Loving the World

I have let myself

love this world,

and it has loved me

in return.

I have shared

its gifts;

the quiet secrets,

its hidden treasures.

I have chosen

beauty, mystery,

and the intricacies

of nature.

Each time I respond

with sincere gratitude,

I am given more,

always more to discover.

© 2024 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Oro Valley, Arizona

2. Pink Lady Slipper ~  Townsend Park -Kent County - Michigan

3. Hollyhock ~ Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

4. Redbud ~ Home Woods - Cannonsburg, Michigan

 

Essence of Summer

 

I step onto the deck

this fine July morning

and a Carolina Wren

fills my ears with its

repertoire of joyful song.

Then on the front porch

the air is infused 

with the unforgettable

fragrance of Phlox.

Tall towers of Hollyhocks

stretch for the sun;

their cups of color

flaring like small trumpets.

Heavy humidity creates

brilliant diamonds of dew

clinging to blades of grass

that dazzle in the early sun.

Lovely, lavender Balloon Flowers

burst into five pointed petals

revealing a network

of deep purple veins.

From the field to our east,

the well-known scent

of fresh-cut hay

drying in windrows.

With senses alert,

I am blessed in this place,

absorbing the sensuous

essence of summer.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve - Fort Myers, Florida

2. 3. 4. & 5. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

6. Grattan Township - Kent County - Michigan

The Promise

 

The unassuming bud

contains no envy

for the beauty of the blossom.

Rather, it consecrates.

Is honored to enclose its contents. 

To open the certainty of growth.

The promise of fulfillment.

The fulfillment of the promise;

like a mother giving birth.

The child being born.

A unique individual,

blossoming with promise.

© 2023 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 2. 3. 4. Home Garden - Cannonsburg, Michigan

Saturday Morning Backroads III

Welcome to this third edition of: "Saturday Morning Backroads".

Please sit back, relax, 
and enjoy the ride.
Enter each place.
Picture yourself there. 
Become a part of the scene.

Hollyhocks, 10-Mile Road - Rockford, Michigan 

Bobolink

Butterflyweed

Mary picking Wild Black Raspberries

Eastern Chipmunk

Monarch Caterpillar

 Colorado Blue Spruce (female cones)

Dew on Jewelweed leaf

Chicory

Whitetail Deer fawns

You may also enjoy:

Saturday Morning Backroads - June 6, 2012

Saturday Morning Backroads II - October 8, 2014


Now you may want
to find your own
"Saturday Morning Backroads".

Take some time,
make some time,
to get out and about.
Bring your family.

Be sure to get out
of your car
before you drive too far. 
Walk slowly, observe closely.

It's all there for you.
Please share this beautiful view.

© 2015 Richard Havenga

Note: All of these photographs were taken very near my home in Kent County, Michigan.