Crafty Nature?

I don't think many people who know me would ever accuse me of thinking inside the box.  Today has proven no exception!

I started the day finishing off one craft project, and trying another (no photo of it yet, that's another post!).  I made three of the "Awards" pictured for the nurses who participated in the skits during the Alzheimer's Association presentation.

That's a little plastic pink pig I spray painted gold, a small wooden plaque I spray painted the stone finish, and a small craft stick I used my label maker to cover.  How easy it was (once I found the right plaque and craft stick) to do this!  The surprise will be when the nurses get them; I'm trying to see if I can get the Executive Director to present them in a staff meeting.  And yes, these are the highly coveted Hammy Awards.


While I was waiting for some of the sealant and/or glue to dry, I lounged outside enjoying the backyard atmosphere again.  I waffled for several hours about where I'd go today to get some more nature shots, but finally went with a friend's suggestion.  I went back to Wegerzyn Gardens.

But, once I got there, I didn't take my previous path; nope, I took a LONG and meandering path.  I don't know what the plant above is, but I thought it was interesting, and I liked how the background washed of colors complement the colors of the buds.  Crafty nature.

Love how there's something growing on the roof of this building.  I'm not sure if it's grass or what, but it's certainly interesting.  Crafty Nature.

I know some of you will laugh when I admit I didn't know chipmunks made chirping noises.  I thought I was hearing a bird when I ran across this little guy.  Loved how he froze when I got "close enough" and then turned around, ready to run when I took another step.  Crafty Nature.

Loved the sun shining so the railing made a nice pattern on the "boardwalk".  Crafty Nature.

I think the sun was the main reason for most of my interesting shots today, especially this fern.  From another angle, with the light hitting it differently, it looked rather boring.  I found this kind of mesmerizing with the symmetry and contrast of the dark dots with the lighter frond.  Crafty Nature.

Found plenty of evidence on this tree of woodpeckers in the area!  Crafty Nature.

I thought this was a beautiful addition - the quote says "The energy of the mind is the essence of life."  Crafty.  Nature.

I have some of these pop up in the middle of the back yard!  Volunteer strawberry plants.  Crafty Nature.

I have no idea what this plant is, but it certainly stopped me in my tracks and almost demanded I take it's picture.  Crafty Nature.

I don't know if I can describe this tree adequately.  I was in the middle of the path and I leaned my head back to look up.  This is what I saw directly above me . . . the branches arching over the pathway (it seemed they were about a gazillion feet above me, too).  Crafty Nature.

Yes, even Mother Nature re-purposes!  Plants growing out of a fallen branch or log.  Crafty Nature.

I wasn't sure how the photo above would turn out.  I really like it though.  The sun was shining SO brightly that while my view showed a lot of leaves in varying shades of green, the result was an almost complete black.  I need to clean the camera lens because I can see the "flare" spots from dust or spots on the lens.  I like them here though . . . maybe I'll hold off on that cleaning!  Crafty. Nature.

This is called a "gall" - where a fungus or parasite infested the tree, and the tree responded.  Crafty Nature.

 I'm guessing this is the red-headed step child of the moss family.  Crafty Nature.

Does anybody else think "The Scream" by Edvard Munch??  Crafty Nature!!

A couple of topiary dogs "guarding" an entrance to the Children's Discovery Garden.  Crafty.  Nature.


Not only was it a day of crafts and nature, some of the crafting was to benefit nature, and some of nature was definitely crafty (in almost every aspect of the word).  adjective cunning, scheming, sly, devious, knowing, designing, sharp, calculating, subtle, tricky, shrewd, astute, fraudulent, canny, wily,insidious, artful, foxy, deceitful, duplicitous, tricksy, guileful 
open, simple, frank, innocent, ethical, naive, honest, candid, ingenuous, wet behind the ears


I'm liking the idea of crafty nature; it certainly keeps me on my toes and keeps me looking for new and interesting.

Turtle, Take 2

I've been playing turtle again . . . pulling into my shell and not coming out for anybody.  It was only for one day, and I feel better for having done so.  I needed that day to process the bad news that I am STILL unemployed. I thought for sure I was getting this job.  Nope.  I did find out today that it was a very difficult decision for them, and that they really liked me and my qualifications; I kind of figured that out when the recruiter called to let me down, and practically begged me to keep in touch with him.  Regardless, it hurt.  And it hurt pretty badly.  The worst it's been since I've been looking for a job.  So, yeah, I took a day of being a turtle to work through it and accept it.


Today probably would have been a good day to be a turtle, but for a completely different reason!  I went to Aullwood Garden MetroPark today after visiting with Mom.  I was trying to be economical with time and gas since I had to be back at the Village for a seminar on Alzheimer's at 6:30 and it was about 4:00 when I left there.  Aullwood and Englewood are the closest MetroParks to the Village, and both are also close to one of my favorite fast food places, Hot Head Burrito (dinner!!).  So off I went to discover new and exciting sights.

This extremely large tree section was one of the first things I saw on the trail.  I wish I'd had a macro lens to REALLY get in close.

Love the look of the moss growing on the tree trunks.

 I was tempted to take off my socks and shoes and dip my toes in, but didn't dare!  I love the light reflections.

I know this guy is a cardinal!  Whew, one I recognize (and could recognize a bunch of them singing most of the time I was walking the trail). 

I don't know what this is, but I thought it was interesting.  Couldn't get all that close, or you know there would be some funky super close-up!

I tried this pic with the funky branch as the focal point as well, but I like this one better!  (FYI, funky is my word for today.)

Need help from my friend Jenny at I'd Rather Be Birding!, but I believe the bird above is a Vireo, and the one below is an Indigo Bunting.  If I'm correct, today was the first time I saw either one, ever!!  Jenny knows how exciting that is.

There's a moth "hiding" in the flowers.  Every time I moved to try to get a better shot, it would counter-move!  I guess it's used to stalkers?

I don't know what this is, but every time I see it, I think of the Crown of Thorns . . . and yet that's a plant that doesn't look anything like this.

Not sure what this is either, but thought it was pretty . . .

I liked the tiny bloom unfolding after most of the other buds had opened.

It's hard to tell, but this plant was growing in the middle of the creek.  One more thing I didn't have a clue about!

I liked taking pictures of the creek today (be glad I'm not sharing but a few with you; I took a LOT).

I thought these fungi were interesting, growing in the cleft of the tree.  I also liked the bark of the tree.

Empty benches are yet one more visual I have a "thing" for.  I'm not sure if it's because they seem a bit lonely, or if they're calling me to sit and relax.

Extreme close up of some clover (pretty good size clover).

Crazy, but I am fascinated with this hollowed out log!  For one thing, it's HUGE.  I love seeing how it has weathered over the years, along with the natural swirls and curves and growth rings from when it was alive.


So, why would TODAY have been a good day to be a turtle?  I enjoyed ambling through Aullwood, and I think it would have been nice to have gone even slower (possibly sighting MORE birds) and stayed all day.  I was also fascinated with the creek, the light reflecting on the creek, the rushing water, and the plants/algae growing in the creek.  There were several times I thought it would be nice to be floating down the creek . . . I think by slowing down, I appreciated the beauty around me a little more today, too.  Focusing on God's creation instead of my own sorry little mess of a life can do that to a person.