I’m not sure about you, but I could use a nice walk outside today in the sunshine. Since that isn’t likely for many of us during the rains and storms, I thought I would share a bit more from the Garden of Delights. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is an amazing place. Enjoy a walk with me and a view from the top of the hump day hill. It’s quite nice up here! 🙂
Image courtesy of This place. 😜 Since our host Linda Hill took the easy road on this most picnic-ky of holidays, so will I. Visit the link to her post to meet other bloggers and maybe join the fun in the prompt.
Oh, and the tune is for my beer loving, favorite bar patron, Dan-who will be grillin’ with the ‘nines’ this weekend. Keep this one in your head all day buddy. 😉
In the middle of a noisy, bustling and crowded metropolis, lay a hidden kingdom. Behind the gates and beyond the woods, in the shadows of the stone garden, a princess was locked into dreamless sleep under the watchful eyes of a fiercely magnificent dragon…..
The megalopolis known as AtlantaThe dragon towers over….the still, sleeping princessEver watchfulhe is magnificently terrifying.
Meanwhile, beneath the glare of the midday sun, Poseidon’s daughter sun’s herself in the cool fountain waters as she gazes wistfully into the mists of sweet memory-the ocean and freedom.
A prisoner within a dream
Her comfort in the pool where she waits…
Her comfort in the pool where she waits…
Yet her beauty is rivaled by the rising Phoenix, spreading its glorious wings in welcome of the admirers awaiting a small miracle from the kingdom’s most beloved creature. Beneath its gaze lies the tavern of sustenance and indulgent delights.
The rising PhoenixVery decent food in the LongLeaf restaurantHot rolls and cool beverages, both wonderful
Weary travelers make their way to this oasis constantly….
On a quest
Rip Van can’t go on
Venturing deeper into the lush gardens, there appears from mists of the past, a great and treasured beast…..
She whispered of the miracle within the heart of her world. After traversing winding trails over bridges and and rails, we found the goddess who protects and showers the kingdom with loving tender care.
In her presence once feels loved
Her life is the pulse of the kingdom
She cares for its many living wonders with gentle adoration and appreciation….
Behold! The Green Emperor! Master of the Orchid House.
Beyond the Orchid House lay the tropical rain forest, filled with lush mystery….
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And lo and behold there he was…..my prince!
Well…..he had potential. As he serenaded me I thought to give him a quick kiss! Alas….
This was as good as it got. So we put our heads together and decided our worlds were too different…..
The Zen garden was lovely as well. I made a couple of new friends there too.
Skink, the lizard of Georgia
The spirit of Cheryl
And so diverse!
Truly not a snake…
And then there was the magic of glass sculpture…oh my!!
Our last stop, the walk to this monument was long
but so worth it. That is totally neon. Can’t wait to see it at night
In the main building
The garden fountain. Glass waterspout
Alas it was time to leave the kingdom but we made a map so that we could return again….and again. Weary, but satisfied, we left the magic and wonder with tired feet and full spirits.
If you are ever in Atlanta, take a detour from the hustle and bustle and visit the magical kingdom….
On a beach trip I watched these guys trying to coax in seagulls with bread nibbles so that one of them could get photos. I snapped a few of the scene and when editing saw the comical reality of their efforts . I know I pay a lot of attention to the tiny things, but all too often our focus on the grand event causes us to miss the little gifts that life has to offer. This really struck a chord with me which stuck and was a pivotal moment that caused me to stop being so busy with my large endeavors to enjoy the simple gifts I was being given. The sun glinting off of a dewdrop, the sound of the world waking up, the wind whispering through the trees ovehead or the symphonic silence of clouds rolling against a blue sky are precious jewels that, if we continue on the path we are as a global community, we might end up losing. We must stop looking up and out for the answers and really look inward. I am often told I am too hard on myself; but I really feel effective change can only begin by changing the one thing we can-ourselves.
I believe in the power of Spirit. Prayer is answered every day, just not always in the way we envision it.
When you are busy reaching for a dreamBe careful not to miss the small miracles…
I hope you have a terrific, and safe, Free48 holiday weekend. This time is for remembering the sacrifices of those who believed in and fought for the freedoms we enjoy every day.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven…”
“I saw you bring them inside, you know in that plastic bag.”
“Please, oh paleeease gimme one. Yes? Wait, I’ll be right back!”
“I hope you don’t mind that I brought a few friends. Now it’s a partyyyy!”
These beautiful squirrel monkeys, or ‘monotitis’, visited our little home during our first ‘life in Costa Rica’ most every morning and afternoon on their way to and from the beaches. This was my porch. It is really heartwarming when you learn to recognize each one by their distinguishing marks. I really miss these guys.
I am so proud to be sharing their images with you. In honor of the new badge, I wanted to share some more of my photos with you guys for Linda Hill’s #1 Liner Wednesday weekly event. Visit her blog for more great posts.
Sorry for being early but tomorrow promises to be a busy one! Happy Wednesday.
