Category: Musings on Life and Beauty

Ok, here are the second half of my “nature” photos from our recent trip.


I thought this tree was so interesting.  The trunk seems to be composed of last year’s growth being pruned off.  I love that the leaves are graceful and fern-like, and the play of pattern next to the traditional palm leaves is beautiful.


All the enormous leaves were stunning.




I know I should remember the name of these blue flowers but it’s escaping me.  I loved the size of them and how they were planted in mass.  They remind me a bit of the allium that is more common where I live.  Can anyone help me with the name?  It was fun to see them all over the place.


And how cool are these tree trunks?  We were all impressed by their spikes.  I think the brown spikes on the lime green trunk is so pretty.


Fern leaves are always pretty.




The first thing I noticed about this fern was its herringbone type pattern formed by the closeness of each stem.  Kind of a sawtooth herringbone pattern.  Isn’t it pretty?!  Of all the things I noticed, this might be my favorite.


It’s always interesting to see an old, mature tree sprout a tiny little branch near it’s base.


Lastly, the play of leaves here was so interesting.  In the foreground are tulip leaves dying back with a pretty bush behind.  I don’t know what it is, but the graceful little leaves and the colors reminded me of a burning bush.  Of course the red leaves add interest and depth to the view, and the palm branch gracefully draping itself over the bush is unusually pretty.  In my own landscaping I lean too often to flowers to provide interest.  This picture reminds me that greenery can play off itself in startling beauty if planted well,  a lesson I’m trying to take to heart.


It is all so beautiful;  a reminder of our infinitely creative Father in Heaven.  How grateful I am for His generosity in creating such a beautiful home away from home for us.

Have you noticed something beautiful lately?

Hopeful Homemaker

I couldn’t help but observe the flowers and vegetation while we were in California earlier this month.  I took pictures of some plants and trees that caught my eye because of their detail and pattern.


These were bushes growing outside the hotel.  I love the coral,  orange and yellow colors in this flower.  Anyone know what it’s called?  Gorgeous.




These trees were growing outside the hotel as well.  The leaves were somewhat sparse and yellowing and I don’t know if that is normal or unhealthy.  Either way, they had these amazing red flowers on them.


I asked the employees at the front desk what kind of tree it is.  They were all clueless and one of them had never even noticed them.  Seriously?   I’m so curious to know the name of this tree.  The flowers were spectacular and I also noticed hummingbirds buzzing around them.


I thought the base of this tree was fascinating.  Are those roots that have wrapped around the trunk of the tree?


The basketweave/crosshatch pattern on the palm trees is also beautiful.  It’s fun to be reminded that so many of the patterns and designs we see in textiles are merely copycat interpretations of nature.




Honeysuckle is my husband’s favorite fragrant plant.  I agree that it’s scent is heavenly.  I saw an entire hillside covered with it.  Sigh.


I’ll be back tomorrow with the second half of my pictures.  Have a great day!
Jennifer