Tag Archives: nature

Being a Bird

8 Nov

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Mockingbird

Mockingbird sings every day

Crown the tree to have his say

Lifts in joy and gathers song

Doesn’t know the world’s all wrong.

Quail

Father quail comes through the fence

Finding seed means no offense

Calls a song to bustling chicks

Bob-white, Bob-white, a happy mix.

Cardinal

Peach brown cardinal looks to see

Where her beloved one must be

When she finds him happy, all

Spring, summer, winter, fall. 

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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River Dawn

18 Oct

My Take

DiVoran Lites

River Dawn                                    

By Dora Jane Bedell Bowers

God is Love; God is light,

He protects us through the night. 

He turns morn to birds in flight,

To restore a lovely sight. 

When the morning sun begins,

Then the sound of violins

And the joy of mandolins

God forgiving all our sins

Now the day has just begun

Birds make circles one by one

Underneath a morning sun

Flying birds forever-fun

Silently the morning flight,

Follows from the windy night

First, the Pelican’s delight

Scooping fish, oh, what a sight.

How slowly moves the morning air

As the golden sun shines fair

And Holy Spirit always there

He is here and everywhere

Swirling clouds and sunny blaze

Making headwinds to amaze

Needing glasses to appraise

Like the sun, so go the days

Watching now as pictures dawn

Beneath a tree, a resting fawn

When the darkness comes withdrawn 

I’m ready for another yawn

Sea Gulls float on salty-sea

Blackbirds fill the sky to flee

Flying birds all comfort be

Wing-ed joy entrancing me

Now the dawn has changed its mind

Clouds oppress, the light is blind,

Colors muted, birds are still,

Back to bed, don’t catch a chill. 

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Outside

1 Mar

My Take

DiVoran Lites

A Paraphrase

Photo credit Pixabay

Beloved,

I created the forests, the waters, the mountains, and the stars for you. They are as beautiful as the humans and animals that I created for My earth. You are welcome to use them wisely.

Photo credit Pixabay

Walking is good exercise for your body and brain, but it’s not for exercise alone. When you walk you may meditate on My kingdom with the blessing and aid of the Holy Spirit. You may sing, or listen to my word or audio books, or your favorite music. 

Photo credit Pixabay

Walking is like poetry that brings fresh words and rhythms you wouldn’t have found anywhere else. Bundle up for winter walks, use hiking sticks, whenever you like. They are good for your body and keep you from falling. Look around, swing your arms, move your body to the rhythm of your heartbeat. 

Photo credit Pixabay

Walk humbly with Me, listen, and feel my presence. 

Photo credit Pixabay

Amos 4:13


For behold, He who forms the mountains and creates the wind
And declares to man what are His thoughts,
He who makes the dawn into darkness
And treads on the heights of the earth—
The Lord God of hosts is His name.

Amos 4:13 Amplified bible

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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Another Day, Another Adventure

20 Nov

A Time to Live

Melody Hendrix

Blowing Rocks Preserve 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, Fl       

Another day, another adventure. My friend Pat and I recently traveled to Jupiter Florida. We had been there a few times before but will always want to come back to visit Blowing Rocks Preserve.

It is a unique park, and odd for a Florida landscape. Each time I visit, it is a different and wonderful experience. This time there was a hurricane near and we knew the ocean would be turbulent and the Rocks of the preserve would be alive with water shooting out of them possibly up to 50 feet skyward, giving me an opportunity for some oh so loved slo mo photography. 

I love any form of photography that reveals nature in ways that we can’t or don’t witness in our mundane life. It was awesome as usual.The rocks are longing to be explored with their tunnels and caves. That is, when the seas are calm. However they can be treacherous if you are caught below and the water comes in. You cannot climb up on them with bare feet and hands. Oddly the rocks are razor sharp. You would think the ocean waves would wear them down and polish them, but instead it seems they are sharpened with every wave.

It contains the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on Florida’s east coast. The limestone also encompasses coquina shells, crustaceans, and sand. 

I created a 5 minute video of last weeks trip there. Enjoy,

Melody Hendrix

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A Love Story

18 Sep

A Time to Live

Melody Hendrix

Hello. I want to share with you something that has overwhelmed my heart all my life. It is about my love and connection to the natural world. 

As young as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to explore the woods. To me, it was like a treasure hunt. That mystery of life fascinated me, and I was full of wonder. 

I am a native Floridian. Most of my growing up was in the city of Orlando. It quickly grew into a full-blown major city. I didn’t have access to explore nature easily, so as time passed, I would have to go farther and farther to be in real nature. As soon as I was mobile, I would travel to Titusville and go fishing or go to the beach. I longed to live there.

And though I thought my dream life was unreachable, eighteen years ago, I got my wish. Not only did I get to live where there is an endless exploration in woods and water, but I also met the man of my dreams. 

I admit, we met on Match.com, Internet dating. On the second date, I fell so hard when he took me kayaking, caught a fish, and sweetly asked if he could kiss me.

His way of romancing was driving me around the dike roads at the Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge and showing me his secret places. We would look for wildlife, and I, being an avid, passionate photographer, would get fantastic shots out the window of the van. I can’t describe the overwhelming joy of life I was having, and I am still blessed with great riches.

The video lets you experience Titusville and MINWR a little, enjoy its beauty and see some wildlife. I thank God for bringing me closer to Him through His gifts of nature. I feel His gospel in His creations. I pray for protection for all of us in these challenging days. 

Melody

MelodyWelcome! I’m so glad you stopped in to visit. I am retired and enjoying life. My hobbies are my 5 grandchildren, son and daughter, and my loving husband. I am a photographer and extreme nature lover. I love spending time in my garden or in the wilderness connected to God my Creator.
What a beautiful world we live in. We all have that in common. Natural beauty is everywhere, but sometimes we are not connected until we see a picture, taken just right, that makes it really come into focus and be admired. My passion is to make a connection between the lens and your soul. Photography is my passion.
My photography passion began when my Father handed me his old Ricohflex box camera when I was 12.  It was love at first sight. I still have it. My hand was never empty of a camera since.
I am a native Floridian. I am so lucky to call it home. I was born in Orlando BF (before Disney). My family moved to the Winter Park area when I was very young. Central Florida was so simple and quaint at that time. I wandered the streets barefoot with my friends, never worrying that something bad could ever happen. My Mom used to pick the sand-spurs out of my feet. I still go barefoot. It grounds me to earth and connects me to nature.
I have extensively explored Florida and its diverse beauty. So much to see and so little time. I would love for you to join me in my travels through the images I have taken. I wish you could hear the sounds, smell the fragrance and feel the breath of it. But for now we must be content with exploring with our eyes and only imagine the rest.
Thank you for your interest.

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Carolina Wren

13 Jul

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Photo provided by Pixabay

While shy of people, Carolina Wrens seem to like being where people are. If your home is in the suburbs and close to woods and shrubs, you may have the honor of hosting them when they nest in springtime. 

When you hear a sweet clear call that insists you stop, look, and listen, you may be entertaining a Carolina Wren. One of our neighbors had a hanging planter on her front porch with a Carolina Wren nest in it. She greeted the family coming and going and could look out the big plate glass window to keep an eye on them.

We had a Carolina Wren family at our house, too. Our pair decided they liked our back yard. As you know, our yard adjoins a Diceranda refuge, so they didn’t have to go far to find items for the nest. For some reason, we had placed a small plastic table under the kitchen window. It had a plant in a terracotta pot in it. We kept seeing the Carolina Wrens when we looked out the window, but we didn’t know they were building a nest that would be so close to the ground.  We started in right away to worry about cats, snakes, hawks, and any other dangers for the babies we could think of. 

The mother and father worked together on the nest. It looked like a woven bowl with a big enough opening for the eggs and could accommodate parent-sitter taking his or her turn. The one that wasn’t sitting searched for food and brought it home.

 I read that the Carolina Wren eats caterpillars, moths, and roaches, along with other delicacies. For a treat, sometimes they catch a lizard or frog. They get plenty of protein, but they also consume plant material such as fruits and seeds from various wild plants. I don’t think they ever get any chocolate, poor things. Oh well, it’s probably not suitable for baby birds anyhow.

The one thing that surprised me most after seeing three tiny babies was that that the parents not only flew in with something in their beaks, but they flew out that way too.  We talked it over and decided that we probably knew what it was. It looked like a tiny white capsule. What do you think it was? Here’s a hint, it’s something we all have to clean up.

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

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ROSEATE SPOONBILL

18 May

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Photo by Melody Hendrix

As we drive through Cape Canaveral, which is also a National Wildlife Refuge, we spot a single Roseate Spoonbill in a ditch, with water up to her knees.  This is the first juvenile Roseate Spoonbill we’ve ever seen. She bends to run her beak through the water in order to scoop a beak full of Roseate Spoonbill food.

We drive past that spot frequently and at first, we felt sorry for the small bird, because she was alone. Being the passenger in the car, I see her almost every time we go by. Lately she has been with a flock of half-a-dozen water-grazing White Ibis. I spot her immediately in the group by the splash of deep-rose color on her wings.  It’s good for her not to be alone anymore. Rosie now has a family. 

“God sets the lonely in families…”

Psalm 68:6 World English Bible

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Melody’s Adventures-Mantees

14 Apr

A Time to Live

Melody Hendrix

Another wonderful adventure in diving fresh water is to swim with the manatees. This is typically done just with snorkeling gear. There are not many places you can do this because in most places it is unlawful. However, in Crystal River, Florida in Citrus County, you can experience one of the most wonderful encounter with nature you can have. 

There are rules and guidelines for interacting with them. Since manatees are an endangered species, they are protected by law. But here your encounter is up-close and personal.  Local tour operators and nature guides provide a variety of options for experiencing these awesome creatures. From swimming, kayaking, and paddle-boarding to snorkeling and diving, there are many ways to meet a manatee while you’re here! You can also rent a boat and spend the day there. This is my favorite thing to do.

I will never forget my first experience. We rented a boat and headed for Kings Bay. It was winter and the manatees come here for the warmth of the springs around the area. Once we spotted some, we slipped into the water with our mask and snorkel.

 The water was a little cloudy and I couldn’t see very far in the distance. All I could see was something huge swimming towards me. I had seen many manatees from the boat, but when this massive creature came into view, fear came over me for an instant. This beautiful creature was the size of a Volkswagen. Once I realized that manatees are such gentle creatures that never intend to harm you, I became ecstatic at the thrill of this moment. I reached out my hand and we made contact with each other. I stoked it’s thick rough skin. It gently turned itself over for a tummy rub. Not all, but many manatees enjoy the human touch. Maybe these are mermaids after all. 

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Thrasher

5 Nov

Melody Hendrix

A Time to Live

A very vocal Thrasher enjoying the bird bath.

Image by F McDaniel from Pixabay

MelodyWelcome! I’m so glad you stopped in to visit. I am retired and enjoying life. My hobbies are my 5 grandchildren, son and daughter, and my loving husband. I am a photographer and extreme nature lover. I love spending time in my garden or in the wilderness connected to God my Creator.
What a beautiful world we live in. We all have that in common. Natural beauty is everywhere, but sometimes we are not connected until we see a picture, taken just right, that makes it really come into focus and be admired. My passion is to make a connection between the lens and your soul. Photography is my passion.
My photography passion began when my Father handed me his old Ricohflex box camera when I was 12.  It was love at first sight. I still have it. My hand was never empty of a camera since.
I am a native Floridian. I am so lucky to call it home. I was born in Orlando BF (before Disney). My family moved to the Winter Park area when I was very young. Central Florida was so simple and quaint at that time. I wandered the streets barefoot with my friends, never worrying that something bad could ever happen. My Mom used to pick the sand-spurs out of my feet. I still go barefoot. It grounds me to earth and connects me to nature.
I have extensively explored Florida and its diverse beauty. So much to see and so little time. I would love for you to join me in my travels through the images I have taken. I wish you could hear the sounds, smell the fragrance and feel the breath of it. But for now we must be content with exploring with our eyes and only imagine the rest.
Thank you for your interest.

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Bandits in the Yard

14 May

A Time to Live

Melody Hendrix

 

A video of Melody’s bandits.

 

Melody
Welcome! I’m so glad you stopped in to visit. I am retired and enjoying life. My hobbies are my 5 grandchildren, son and daughter, and my loving husband. I am a photographer and extreme nature lover. I love spending time in my garden or in the wilderness connected to God my Creator.
What a beautiful world we live in. We all have that in common. Natural beauty is everywhere, but sometimes we are not connected until we see a picture, taken just right, that makes it really come into focus and be admired. My passion is to make a connection between the lens and your soul. Photography is my passion.
My photography passion began when my Father handed me his old Ricohflex box camera when I was 12.  It was love at first sight. I still have it. My hand was never empty of a camera since.
Rocoflex
I am a native Floridian. I am so lucky to call it home. I was born in Orlando BF (before Disney). My family moved to the Winter Park area when I was very young. Central Florida was so simple and quaint at that time. I wandered the streets barefoot with my friends, never worrying that something bad could ever happen. My Mom used to pick the sand-spurs out of my feet. I still go barefoot. It grounds me to earth and connects me to nature.
I have extensively explored Florida and its diverse beauty. So much to see and so little time. I would love for you to join me in my travels through the images I have taken. I wish you could hear the sounds, smell the fragrance and feel the breath of it. But for now we must be content with exploring with our eyes and only imagine the rest.
Thank you for your interest.

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