Of magic and mystery – bliss list and joys

Quote of the day: “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” ― Roald Dahl

Magical woods

What a week! With 100 degree heat several days and high humidity outside, I chose to spend time indoors this week. I checked out some photography books by photographers whom I admire and was inspired by the unique style of each photographer.

We create art when we express our real selves and create from the deep well of beauty inside each of us. What a joy to experience all the different ways of seeing in the world. I am grateful for the photographs of Henri Cartier Bresson and his genius in capturing “the decisive moment” as he calls it.

I discovered a photographer that I love this week—David Ellwand. His book Fairie-ality Style is a magical, beautiful look at nature’s colors, textures, and ecosystems. He creates fantasy fashion and exquisite photographic compositions using flower petals, feathers, stones, ferns, and other found items from nature. And it’s absolutely magical! Discovering David Ellwand’s work is high on my bliss list this week! His work has inspired all sorts of new explorations for me with my photography, including the photo above, Magical Woods.

The book

An Image from Fairie-ality Style

Last night we went out to dinner with some of my husband’s extended family. When we entered the restaurant the temperature outside was over 100 degrees. When we left two and a half hours later, a cool front had come through, breaking our week of hot hot weather—the temp was down to 80 degrees. By the time we got home it was in the low 70’s. The rain came shortly after I went to bed. I have much gratitude for ordinary miracles like a change in the weather and a much-needed rain!

This morning I noticed this lovely magical mushroom on our back patio, complete with water droplets. The first thing I did was grab my camera and take lots of photos of this beauty. Here’s to the little surprises that fill our days with magic and mystery.

Back yard magic – mushroom at the edge of the patio

Linking joyfully today with Liv Lane’s Little Bliss List and Joy Jam