Peggy Payne was very kind to include me in this Personal Development list that is making rounds. Thanks for your support and encouragement Peggy! Click over to find a generous list of sites on all aspects of self-growth.
Then, you simply must scroll down or click here to read the latest poetic additions to my Poetry Invitation from Monday. Poetry makes my heart sing, and I have to say, every time I post one of these Invitations I find my heart singing all week as I keep finding treasures in my comment box. You have until Friday to submit your poem and be entered for a drawing to win one of these.
I have been having a creative surge lately, so many ideas and possibilities, so many good and worthy projects to sink my teeth into. I am contemplating a new set of prayer cards since the blossoming cards were so well received. I am thinking a set for fall would be appropriate, maybe on letting go and harvest.
I went for a lovely walk this morning. In this season of autumn emerging, I find myself drawn to plants that are in their last stages, drying up and letting go, and discovering such great beauty in death. Here are a handful of images that I later played with in Photoshop. Maybe they'll end up on some of those new cards.


-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts

i was thinking the same thing on my scooter-walk yesterday, christine! i can really feel the swansong of the abundance of summer playing – the trees, the roses, the dandelion clocks… i love this time of year!!
beautiful pictures!!!
There's a really neat "moonglow" kind of effect you've achieved in these photos that is mesmerizing. Thanks!
so delighted for your creative spurt! these images are so beautiful. i would love to spend time with them as prayer cards!
Thanks Claire, this is one of my favorite times of year too, now through winter really makes me so happy. Not the usual attitude of a Seattleite.
Thanks Rich, when I went for my walk it was fairly dark out so I was trying to get the shutter speed fast enough to avoid blur and then went into Photoshop to play with contrast and I really like the effect. I may have discovered something new to keep working with!
Thanks lucy! I am feeling inspired to meditate with fall energies in this way.
Thanks for mentioning the list. I really appreciate it.
i love the richness and effects in these photos. great work capturing deep and aging beauty. glad you're experiencing a creative surge. a sign you're in your Season
You're welcome Priscilla.
Thanks Bette! Yes, I am definitely "in season"!