~
my secret garden
when walking through the forest
where wonders abound
~
You might notice that I don’t even know the name of most of these plants and trees. I do know some, but it isn’t important to me. I am more interested in observing and appreciating the details of nature. Some people find more joy in learning about the plants and trees they encounter. Maybe I’m a simple-minded fool, but I’m happy just observing! Sometimes I am stunned into silence and wonder at the marvels I encounter. The details in nature’s web of life are miraculous to me.
May you find and enjoy the beauty in the world around you; be that plants, people, animals, or man-made wonders.
To foraging for beauty in our daily lives.
writing to freedom 
I LOVE your attention to detail, Brad! The photo of dew on grass in particular makes me smile broadly. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. And one of your photo captions (“A whole micro-world on the forest floor.”) reminded me of news I read recently regarding a species of Lady’s Slipper orchid which was thought to be extinct AND was re-discovered in Vermont. They mentioned in this story that they needed to study what underground networks of fungi + bacteria might be supporting this orchid’s existence in a very particular location…
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Thank you Will. I like your connecting my photo to the story of the orchids being supported by fungi. To supporting each other like fungi do! 🙂
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It is just mind blowing to think about the world beneath our feet and out of everyday sight for most people. Every little organism and every little cell is contributing to the world
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Agreed Tiffany. Thanks for appreciating the tiny details and connections in life.
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Thank you for the kind words Tiffany. I agree that there is so much beauty to explore right where we are. 🌏
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I love the title. Beautiful photos.
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Thank you Tim.
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Beautiful
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Thank you!
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You are most welcome
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These photos are incredible. You have a great eye for wonder. That first one I could live in and get lost forever. Love the micro faery forest floor! I’m like you, I love enjoying the beauty and don’t need to know the details. I love experiencing rather than filling my brain with info. To beauty, joy and wonder!
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Thank you Tania. I love that first image too and our shared love for nature. to beauty, joy and wonder! 💕
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Wow fantastic pictures so well taken, Brad and what beauty all around you. Awesome.
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Thank you Kamal.
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You are always welcome Brad.
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Absolutely beautiful photos Brad.. Your photography just keeps getting better and better… I love the Micro world and the hairs on those leaves… and dew drops…
It matters not, you are so right about names of things… What is in a name… More important is noticing it and seeing the beauty and the marvel of nature as she interacts, blends and is in co-operation with all around her..
Magical photos Brad… really enjoyed delving into the world through your lens.. 😀
Wishing you a lovely week Brad 🙂
Much love ❤
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Thank you for the kind words Sue. I’m delighted you enjoyed the photos and relate to nature in a similar way. The world certainly needs more beauty and magic these days. Hugs…🌼💕
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It does Brad…. So long as we keep looking and finding that beauty… We shall be fine ❤
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HI Brad, these are lovely pictures, especially the unknown fungus.
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Thanks Robbie. I have a weird fascination with fungi! 😋
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Me too, and I like spiders too.
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😋
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Haha, I don’t eat them 😊
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LOL
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Seems most of us are heading to the woods and nature these days when I read the different blogs. Great minds think alike I guess 🙂 Great photos Brad! Amazing colors and textures. Nothing like nature to calm the soul Thanks for sharing! VK
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That makes total sense VK. We need the beauty and nurturing of nature during these chaotic times. I’m delighted you enjoyed the photos. 🙂
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I just love your observations and eye for exquisite beauty. Thank you for sharing, Brad. 💜
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You’re most welcome Natalie. I appreciate your kind words and am grateful you and others enjoy my photos. 💕
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It is a treat to view plants from different regions. Thanks for sharing, Brad. 🌱🌿🍄 I am with you – I enjoy observing and being in nature more than I enjoy researching names of unfamiliar plants.
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Agreed Michele. I love seeing your posts and others highlighting plants from other areas. Almost as good as visiting in person! 🌱🌿🍄
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Almost. 😉 Thank you, Brad. I enjoy sharing, especially those OR flowers! 😍
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These are beautiful captures Brad!
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Thank you Cindy. Nature is wonderous! 😋
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I am like you Brad….I do not have to know the names of every plant….I just enjoy the intense pleasure of observing them. In the UK many Gardeners (including my late mother) pride themselves on knowing the Latin names for plants and shrubs…..Again for me it’s all about the joy of observing them and feeling the wonder that they invoke. Thanks for the beautiful photographs. Janet X
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Thank you Janet. I’m glad you can relate and enjoy simply watching and feeling too. And I will admit that knowing the names sometimes adds another dimension to the process and appreciation. Hugs…
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First, your title is perfection. Foraging beauty, indeed. May we all do so every day (and so few do, unfortunately). Second, I’m like you – I’d rather appreciate the details, the gorgeousness of each tiny piece of the natural whole, then learn the name. I suppose it’s unscientific of me, but I’ll go with intuition any day. And third, your photos are sooooo sensual. ❤
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Thank you for the heartfelt praise Pam. Yes to appreciating nature and our intuition. Maybe I’ll attract a partner with my sensual photos! 🙏😋
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I wouldn’t be surprised!
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Hi Brad,
Beautiful pictures, specially the leaves with the dew on them – gorgeous!
The beauty is in the details and most people, including me, miss it. We are not paying attention. You are!
Blessings!
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Thank you Ana. I have the time and motivation to notice. I’m sure you have other passions and interests.
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I do have other passions, but I always have the feeling that I am missing something. I go through life ignoring details, always focusing on the bigger picture only.
Your posts make me want to look at the details.
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I’m glad you want to notice the details and have other passions! 😋
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I love your close-up photography, Brad. It’s just stunning the way it focuses the eye and mind on the wondrous shape, color, and composition of nature. Photography forces us to pause and observe, whether we are the photographer or the ones who get to view the pictures. You have so much talent. And your poetry is a wonderful complement to your photos. Beautiful post, my friend. I want more.
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Thank you Diana. I love close up photography and pausing to notice the details. It’s a good practice for me and a way to share some beauty with others. More coming! 😋
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Excellent 🙂
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Wonderful and interesting captures Brad 💛
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Thank you Val. 🙂
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Your visions are delightful! Your photos are uniquely exquisite.
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Thank you JoAnna. I love the beautiful details in nature.
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Caught with the beautiful of nature ❤️
I love the pictures.
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Thank you!
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I think as a veteran that saw alot of combat and horrific things, the thing that has helped me more than anything is really finding the beauty in the everyday mundane. Cheers!
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Kudos for discovering and using this approach to improve your life. Welcome, Brad
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Thank you for your sacrifice and sage advice. Ruthie Young
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Beautiful work & forestry. This is why we need to protect our planets so we can make more moments like these
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Thank you. Agreed we need to protect this beautiful planet.
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Such wonderful discoveries … love the beautiful pictures
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Thank you Shelly. I hope you find much beauty this week.
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I’m like you Brad, I don’t know the names of most of the plants I admire but it doesn’t stop me from appreciating their beauty. Love your photos. 💚🌱
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Thank you Miriam. Appreciation and sharing are enough! 💚🌱
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Love these photos💙
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Thank you Victoria and welcome to my blog.
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Simplicity at its finest!! Love the poem….great pictures….awesome post! Have a great week!
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Thank you Kirt. Enjoy your week!
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Fascinating! Many thanks Brad. Have you ever thought your camera is like an active poet, with no need of words?! Humanity, animal-life and all of nature are like magical miracles. xx
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You’re welcome Joy. No I haven’t thought of my camera as a poet, but I like the idea and agree about the magical miracles of nature. 😍
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Beautiful pictures Brad 😍😍
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Thank you! 🙂
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Nice
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Thanks!
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no, I agree with you…you don’t need to analyse everything to admire its beauty. as long as you don’t eat it, that is…
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Absolutely!
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