What is art? Nature concentrated. ~ Honore de Balzac
I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes. ~ e.e. cummings
As I walked past this pile of leaves on the way off of campus today I was reminded, once again, of the great beauty of nature. I find that nature – plants, flowers, animals, is often the most amazing display of beauty in the world. I LOVE learning about plants and animals that are rare, but amazingly beautiful – and I love having the opportunity to teach our students about them in the classrooms. Nature is a wonderful inspiration for art!
Today, 107 days ’til 40, I stand back in awe at the beauty of nature that surrounds me!
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
buckwheatsrisk
November 6, 2012 at 00:12
it is something to behold!
400daystil40
November 6, 2012 at 21:44
Most definitely!!!
Odyssey
November 6, 2012 at 01:00
loving balzac, loving the pic !
400daystil40
November 6, 2012 at 21:43
Thank you!!!
knittingwithheart
November 6, 2012 at 01:17
Oh yes, all these… as well as the skies!
400daystil40
November 6, 2012 at 21:43
Definitely!!!
A Table in the Sun
November 6, 2012 at 03:41
So true. I think nature is God’s palette.
400daystil40
November 6, 2012 at 21:42
Yes!!!
Long Life Cats and Dogs
November 6, 2012 at 12:02
I’m about to leave to take my dog for a walk in the beauty of our Spring nature. This post couldn’t have come at a better time. A wonderful reminder to look closely at all of Gods most wonderful creations and be thankful.
400daystil40
November 6, 2012 at 21:42
Yes! It is such a great reminder and walking your dogs in nature is such a wonderful way to stand in awe of God’s creation that surrounds us!
viveka
November 6, 2012 at 21:03
So true … nature has all the beauty .. and all the arts in itself.
400daystil40
November 6, 2012 at 21:40
Yes! I LOVE seeing gorgeous, colorful insects and fish!
Another Thousand Words
November 6, 2012 at 23:32
Lovely photo, 400, especially with that nice little green focal point! And wonderful quotes, reminders that we are not ‘alone’.
If I placed a $5,000 ball gown next to your leaves, in the same colors…I fancy the leaves would win the ‘beauty contest…and they were FREE!!!
400daystil40
November 7, 2012 at 22:52
Thank you so much!!!!! 🙂
thetomatoesdiary
November 7, 2012 at 01:11
Hmmm … For the past month, I’ve been dealing with raccoons in our neighbourhood in Vancouver, pooping on the back porch every night and hissing at me when I try to enter the basement from outside. Nature is not always kind. But I think your blog is generally fantastic.
400daystil40
November 7, 2012 at 22:50
Thank you for the compliment – and you are correct, nature has its endearing moment and its infuriating moments….
artistspromenade
November 8, 2012 at 21:32
I agree with you, nature is like moving, breathing artwork!
400daystil40
November 8, 2012 at 23:39
Yes!!!!!