Just a thought as I found this bee hunkered down working diligently on this thistle in full bloom. Man, I’m good at growing these kind of flowering weeds!

A cold wind blows throughout the night, while snow fills the winter air. It’s warm inside my cozy home and I find myself drawn to images of dandelions basking in the warmth of the early summer sun.
Blend of three images: Grove of trees near my house, dandelions from my lawn last summer and maternity image captured in the studio with strong backlight. Watercolor filter, lens flare and lighting effects added with Photoshop CC.
This time of year finds the prairie grasses blooming with the splendor of the season. Children of the prairie, I believe, lead somewhat of a “charmed” life filled with textures beneath their toes, fireflies lighting up the night and the soothing sounds of frogs croaking in the night.
Lens flare added in Photoshop CC 2015
There’s just something about summer nights that brings back memories of youth and local baseball/softball programs. From chilly nights early in the season to warm and humid nights filled with the aroma of bug spray and sweat along with youthful chatter from the dugout.
These programs help develop more than just physical skills. You can’t win by yourself, you need your teammates and you must learn to work with others. These experiences also develop relationships which enrich the summer experience beyond the field.
It is also important to enjoy the now. It is highly unlikely that any college recruiter or professional scouts are watching these games so why not keep it all about the kids who are learning the sport together. Yes, some will be better players than others, but that’s the way it is in life. Some will always need to work harder and that is a life skill that will reap tremendous benefits in the long run.
Please take advantage of any opportunity to support local youth programs. It will be money and time well spent.
You gotta love summer…