God's Handiwork

Some shots taken on 9/10/13 from a nearby arboretum called Independence Park in Baton Rouge.

Ladybug right before she leapt.

Long-tailed skipper

These annoying lovebugs fill the air at the end of summer. Wafting by in pairs, they get stuck on car windshields,
front bumpers, and in your hair. They are from the family of March Flies, also known as the honeymoon fly,
kissingbug, and double-headed bug. An urban legend holds that these bugs are synthetic—the result of a
University of Florida genetics experiment gone wrong. If true, another reason man should stay out of the
creation business.

Not sure what type of bug this is, but I suspect it's some sort of stinkbug.

I think this flower is giving me the finger.

Quote: Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, 1635

May Flowers

It's good to be back blogging again. A big, hearty THANK YOU to the wonderful souls that are still here visiting.

The orange bokeh in the background is from some rather large day lilies. It looks like the
coneflowers are rocking out to a day lily concert. 

Female Eastern Pondhawk

Processed with a Shadowhouse Creation texture called RC-9.
Sorry, after an extensive search, I can't seem to find the link to this texture.

For those of you who prayed for, worried over, and asked about my eldest son, I have good news: he is in his fourth week of college at the University of North Texas in Denton. He has some significant physical challenges from a 6-story fall 13 years ago, but he told me that he's determined to make straight As. I'm very, very proud and pray that he will meet his goals and stay on this path. No more detours, JB!!! Many thanks to all who have inquired about him over the last two years and for your prayers. Blessings are starting to flow and it certainly is welcome a relief. Thank you, God!

Coneflowers and a gift

One more post before I leave on my trip. The violent thunderstorm that rolled through here at 5AM bestowed three extra hours on my day. :) I hope all my friends in North Texas are okay, as I learned they had some pretty severe storms, too. Prayers still going out to Oklahoma and the Midwest.

Yesterday I made a quick dash to the arboretum to see what was blooming. Actually, I was hoping to see butterflies, but only saw a clouded sulphur that refused to light. The purple coneflowers were beckoning, so I obliged.

Isn't it sweet how the tall coneflower seems to be sheltering the little one?
It makes me think of the teachers in Oklahoma who sheltered the children from the tornado.

I have no idea what that snowflake-looking thing is in the upper right of the photo.

A sweet surprise awaited me when I returned from the botanical garden. My sweet friend at Gone Country had knitted me a beautiful red scarf! I purchased one from her in January and loved it. I meant to blog about it, but for one reason or another didn't get around to it. She has since learned a new method of creating the scarf and wanted me to have the 'new and improved' version—her words. Although I thought the first scarf was super nice, I must admit the new scarf is very full and luxurious. The yarn she uses is so soft, too. She has recently embarked on The Pink Scarf Project to help women fighting breast cancer. She's got a big heart and mad talent. :) Thank you for blessing me with this unexpected gift, and for remembering that my mom's favorite color was red.

I'd like to leave you with this:

Torn paper by French Kiss Textures
Butterfly by JoesSistah