Tag Archive: nature


Critters in the Garden

Throughout April, my garden steadily grew, bringing flowers of all sizes, bright colors, and a few new critters into my back yard.

Most of the vegetable plants have started to bloom and that means it won’t be long before the first crop of zucchini, cucumber, black-eyed peas, and beans is ready. However, a couple of weeks ago, the first harvest was pulled from the vegetable plot. A few pea pods and a clump of radishes made my garden rabbit very happy!

The rabbit is stashing pea pods!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

It looks like my rabbit has a made a little friend. Lizards are common in Arizona and there are always a few that camp out in the yard during the summer. However, it is a rare occasion that I catch one for such a cute shot.

Rabbit and friend are checking out the radishes.
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

Near the front gate, a patch of wildflowers is in full bloom thanks to some seeds I planted last year. Some of those seeds were perennials, so with almost no effort we’ve got black-eyed susans, poppies, zinnias, daisies, and snapdragons. They attract both moths and butterflies, which gives us quite a show every evening.

This little fella came for a visit and stayed for a few days. He preferred to land on all the yellow flowers in the patch. His presence inspired a haiku to go with a photograph I snapped before he flew away.

Fluttering angel,
white wings on yellow petals
spotted, velvet touch

A little garden visitor.
Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

In a forthcoming post, I’ll exploring the wildflower patch with more detail. Every time I go out there it seems as though there’s a new flower blooming. Recently, we realized three enormous plants in the center of the patch are evening primroses. These marvels of nature are a real bright spot in the garden!

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c.b.w. 2013

A to Z Abroad: Aberfoyle

Scotland is probably best known for rugged green hills and feisty, warm-hearted people. I was lucky enough to drive through the stunning scenery of the Troussachs and gaze upon the Scottish crown jewels, but my favorite memory of Scotland is far away from the tourist traps. Hidden in the hilly folds of Stirling is the small village of Aberfoyle, where I  found a little peace from the hustle of a guided tour.

Aberfoyle is a traditional stopover for tourists as the main road passing through the village is considered the gateway into  the Troussachs region, Loch Lommond, and Loch Katrine. While the scenery is beautiful, the small-town charm of Aberfoyle instantly made me feel at home.

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Aberfoyle, Scotland
Photo by: c.b.w. 2006

While the rest of the tour group was herded into a tourist trap, I wandered off on my own into the central part of town. One main road runs through Aberfoyle and it is the artery that connects everything from a Scottish Tourism Office to a stationary shop and grocer.

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Downtown Aberfoyle
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

My grumbling stomach lead me straight through the doors of small corner deli. In this unassuming building, they make the best sandwiches known to man. Turkey, tomato, and cucumber were all stuffed artfully into two slices of freshly baked bread. For dessert, I treated myself to a three layer biscuit of caramel, chocolate, and graham cracker crust.

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Home of the best sandwich ever!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

Aside from small-town charm, Aberfoyle has the added bonus of offering a nice place to picnic. I took my lunch stream side and enjoyed the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside. My tour group was probably hanging out in a restaurant and I couldn’t help but think they were really missing out on the real Aberfoyle.

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A lovel picnic view in Aberfoyle
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

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A souvenir better than a postcard!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

It’s been eight years and I still think about Aberfoyle and that sandwich, (yes, it really was that good). This small town should definitely be on the radar if you’re ever in Scotland – just remember to ditch the tourist traps and indulge in a little local flavor instead.

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Part of the A to Z Challenge!

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c.b.w. 2013

Little Tree

Words and photo by: c.b.w. 2013

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I bought this little tree at Christmas with the very optimistic goal of keeping it alive through the holidays. Not only did he survive December, but he is flourishing and recently graduated to a bigger pot!

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c.b.w. 2013

Poeticals VI + Photography

It’s been a while since an end cap at the bookstore has inspired me, but this week a few words reached out and tickled my muse.  Coupled with a little photography, these words have found a home beyond adorning book covers.

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Photo and words by c.b.w. 2013

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Fearless story
gratitude’s edge
Ignore we must
darkened skies
Find the sun
unleash your leap

Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

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c.b.w. 2013

Quiet Contemplation

Near Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

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There’s nothing more peaceful than sunset on the lake. Stillness coaxes leaves to hang without a rustle, while the water placidly asks the sky to reflect on the day. When the dragonflies begin to soar, listen to those inner thoughts that otherwise have no voice.

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c.b.w. 2012

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