Today's Picture to Ponder Photos
Tropical Water Lilies in a pond at the Four Arts Gardens in Palm Beach, FL

The intent of today's photos are are meant to offer peace and simplicity. The upper pink tropical water lily feels particularly serene to me, far more so than the more active photo which you can see by clicking on Water Lily Scene.

In the lower photo, the underwater roots of the purple water lily seem to lead our eyes right up to the top photo. Thus I positioned it here. You can see the water lily root system in the Scene photo linked to above.

My first experience of a purple tropical water lily was a few years ago in the American Orchid Society's gardens. At that time I did a photo/drawing of one of the images and it's available in my Nature Art Gift Shop on pillows, tiles and other home decor items. See Purple Tropical Water Lily gifts.

The Story
No long story this week. Last week was non-stop going, it seemed, from sunrises on the beach and at Wakodahatchee Wetlands through sunsets at Green Cay Wetlands and Loxahatchee National Wildlife Preserve, then engaging in other evening activities. A dear friend was visiting and it was my pleasure to share so many of the spots of Natural beauty with which I'm blessed to be surrounded.

I thus felt the need for rest and offer today's photos to represent that. In addition, I am now especially remembering, and honoring, my beloved husband, Sam, who passed away a year ago this week. As part of the process, I started going back over some photos from the past couple of years. I was particularly moved and reminded of his wonderful smile and will be adding a page of Smiling Sam to the memorial pages I have on my site. For those interested in seeing his enjoyment of life and family, a new photo page will be up on Thursday, linked from the Remembering Sam page.

Briefly, for those of you new to Picture to Ponder, Sam was the original photographer in our family. There are links on the remembrance page to some of his wonderful black and white photos. It is a result of Sam's love, support and encouragement, throughout our 47+ years of marriage, that has me confidently and freely offering you all that I currently do with Picture to Ponder. 

Today's Self-Reflecting Queries
Today, I invite you to look into your life to see:

1. What kinds of images, or experiences, provide a sense of calm for you?

2. Have you made note of these so that you can instantly access one or more when you have the need?

3. In addition to the images, walking, and photographing, I was reminded today, and experienced, that by completing a long, overdue, self-generated project, I would have a sense of peace and well-being.

Is there any place in your life right now where something is "hanging" over you, awaiting your completing it? If so, I invite you to "gift" yourself peace by taking some time for completion.

Have a peaceful week.