Looking for Beauty

Okay, the pity party is over and Mrs. Maurer has been duly chastised…and also blessed beyond measure this morning.

It all started with a grasshopper.

 

As I finished watering the garden this morning I walked past the grape vine and noticed this handsome grasshopper. I thought he looked like he would be content to sit there and chew leaves until I went inside to get the camera. I even took time to get a drink of cold water, and I told Gary, “I’m going to walk around a bit and see if I can find something to photograph. I won’t be out long.” I didn’t return for nearly an hour! lol

 

It has been rather depressing lately to look at the dry grass and brown leaves, but this morning I learned two lessons very quickly. First of all, beauty is always there if you look for it. And second, you can’t take nature photos from the couch!! It always seems that if I’m outside something happens. In fact, after he saw my hummingbird photos, Gary said I should just stay outside all the time.

 

I started with my little grasshopper buddy, then took some bee photos, and then I was rewarded with a visit from a hummingbird. I was taking a sunflower photo when I heard him, turned and saw him, and clicked. Magic!

 

Later, after I had walked down to the gate to look at the pond, I noticed two hummingbirds fighting over the hanging feeder. So I planted myself under the shade of the tree and waited. I was amply rewarded! It didn’t even matter that I had to stand in ants and got about six bites. Totally worth it to see these lovely creatures up close.

 

And just to remind me that God is in control- I spotted this little flower growing next to our driveway. It has never been watered by me, only by the two little sprinkles of rain we got last month, but it is as pretty as anything in my yard.

 

Beauty is out there. We just have to look for it.

Comments

[Reba Schafer]

Mary, I enjoyed your pics and the little story. Loved it. We are so busy gripping and grumbling we don't look around and see the blessings that God does give us. Thanks for taking your time out in the heat to take these shots. Have a great week. Love ya, Reba

[Megan]

Amazing, amazing pictures. I again wish you could catch my three monkeys in action, they are far less elusive than a hummingbird. (We had family pictures done in a studio, can't wait to share them with you in a few weeks. One of them will make you think hummingbird.)

Love your story. There are always a zillion things to be thankful for.

Watch out for those ants though! A lot of little stings can add up.