Category: nature

Unexpected Treasure

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 16 Comments

Summer arrives on its own schedule, painting the landscape a luscious green. The heat of the day keeps us tucked in a cool house, but not without restlessness. Ric offers a late afternoon drive and parks near a trail so I can wander in.

Tall oaks, beech trees, and maples create a canopy of shade. I stop to let my eyes readjust to the sudden change in light. A small creature whirs past, and I recognize the black stripes of a chipmunk.

Darn, I think. Missed it.

But the chipmunk, like me, is only seeking a cooler patch. Perched on a fallen log just beside the path, the small animal stops to enjoy a snack.

These tiny creatures never fail to delight me. An unexpected treasure making my day.



Delicately Opening

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 27 Comments

Closed signs turn cautiously
trepidation persists –
are openings wise at this time?

Spring ignores man’s conflicts
delicately asserts her voice
delivers a message of renewal


A reminder to all hearts to set aside worry
open anew to the wonders around us –
all else will fall in place in its own time.

(For A Photo A Week Challenge: opening; and Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: delicate colours.)

Feathered Elegance

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 18 Comments

Rumours of the Tundra Swans in our neighbourhood lure us out. They migrate through here in early spring and linger for a week or two. We head to the drive along the river where the Common Mergansers are currently doing their mating dances.

Caught this female in the midst of the ritual. Love the hairdo.

Further downstream, we spotted a newcomer to town: Hooded Merganser.

Such a beautiful bird.

The swans were nowhere in sight, so we decided to drive to a nearby town. On the way, I spotted a few large white birds on a local pond:

Elegance with feathers.

( For Eugi’s Causerie weekly prompt: elegance.)

The River, My Heart

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 36 Comments

A landmark in my life, the river follows
ages, and eras, seasons measured by her flow

She acknowledges change, bears the winter
regally, swells with confidence as Spring rains

Will walk beside me in sunnier times, and
hold my secrets as Autumn catches us in her flames

She holds my heart, my faith, always knows
and at end of day, oh how she glows.

(For Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: A River Runs Through It.)

Scenes From Ontario Winter

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 13 Comments

I cast my shadow over white banks
assert my presence, proud, defiant

Will find beauty in deserted golf courses
and colour in a monochrome season

I am haunted by a Winter state of mind
resolved to stretch myself despite creeping chill.

(Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge is winter scenes. This Winter I am challenging myself to endure a season that typically I escape. I am determined to find the blessings. So far, so good.)

Burrs

~ V.J. Knutson ~ 4 Comments

How many winter walks
ended with burrs matted
in curly Wheaton hair;
how you wriggled
to escape the grooming,
how we laughed at your
jokester antics?

Your spirit still fills
the empty spaces,
I hear the jingle of
your collar, catch
a whiff of terrier fluff,
pull on an invisible leash
whenever I encounter burrs.

(For Cee’s Flower of the Day)