Trailside Beauty
~
nature’s beauty calls
whispers among the forest
the language of love
~
Much like John Muir, I go to the woods to be set right. To restore my mind, body, and spirit by communing with nature. These images are taken along one of my favorite places to hike around town at Lake Fayetteville. I go there for the combination of easy access, woods, lake, and hidden beauty. Here are some “discoveries” from my hike last week.
The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. ~ John Muir
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. ~ John Muir
Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. ~ John Muir
Let nature speak to your heart. ~ Musebrad
Gorgeous photos and that lizard is stunning beyond words! Thank you for sharing the magick and your inspired words. Sending love to you kindred spirit! You speak the language of my soul ✨😘
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Thank you Tania. Those are high compliments from my fairy friend and animal whisperer.
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you’re welcome sweetheart! ❤
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A lovely haiku, Brad. The pictures are amazing.
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Thank you Robbie.. 🌞
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So much beauty in this post, Brad! 😍 Great captures, great quotes, and lovely haiku!
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Thank you Julie! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
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Beautiful and fascinating words and images.
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Thank you Cindy. 🌞
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Great Pictures Brad…And yes, nature is humanity’s free anti depressant, anti anxiety cure. You walk into the woods one person and you leave as someone else! It restores our soul and refuels our energies. Glad you are finding peace there. Enjoy 🙂 VK
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Thank you VK. I agree and love your perspective.
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This is wonderful.
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Thank you Nico.
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Blessings! 🙂🌍🏔
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Thank you for taking us on this journey! Within and All Around.
I especially loved your words “I go to the woods to be set right. To restore my mind, body, and spirit by communing with nature.” and accompanying photos and quotes.
And I can so relate to the incredible therapy of forestry.
Have a wonderful night Brad!
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You’re most welcome Andrea. I’m delighted you enjoyed our stroll and appreciate nature. 🌍🌲
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Trees are in my genes 🌍🌲
Wood is my maiden name.
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L🤩
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Beautiful poem and quotes, Brad. The photos are fantastic and each one speaks
a strong language.
Miriam
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Thank you so much Miriam.
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Beautiful post, Brad. Your photos and words are always so inspiring. ♥️
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Thank you Katy. I appreciate your kind words. 🙏
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Hi amigo, wow your post is literally such a breath of fresh air 😄 You are an amazing photographer and beautiful gentle spirit! Loved all your photos, words, and sentiments. I almost feel like I am right there with you on that rejuvenating forest walk. Thank you:) Hugs and blessings
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Thank you dear Maria. I’m glad you enjoyed my photography, joined me in the forest, and were refreshed. Nature is awesome! Hugs….🌷
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YAY! It is. Thank you for focusing on such uplifting content. It really does make a difference! Big hugs 🌼🌼🌼
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You’re most welcome!
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Glad you have something to feel refreshed after doing it
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Thank you. It’s important to find things that nourish us.
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I am trying to find mine
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Brad I loved the pictures of the beauty of nature and your Haiku is so beautiful and magical. Too good.
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Thank you Kamal. It’s nice to see you here.
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You are always welcome dear Brad. I don’t see you from a long time on my blog. Hope all is well with you. Take care of yourself and stay safe 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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Yes, I’ve stopped visiting many blogs. Nothing to do with you. I love your blog. Hugs and blessings.
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Take care Brad and hope all is well with you. Do keep in touch. Blessings and light always 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
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Thank you! 🙏
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🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Thank you for the beauty Brad….I love John Muir. :)XXX
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You’re welcome Janet. John Muir is very inspiring and quote worthy!
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Your photography and haiku poetry just get better and better. And that’s a high bar to climb! Thank you for the wonderful John Muir quotes with your pictures into nature.
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Thanks Pam. I appreciate your kind words. Nature and people like John Muir inspire me.
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“Wash your spirit clean”. That is indeed what Nature does. Love the photos. Mushrooms always make me smile.🙂
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Yes, nature is very refreshing, and mushrooms are weirdly cool. 🍄
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Just so much beauty to be found in Natures Woodlands.. Fungi so special in so many ways… Finding beauty in the small things takes us out of those larger distractions that we are escaping from.. Lovely images and Quotes dear Brad..Love the John Muir quote.. May we keep our Spirits clean 🙂 💚🙏 Have a great weekend Brad.. I hope you manage to keep walking in Mother Natures calm..
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Agreed Sue. Nature, finding beauty and simple joys are very important to our well being, especially now. I’m grateful for nature, her many gifts, and friends around the globe. Hugs..❤
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Likewise Brad 💚
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Beautiful and stunning pictures! I nominated you for the Gamba WordPress Shining Star Award for Peace & Save Environment.
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Thank you Lani. I appreciate you and the nomination. Nature is a gift to enjoy and protect.
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I love the Japanese concept of “forest bathing.” Literally letting the forest and greenery wash over you. I’m so glad you’re doing this! Especially while weather permits.
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Yes Kristine, forest bathing is the perfect descriptor. I hope you’re getting your baths, even if it’s in city parks.
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I’m trying! Went to a very pretty park last week with friends and will do the same again this week.
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Wonderful! Are you bringing your heavy friends? 😜
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No way! Those mean girls will have to stay at home.😉
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😃
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What a beautiful soothing post, Brad. Your photos are gorgeous (such an eye!). And I love the Muir quotes that you interspersed throughout. Thanks for the smile!
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You’re welcome Diana. It’s a mutual pleasure. To the woods we go!
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Lovely, soothing pictures Brad, it looks like you made some interesting discoveries on your walk.
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Thank you Andrea. Yes, I had fun “discovering” nature’s beauty along the trail.
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Oh…it speaks to my heart, Brad!
Yesterday I was on my paddle board and a manatee arrived to play with me for a while. She would turn around and swim away and then turn back and come right at me. I won’t lie…I felt a teeny bit scared…they are GIANT!! But then, a male (I am guessing) suddenly showed up out of nowhere…and he went right up to the lady manatee (again…I am guessing) and then they both reared their heads up out of the water and started to rub their noses together…like a nose kiss!!! I swear they were looking right in my eyes…only 4 feet away!! And the message I got was that we need a whole lot more love in this world!! The manatees, on full display, have sent a message!!
Thanks for listening…I know I rambled on.
I believe we have to keep sending love out into the world…no matter what!!
Hope you have a great week, Brad!
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What a wonderful experience and gift Lorrie! It sure seems like the manatees wanted to remind you to love more. To nose kisses, flowing with life, and more love… 💞
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Ahhhh…Sweet Blessing!!
Have a great week Brad😁💜
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💞
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You did a brilliant job with your photos….I felt like I was right there. You do justice to the beauty and peace of nature! Have a great week!!
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Thank you Kirt. I’m grateful they touched you.
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So lovely! The photos and quotes created a natural oasis in which to refresh my mind and soul today. Thank you.
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You’re most welcome Deborah. I’m delighted you enjoyed them and left refreshed.
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A magical walk Brad and a snake, meeting your potential😊. Thankyou for sharing the beauty and mindfulness. Much love , Barbara x
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You’re welcome Barbara. Thanks for sharing in the wonder filled walk.
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Great photos. John Muir is an inspiration.
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Agreed. Thanks Ali.
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We have blue tailed skinks here, too. But I’ve never captured one with such vivid colors! Your photos are wonderful. Have you entered any contests?
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Thank you JoAnna. No contests, but I enjoy engaging my passion for photography, mainly here on WP and Instagram. I’m glad you enjoy the photos. 😊
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The photos are gorgeous and lifting!
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Thanks Kally. I hope you have an inspiring day!
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You have a great eye and wonderful way with words. I loved learning a bit more about John Muir, too. So many human beings these days are not able to immerse themselves in the natural world — and even the night sky is transformed from a thing of awe to a few specks of stars due to our light pollution. May we all be able to spend time with trees and fungi and water and lakes and streams!
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Thank you Will. I’m grateful for my connection to nature and hope more are inspired to love and appreciate her charms.
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