Mesquite leaves & dappled light.

#Photography #Hummingbird #Inspiration #NaturePhotography
#Birds #Desert #Awe

Three butterflies at once, nectaring from vibrant-red Pineapple Sage flowers. One autumn, there were 3 often seen, gently traveling together like this… Fragrance of this plant’s leaves is like wonderful, fresh pineapple… Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

“Genuine kindness holds a certain strength,
because it originates in an understanding heart,
and from a wise soul...” K.L.

Three desert butterflies, often sharing the same flowers.

#photography #imageandverse #inspiration #kindness #butterflies
#peace #flowers #stunday #art

Agreed, nature is amazing!

Three butterflies at once, nectaring from vibrant-red Pineapple Sage flowers. One autumn, there were 3 often seen, gently traveling together like this… Fragrance of this plant’s leaves is like wonderful, fresh pineapple… Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

“Genuine kindness holds a certain strength,
because it originates in an understanding heart,
and from a wise soul...” K.L.

Three desert butterflies, often sharing the same flowers.

#photography #imageandverse #inspiration #kindness #butterflies
#peace #flowers #stunday #art

A small, light-yellow desert butterfly with cinnamon colored accents, has alighted upon a bright-red Hibiscus flower.

#WordlessWednesday #Photography #Flower #Butterfly #Art #Peace