Nature
Butterfly Photos from Monhegan
It is amazing to think that these slight, fragile creatures, flew there across the ocean and will fly much further in their migration. No wonder they are fueling up with so much nectar!
Limelight Hydrangeas (Poem by Polly Castor)
The superabundant greenish white blooms of the limelight hydrangeas languidly reach over the fence in the hazy sun, yearning to cheer you on in your day.
Many Faces of Water on South Branch Pond (Photos)
Not only is the water on South Branch Pond in Baxter State Park exceptionally clear, it is very reflective as well.
Camping for a Week in Baxter State Park with our Youngest (Photos)
I am so grateful for this quality time in remote nature with our daughter.
Drinking Nature In (New Poem by Polly Castor)
So grateful to be sitting here drinking nature in, like electrolytes for my soul…
Creation Counteracts Entropy (Quote by Annie Dillard)
We are here to witness the creation and abet it. We are here to notice each thing so each thing gets noticed.
Hike Photos from Huntington (Midsummer 2026)
Enjoy the berries coming on, the milkweed, the vines, the Canada geese, the fields, tree, and lakes, the reflections and bark, the complexity of composition, the flowers.
Hydrangea Resilience (New Poem by Polly Castor)
At the beginning of July, the ultramarine blue hydrangeas were like a finale of bursting fireworks their blooms reaching on strong stems, noble and uplifted, splashing their joy all over the scene.
Every Child Should Know a Hill (Poem by Edna Casler Joll)
Every child should know a hill, And the clean joy of running down its long slope With the wind in his hair. He should know a tree— The comfort of its cool lap of shade, And the supple strength of its arms Balancing him between earth and sky So he is a creature of both. … Read more
Nature Photos from Maine (June 2026)
Here are the rest of my photos from my recent trip to Maine. The flowers, trees, grasses, ferns, and reflections were all wonderful.
A Sand County Almanac (Book Review)
This is a lovely little book of well observed nature writing. In a time where the environment is in peril from bad policy and practices, it was refreshing to read a beautifully written book about cherishing nature, which didn’t have such threatening overtones.
Celebrating Soil Life (New Abstract Painting in Oil)
Most people think of soil as a brown decaying place, but actually it should be full of life! I read recently a whole chapter on soil life in a book called Regenesis, which prompted my thoughts on this subject, which led to this painting.
Photos of our Peonies with links to Peony Poetry
Loving our peonies!
Check out these new photos of them from our yard, as well as these peony poems
Hike Photos from Huntinton State Park (Early June 2026)
There are some blossoms, and the air smells pungently amazing, but most it is just green, green green!
Earth Day Thought from Ron Garan
After spending 178 days aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Ron Garan returned to Earth carrying something far heavier than space equipment or mission data.
How I go to the Woods (Poem by Mary Oliver)
Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore
unsuitable.