Thursday, July 19, 2012

searching for some

inspiration....

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
~ Rachel Carson



But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.”
~ William Blake



“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
~Maya Angelou



“Do stuff. be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration's shove or society's kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It's all about paying attention. attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. stay eager.”
~ Susan Sontag


In those times when inspiration seems to escape me or I'm feeling down, I'll often take my camera, walk out my door, and go for a hunt about the yard.  It's amazing what you can see by observing closely.  Nature never ceases to amaze me!

QUESTION:  What do you do when you're lacking inspiration?


I'm linking up with my favorite teacher, Ms Jenny Matlock, as we work our way through the alphabet.  Please do go visit the other students, for you never know what gems you may find--humor, poignancy, information, visions of far away places, stuff you've never even dreamed of!  Check it out HERE.  You may even wish to join in yourself!  This week our letter is "I."

photos by me ©  2011 and 2012
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31 comments:

  1. lissaJuly 19, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    for inspiration I read blogs or just out and take photos of the sky or the ground. I'm always surprise there could be so many little rain puddles everywhere.

    have a swet day.

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  2. LmkazmierczakJuly 19, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    The moon, sky and stars are awesome and inspiring for me♫
    Great post and reminder to be inspired.

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  3. Rose ClearfieldJuly 19, 2012 at 6:36 PM

    Your flower photos are always inspiring! I frequently find inspiration when I set out somewhere with my camera, too.

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  4. Kaili WilliamsJuly 19, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    beautiful photos as always! i love going out into the yard and seeing what i can find too. or, i will watch films or look through other inspiring art & photography.

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  5. JudieJuly 19, 2012 at 7:23 PM

    Wonderful quotes and photos! I LOVE THIS POST!!!

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  6. NanEJuly 19, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    Great "I" post today! Well, most recently, when I need inspiration I go to Pinterest! Have a great weekend, Nan

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  7. Erika July 20, 2012 at 7:26 AM

    Question: I was just asked if I would swap with a gal that has a photography shop and I see yours....have you thought of selling a few prints? You take awesome photos!

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  8. AnonymousJuly 20, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    Gorgeous shots! I'm with you- cameras provide all the inspiration you need!

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  9. Memories for LifeJuly 20, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    Is the top one a clematis? This is one of my mom's favorite flowers :)
    And the butterfly shot is so awesome!!!

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  10. LeoviJuly 20, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    I love these compositions macro, delicious tones, very creative colors in those flowers steeped in sweet mystery. Greetings.

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  11. PondsideJuly 20, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    We were on the same wavelength this week. When I need inspiration I try to change my routine - and sometimes it works.

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  12. Naperville NowJuly 20, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    your photography is gorgeous -- one day, I hope to emulate.

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  13. LolaJuly 21, 2012 at 4:47 AM

    Thanks so much for stopping by - was going to include Borat in his,er, swimsuit but thought it might maybe offend!


    Lovely post - and blog!

    Have a lovely weekend too!

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  14. LolaJuly 21, 2012 at 4:49 AM

    Thanks so much for stopping by - thought of including Borat but thought it might offend!

    Lovely post - and blog!

    Have a lovely weekend too!

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  15. LolaJuly 21, 2012 at 4:50 AM

    Me again - problems getting my comment published!!! Third time lucky?!!!

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  16. storybeaderJuly 21, 2012 at 9:12 AM

    fabulous photos! I am inspired by nature also, and the sea. But if I'm at my computer, all I have to do is look at a few art journals online, and it gets me excited! {:-D

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  17. anitamombanitaJuly 21, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    Beautiful shots! I'm like you..when I need inspiration, I get my camera and look closely at what's around me...there's no lack of inspiring things!

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  18. KathleenJuly 21, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    Beautiful! I agree, a walk with a camera can be very inspirational!

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  19. The PoetJuly 21, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Dear Margaret,
    Who will not find inspiration from that first flower? Pictures turn our realities into beautiful memories. Well done my friend.

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  20. Ruth WelterJuly 22, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    Your photos are gorgeous and cheer me immediatelly when I look at them.

    Ruth

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  21. Sweet Posy DreamsJuly 22, 2012 at 2:01 PM

    Lovely flowers. The blue one is really stunning.

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  22. elsieJuly 23, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    I am always inspired by reading about what other people ar inspired by... kind of a cheat I guess but effective all the same!!

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  23. CathyJuly 24, 2012 at 3:59 AM

    I love the quotes. It's true that nature helps us inspire and regenerate. Taking a walk really helps me put things into a proper perspective.

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  24. pasqueflowerJuly 24, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    Beautiful!! Stunning photos. I always find that time with Nature helps me recharge my batteries and get the creative juices flowing again. Lovely post.

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  25. EG CameraGirlJuly 24, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    I like your idea of taking your camera with you to look for inspiration in your yard.

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  26. tamdollJuly 24, 2012 at 8:43 PM

    I usually take a walk when I need a recharge. That Maya Angelou quote is great!

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  27. SquirrelQueenJuly 24, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Beautiful flowers and very inspiring quotes. A walk in one of our local parks or a nature trail will always recharge my creativity batteries.

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  28. Kristin AquariannJuly 25, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    Neat! The middle of the second flower reminds me of bean sprouts. Which, sadly, I don't see on many salad bars anymore.

    ♥ aquariann
    Featured Photo: Pink Daylily

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  29. Linda E. PruittJuly 28, 2012 at 6:39 PM

    Nature is my inspiration! And knowinng the one who created it all is so soothing and uplifting! Goregous photos!!!!!!!

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  30. CatherineAugust 1, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    Nature always gives us the best inspiration doesn't she? That top flower is so beautiful!
    Wishing you a happy August!
    xo Catherine

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  31. JennyAugust 3, 2012 at 12:52 PM

    Often when I'm lacking inspiration, I read blogs! There are so many viewpoints that I'm always intriqued and fascinated...

    ...and then up feeling inspired to write or paint or create!

    Thanks for an inspiring link for the letter 'I'.

    Your flowers pictures are gorgeous!

    A+

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