Flowers in bloom, mostly from my garden in Vermont.  Hollyhocks, poppies, calendula, cosmos, peonies, day lillies, bee balm, daffodils, tulips . . . . 

When we see a mushroom or fungus growing from the ground or a tree, we are seeing the smallest part of a large organism.  The beautiful forms of fungus that we can see are only the "fruiting body" of an extensive hidden network called the mycelium.  The mycelium structure is huge, and is busy dissolving both living and dead plant life into usable soil. Although the kingdom of Fungi is more closely related to the animal than to the plant, the fungus we see are the flowers springing up from the dark forest underworlds.  

Lichen is another matter altogether.  Lichen is green.  It is not one thing, but two -- it is a form of fungus hosting the growth of algae.  The fungus dives deep into the darkness while the algae produces chlorophyll in the sun, and together they make a beautiful, delicate thing. 

Cloudy, rainy days are the best days for watching the paint peel on old trucks, buildings, and dumpsters. The patterns of decay are fascinating mirrors of growth, and the contrasting colors of paint and rust make it easy to see.   

Insect evidence, bug trails, patterns of movement and feeding.  The creatures who made the trails and nibbled the holes are gone, but they left behind clear evidence of their work.

Patterns found in the bottom of the cup, usually the day after. Unexpected things happen when you don't do the dishes before going to bed -- coffee grounds settle, milk proteins organize, beer suds get lacy, and wine crystals darken.  Neglect becomes "art." 

This is Daisy.  He is sixteen years old and began sleeping in some very strange positions about three years ago.  He spurned the cat beds we've bought for him, and he is unreasonably drawn to boxes and baskets that are too small. And he really likes to keep his eyes covered when he sleeps.  

Images on some of the oldest gravestones throughout New England. The wings symbolize flight towards heaven and the transformation between the mortal and the eternal, and the expressions range from startled, stern confusion to sweet smiles of contentment.  The scholars of gravestone symbolism draw lines between the styles -- some are Soul Effigies, some are Death Heads, and some are Cherubs.  Either way, I find them rather . . . cheerful. 

Single shots of random moments.