From Another Time

An auto from the past rolls in to visit a beautiful home from yesteryear in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

Lobby Light

Sometimes we miss the subtle beauty around us, even inside a building. Here, late afternoon light works its magic through a window with the aid of a brightly-colored bench casting it's shadow in the lobby of a local shopping center.

I'm Back!

After a two-month hiatus from my blog in which I concentrated on the photo contest for the Nashville Tennessean and the opportunity to be featured in their new book about Music City, I am back. What a wonderfully challenging ride that was! During that time, I ventured into the world of photographing humans as well. So, I have lots of new photos to share with you. I hope you will enjoy them!

American Country

Old Glory proudly adds her colors to a country sunset.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Hay There

Ms. Cow graciously ceases her munching to oblige me and my camera.

Someone's Home

The countryside keeps its secrets in abandoned homes hidden in its hills and valleys. Lying in the thickets and overcome with weeds, they are left to die. Someone once called them "home," but we will never know their stories.

World of Wonder

So much to explore! Where do I start? No better place than on a bridge to determine your direction.

In The Spotlights

The setting sun produces a show of light behind a budding star.

Ready and Waiting

As the afternoon sun calls it a day, two rockers invite sweet repose.

Take Your Pick

Nothing better than home-grown fruit straight from the farmer's market. Now for the strawberry shortcake!

Electric Clouds

The open spaces of the countryside reveal an interesting display of the ingenuity of man to harness energy vs. the natural beauty of God-given light at sunset.

Ray of Hope

Darkness falls as the evening sun bids goodnight from the western sky. One last ray of light peaks through the shadowed flowers hanging on my porch. With the promise of morning, daylight will return in all its glory.

Bird Patrol

A bluebird sits atop this sign, seemingly watching for the horse to cross. Now tell me, where else but in the country do you have signs for horses? I love it!

Ready. Set. Go!

For those of us who never knew that blueberries don't actually grow in plastic boxes at our local grocery store, this is how they actually look as they ripen on the plants out here in the country. Shown here are the "three stages of yum." I'll have the one on the left, please.

Welcome Lights

The warmth of home reaches through the darkness to offer peace and rest at the end of a very long day.

Behind The Scene

Mom and baby colt peek through the nursery fence at the barn. Soon he'll be in the pastures out front. . . . . the perfect picture of a spirit running free.

Country Road

How about an evening stroll in the country? Relax and let it take you anywhere you want!

Straight From The Heart

No series on country living would be complete without the mention of country music. Though it was born deep within the hearts of country folk, it is the voice that speaks for us all.

One Stop

Where else but in the country can you get your gas from an outdated pump, pick up the groceries on your list, say hello to your neighbors and sit down for a home-cooked meal all at the same place?

All American Barn

I have chosen this photo to begin my "Life in the Country" series because I couldn't think of a better one than a barn which proudly displays the symbol of life in this country.

Let's go!

Since I posted the cowboy's photo yesterday, it seems appropriate to give him a horse. In fact, this inspires me to share a few more photos typical of country life. Stay tuned . . . .

Ready To Ride

That faraway look in a cowboy's eyes never really leaves him. The lure of adventure always runs deep within his soul.

Hypnotic Shadow

While enjoying the morning sun on my porch, this fellow decided to keep me company. He sat there for quite some time, seemingly mesmerized by his elongated shadow.

Winged Splendor

It is as if this Canadian goose knows how beautiful she is. She graciously performed a water ballet as I happily snapped her photo.

Greener Grass

In this case, the grass is definitely greener on the other side of the fence!

Pigeon Portrait

This fellow seemed to like being photographed and cooperated fully in my attempt to capture the beauty of his luminous coloring in the early evening light.

Sunbathers

Three turtles take some time out to soak up some rays.

Retired

The stories this old truck could tell, but he sits alone behind an old barn with nothing left to do and no one left to listen.

Puzzling

Wondering what this is? It reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle, any piece of it beautifully contributing to the whole. It is, in fact, another unique viewing point created in the Chinese Gardens in Portland, Oregon.

Who, me?

"I promise I don't have any seeds behind my back. I really don't."

Butterflower

Where does the honeysuckle end and the butterfly begin?

Just A Swingin'

Ready for sun and fun! Kick back and enjoy the moment.

Alien?

When I first saw these flowers at a local store, I did a double-take. They definitely rank among the most odd I have ever seen, so much so that as of today, one now lives on my front porch.

Viewing Pleasure

On the subject of gardening, I recently visited the Chinese Gardens in Portland, Oregon, where this photo was taken. The beauty of the lines in Chinese architecture is unsurpassed, as shown in this window offering a garden view.

Beautiful Lady

A tribute to my friend, Karen, who is a Master Gardener and is fighting breast cancer. Not only does she make our world more beautiful with the flowers she plants, but by her very presence in it.

Kiss In Stone

A closeup of a simple garden statue at a local department store captures a memory of
first love.

On the Birdwalk

This bird seems to be practicing some sort of gymnastics. I captured his act on the high wire just before dusk.

Headin' for Summer

These folks caught my attention. Who needs water?

Memorial Day 2008

Nothing was left in this old abandoned home but the tattered flag on the front porch. Though its occupants are long gone, the flag remains -- A fitting picture for Memorial Day. May we never forget those who have left our honored flag still standing.

Peekin' Thru

A beautiful secluded view of this horse in his pasture of wildflowers is only visible through a small opening in the foilage surrounding it.

Whatcha doin' Mom?

Horses and their young are a beautiful part of the landscapes where I live. This colt watches intently as Mom pauses for an unknown reason.

Window View

It's time to choose the flowers for our own little worlds, give them a home and watch them grow.

Beautifully Common

The morning light sheds its glory on even the most unappreciated.

In The Shadows

One simple dogwood blossom, unnoticed among a multitude, finds its place in the sun.

I See It

It would appear someone else sees what I saw in yesterday's photo. I think he will appreciate it more than I did.

Hidden Surprise

They're out there, folks. As I was on my knees in the grass photographing dandelions, this fellow appeared bigger than life in my camera lens. Keep in mind, these are blades of grass around him, so he is not as fearsome as he looks.

Tulip Time

No photo log of Spring would be complete without tulips. Here they are in all their red glory.

Got Milk?

On April 8, I posted a photo of Mama Bluebird preparing for her expected little ones. News Flash: They have now arrived, and Papa Bluebird is busily bringing home their nourishment. Stay tuned for photos of the newborns.

Popping Out

I just can't help myself, I have to share another oddity in the world of spring. These blossoms seem to "pop" right out of the tree limb, and interestingly enough, they resemble popcorn.

Simply Green

After splattering beautifully-colored blossoms everywhere, Mother Nature begins to paint everything green. . . so much green that the simple beauty of single leaves may go unnoticed.