lloydslensphotographyllc

Wilderness Escape

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “The Thinking Spot 5920” and is available for purchase by the instructions at the bottom of the article.

A woodpecker’s laughing call echoes through the forest as I settled into the hollow space between the logs. The weather has warmed up enough that I have to check the spot to make sure that I’m not disturbing a snake that’s hiding from the sun underneath. I have always thought of these little places that I go as thinking spots or forest sanctuaries. But the real truth is that I try to do more listening than I do thinking. I listen to the birds or the wind or water. Sometimes I track bees by sound. I let the sounds of the natural world sweep away the noise of the modern world. If the eyes are the windows of the soul then the ears are the door. The many voices of modern world speak to us in tones of fear, anger and distrust. Is it really any wonder why there’s so many troubled souls in the world? Some things are important it’s true but the constant drone of the news and the ads etc are bound to put a person’s spirit under siege. I have realized that while working from home has been a blessing in my life it’s also disrupted that quiet time that I enjoyed while on the road. So today I pushed back and pushed back hard. I went out and spent most of the day doing nothing without the voices of the modern world. I realize that some people don’t have the opportunity for escape into the wilderness but you can pull up a sound track and put the ear buds in and maybe open a window if you can’t go outside and just grab as much peace and quiet as you can. The modern world will just have to wait.

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

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To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

Hello Friends and thank you for your support of my page. If you have enjoyed the photos or the writings please let me know by commenting and sharing my work on your social media. I also want to invite you to Follow Lloyds Lens Photography on Facebook

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Lloyds Lens Photography web link — Click here to visithttps://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

Did you know that I also do portraits by appointment? If you’re interested in a portrait session either message me on Facebook or Use the Contact form. The YouTube link below takes you one of my slideshows.

https://youtu.be/FDcrY6w8oY8

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I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simplymessage me on Facebookoruse the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.

Clicking on the photo takes you tohttps://www.zazzle.com/lloydslensphotos?rf=238248269630914251

Lastly, all of the photos and writings are my original work unless otherwise specified and are not to be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission from the photographer.

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Master Of The Sky

Color Photography

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “Butterfly Landing Zone 52320” and is available for purchase by the instructions at the bottom of the article.

The strong thermals rise from the ground like tiny tornadoes. The humidity brought on by the short but intense rain gives weight to the rising air mass. For you and I the storm is over but for the the butterfly the aftermath of the turbid air is still a challenge. He sails in without any fear or even the slightest bit of concern. Though tattered and torn his wings still command a mastery of the sky. He senses the warm sun on his wings and the hot plumes rising from the ground glow in his vision. His antennas are capable of smell and he’s attuned to the pool of water below. He weaves through the thermals with the ease of an acrobat until he’s lined up with the one open space near the pool. A few of the other patrons rise from the ground with a simple twitch of the wings but all that’s needed to avoid a mid air collision is a subtle rocking motion. He skimmed the water and with a twitch of his own wings lands squarely on his mark. He is of course a master of the sky.

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

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To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you would like to Follow me on Facebook the web address is

https://www.facebook.com/aviewfromthelens/

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

https://youtu.be/FDcrY6w8oY8

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Thank you again for your support of my page!❤

The Moment Of Living

Color Photography

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “Flame Azalea 51920d” and is available for purchase by the instructions at the bottom of the article.

As the sun beams down on my little slice of Appalachia between two mountains I wander around the lawn just taking time to center myself. Almost two full months without any daily commute has left me rested but feeling a little constrained. I stood out next my Flame Azalea and closed my eyes to listen for what the wind might whisper of the outside world. The warblers and wrens are busy building and maintaining their nests. The little fly catchers that seem to nest on my downspout every year have a nest full of hungry babies. Further up the mountain a woodpecker is putting on a drum solo that would be the envy of any rock concert. I removed my shoes so that I could feel the cool earth beneath my feet. The ground is alive with unseen and wondrous things. Things that reach and grow and connect with all of God’s creation. The wind speeds up and plays with my hair for only a moment’s teasing as clouds begin to roll in. I can smell the ozone left behind by the lightning and a distinct thunder shakes a neighboring mountain. I opened my eyes to see the new spring leaves turn themselves in preparation for the rain.

I caught the flash of the second lightning bolt and counted as 10 seconds passed by. The storm is 10 miles down river. The humid breeze shifts slightly wafting the sweetness of the Azalea my way. I have a few minutes of peace before the weather rolls in and I use the time to get lost in the sea of bloom on the little bush. Now fully open the Azalea is working as hard as it can to draw the pollinators in. Once it has reached this stage the flowers will fall away to make room for the lush green leaves.

The seasons are shorter than we’ve ever suspected and soon the storms will change the world again. I have learned that the time to appreciate life is always now. We have only this moment to live in there’s no time to mourn tomorrow’s loss without giving up today’s joy.

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

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To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you would like to Follow me on Facebook the web address is

https://www.facebook.com/aviewfromthelens/

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

https://youtu.be/FDcrY6w8oY8

Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simplymessage me on Facebookoruse the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.

Thank you again for your support of my page!❤

The Swallowtail Yard Party, Memorial Day Weekend 2020

Color Photography

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “Puddling Swallowtails 52320a” and is available for purchase by the instructions at the bottom of the article.

The air is thick and steamy on my mountain today. After several days of rain the ground is saturated and the water pools in the low spots. The rain came before I could work the clippings from the lawn but out here in the country that’s no big deal. But if there’s any advantage it’s that the downed grass acts like a sponge and at the same time releases minerals and sugars into the water that. It holds back. That’s a perfect world at a perfect time for the local butterflies as they begintheir breeding season. The minerals and salts are important for their reproduction. It seems that the females can even detect which males are able to provide the most and best quality salt and he’s given preference above the others.

Image Titled “Puddling Swallowtails 52320b”.

The majority of the butterflies that gather are males. I did notice one female Pipevine while sorting through the photos. Judging by size of this gathering and knowing that in general the female butterflies outnumber the males it looks like the potential for a massive brood this year.

Image Titled “Puddling Swallowtails 52320c”

The mix seems to be mostly Tiger Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail and I confirmed at least one Spicebush Swallowtail all gathered in this one spot

They are so interested in this particular puddle that they barely paid attention to me as I crept up on my hands and knees for the closer shots. I have been researching ways to keep them around for the summer and hopefully we have more photos soon.

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

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To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you would like to Follow me on Facebook the web address is

https://www.facebook.com/aviewfromthelens/

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

https://youtu.be/FDcrY6w8oY8

Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

Thank you again for your support of my page!❤

Forage Friday #58 Ground Ivy

Color Photography, Forage Friday

Hello Friends! Tonight’s feature image is titled “Ground Ivy 4220a”. All of the photos found on my blog are my original work and are available for purchase by the instructions at the bottom of the article.

I have only recently discovered that Ground Ivy is in fact edible. I have not eaten it in any qualities at this point and therefore can’t really attest to quality it provides.

In the end, my Forage Friday posts are only presented as trivia and should not be mistaken for an endorsement of treatment when medicinal herbs are discussed.

I never cease to be amazed by the bounty of nature. The Appalachian Mountains are almost a garden of Eden. When most Americans look to the landscape for nourishment we have a tendency to ask how the indigenous peoples may have used a plant. I suppose that’s because of the Thanksgiving story about the failed crops and it’s true that the natives had to rescue the colonial settlers. But we have to remember that they were aliens in a landscape with a that most of their seed was not adapted to. A few of the plants they brought with them have actually done so well that they’re now considered invasive “weeds”. Such is the case with Ground Ivy.

Image Titled “Ground Ivy 41620a” shows just how prolific Ground Ivy can be.

Once it has a foothold ground ivy is tenacious! It will spread out and set root at every opportunity. At this point I have not learned if it was brought here on purpose or by accident. Two things make me think that the herb was brought here on purpose.

1. The Anglo-Saxon name for this plant is “Alehoof” which is said to mean “Ale-herb. And, it was a prime ingredient for brewing before hops was adapted.

2. The accidental import theory is that it traveled here in the stomach of livestock. But ground ivy is toxic to livestock so it wouldn’t be a good fodder and most livestock don’t like the taste of ground ivy and wouldn’t have eaten it.

So it looks like it was intentionally brought aboard the ships.

Ground Ivy is said to be rich in Iron, potassium and Vitamin C as well as flavonoids common to the mint family and the square stem on Ground Ivy puts it in the mint family. Because it’s an evergreen herb it would have been available as a good source all year round.

Historically it was not only added to ale but also to jams and marinades. According to a couple of online sources Ground Ivy mixes well with Garlic, honey and lemon, sesame, the cheese and clove. It’s main function seems to be as a seasoning and more than source suggested using it on grilled meat.

Image Titled Ground Ivy 51920a. Although a creeping plant it does bolt from time to time.

As a medicinal herb ground ivy has a reputation for use with lung ailments and bronchitis like most members of the mint family. According to the USDA/NRCS Ground Ivy has been used to treat disorders of the the bladder and kidneys, digestive problems, gout, coughs and colds, poor vision, tinnitus, partial insanity, asthma and jaundice and much more. (They even say that a wreath woven from ground ivy and other herbs strengthens the eyes enough to reveal witches that might be hiding in your village according to the Swiss. )

Several sources also warned that pregnant women should avoid ground ivy because it can cause a miscarriage which makes me think it’s got some strong phytosterols too.

Another warning comes from my personal experience. The ground ivy seems to provide a good habit for spiders. While obtaining some of tonight’s photos I managed to get a mild spider bite. No super hero powers (Just my luck) but a lot of itching. The bite completely healed in about 3 weeks with the aid of antibiotics and I only mentioned it to encourage you to be cautious. We do have black widows and brown recluse in my area but thankfully it seems to have been just a plain old jumping spider that got me.

This little guy isn’t quite as friendly as Lucas the Spider on YouTube. This isn’t the exact spider that bit me but it’s the same species that I suspect did the biting.

Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!

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To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.

If you would like to Follow me on Facebook the web address is

https://www.facebook.com/aviewfromthelens/

If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.

https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/

https://youtu.be/FDcrY6w8oY8

Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?

Thank you again for your support of my page!❤