Filling the Frame in Alabama (Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #66)

The Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week invited bloggers to “fill the frame” (here)

For my entry, I have more photos from Alabama. First, this flower from a rest area:

Let’s fill the frame as Patti suggested:

An employee saw me taking a photo of that first flower. She went out of her way to come over and tell us about a butterfly garden in the back of the rest area. I guess one of the employees is a bit of a gardener and he has used his green thumb to create a butterfly garden. 

Kind lady reaching out….

Fist bump thanks (and I gave her a towel)

This is the butterfly garden at the Alabama rest area.

As many know, Becky’s Square challenge theme is “lines” – and the lines of the blooms and butterflies are my contribution this week. 

Also had an insight to share — when I was inspired at the butterfly garden.

As we age, we might not get the former spark that used to come from “new experiences” – some of us might have the “been there and done that” vibe. However, what takes its place can be a deeper sense of awe for the experiences that do come our way. That is what it felt like for me.  I was slightly overwhelmed for a moment. No tears – and not more than ten or fifteen minutes – but stirred and it was a gift from God.

At the butterfly garden was an appreciation for:

• the kind lady went out of her way to reach out to me – to show me something she thought I would appreciate.
• Butterflies whizzing by – almost landing on me.
• Feeling butterflies uninhibited –  thriving in their habitat.Refreshing color and energy.
• May we all continue to find depth of appreciation as we age. Especially if humdrum surfaces.

Linked to lines and squares: 

Let’s all stay open for times to give – and receive – a nice refreshing spark. And you know – now that I am here creating this post – I realized that many of us do this with our blogs. We reach out to others – we connect through posts – and share parts of our lives…. sharing sparks. 

PEOPLE SHOTS FROM ALABAMA  

This shot was one of my favorite street shots from September 2019 – ALABAMA COWGIRL

Cowgirl is driving – and these two other folks with her were also nice. We chatted inside and outside the gas station. The passenger was jamming (really loud) to the song “I keep on Loving You” by Reba (here). I only remember the name because the lyrics reminded me of REO’s Keep on Loving youhere

Looking Up in Alabama:

Isn’t the light nice here? And the lines? And see that Alabama flag? Well… the insight I had in Alabama reminded me that THE WAY we “fill our frame” changes as we get older. I found that- when I had the “been there, done that” attitude – you know – where the enthusiasm from something seemed lost –  well… it was replaced with a sense of appreciation – deep appreciation — for the not-so-new. With age, we sometimes cultivate more gratefulness for the beautiful moments  and I hope that continues to “fill my frame” as life moves on. 

Winding down this post with a sign for #PROFRIFOLLIES

There are some really mean Alabama jokes out there – and so I am taking the high road and avoiding those, but  did see this funny Alabama post. 

No mushroom hunting? That part reminded me of the “Four Sigmatic” mushroom drink that is popular right now. They are not psychadelic mushrooms; instead – they are immune boosting kind of shrooms’ in a powder – and we know some folks who really like these – but I do not really care for them.  Tried them a few times – and not my kind of beverage. Also, read a review that said you only get trace amounts of the immune boosting properties….

I am linking this drink to Trent’s Weekly Smile –here– because when we tried these last month, I thought of T’s weekend coffee posts (with a smile). Have you tried the Four Sigmatic mushroom drink? Did you notice that the name of this brand has the “force” sound when you say both words? Pretty cool name.

Closing Photos

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To JOIN in with the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – or to get more info, go here

What has brought you a sense of wonder or appreciation lately? 

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