Buddha Toad

14 Tuesday Aug 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Frogs and Toads, Home and Garden, Inspiration, Nature, Virginia

Tags

Amphibian, Anaxyrus quercicus, animal conservation, Central Virginia, extinction, Flora and Fauna, garden, garden photography, iPhoneography, lifestyle, nature, nature photography, Oak Toad, summer, toad, Virginia garden, Virginia Herpetplogical Society, Virginia toad, Virginia wildlife

Every once in a while, you run into an individual who’s got that “It” thing going on. You know, the bigger-than-life types… the ones who exude confidence, awareness and over-the-top, in-yer-face personality. The ones with an undeniable energy. The ones who stake their claim to the space simply by being there.

And, in my experience, these It-Factor types occur with animals as well as humans.

And every once in a while, I run into an animal who just oozes It-Factor. Like my Buddha Toad here. I mean no disrespect to the followers of Buddhism, however, I do think he seems to have attained some sort of knowledge and enlightenment. Just look at him. When he sits back in my hand and looks out at the world (and scornfully at me), I am convinced that he knows far more than I do…

My research indicates that this little fellow may be an Oak Toad (Anaxyrus quercicus). According to the Virginia Herpetological Society, these little toads are quite rare in the state and require a “very high conservation need” as the species is at high risk for extinction or extirpation.

Photo note: I tried, tried, tried, to achieve a photo with Buddha Toad’s nose in the same focal plane as the rest of his body… however, my trusty iPhone camera was not so trusty on that day; Buddha Toad’s nose remains out of focus in a photo or two. But then, I figured his personality transcends all technical issues… so I’ve published anyway. I promise to find another It-Factor amphibian and try again!

All photos taken with an iPhone 4. © 2012 EddinsImages

Mighty Mushroom

13 Monday Aug 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Nature, Summer, Virginia

≈ 4 Comments

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Flora and Fauna, garden, garden photography, iPhoneography, lifestyle, mushroom, nature, nature photography, summer, Virginia, Virginia garden, Virginia plants

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Rainbows and Green Orbs

06 Friday Jul 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Inspiration, iPhoneography, Nature, Photography, Summer, Virginia

≈ 1 Comment

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apple, black walnut, Central Virginia, chestnut, countryside, double rainbow, farm, Flora and Fauna, green apple, green pepper, Inspiration, iPhonography, lifestyle, nature, pepper, photography, rainbow, rainbow photo, storm, summer, trees, Virginia, walnut, weather

It has been a week since the Eastern United States was hammered by a fast-moving, deadly storm. Here in central Virginia, after an eerie, silent stillness with no warning of what was to follow, we were blasted by a sideways, screaming wind. Nothing else… just wind. Then, the wicked, other-worldly tempest brought-on wild, non-stop lightning in the clouds above – as if someone was flicking a light switch on and off, on and off. The lights flashed all around us without pause. There was still no sound, except the roar of the wind. Later came lightning that was lower in the sky, accompanied by rumbles of thunder, downpours of rain, and hail. Throughout it all, most devilish was the incessant wind. Many likened the 70-plus mile-per-hour wind to the scary roar of a train.

We took the rampage seriously. After returning home safely during the first-half of the storm, my husband sat inside the house with the front door open, listening, for the sound of an approaching tornado. My son and I retreated to the far side of the house, opposite the ancient maple tree outside, wary that the tree would fall into the house. We learned after-the-fact that this unusual storm is called a derecho – a widespread, fast-moving weather event that features intense, straight-line, damaging winds and sometimes thunder and lightning.

And, sadly, for many in Virginia, that very scenario was a reality. Most tragically, however, is the fact that when it was all over, just an hour or so later, lives were lost, property was severely damaged, and, for a great number of families, power was out. Today, one week later, the clean-up continues. Many families remain without power. We’ve seen working power crews here from as far away as Texas. I am so very sorry for families who lost loved ones.

Even so, Mother Nature has a way of recovering. First, there was the double rainbow outside my barn. Even without electricity at the barn, seeing the rainbow brought me a feeling of hope.

Then, throughout the past week, I’ve been finding little fallen orbs of nature… beautiful trinkets dropped by trees and plants. And each is green.

Green, the color of nature. The color of rejuvenation. The color of life.

So, with these verdant little reminders of our future and all that is good in life, we rebuild, replant, and reclaim.

Live goes on…

Lifeguard Rescues Tree Frog

26 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Frogs and Toads, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Summer, Wildlife

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Amphibian, animals, Biology, closeup photography, Flora and Fauna, Frog, frog species, Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis, Hyla versicolor, iPhoneography, nature, treefrog, Virginia, wildlife

Two days ago, the lifeguard at our local pool rescued a frog from the pool skimmer. Based solely on looks, I have unscientifically identified the little darling (the frog, not the lifeguard) as one of two Gray Treefrog species native to Virginia. According to the Virginia Herpetological Society, the way to distinguish the Gray Treefrog, Hyla versicolor, from the very similar-looking Copes Gray Treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis, is by their found location and their different calls. My friend was silent, so, because of our location in the state, I’m going with Hyla versicolor.

Without a doubt, this beautiful little amphibian is one of the most endearing, gentle creatures I have ever had the pleasure to see and hold. I was completely bewitched by the little froggy’s charm and expression. And, my found friend had the most sublime, silvery and green glimmery, shimmery skin… almost ethereal. And under froggy’ arms and legs was a rich, golden-butternut color.

I do worry about my froggy friend because pool chemicals are dangerous – often deadly, in fact, to many animals. I learned many years ago while working on an environmental education program that amphibians are especially sensitive to environmental changes and toxins. Scientists know that changes in amphibian populations are often the first indicators that something is wrong in an environment. In fact, as our world becomes more polluted and humans continue to alter our natural environments, amphibians become more and more likely to disappear… forever.

Hopefully, our lifeguard made this save in time. And, the last I saw, my charming little froggy friend was nestled high in the leaves of a dogwood tree. But seeing his little face here does remind me to take care when it comes to wildlife and nature… it is all to easy to take what we have for granted. Someday soon, saving frogs may not be as simple as scooping them out of the pool.

Author’s Note: My research indicates “gray tree frog” and “gray treefrog” are each used [correctly] to indicate the same animal species. I’ve used the contraction in my text.

Fiery Garden Flowers

12 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Flowers, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Summer

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cala lily, cala lily "Captain Melrose", daylily, daylily "Stella de Oro", Flora and Fauna, flower photogaphy, flower photos, Gaillardia, garden photography, Hemerocallis "Stella de Oro", iPhone 4, iPhone Photography, iPhone photos, iPhoneography, June, macro photography, orange daylily, Pink flower, pink rose, Pink Traviata rose, rosa Pink Traviata, spring flowers, Spring garden, Virginia flowers, yellow daylily

It’s been raining here for two days, providing lots of water for my just-planted garden perennials. I am a little bummed because just before the rain, some of my roses were about to burst open. Now, the partially opened buds, especially those of gorgeous and dramatic “Pink Traviata” rose, are heavy and rain-sodden. I’ll have to wait for the next round of buds to see gorgeous flowers in full-bloom.

And, this is the second wave of nearly-open buds to get drenched this season. Sad as this is for my flower-greedy eyes, my new plants and their roots will have a marvelously moist season, with lots of sun in-between, so that they may become well-established.

With that in mind, I can wait a little longer for my pretty flowers to show themselves in full boom.

Meanwhile, I snapped some photos the other day when the sun was bright and temperatures were really, really, high.

With temperatures close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it was sweltering HOT in the garden… and the flowers didn’t seem to mind a bit.

Focusing on the bright colors of my garden offerings, these vivid red, pink, orange and yellow flowers reflected the sun’s sweltering early-June heat.

Still early in the season, and with summer not yet officially here, I can only imagine what July’s searing summer temperatures will bring!

So, while I wait for the rain to subside, I’ll quench my desire for more sunny days with these photos of hot flowers waiting for me in the garden.

Even in shade, their bold and intense colors, like those in cala lily “Captain Melorse” are striking and exciting to the eye.

When the rain finally subsides, one again my brilliant garden beauties will be bursting with dramatic, fiery colors. Best of all, they will be even bigger, bolder and better than before.

School’s Out… Time to Remember, Rejoice, Relax!

07 Thursday Jun 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Family, Flora and Fauna, iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Nature, Spring, Summer

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coming of age, Flora and Fauna, hiking, iPhone Photography, Middle school, National History Day, nature, nature photography, relaxing by the stream, school graduation, spring, summer, Virginia, walking

Yesterday was the last day of middle school for my son. It is hard for me to imagine that in the fall my only child will begin high school. A competitive swimmer and honors student who has earned all “A”s this year, he placed first and second at the regional- and state-level National History Day competitions. This weekend, we’ll be in Washington, DC, at the national competition… I’m so very proud of his accomplishments!

Today, I’m taking the morning to welcome summer. Although it is cool for June, it is sunny outside, the birds are singing, and I am going to enjoy a thoughtful, long walk past misty fields, grazing cattle, pastel mountains, roadside flowers, and meandering brooks with polished rocks and shy little frogs. I’ll be thinking about how our lives have changed, and I’ll be remembering how far my son and I have come since his dad passed away when he was just a little boy. That’s when we left New England behind to start our new life in Virginia.

And, I’m going to celebrate and rejoice how proud I am of my son and how much I adore my husband today.

Then, I’m going to listen to the cheerful songs of my favorite mocking birds and the gurgles and ripples of the little babbling brook at the bottom of the hill.

I will sit and relax while I welcome the lazy days of summer in Virginia.

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar: Persnickity Portrait Subject

04 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Butterflies, Flora and Fauna, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Spring, Wildlife

≈ 1 Comment

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Biology, black swallowtail butterfly, black swallowtail caterpillar, butterfly, caterpillar in carrots, caterpillar photo, caterpillar photography, eastern black swallowtail butterfly, eastern black swallowtail caterpillar, Flora and Fauna, garden, garden caterpillar, garden photography, green and black caterpillar, green and black worm, Insecta, interior decorating color palette, iPhone, Lepidoptera, nature photography, Papilio polyxenes, Pupa, Virginia caterpillar

Lookee who I found in my carrot patch yesterday… a beautiful eastern black swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes).

At first, my attractive little visitor was mad at me and flashed a bright orange osmeterium. Looking like soft orange antlers, the forked osmeterium organ emits a liquid compound containing chemicals called terpines. Unfortunately, I missed the photo of the brightly colored, antler-like osmeterium when it was visible… it looked sensational against the bright green foliage and orange carrot roots.

Regardless of my missed opportunity, as the sun played hide and seek above, I took a few more photos in the changing light before releasing my visitor. Yet, without a maco lens and precise focusing abilities, my iPhone camera and I found this creature to be the most persnickity of portrait subjects. The little animal’s front end was in constant motion and I could not get a well-focused shot – let alone get any sort of smile – or even a wink!

Mother Sun bleached out the appearance of these vibrant colors in my photos. However, I can see the bright and contrasting colors applied to interior decorating projects… Easily, I can envision this palette in a kid’s room or kitchen. Pop in some hot pink or purple for a bit of whimsy. Against an expanse of white, I see a very chic and modern living space.

After finding an expired mama eastern black swallowtail butterfly during one of my walks recently, it is heartwarming to see her life was not in vain. The life cycle continues! Without the short black spikes that appear around the black stripes of younger caterpillars, the creature in my carrot patch looks about ready to pupate. After just two weeks in its chrysalis stage, I look forward to seeing this little beauty spread its wings as a majestic swallowtail butterfly.

Gift #29: Swallowtail caterpillar (anordinarymiracleday.wordpress.com)
Metamorphosis, part 1 (natureofphotography.wordpress.com)

My Beautiful Roadside Finds

24 Thursday May 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Butterflies, Flora and Fauna, Flowers, iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Nature, Spring, Travel, Wildlife

≈ 1 Comment

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black swallowtail butterfly, butterfly, Central Virginia, clover, country flowers, dandelion photo, dandelion seeds photo, eastern black swallowtail butterfly, Eurytides marcellus, female eastern black swallowtail butterfly, flower photography, flower photos, groundhog, iPhone Photography, iPhone photos, iris, ladybug, Lepidoptera, macro photography, monarch butterfly, moth, nature photography, red clover, roadside flowers, snapping turtle photo, tulip poplar, tulip poplar flower, tulip tree, Virginia countryside, Virginia flowers, Virginia plants, white clover, wild rose, zebra swallowtail butterfly

For several years now, I’ve spent way too many days and nights sitting in front of my computer. After a young life of always being active and outside, my suddenly sedentary, middle-aged body did not fare well stationed behind the computer. A few months ago, I finally decided to do something about my unhealthy, inactive lifestyle and underused, overweight body.

I decided to briskly walk between two and four miles each and everyday. Now, of course, it goes without saying that I have not achieved my everyday goal. I knew that. But, I also knew that if my goal was to walk each day, I’d probably actually do it four or five days each week. And, I have been walking.

Better still, something quite unexpected has happened…

I’ve found myself stopping and admiring the beautiful things I find by the side of the road.

And, lucky for me, I’ve not once forgotten to bring my iPhone, the one with extraordinary little built-in camera.

Now, halting my brisk walks to stop and snap photos along the way has certainly not helped me to build muscle and loose pounds. No, not one bit. However, my country road walks, and the little discoveries that come with each trek, have proven to be the most exhilarating and pleasant part of each day. What I’ve accidentally accomplished has been well worth the continued struggle with my extra poundage.

My walks have helped me to rediscovered something I love: Photography.

I’m having so much fun, in fact, that for the life of me, I can’t figure out why I stopped making photos years ago. There was a time when I wanted to do nothing but make photos.

Today, the little things that catch my eye can be as simple as a common weed that I may drive by everyday. I just never take the time to appreciate it.

Or, it may be as elusive as a plant seed that falls to the ground only once each year. I never saw tulip tree seeds in New England, however, for a week or so, they fell all over and around our gravel country road.

One time as I trudged up the road, I stopped to watch a couple of eastern black swallowtail butterflies (Papilio polyxenes) frolicking and courting one another. Then, the joy I’d felt when I watched the two butterflies frolicking was replaced by sadness. Only one was left when I returned, left lifeless on the road, its wings blowing and blurred by the wind. how bittersweet.

On another day, I saw another beautiful winged creature, zebra colored with bright splashes of red, the zebra swallowtail butterfly (Eurytides marcellus) clung to the ground as the wind whipped its delicate wings. Surely, this precious creature was near the its bittersweet end.

Regardless of the bittersweet endings, what I’ve enjoyed most about my walks is the joy of seeing things anew. Taking the time to stop, observe and take-in all Mother Nature has to offer has awakened something inside me. I’ve spent too much time racing by life, as I drive absently in the car from one appointment, one errand to another. I now realize how I’ve missed much of the beauty and inspiration my world has to offer.

These days, I may not be loosing any weight. However, by getting outside – away from my chair and keyboard – and by pausing and taking the time to see, I’ve found a much more meaningful, beautiful, and inspired life.

I plan to embrace it.

Hearing grass and leaves rustling, I could not see what animal was near, or even where it was. Too much noise for a squirrel, and the wrong noises for deer, I’d just about decided it was someone’s hunting dog when… out from the tall grass popped Mr. Groundhog! © 2012 EddinsImages

Iris Flowers, Up Close and Personal

04 Friday May 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Flowers, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Spring

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blue iris, closeup flower photos, flower abstract photos, flower photos, flower potography, garden photography, hardy flowers, Home and Garden, iPhone, iris, iris germanica, iris photos, Irises, old flowers, pink iris, plant phtotgraphy, Plants, purple and white iris, wet flowers

Its been a week of stormy spring weather. Every day, we’ve experienced fat, angry, lightening bolts, house-shaking, cracks and roars of thunder, and sheets and sheets of wind-driven ran. Last night in the car, as we headed home from town under brooding, bruised skies brightened with wild, white flashes of lightening, ginormous raindrops pelted the car. And when we were almost home, big balls of hail pinged off the car and bounced in the road around us.

Very dramatic.

But, its not all been drama weather this week.

In between the tempestuous conditions, we’ve had hours of peaceful, balmy days. Days when garden and roadside stems push upward and blooms stretch outward.

Perennials have been unfolding leaves and petals right before us.

And showing their blooms.

And I’ve been outside, walking with my trusty little iPhone camera.

The irises are in full-force. And their show has been amazing.

Even after damaging storms, they manage to impress.

Very dramatic.

Its been a joy to take the time to stop and look at each flower.

I’ll be sad when they’re gone.

Truly, I’d never appreciated them before.

The irises are extraordinary.

I’ll be sad when they’re gone.

So, the plan is to purchase more this year… my little iPhone camera and I will be waiting for them next year.

Meanwhile, I’ve chosen my favorite. Which is yours?

Spring Flowers After the Storm

01 Tuesday May 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Flowers, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Spring

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clemaits photo, Clematis, Clematis Henrii, coral rose, flower, flower closeup, flower photography, flowers in rain, garden, garden photography, iPhone Photography, Knock Out rose, mini rose, purple clematis, Rose, rose photo, spring flowers, Sunny Knock Out rose, Virginia garden, wet flowers, white clematis, yellow rose

This morning began with a thunderstorm. Afterwards, I took my trusty iPhone out to the garden to snap some photos of raindrop-laden blooms.

Then, I crunched the front-end of my truck on my way to the office.

*sigh*

Since I’ve not been able to get any real work done today, I decided to post a few of this morning’s flower pics…

So far, they’ve been the best part of my day.

And they make me smile.

Hopefully, I’ll have a better day tomorrow.

I won’t wreck the truck (been there, done that).

And tomorrow, I’ll get some real work done!

Drama Queen Iris ‘Batik’ Welcomes Spring

13 Friday Apr 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Flowers, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Spring

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American Iris Society Award, award winning flower, award winning iris, bearded iris, Ensminger, flower photography, hardy flowers, Iris Batik, iris closeup, iris germanica, Knowlton Medal, perennials, purple and white iris, purple iris, Virginia garden

Look who came out to play in my Spring garden yesterday!

Award winning Iris germanica “Batik” is a dramatic, and I daresay, show-stopping garden plant that blooms Spring and Summer. Such a Drama Queen! I can’t imagine my garden without several of these flashy sword-leaved beauties featuring royal-purple flowers with random spatters and streaks of white on its standards and falls. In fact, I plan to add more to my garden each year.

For an iris, “Batik” shows a rather conservatively sized yellow beard. Hybridized by grower Ensminger in 1985, the 26-36″ border bearded iris was awarded the American Iris Society Honorable Mention in 1988, the Award of Merit in 1990, and the Knowlton Medal in 1992. Like everything in my garden, this perennial plant is easy to grow and should return year after year. It likes sun, is drought tolerant and may be easily propagated by dividing rhizomes, tubers, or bulbs.

Can’t wait to see what blooms in my garden tomorrow…

Springtime Clematis Blooms

12 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Flowers, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Nature, Spring

≈ 2 Comments

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Blue Ridge garden, Clematis, Clematis Nelly Moser, Climbing flower, garden, Pink flower, Spring flower, Spring garden, Virginia, Virginia climbing flower, Virginia garden, Virginia plants

I have a love-hate relationship with Spring. After frigid temperatures and months of nothing but dull landscapes of brown and grey, April’s warm weather – along with peeps of fresh green outside – are always welcome. Yet, it seems that I always get excited too soon. You see, invariably, an early thaw leads to a few warm days.

Yea!

Then, it gets cold again.

Wah!

Worst of all, many plants that dare to bloom during the early thaw, ultimately, wither and die. (I’d share photos of my husband’s tomato plants, but, it is too depressing). I hate that.

Nevertheless, I’ve learned that my clematis are better timekeepers than I. They seem to get it just right, year after year. And, when clematis variety “Nelly Moser” finally opens her petals, I know that Spring weather is here to stay. My striped, candy-pink Nelly, above, is just a newbie. Planted last fall, she is actually the smallest of all my clematis plants (there’s not much more to her than what’s shown in the photo), and yet, she is still the first to bloom, along with another couple of my youngsters, white clematis “Henrii.” My Henrii group are a bit less protected than the single Nelly Moser, and they got whipped in the wind during the last few days. My first-to-appear Henrii bloom looks a little shabby. I didn’t take his photo.

Now that I think of it, the Nelly Moser is just sitting in clay soil (not good for her) and, still, she is first to bloom! Note to self: amend soil or move Nelly…

Regardless, both Nelly Moser and Henrii are fairly common varieties and are regarded as excellent repeat bloomers, each with a relatively long flowering season. Although, I remember not being overly impressed with either variety when I was first familiar with clematis, (candy cane pink = too cute; white = boring), I’ve come around over the years. Because of their easy maintenance, excellent hardiness, great repeat blooming, potential for sizable blooms (Nelly Moser, up to 9 inches; Henrii up to 7 inches ) as well as prolific blooming – I’ve had these varieties absolutely smothered with flowers, even when I’ve totally neglected them – each has grown to become an all-time favorite of mine. Best of all, I adore roses, and clematis make perfect rose companions.

Hummm… now that Spring has arrived, my rose buds will open soon.

I just love Spring!

Spring’s Wonder

22 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Claire Eddins in Flora and Fauna, Frogs and Toads, Home and Garden, iPhoneography, Lifestyle, Nature, Spring

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flower, fresh start, frog statuary, garden, life experience, lifestyle, memories, new beginning, pansy, spring

Remember when you were very young… how the simplest little thing could be an object of absolute joy and wonderment?

Like flowers in an early spring garden. Or, a favorite object.

Springtime at my Grandparent’s house in New Jersey: after long, grey, northern winters, any bits of color – crimson buds against cerulean skies, green leaves reaching up to unfurl from hardened earth, screaming yellow flowers with neon noses held atop emerald stems – were welcome celebrations of the earth’s rebirth. When I was very little, it was bliss to be outside without a cumbersome snowsuit, feel the warm sun on my skin, smell early-blooming narcissus in the garden, and feel the rich, cool dirt in my hands, on my knees and under my nails.

Each spring I scrunched under the shrubs in the backyard to discover my favorite lion-faced pansies bobbing atop rich, freshly turned soil. Carefully, I’d lift-up the delicate pansy heads to examine their charming purple and white faces. My very own little lions. I’d spend forever, studying and comparing one flower to another, choosing my very favorite. And, each day on my visit to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, I’d run outside early in the morning to be sure my very favorite lion-face was still safe and blooming.

Best of all, nestled amongst the lion-faced pansies, were two cast-iron frogs, one painted light green and the other dark green with a white belly. In my shaded pansy paradise, I petted and played with the frogs, adoring them as if they were living creatures, hour after hour.

It was all so simple and wondrous. Each spring, each day…

Today, half a century later, my darling grandparents are long gone. Their home is gone. And, their marvelous garden with each spring’s promise, is gone. However, my beloved cast-iron frogs have found their forever home with me. Their paint has all but worn away, and each little frog has patinated so that the pair shows a near-identical, rusty-bronze color. To anyone seeing them for the first time, they are hardly the cheerful Spring Princes of my childhood days.

However, I remember.

To me, the frogs are every bit as wondrous as they were fifty years ago. They remind me of spring in New Jersey. Of lion-faced pansies. Of Grandma and Grandpa. And, they remind me of the joy and excitement I felt when experiencing the simplest things. By contrast, today, often bogged-down in the day-to-day mechanics of adulthood… raising a child, being a wife, caring for pets, making a living, managing a home, shopping and child shuttling from one activity to another… I feel overwhelmed. Some days, all I can do is get through the nuts and bolts of living. No time for whimsy.

Then comes spring. Everything is anew. Each day is fresh. A redo from the day before. And all the days before that. I can forget my troubles. Move forward from my mistakes. And I see that what made me happy fifty years ago still makes me happy today. I just need to remember. I just need to make time to enjoy life, experience the wonder, as I expected to when I was still a child.

Spring reminds me to be the me I expected to be.

I’m off to find some pansies for my frogs…

Reinventing Claire

~ with Passion & Purpose

Category Archives: Flora and Fauna

Buddha Toad

Mighty Mushroom

Rainbows and Green Orbs

Lifeguard Rescues Tree Frog

Fiery Garden Flowers

School’s Out… Time to Remember, Rejoice, Relax!

Black Swallowtail Caterpillar: Persnickity Portrait Subject

My Beautiful Roadside Finds

Iris Flowers, Up Close and Personal

Spring Flowers After the Storm

Drama Queen Iris ‘Batik’ Welcomes Spring

Springtime Clematis Blooms

Spring’s Wonder

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