Willow Tree Mandala...

I was inspired to create this mandala from my photo of a curly willow tree that stands outside my upstairs window.

Good night Chet........

I like the soft hues of this mandala, however, the overall look reminds me of the image that was telecast on our televisions around midnight when the stations would end their broadcasting for the night (you have to be pretty old to remember that!).

Sweet Dandelion Mandala...

Dandelion is so misunderstood and maligned.  Its healing properties are wonderous as a cleansing and healthy tonic; it's perky yellow flowers a joy to look upon.  Make friends with your dandelions...they need love too!

Yellow Autumn Tree Berries...

Yellow autumn tree berries were the inspiration for this mandala.

The photo was taken last Fall on the upper hill of my street. 

Even though the original photo is somewhat blurred, I like the resulting mandala's filtered appearance.

Early Purple Primrose Mandala

The primrose is an early bloomer in the Spring garden.  This beauty stands taller than most, sharing its purple pleasure.

"The question is not what you look at,

but what you see."

                          ~ Henry David Thoreau

                                                                                  
                                                                      

Autumn Japanese Maple...

Last Autumn I came upon this cozy little space nestled in the corner of my neighbor's rock wall.  The colors of the Japanese Maple tree called to me with its wispy, feathery ways. The pink flowers are tiny cyclamen, protected by the surrounding growth.  Of course, I had to create a mandala in honor of this space.

Underwater Sea Dragon...

This mandala is created from my photo taken at the Monterey Aquarium in California.  It is a sea dragon, one of the most camouflaged creatures I have ever seen. 

Deep Purple Crocus Mandala...

This picture was taken last weekend on my walk around the neighborhood.  These gorgeously deep purple crosuses were nestled below a budding birch tree and were calling out to me.  They stood very, very still as they let me take their photo...that's cooperation.

Oak tree mandala...

The inspiration for this mandala is a picture I took yesterday of a 105 year old oak tree in the front yard of my neighbor's house.  This tree draws you in with its massiveness (is that a word?) and grandeur.  A truly majestic being.

Taro in Pond Mandala...

My latest mandala is made from a photo of a taro plant that lives in my pond.  I'm drawn to the contrast of the rich brown color of the taro stalks along with the green leaves that feel very earthy.

"PinkKabobDahliaMandala" Greeting Card from Zazzle.com

"PinkKabobDahliaMandala" Greeting Card from Zazzle.com

Can you tell what it is?.....

Can you tell the subject of the original photograph that my mandala was made from?  I'll give you a hint...the subject is of critters that live in my backyard.

The orange comes from the koi fish captured in the photo...the surrounding area is the water.

Pink dahlia mandala...they just keeping coming!

This mandala was made yesterday and came flying through my fingers.  I can't remember which original photo it came from but it was meant to be this mandala in its shapeshifting.

Today's mandala...

My hope is to make at least one new mandala each day.  This is not my favorite one but if I put the good, the bad & the ugly "out there" it may help me strive to learn more and create better results (better being a relative term, I know!).  At least that's my thinking for today.

My newest endeavor...digitally enhanced photo mandalas...

The early blooms of pink camelias...

The lonely vinca...

This lovely vinca is the first flower to bloom in my yard that is not a bulb.  It looks very confident.  I really like the deeper purple in the trumpet-like center.

Purple pond iris...

This purple pond iris appears in my garden every summer, bringing deep, fresh beauty.
The picture above has been slightly digitally enhanced from the original photo shown below.  This is a new venture for me and very fun!

More trees...

Trees are a few of my favorite things...

I love trees.  They have been a few of my favorite things since childhood.  I spent many, many hours cradled inside the limbs of the trees in my yard.  They were my constant companions.  No judgement...no problems...just sweet companionship.

Delicate anemone...

The Japanese anemone is a delicate and fragile flower that blooms toward Summer's end.  It's face has a sweetly elegant look as it enjoys the sunshine.

No, it's not a crop circle...

It may look like a crop circle but it's actually moss on the top of a tree stump. 

Finally...sunrise over Portland. The sunrises this past week have been quite picturesque but I had a hard time capturing them with my camera. By the time I would grab it, the clouds would disappear. Finally...I got it!

How water transforms...

What an awesome transformation.  A little bit of cold winter air paints water into ice.
This photo was taken at the edge of my backyard pond.

     ******************************************************************

Please find it in your heart to do what you can to help those in need in Haiti. 
I have added a post in the right-hand column that makes it easy to contribute to the Red Cross Haiti Fund.  The Red Cross assures that 100% of all contributions will go directly to the aid of Haiti and its people.
Thank you.
~Annie

                               ****************************************

Summer green...

"Summer green

pom poms await

Notice me now."

Dreaming of Summertime trees...

Colors of foliage in Japanese Garden make me long for warmer & brighter days of Summer.

We can see the light...

We begin to see the light of the emerging new year as the days slowly get longer & longer.

A wintery year's end and first snow...

As this year & this decade come to a close, the word that comes to my mind is "appreciation"...appreciation for all the rewards that have come with the past 10 years & appreciation that some of the trials and tribulations have passed. Life's transitions can be challenging, sometimes defying our sense of reality and our beliefs. But change can also bring unforseen opportunities. That is the excitement and enchantment of the future.
I look forward to the yet unkown, with a sense of wonder and anticipation and extend a hearty "hello" to the fresh and new year. ~Annie

The lights of Winter...beacons in the dark

Snow clinging to Maple branches...a comfortable agreement

The magnificent frozen Multnomah Falls in Oregon...the grand and generous expression of water

Snow blanketing tender bamboo shoots...I have always been intrigued by nature wrapping her arms around her children with cold, cold snow.

Autumn Berries...precursors of change.

Berries fortell the exit of Summer, as their Christmas red colors give a preview of Winter to come. Ahhh...to be able to see the future!

"People from another planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us." ~Iris Murdoch