I’m sure I must have posted this one before, but I don’t see humming birds often in my backyard, so when I do, I always try to capture them.
While standing in the kitchen today, I looked out, and there was a humming bird on my zinnias. I was in a conversation on the phone, but had to put the person on hold, however that hummer got away.
This is my first humming bird that I captured a few years ago.
This photo was taken when we went whale watching. Here we can see some of the elements. We have rock formations forming little islands out in the ocean and in the distance we can see the mountain and some of the erosion of the earth as it falls away. Though unseen, the air was fresh and cool and lovely.
So once again it’s Wednesday, and with this day comes the photo challenge. As I was thinking about what to post, I thought, why not share my most recent Face Book post here.
I love flower gardening, and for years now at the request of my husband, I’ve planted vegetables, but at harvest time there was always ….nothing. Either the plants got eaten, or they died. I decide it was a waste of money, and would do it no longer, but somehow this year, while in the garden shops, I thought I would try one last time, and this is what we have so far, plus we’ve eaten quite a bit of lettuce and spinach already. So I’m feeling great satisfaction with the bounty of our harvest.
Today’s photo challenge is to post a photo which I find unusual. I didn’t think I had any, but remember how unusual, but beautiful I thought this photo was.
This was taken on my last trip to Victoria BC. As my sister-in-law law and I were out for a walk, enjoying the view around us, we came upon this man, playing this beautiful piano, right there in the open, as he enjoyed a breath of fresh air at the same time.
Edible: fit to be eaten as food.
Synonyms: Digestible, eatable, harmless, nourishing, nutritious
When we follow God’s commands on a daily basis, you could say we are digesting His words and our bodies, minds and souls will be well nourished by them.
When we savor God’s Word, He will shine His light on us, He will heal and strengthen, He will show us His tender mercy and everlasting kindness and so much more.
My prayer is that I will remember to savor God’s Word on a daily basis.
Tailor (verb) conform, convert, mold, reconcile
If we allow Him, God will transform our bodies, so that they may be “conformed” (tailored) to His, and one day we will eternally live with Him.
Philippians 3 : 21 ………who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
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At first this challenge seemed most difficult for me, but then I realize that even nature produces its own natural collages.
The photo below is one that I’ve edited a little more than usual, to highlight the beauty in these river rocks below the clear water, that appeared on a very beautiful sunny day.
God’s planet earth with all its flaws, still have much beauty for us to enjoy.
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So today’s photo challenge is about transitioning from one state to another. This is a Juvenile Bald Eagle and it is in a state of change. As we know, in its adult stage, the beak will be yellow, it’s head will be white.
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Broken Sea Glass
A few years ago while bathing in the ocean, these pieces of Broken Sea Glass caught my eye. I didn’t know what I would do with them at the time, but later it would come to me and I learned a Spiritual Lesson and ended up writing a poem, called Broken Sea Glass.
If you look closely at the glass, you will see that the edges are smoothed. This is because the glass has been washed up on the sea-shore and then pulled back again by the waves. So what was once sharp and able to cut, has now been transformed into something smooth.
Sometimes, we may start off in our lives being discourteous, but after suffering much, just like the pieces of broken sea glass, our rough edges can also become smooth.
Embrace every moment, even the times when your life may seem out of focus. It can be these very moments that eventually bring more clarity to you.
I took this photo some time ago. It wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for, but I still love it and could never delete it.
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Last year, spring time was a time of unusual dryness. This year, it is totally the opposite. An unusual volume of water has left parking lots flooded, marshes overflowing, and trees appearing to be growing out of Lake Ontario.
Flooded Parking Lot
Viewing The Parking Lot From The Bridge (Rouge Hill Water Front)
Marsh Overflows at Rouge Hill
Tree Appears To Be Growing In Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario Swells
Cliffs Eroding
The change in our local landscape is very evident, due to the volume of water that we received recently.
When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order. Proverbs 28:2
So in other words, where there is not good judgement; there will be chaos.
Brassy: bold (adjective) careful, cautious, prudent, humble (antonyms)
Many times in the bible, the men of God were referred to as being bold or doing things with boldness. So in the right circumstances, especially if you are being a faithful witness for God, it’s alright to be brassy. On the other hand, the wicked who one may think to be bold, they will easily lose hope and become fearful, even when there is nothing to fear.
Her name was Calypso, and she was a great friend to both me and my hubby. So many things we remember about her which still brings laughter. While I was the one who wanted her, she came into our home and immediately bonded with my husband…..the one who didn’t want her.
Over time, they became best friends, and I was the one left fighting for her attention. Calypso brought much joy to our home for 18 years, but a few years ago, just shortly after my husband finished his last chemo treatment, she would succumb to a growth that she apparently had.
Photo Provided By: Joe Tundra. You can also see more of his amazing photos on Flickr.
Much chaos surrounds us in this world today. People are having to deal with missiles going off and bombs detonating more and more.
Nature also comes with its set of battles. In my earlier blogs, I spoke of the Flicker Family and how they were happily building their nest, then along came the hostile Starlings and took over the Flickers’ nest.
I haven’t been able to get back to the nest lately, but I have heard through my friend; Joe Tundra, that the battle goes on. Joe has been kind enough to share this photo with me. In the photo, we have the Flicker flying away with the Starling’s egg in it’s mouth. He refuses to drop the egg close by, as though it may destroy his nest, and instead he takes it away in his mouth, like a bomb about to detonate.
Joe has also been kind enough to share this article with me. Apparently the battle between the Flickers and Starlings has been going on for quite some time.
https://www.purplemartin.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=445
At this particular time I abide peacefully with my neighbors, and that is how I would like it to remain. If this disreputable squirrel has its way, our peaceful state of harmony could be broken.
So, this ball of twine originates in my neighbor’s yard, Mr squirrel brought it over the fence, to our yard, anchored it beneath our patio table and then twisted it around one of our lounge chairs.
He then ran back and forth, filling his mouth with the twine, breaking some off and taking it off to his nest.
Hopefully my neighbor has enough sense to know that I would not try to claim his twine by wrapping it around our patio furnisher.
On this day, I would see a Ruffed Grouse for the first time. I happened to be there with another photographer, and it kept following him everywhere he went. A lady walking her dog along the path, told us it had followed her friend for quite a distance. As if on cue, a man walked by and the Grouse started running after him. I did my best to try to stay out of it’s way. It was on the ground a lot, and at this point, I wondered if it could even fly.
We stayed for a bit, took some photos and headed back down the path, when we heard loud screams coming from behind us. We turned around to see a young man on a bicycle screaming loudly, cursing, and hollering….” LEAVE ME ALONE.” He had just rounded a corner, and I was scared, as I assumed that he was being chased, and was thankful I was not on the trail alone. He rode into a fence, almost falling off his bike. Then he was back on it in a split second and screaming once again, as he rode toward us, but we didn’t see anyone behind him.
So, we were quite puzzled as we stood and watch. Then the other photographer said to me, “O look, look.” as he pointed in the direction of the cyclist. At first, I didn’t see anything, but on looking closer, there was the Ruffed Grouse, his pretty tail feathers all fanned out, flying low and chasing this young lad down the trail and pecking him in the back.
When he finally reached us, he cursed the bird some more. Well we all got a good laugh, and the bike rider went his way, probably never to become a Birder, or Wildlife Photographer.
It was just another day as usual, with The Flickers taking turns removing the unwanted trash from their home. You can see the debris around his head, and the brown, just at the bottom right of the picture.
After a while, Mrs Flicker came by to see if her mate was keeping on top things, in the making of their home.
As soon as Mr Flicker saw his mate, he flew the coop, in search of rest and relaxation.
Off he went.
Then the unthinkable happened. It happened so quickly, that I missed the actual take over.
The Starling must have been observing the Flickers upgrade their home, and he waited till one flew away, then he took his chance at the take over. He flew right into the nest, flushing The Flicker out, and he simply took over their home. The poor Flicker is left on the outside, patiently trying to oust the bully.
So this is how I left the Flicker Family….fighting to keep what is rightfully theirs. Perhaps the battle is still ongoing.
Some of these images have been posted before, but they also fit into this challenge.
Green Heron
Male Wood Duck
Spotted Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
I choose to practice healthy lifestyle choices, and in doing so I am now seeing that my Spiritual Health must come first, after trying for many years to put my physical health first.
As a result, what I have found, that once I am under the leadership of God, through His Holy Word, it’s easier to deal with my emotional and physical health. It’s really that simple.
Sometimes the road less travelled is the better way to go, which means we need to restructure our whole way of thinking.
The woods are awakening. A multitude of sights and sound echo the arrival of spring. The Flicker’s voice can be heard most of all on this day. We happened upon this Flicker Family as they are preparing to expand their family.
The male and female Flickers are both taking turns to sit on the eggs. Above, the male Flicker sticks his head out as he awaits the return of his mate. It was wonderful to see these two as they work together, sharing their duties, all for the sake of family.
Now that his mate has safely returned, the male Flicker can now fly off and take a short break. They already know their responsibilities and what it will take to raise their family safely in the woods.
Today they are calling for more rain. After a long winter, I feel the need to spend as much time as possible in nature, so while out in the woods today, looking for Flickers, we saw a Raccoon quietly sitting in a tree.
I remember the first few times we came upon Raccoons, we were quite panicked. The more time we send in nature, the more relaxed we have become around the Raccoons. Of course, we keep a safe distance, but we are no longer fearful of these creatures.
Raccoon
Raccoon
Peony
Beautiful flowers You give us to brighten our days.
The fruit trees you supply so that our bodies can be nourish.
Badlands in Ontario
[ The Believer’s Freedom ] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
1 Corinthians 10 : 23
Being out in nature on a regular basis tends to make you more observant; more aware of your surroundings. All the birds I saw flying overhead before looked the same, but not any more. I am now able to distinguish shapes of wings and sounds.
Cormorants in tree
I remember seeing these birds for the first time and wondered what they were. The people I met along the trail, would enlighten me about the Cormorants and their habits.
Most people speak of these birds with disdain, and I would soon see the reason why. As my hubby and I wandered along the paths, we would spot trees that were clean of any leaves, and looked as though they were about to die, we were told, that it was the doing of the Cormorants.
Apparently there is something in the droppings of the Cormorants, and it will kill the trees. This tree still had a few leaves on it at the time the picture was taken, but I’m sure it will probably remain bare this year.
Cormorant high up in a tree
We, as disciples of Jesus, are like apprentices and by patterning our lives after His, we should become quite skilled and knowledgeable, so that this gospel may be spread to the ends of the earth.
The Master said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8 : 34 & 35
No yarn I weave
No tall tale told.
Doubting and doubts remain
Jesus lives, Jesus lives,
Many continue living without gain.
Hummingbird
Many years ago when I was quite ill, the one thing I could do, and would do, was to crochet. I would learn many valuable lessons along the way as I crocheted.
Blanket made with love
At first, I found it very difficult to finish a project, because I wanted the finished project to be perfect. I would pull out the project to start over, becoming more and more frustrated along the way.
![dsc_0224[1] (2) copy.jpg](https://mycreatorscreation.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/dsc_02241-2-copy.jpg?w=1100)
Dress donated to fundraiser & my top
“Don’t let your mistakes hold you back, keep going forward.”
“Keep striving for perfection.”
It was only when I read in one of the craft magazines that every mistake could be a design, that I felt a bit free to continue.
Evening Purses
Anxious moments came when the projects were finished, and someone wanted to purchase an item. They seem to see only the beauty, while the mistakes still loomed large before me.
So, I guess you could say my blanket wisdom all started with my passion for crochet.
My Craft Show Projects
Isaiah 30 : 21 …Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This the way; walk in it.”
A few years ago I visited Victoria to attend a wedding which was held in the Empress Hotel.
It didn’t take me long to discover the beauty of the place.
On the grounds of the Empress Hotel
We visited the Esquimalt Lagoon, went whale watching and we would also visit the famous Butchart Gardens.
We would leave Victoria to spend a little time in Vancouver. While there we visited, Whistler Village and Grouse Mountain.
I enjoyed seeing these creatures at Grouse Mountain, even though it was in a controlled situation.
I had an absolutely wonderful time visiting the West Coast of Canada. There was so much to see and to do, but most of all, I enjoyed being able to look out and see the mountains each and every day.
It’s a good thing to be well rooted whether referring to families or to plants. My family roots come out of the sunny island of Barbados.
Barbados Sunset
Barbados Sunset
On my last visit, I became fascinated with the beauty of the trees, also with the roots that seemed to force themselves above ground as they continued to grow.
We also need to be well rooted in Jesus, as He is the one who sustains our life.
If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. Romans 11 : 18
Today the Daily Post Word was Gray, and it just happened to be a very gray, wet and rainy day out. In the afternoon the rain subsided and we were able to venture away from the skyscrapers, to see the blooming trees.
Nothing was going to stop us on this day, and even though the skies remained gray, the blooms remained bright.
Cherry Blossoms
The water also reflected the gray in the sky.
Wood Duck
Male & Female Wood Ducks
The Magnolia is also just about ready to bloom.
These Photos were taken in High Park Toronto
So my sister-in-law is quite the avid walker and has quite a zip to her step. We started out walking together, but many times I got left behind, especially when stopping to take in the beauty of my surroundings.
Rouge Valley Waterfront
Evergreen
Yellow Tulip
Yesterday was a day for those filled with avid pleasures to be out an about. As we walked along the trails, we saw avid joggers, avid walkers, avid bike riders, and avid photographers, all out enjoying the beautiful spring day.
Swallow
The Swallows are back and I have finally been able to get a shot of them getting ready to fly. I find it most difficult to get a shot of a Swallow in flight, but as an avid photographer, I will not give up.
This past winter, I am happy to say I discovered spikes.
As you know getting fresh air and being out in nature is very important to our Spiritual, Mental and Physical Health, with spikes on the bottom of your boots, you will be ready to tackle the great outdoors even on the icy of days.
So today I could speak on Fry in relation to the spiritual, but I have chosen the physical instead.
Usually I will blog on Spiritual Health and Mental Health, but our Physical health is also very important.
When I eat foods that are fried they may be tastier, but it is what happens to my body afterwards.
With a digestive system that can easily go on the blink, I try to eliminate fried foods. I have come to associate these foods with heart burn, upper back pain, and whether real or not, I choose to stay away from them as much as I can.
I have come to learn from personal experience that roasted foods are better for me than fried foods and the more pain I can eliminate from my body the better.
This is one of the ways to ease some pain and function more comfortably.
Fry = Bad
Tuesday Photo Challenge – Mystery
Can you tell what is happening in the photo and who is doing it??
I had the occasion to visit this Whole Foods Store with my husband’s aunt for lunch. Not only was the food delicious, but it was also a delight to look up and see these different textures above, all coming together in such a pleasing way. The ceiling was made of glass, and it was being held in place with steel beams, then they added a softer touch with the lighting and the colorful umbrellas, giving the space a beautiful ambiance, making our lunch date much more pleasurable.
