Come to the Woods

"Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods."

.....John Muir

While walking down the path through the woods, I looked down and saw this bluejay feather, and although it was ruffled and less than perfect, somehow it looked so pretty to me.

I must share some of the beautiful flowers that I snipped from my garden, so I can enjoy them on my table. I wanted to post some items that I enjoy and think are lovely, before sharing the photo of how I overcame some of my fear.

Now the following picture is not one that I would have taken, had it not been of one of the topics for our "scavenger hunt" photo contest. Since I wasn't sure when or where I was going to get a photo of a snake, I was happy, yet VERY apprehensive about taking the photos. So I decided I needed to show you the shot of what I saw as I got down on the ground and captured my picture for the scavenger hunt. Sometimes we can do things that we don't think that we can, and in this way "overcomers are born."

And finally, here is one more flower, just so this posting ends with something more beautiful that the snake. This a one of the last roses of summer from my yard. It has the sweetest smell, and I love the pretty pink petals. It has been a battle to get them before the Japanese beetles have them for lunch. As it is getting late, and I was going to get some sleep before I even began this blog, I had best get some shut-eye.

God bless you all for taking the journey through our woods and enjoy the last few days of summer.

The Fruit of the Vine

Welcome to Cedar Hill Vineyard!

I was blessed on Thursday to get to spend the day with a group of sweet ladies that share my love of painting. We carpooled to one of our painter's house, who happens to have a vineyard. She is the hostess with the mostest! A great painter, dear friend and welcomes many into her home and "tasting room". On Thursday, she had prepared food for us and she and her husband showed us around their beautiful vineyard and explained the process of wine making from growing the grapes to sipping the wine. We all had a wonderful time.

Of course, my passion was taking pictures of everything, especially the beautiful grapes hanging on the vine almost ready for picking. Several will be picked this coming week, that is why they wanted us to come while they were still on the vine.

This is one of the gates that a friend made for them with the logo that is on their wine labels. Beautiful iron work.

Below is a view of the "tasting room" that sets in the Vineyard and above the winery. It is filled with many paintings displaying the talents of our hostess. All enter through the grape-covered arbor. As you do the aroma of grapes fills the air, as the Concord grapes are begging to be plucked.

There were several different varieties of grapes growing and as you can see, some ready for harvest. Each bunch was a picture waiting to be photographed. Everyone laughed at me, as I received a phone call while there, and while I was outside talking, I held the phone with one hand, and my other hand was clicking away, trying to capture all the beauty in the fruit of the vine.

I guess I never thought of it before, but as I walked among the vines, I realized that the different varieties have different shapes and colors of leaves, as well as different fruit. I should have realized that was probably the case, but never had examined the differences between species before. It is the different type of grapes that makes the different types of wine, and the way wines get their names.

The fragrance of roses mingled with the sweet scents from the grapes to lure all passersby to pause and take in their surroundings, as everyone's senses were awakened.



I will give you a glimpse of the spread of goodies that met us as we relaxed together for a time of fellowship and relaxation. These outings are great inspiration for the next outstanding paintings!

Needless to say, I did enjoy the journey, and hope you have too!