Beautiful photos. Thursday has become my favorite day and I am now anticipating it with delight every week! I was recently looking through your collection. You are so prolific and your work is really wonderful.
Beautiful photos Mac. I love the one of the cormorant taking off. And the little squirrel is adorable.
The box turtle has some very interesting patterns on its shell. I have always been fascinated by the unique patterns on the different turtle shells.
I once did an image using the sections of a large tortoise shell. I cropped each of the sections to get the individual patterns, then layered them together over a contrasting background to see what they would look like as a design. It was an interesting experiment, and the results was really pretty.
Experimenting with things such as that helps me grow as person, as well as stretch my artwork experience.
It’s a closely related species, Pat. This individual lived in the Colorado Rockies. Right in front of a sign telling people not to feed them, people were feeding them!
Those really are amazing dancing waters. I saw those when I was last in Vegas, and whomever designed the water show did an excellent job. Timing was perfect and it was a delight to watch.
Whaaho! Look at that bad boy! What a very imperial pose too! Great shot Kavika.....love it. That you have him so close to you is really a Blessing. He looks very much at home there too.
Long before there was the United States the eagle was a powerful symbol to many Native Amerian tribes. This is particularly true of my tribe the Ojibwe as the eagle is also part of our creation story.
So important that the Red Lake Ojibwe Nation college campus is guarded by the Migizi (eagle).
I can't pass that theme up. From the biggest to the smallest. This one was taken in May. Although the little guys have been at the feeder almost constantly, I just haven't had the camera out there. If you look very close, you can just see the shadow of his wings above and behind him.
The wind=gs are moving so fast that my camera simply can't click the shutter fast enough to catch them motionless. That's what I've been trying to do for three years now. My daughter's cell phone can sometimes slow things down enough.
I posted a couple of photos of a large tiger swallowtail butterfly a few weeks ago that I managed to capture in the photos with the wings still. I have several photos where you can see the beating wings. I probably should post some of them sometime. They actually look pretty cool.
A great story and photo, SP. Having had several ducks and their ducklings, this photo does bring back very fond memories. The little ones have a personality of their own, and there always seemed to be one that wanted to explore well beyond their own comfort zone that Mom had to rescue.
Beautiful photo G. Thank you for sharing. The Roman's and Greeks have always had awesome artwork. Their attention to even the smallest details of the subject is truly amazing.
I wish I actually had the answer. I will, of course, defer to your expertise. If I had a picture of more of the building perhaps we would know. I was just attracted by the beauty of the sculpture when I took the photo.
The African Violet is really lovely, Jane. The blossom looks very healthy and robust. The reflection of the colors of the buildings on the water adds a beautiful touch to the picture. Very nice.
Thanks Raven. Those buildings caught my eye and I want to paint my house purple now! Hehehe, just kidding but they sure do look beautiful standing on the water.
I've never seen a violet those colours. But in Florida I've certainly seen buildings those colours, and in fact at one time I shared ownership with my brother of a Florida golf condo in a building that looked just like those.
I believe I've commented on this one previously, but don't recall what I said. I'm sure it had something to do with anguish or mourning. Somthing in the expression makes me think of this photo I took in an ancient village in Guanxi Autonomous Region. I edited it to look like a vintage photo.
So sorry if I offended you in any way Mac, that was not my intention at all. I understand your wanting to offer praise for EG's photo, and it is indeed well deserved.
Please accept my apology for offending you. I should have stated my comment better.
No apology necessary, RW, you were correct in your comment; I made a qualitative distinction which was subjective on my part, and your comment was objective, therefore, more valid than mine.
Indeed ... it’s an old photo that better represents the night’s catch which I would have had to photograph in light too low to get a good image. Think of it as “a rose by any other name.”
The lotus has been a symbol of purity since before the time of the Buddha, and it blooms profusely in Buddhist art and literature. Its roots are in muddy water, but the lotus flower rises above the mud to bloom clean and fragrant.
In Buddhist art, a fully blooming lotus flower signifies enlightenment , while a closed bud represents a time before enlightenment. Sometimes a flower is partly open, with its center hidden, indicating that enlightenment is beyond ordinary sight.
The mud nourishing the roots represents our messy human lives. It is in the midst of our human experiences and our suffering that we seek to break free and bloom. But while the flower rises above the mud, the roots and stem remain in the mud, where we live our lives. A Zen verse says, "May we exist in muddy water with purity, like a lotus."
Rising above the mud to bloom requires great faith in oneself, in the practice, and in the Buddha's teaching. So, along with purity and enlightenment, a lotus also represents faith.
FYI: Photo atop article … Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel.
We're never limited as to subject or medium. Post your creative works and comments.
Beautiful photos. Thursday has become my favorite day and I am now anticipating it with delight every week! I was recently looking through your collection. You are so prolific and your work is really wonderful.
I am flattered and thank you profusely!
You're welcome!
Beautiful photos Mac. I love the one of the cormorant taking off. And the little squirrel is adorable.
The box turtle has some very interesting patterns on its shell. I have always been fascinated by the unique patterns on the different turtle shells.
I once did an image using the sections of a large tortoise shell. I cropped each of the sections to get the individual patterns, then layered them together over a contrasting background to see what they would look like as a design. It was an interesting experiment, and the results was really pretty.
Experimenting with things such as that helps me grow as person, as well as stretch my artwork experience.
“Nature is the art of God” _ Sir Thomas Browne
Very true.
It looks like a Chipmunk.
It’s a closely related species, Pat. This individual lived in the Colorado Rockies. Right in front of a sign telling people not to feed them, people were feeding them!
Mengelsen should be impressed, and the Audubon Society is missing the boat.
© G. Gam 2020 Iris in bloom
Beautiful golden Iris G. So lush and full, I can smell the aroma from here.
Thank you!
Your Iris is lovely, but it looks lonely - here's some company for it.
Really beautiful, Buzz. Love the varied colors.
That's nice.
The dancing fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
That is a cool photo.
Those really are amazing dancing waters. I saw those when I was last in Vegas, and whomever designed the water show did an excellent job. Timing was perfect and it was a delight to watch.
I must have stood there for an hour watching those fountains when I was last in Vegas.
A juvenile green heron near dusk. This was the first time I've seen one.
What a great shot EG.
Truly a great shot
Very nice EG! What an excellent shot.
A really lucky shot. Although there were herons at the lake where my summer chalet was, I never saw one that young.
Here is my Thursday post.
Wonderful
Thanks G. This is one I created three years ago. The animals shown represent some of the Spirit Guides.
The animals shown represent some of the Spirit Guides.
I thought that was probably the case.
Here is a new creation to start the weekend off.
Really nice Raven Wing. The colors of the frame help emphasize the white head feathers.
Thanks G. I very glad you like it.
What would a weekend be without one of your genius creations?
Thank you very much Buzz.
Yet another display of your competence.
I'm very glad that you like it Buzz. That my NT family likes what I do is reward enough for me. (smile)
This photo was taken a couple of days ago in our complex. The eagle is sitting on the roof of a neighbors house. (I did not take the photo).
WOW!!!!!!
Whaaho! Look at that bad boy! What a very imperial pose too! Great shot Kavika.....love it. That you have him so close to you is really a Blessing. He looks very much at home there too.
Long before there was the United States the eagle was a powerful symbol to many Native Amerian tribes. This is particularly true of my tribe the Ojibwe as the eagle is also part of our creation story.
So important that the Red Lake Ojibwe Nation college campus is guarded by the Migizi (eagle).
That photo is just amazing Kavika. Have you posted an article about the Ojibwe creation story in Anishinaabe?
Great shot and most impressive … especially to an Eagles fan from Philly.
A. Mac/A.G.
Thanks Kathleen.
I believe that I have, but it's been some time ago.
I can always post another article on it.
LOL, yup you Philly fans would appreciate the Eagle.
I can always post another article on it.
That would be great.
I've seen that before - it is an amazing example of meaningful architecture.
Audubon Society!!!!
I can't pass that theme up. From the biggest to the smallest. This one was taken in May. Although the little guys have been at the feeder almost constantly, I just haven't had the camera out there. If you look very close, you can just see the shadow of his wings above and behind him.
Great picture. The shadows of the wings are amazing.
The wind=gs are moving so fast that my camera simply can't click the shutter fast enough to catch them motionless. That's what I've been trying to do for three years now. My daughter's cell phone can sometimes slow things down enough.
That video is great.
I posted a couple of photos of a large tiger swallowtail butterfly a few weeks ago that I managed to capture in the photos with the wings still. I have several photos where you can see the beating wings. I probably should post some of them sometime. They actually look pretty cool.
Here;s another.
My daughter got these with her cell phone when she was in her hammock in the front yard.
I think those videos are great.
Exceptionally well done!
Yeah, he looks like he's floating.
That's an amazing video.
They dart around and stay still in the air like some insects are able to do.
Sorry, unable to open it.
The circle of life continues. One old duck goes missing. A daughter takes her place and her nest. Last Saturday,
after 35 days of brooding, 9 of 11 eggs hatched within hours of each other. She knew the other two won't hatch.
The new ducklings rumble around in there triangular landscape bed for about 24 hours.
They usually stay for weeks or at least come back to the nest every night.
Not this time. These guys were watching their Mom bathe in one of the deep water bowls.
In an instant they face planted onto the lawn and were up and running to their shallow bowl, all 9 swimming in a circle.
Mom looked at them, chirped at me, and they were off to the lake, me in tow.
She hasn't been back yet, but I have walked down to see them; 2 tawny ones, the rest, basic black with yellow and white highlights.
How great is that? Very, very cool.
A great story and photo, SP. Having had several ducks and their ducklings, this photo does bring back very fond memories. The little ones have a personality of their own, and there always seemed to be one that wanted to explore well beyond their own comfort zone that Mom had to rescue.
Thanks for the memories. (smile)
That's the best..
I am down in a good way with this post .... while at the same time I am up in the mountains ... two winners!
Morning in Stone Creek, Ocala Fl.
Very dramatic colors
Very beautiful l Kavika. The myriad of colors, and the streamed reflections as it spans out across the sky is very Spiritual.
Unable to open that one as well.
© G. Gam 2020 Pediment from doorway, Paris (I posted this extra large to show the detail of the sculpture.)
Any idea on the age?
I don't know for certain. As I recall, it was not an ancient building. It might have been 19th century, perhaps a bit older, perhaps a bit later.
Beautiful photo G. Thank you for sharing. The Roman's and Greeks have always had awesome artwork. Their attention to even the smallest details of the subject is truly amazing.
It appears to be from the Baroque period ... post or late Renaissance ... 1700-1800s possibility.
I wish I actually had the answer. I will, of course, defer to your expertise. If I had a picture of more of the building perhaps we would know. I was just attracted by the beauty of the sculpture when I took the photo.
Excellent.
Merci beaucoup!
De rien.
One of my African violets.
Also a picture from the boat looking towards shore. I love the bright colors of the buildings.
The African Violet is really lovely, Jane. The blossom looks very healthy and robust. The reflection of the colors of the buildings on the water adds a beautiful touch to the picture. Very nice.
Thanks Raven. Those buildings caught my eye and I want to paint my house purple now! Hehehe, just kidding but they sure do look beautiful standing on the water.
I've never seen a violet those colours. But in Florida I've certainly seen buildings those colours, and in fact at one time I shared ownership with my brother of a Florida golf condo in a building that looked just like those.
Sunset Wednesday evening on Phantom Lake in Grantsburg, WI.
Very beautiful photo
Beautiful sunset EG. Warm, relaxing and very serene.
Stunning EG.
I rarely get to see beautiful sunsets like that any more.
Here is another oldie....this one was created about 3 years ago.......
That is pretty interesting.
Thank you G.
I believe I've commented on this one previously, but don't recall what I said. I'm sure it had something to do with anguish or mourning. Somthing in the expression makes me think of this photo I took in an ancient village in Guanxi Autonomous Region. I edited it to look like a vintage photo.
That's a great photo Buzz, and perfect editing.
Just got back from fishing …
Note the boy fishing.
© A. Mac/A.G.
EG's shot is better than mine.
They are all beautiful Mac. Each one offers its own unique view, 'personality', and special Spiritual meaning.
Yes, but credit where credit is due. EG’s shot is rich & I merely felt the need to laud it.
We are not in competition ... I felt strongly however to praise EG’s picture.
So sorry if I offended you in any way Mac, that was not my intention at all. I understand your wanting to offer praise for EG's photo, and it is indeed well deserved.
Please accept my apology for offending you. I should have stated my comment better.
No apology necessary, RW, you were correct in your comment; I made a qualitative distinction which was subjective on my part, and your comment was objective, therefore, more valid than mine.
Thank you Mac. (smile)
Beautiful scene. Nice cloud reflection. Catch anything?
Catch anything?
Calico Bass
© A. Mac/A.G.
I'm sure you released it to be caught another day, but you know I would have fried it for lunch.
Thanks for the compliment. You probably left with a photo AND some fish, though.
Looks familiar....LOL.
Indeed ... it’s an old photo that better represents the night’s catch which I would have had to photograph in light too low to get a good image. Think of it as “a rose by any other name.”
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet?
Ha! Or, a rose is a rose is a rose.
Once again; I thank everyone for making this feature a winner week-after-week.
Keep it going.
Thank you for sponsoring it.
Came for the chipmunk.... stayed for the great shots. Well done everyone!
A shot from earlier today to remind me that it's still summer for a little bit longer.
Great photo!
You must have used one really fast shutter speed.
Hi Buzz. The photo was taken at 1/1250 sec. Just enough blur in the image to show some motion.
In Buddhist art, a fully blooming lotus flower signifies enlightenment , while a closed bud represents a time before enlightenment. Sometimes a flower is partly open, with its center hidden, indicating that enlightenment is beyond ordinary sight.
The mud nourishing the roots represents our messy human lives. It is in the midst of our human experiences and our suffering that we seek to break free and bloom. But while the flower rises above the mud, the roots and stem remain in the mud, where we live our lives. A Zen verse says, "May we exist in muddy water with purity, like a lotus."
Rising above the mud to bloom requires great faith in oneself, in the practice, and in the Buddha's teaching. So, along with purity and enlightenment, a lotus also represents faith.
Photos of the Lotus taken by Buzz of the Orient
.
.
The beauty of the lotus is appreciated by many.
Very beautiful photos. Thanks for telling us about the significance of the lotus.
The Lotus is one of my very favorite flowers. It is so very delicate, colorful, and regal looking.
And these photos are truly elegant and indicative of the beauty and pristine look of the Lotus blossoms.
Thanks for sharing them Buzz.
Thanks are well deserved when you lotus up with great photos.