As a photographer, Spring in East Texas is one of my favorite times to get outside and start shooting. The weather is just about perfect, and nature really shows off here if you know where to look.
This year my pasture was full of
butterflies, bumble bees and other visitors from the neighborhood. Like these
escaped guinea hens. They are so funny and soooo noisy. I think they are
hysterically funny.
I am so thankful to live in a spot where these amazing creatures can come to visit, eat some of my insect pests and consent to pose for me. (I took it for consent that they were still there when I ran inside for the camera.)
My sensible girl, Luna Cat, is not so fond of them however. She takes their appearance as a cue to head into the house and avoid them at all costs. Well advised for her as I think she would come out on the losing end of a full confrontation. Guineas are known for their ability to take care of themselves and other chickens.
Then there are my bumble bees, who are so important to the health
of our pasture, and they love the vetch. I spent a couple of hours sitting in a
patch of it testing out some new equipment and I am really happy with the
resulting shots.
I think this is the Zen of photography; sitting in nature,
quietly, while patiently waiting for an insect or bird to gift you with a shot.
It is the practice of being ready for that one shot, the one gained through steady breathing and trust in your camera and tripod.
Then, the moment of capture, the little hit of dopamine, and the prayer one sends out to the universe, hoping your shot will give others the same thrill
you get when receiving this gift of nature as these creatures go about their
business of living.
It all falls into my steady practice of gratitude when it all comes together and I get a smile from someone else who can also see the magic and the blessings in these moments.
This year has been one of many ups and downs in society, a year a flux and knowing that nature is there, carrying on with it's attitude of blissful unconcern over the comings and goings of those crazy humans, gives me peace.
My honey bees made it through the first year, in spite of all my help, they are doing great.
They have been busy on the vetch and then the dewberries and are now helping pollenate my vegetable garden. Busy harvesting pollen in the squash, the corn and my herbs.
I had thought to see them on my Elder bush, but it seems the wasps and the wind are really what help this shrub pollenate.
I really do love the Elder flowers. As they go through their cycle they eventually cover the ground almost as if it has snowed.
This year I harvested a jar of them, added some vodka, and in a few more weeks hope to have a nice tincture to use to fight off any future colds. It amazes me how rich this area is in natural remedy plants, there for our use, if we pay attention.
As always, thanks for letting me share my small corner of the country with you.
Until next time friends, stay safe and get out there in the sun and watch some bees.
It's good for your blood pressure.
