All Posts Tagged ‘Photography (2)’

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Watch it… sometimes your hobby becomes so intense that it begins to pursue you!

September 29, 2014
4 comments

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Watch it… sometimes your hobby becomes so intense that it begins to pursue you!

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[I went out to the backyard (to the bird-feeder) to get a few photos of birds, for a change of pace from all of those insects that I am perpetually pursuing.  The following is what came to the bird-feeder.  Sorry about that!  I’ve been chasing insects for so long, I think they may be following me home!  It’s, by the way, a Painted Lady butterfly.  Painted Lady butterflies do not eat bird seed… but they do like to be the center of attention!  😉  ]

Just another egotist! (Painted Lady butterfly) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Just another egotist! (Painted Lady butterfly) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Inner and integral happiness does not cost a dime!

September 29, 2014
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Inner and integral happiness does not cost a dime!

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[This is a Black Swallowtail Butterfly resting on a Thistle Flower.  Black Swallowtail Butterfly eggs are yellowish and ovoid shaped, and are laid on wild and cultivated plants of the carrot family, such as parsley, parsnips, celery, and carrots. There are two broods of Black Swallowtails annually in the North, and at least three in the South.]

Black is beautiful! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Black is beautiful! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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(Multi-photo)*** Nature has priceless and very precious gifts.

September 28, 2014
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Nature has priceless and very precious gifts.

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[A small Praying Mantis on a Red Lily.  This Praying Mantis was around an inch and a half long.  It is, I think, a male Carolina Praying Mantis.  The Carolina Praying Mantis is not seen very often in our rural Illinois area.  It was very aware of my presence and didn’t stick around long.]

Small and different. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Small and different. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Small and different. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Small and different. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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Most people, unfortunately, are content to remain in the limited…

September 28, 2014
6 comments

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Most people, unfortunately, are content to remain in the limited… which is like staying in an enclosed, cold room.

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[This is a Painted Lady Butterfly, a Bee Assassin, a Green Tree Cricket, a Hover Fly, some Ants, and a Soldier Beetle on a Goldenrod Plant. The more the merrier!]

A big weekend party! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

A big weekend party! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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(Multi-photo)*** The implicate, illimitable order…

September 27, 2014
4 comments

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The implicate, illimitable order always exists beyond limited, crass confinement.

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[This is a Red-eyed Planthopper, Acanalonia conica.  The Planthopper hops with gigantic leaps to get away from danger.  This rapid form of transportation is only used when it needs to make a quick getaway, though. Usually, Planthoppers move very slowly so as not to attract any unwanted attention from birds or other predators. I noticed this one temporarily resting on our cement porch; then I quickly ran in the house to grab my camera!]

Planthopper. Enlightenment personified (1). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Planthopper. Enlightenment personified (1). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Planthopper. Enlightenment personified (2). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Planthopper. Enlightenment personified (2). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

 

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An unfocused (distorted) mind looking at a well-focused photograph is…

September 27, 2014
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An unfocused (distorted) mind looking at a well-focused photograph is — interestingly enough — simultaneously focused and unfocused.

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[Differential Grasshoppers have relatively large bodies; the females are larger than the males.  Differential Grasshoppers inhabit grasslands, rural meadows, and weedy areas and are most abundant in the central states. The one in the photograph is a male.  Male Differentail Grasshoppers have bootlike appendages on the abdomen tip.]

Male Differential Grasshopper. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Male Differential Grasshopper. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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A simple, mindful smile to a person — though seemingly nothing much — may…

September 26, 2014
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A simple, mindful smile to a person — though seemingly nothing much — may help someone in immense and profound ways!

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[These are either cute Shih Tzu puppies or fuzzy Caterpillars.  They are the last two remaining from the litter, and have had all of their shots.  $300 each.  Take your pick.]

Fuzzy Caterpillars or Shih Tzu Pups?! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Fuzzy Caterpillars or Shih Tzu Pups?! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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If one sneers at another, one may be smothering one’s own intelligence and goodness.

September 26, 2014
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If one sneers at another, one may be smothering one’s own intelligence and goodness.

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[Mating Virginia Tiger Moths. Virginia Tiger Moth caterpillars are very fuzzy and are often yellow, or red, or even black colored.]

Together as one! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Together as one! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Real insight takes place in the present…

September 25, 2014
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Real insight takes place in the present; it is never merely the result of old, stale, past knowledge and accumulation.

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[These acorns from an old oak Tree accompany a lone mushroom.  If the acorns don’t grow into trees, they will decompose and will provide the mushroom with plenty of energy. Both the oak tree and the mushroom are sowing seeds for the future.]

Seeds of life! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Seeds of life! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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The simple things in life are often the best and most precious.

September 24, 2014
4 comments

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The simple things in life are often the best and most precious.

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[This is an American Toad head study.  Based on DNA sequence analysis,  the American Toad, Anaxyrus americanus, and related North American species of Anaxyrus, are thought to be descended from an invasion of toads from South America prior to the formation of the Isthmus of Panama land bridge, presumably by way of floating on logs or buoyant plant masses.]

Immigrant from South America! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Immigrant from South America! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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The space around a supposedly central ego is a limited (confined) space that…

September 24, 2014
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The space around a supposedly central ego is a limited (confined) space that encloses and separates… that imprisons.  Go beyond egotism.

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[These are various wild plants, including wild Fox Grape Vines and grasses. The seed pods in the center have spiked spears protruding from them.]

Vines and stickers. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Vines and stickers. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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To bee or not to bee; that is the…

September 23, 2014
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I don’t care how many people show up at my funeral if — for the time being — I’m the only one who is dead.     😉

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[Bumble bees in a wild Thistle Plant; the plant is also is being visited by a Spotted Cucumber Beetle.  Wild Thistle attracts many insects and birds (and photographers).]

... for the time beeing... Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

… for the time beeing… Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Without motive, sit and perceive without all the separation that you’ve learned.

September 23, 2014
2 comments

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Without motive, sit and perceive without all the separation that you’ve learned.

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[Purple flowers in a local park. I think they may be Phacelia flowers.]

Small Purple Flowers (Phacelia). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Small Purple Flowers (Phacelia). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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The storyteller is the story. The butterfly is the soaring.

September 22, 2014
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The storyteller is the story.  The butterfly is the soaring.

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[This butterfly is an Eastern Tailed Blue.  Eastern Tailed Blue Butterflies are usually blue above and a spotted pale on the underside. The larvae of a number of species of Blues secrete a type of “honeydew” cherished by ants; the ants attend the larvae, protecting them, in a symbiotic relationship.]

Resting on a windy day. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Resting on a windy day. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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A bad means used to get a good end is…

September 22, 2014
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A bad means used to get a good end is usually disorder and is not intelligent.

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[These are micro-mushrooms (super small mushrooms) growing on the bark of a living oak tree along with some lichens.  These diminutive mushrooms were around the size of a question mark (such as within a standard newspaper article or magazine).  Mushrooms are the fruiting body of a fungus.  Lichens themselves are a type of fungus growing in a symbiotic relationship with a particular type of algae, the two together forming a single organism.]

Small but significant! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Small but significant! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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24th annual meeting of the Antenna Enthusiasts of America…

September 21, 2014
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Fingers apart are still — and will always be — fingers together!

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[24th annual meeting of The Antenna Enthusiasts of America.  (I also attended, because I have broadband.)]

Annual meeting of The Antenna Enthusiasts of America. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Annual meeting of The Antenna Enthusiasts of America. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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If there were many dark rooms and closed doors between you and the light of truth…

September 21, 2014
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If there were many dark rooms and closed doors between you and the light of truth, would you merely be content — as so many are — to remain in limited enclosures?!

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[This butterfly is a Red-spotted Purple.  In Red-spotted Purple butterflies, there are up to 3 generations within a year.  They prefer open habitats, such as meadows, forest edges, open woodlands, and areas along rivers.]

Berry eater and flower greeter. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Berry eater and flower greeter. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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(Multi-photo)*** I’d rather be emaciated physically, than starved of…

September 20, 2014
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I’d rather be emaciated physically, than starved of real insight and compassion.

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[These are Fairy Mushrooms in a rural yard.  They were growing in a large ring… and were rather large relative to other mushrooms in our area.  Note how the two photographed are fused together as one… a true marriage bond! (Actually, clusters of mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of one larger organism down below in the soil; so they truly are one!)]

Home grown. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Home grown. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Home grown (2). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Home grown (2). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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The learner is the learned; the painter is the painted; the…

September 20, 2014
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The learner is the learned; the painter is the painted; the criminal is the crime; the doctor is the healing.

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[The approaching meeting.  This is an inquisitive Grasshopper and a Green Tree Cricket on a Wild Sunflower.]

The Meeting. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

The Meeting. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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The treasure chest of one’s mind — if one is not very careful — can merely be filled with…

September 19, 2014
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The treasure chest of one’s mind — if one is not very careful — can merely be filled with others’ junk!

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[This spider is a Long-jawed Orbweaver.  Long-jawed Orbweavers are excellent web builders.  Their carapaces are elongated.  As in many spiders, the males are smaller than females.]

Orbweaver Spider doing its thing! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Orbweaver Spider doing its thing! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Don’t just see others as being tarnished (apart from yourself)…

September 19, 2014
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What separates your face from your hands is what separates you from others.

Nothing!

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[The two larger insects are Tarnished Bugs.  These insects remain active from spring through fall.  Tarnished Bugs extract juices from the leaves, young stems, flowers, and fruits of more than 200 plant species. They are small insects, around a quarter of an inch long.]

Not tarnished in my eyes! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Not tarnished in my eyes! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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The fire of felicity, intense happiness, radiates from within.

September 18, 2014
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The fire of felicity, intense happiness, radiates from within.

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[This Jumping Spider is, specifically, a Daring Jumping Spider. The chelicerae (the part containing the fangs) are a flamboyant metallic green and this is an excellent way to identify this particular jumping spider.  These spiders like sunshine and do their hunting during the day. They jump from leaf to leaf with great dexterity and accurately (because of all those splendid stereoscopic eyes) leap on their prey and often eat other spiders as well as insects.  They are totally harmless to human beings… and are beneficial, as they eat harmful insect pests.  To me, they seem intelligent (considering their size) and rather cute!]

A handsome jumper. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

A handsome jumper. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Though everything has marginal boundaries and borders…

September 18, 2014
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Though everything has marginal boundaries and borders… see everything as “all one” unbroken whole!

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[A Dingy Cutworm Moth and a Ladybug (and other small insects) on a Wild Sunflower plant.  Dingy Cutworm Moths are considered pests to crops, such as soybeans, while Ladybugs eat smaller insect pests, such as aphids, and are very beneficial.]

The Lady and the Tramp. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

The Lady and the Tramp. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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Love the truth more than man-made fabrications and constructions. Look effortlessly (now and then) without…

September 17, 2014
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Love the truth more than man-made fabrications and constructions.  Look effortlessly (now and then) without separation and learned patterns.

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[These are Sulphur Butterflies (specifically, Alfalfa Sulphur Butterflies).  They like to land on wet river bank soil to absorb needed moisture and minerals.]

A male and two females. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

A male and two females. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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The magic of nature… let it touch you.

September 16, 2014
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The magic of nature… let it touch you.

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[A very pregnant Praying Mantis, late in the season.  Praying Mantis females are larger than males.  She is already showing signs of aging (i.e., deteriorating wings) and slowing metabolism.  Getting older myself, I can easily sympathize with her.  Hopefully, she will soon lay another egg sac and there will be plenty of viable eggs waiting to hatch again in the spring.]

An old friend. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

An old friend. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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Insight is…

September 12, 2014
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Insight is correct action to help life.

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[An elusive jumping spider.  She jumped from one leaf to another plenty of times and was difficult to photograph.  All those eyes signaled me out too easily! I finally got a shot and left her be!]

Enough eyes to see everywhere! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Enough eyes to see everywhere! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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Interestingly, when thinking occurs…

September 12, 2014
4 comments

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Interestingly, when thinking occurs, thought reacts as a virtual copy (in the form) of one’s own physical voice (as you tend to hear it).  One can intelligently go beyond virtual “copyism.”

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[This wild plant became eaten by a small — but voracious — caterpillar culprit.  However, he is not the only one responsible.  Look very closely and you may see other cohorts involved with the crime… and (just like criminals) they’re good at hiding!]

Crime Scene. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Crime Scene. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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An insect’s priorities don’t include understanding the whole. Go beyond an arthropodan mentality.

September 11, 2014
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An insect’s priorities don’t include understanding the whole.    Go beyond an arthropodan mentality.

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[Green June Beetles are metallic bronze-green underneath.  Like other scarab oriented insects, Green June Beetles lay their eggs in the ground and their larvae develop as c-shaped grubs within the soil.  Following having pupated underground, they emerge as adults in the summer and actively fly, feed, and reproduce from June–September.]

Green in Yellow. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Green in Yellow. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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When sorrow enters a truly wise mind… sorrow’s essence and dross disintegrates.

September 11, 2014
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When sorrow enters a truly wise mind… sorrow’s essence and dross disintegrates.

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[This is a moth caterpillar… likely a Buck Moth.  Buck Moth larvae have stinging spines. This is one cat you don’t want to hug!]

Ugly and beautiful! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Ugly and beautiful! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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Normality is a common type of insanity.

September 10, 2014
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Normality is a common type of insanity.

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[Leaf beetles, Diabrotica barberi, and Ladybug beetles on a wild sunflower plant.  Some species of Leaf Beetles are very destructive to corn crops.  Ladybugs, on the other hand, eat many insect pests, though these are additionally getting the abundant nectar from this wild flower. (One can’t blame them for liking sweets!]

Can you count how many there are? Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Can you count how many there are? Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Really…

September 9, 2014
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Really…   happiness is an inside job!

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[This butterfly is a Silver-spotted Skipper. Skippers have some characteristics of both butterflies and moths.  They tend to have large, rather stocky heads, thick-oriented bodies, and relatively short wings, spanning up to 2 inches.  The antenna are set far apart on the head and end in a curved hook.  Adults love to sip nectar (as this one can be seen doing with its long proboscis.]

Like a moth to a candle! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Like a moth to a candle! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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A true teacher is a “learning assistant” and fellow learner… not a manipulator or puppeteer!

September 6, 2014
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A true teacher is a “learning assistant” and fellow learner… not a manipulator or puppeteer!

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[This is a red Harvestman… often called a Daddy-longlegs. They have no venom and are harmless to human beings.   Harvestmen have what are called Chelicerae, which in spiders are hollow in order to deliver venom, but in Harvestmen they are primarily used to grasp food; no venom is involved.]

Not a Mommy-shortlegs! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Not a Mommy-shortlegs! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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(Multi-photo)*** It’s good, if you are human, to leave the superficial and the shallow (and the crowd)… and, instead, go deep. However, if you are a duck…

September 5, 2014
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It’s good, if you are human, to leave the superficial and the shallow (and the crowd)… and, instead, go deep.  However, if you are a duck, leaving the group and going into the deep (on your own) can get you eaten by a northern pike or a muskellunge.  

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[The real Duck Dynasty!  These are young (immature) wild Mallard Ducks.  Fortunately, the one going off on his own (into the deep) quickly came back and joined the group.  Almost all domestic ducks are derived from wild Mallard Ducks.  Mallards are “dabbling ducks”—they feed in the water by tipping forward and grazing on underwater plants. They almost never dive. (Fortunately, unlike some people, when I shoot ducks I only use a camera!)]

The real Duck Dynasty. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

The real Duck Dynasty. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

The real Duck Dynasty (part 2) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

The real Duck Dynasty (part 2) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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One doesn’t (personally) care about the latest (current) fashions or trends; one cares about…

September 4, 2014
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One doesn’t (personally) care about the latest (current) fashions or trends; one cares about lasting and eternal truths that remain forever.

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[A Fire Beetle and a Sulphur Butterfly (i.e., Alfalfa Butterfly) contemplating their next move.]

Sulphur Butterfly and Fire Beetle. The Important Conference (2). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Sulphur Butterfly and Fire Beetle. The Important Conference (2). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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One has to be gutsy when looking for the truth…

September 3, 2014
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One has to be gutsy when looking for the truth… not molded to find comfortable answers that one is merely desiring to find.

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[A Ladybug resting in the center of a wildflower as a very diminutive insect ascends toward it.]

The Center of attention. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

The Center of attention. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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To hate others involves despising images that are part of one’s own consciousness. Intelligently go beyond hate.

September 2, 2014
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To hate others involves despising images that are part of one’s own consciousness.  Intelligently go beyond hate.

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[This is a Robber Fly.  They thrive along woodland edges and are voracious predators.  I often see them flying around looking for insect prey to snatch up.  They can go after wasps, bees, flies, and even larger insects such as dragonflies.]

Quick and agile! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Quick and agile! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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I’ve seen the sunset from an eternal shore.

September 1, 2014
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I’ve seen the sunset from an eternal shore.

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[This is a Tree Cricket.  Tree crickets are found around the world, in a variety of colors; they live in trees, shrubs, bushes, plants and grasses. If you’ve ever been outdoors in summer or autumn, day or night, there is an excellent chance that you have heard the loud and beautiful trilling songs of male tree crickets.]

Jiminy Cricket! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Jiminy Cricket! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Feel and care beyond yourself.

September 1, 2014
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Feel and care beyond yourself.

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[This conglomeration of insects consists of Buckeye Butterflies, two or three Drone (Hover) flies, and other insects.  Buckeye butterflies cannot survive freezing temperatures in any stage, so they must migrate south; otherwise, they will perish. Therefore, many  Buckeyes that spend their summers in northern states, fly south to overwinter in Gulf Coast states such as Florida. The buckeyes enjoy being together often, and prefer to fly in open areas, where they sun themselves. Their wingspan is 1.5-2.7 inches.]

The Important Conference (1). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

The Important Conference (1). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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When you’ve been out in nature photographing over the years so long that the insects come and land on you… maybe it’s time — like so many do — to…

August 31, 2014
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When you’ve been out in nature photographing over the years so long that the insects come and land on you… maybe it’s time — like so many do — to stay indoors!    😉

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[This is a Red Admiral Butterfly.  When the insects come to you… doing macro photography is a whole lot easier!  🙂 ]

Another six-legged friend! (2) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Another six-legged friend! (2) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Another six-legged friend! (1) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Another six-legged friend! (1) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Unfolding out of the folds…

August 30, 2014
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The universe is expanding and unfolding — like a beautiful flower — and we (especially when we are open and caring) are part of the blossoming.

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[This is a photo of a lily flower blossoming.  In the flower, you can see the pistil and the various (topped in yellow) stamen.  It is also a photo of the universe unfolding out of the folds.  😉 ]

Unfolding out of the folds. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Unfolding out of the folds. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. — Aristotle

August 30, 2014
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Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.      — Aristotle

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[This is a Southern Cloudy Wing Skipper.  They prefer wooded margins, especially near clover and other legumes upon which the larvae feed.]

Favorite resting place. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Favorite resting place. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Establish value in orderly, direct perception… not in limited patterns of…

August 29, 2014
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Establish value in orderly, direct perception… not in limited patterns of the standard,  (rather mediocre) norm.

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[This insect is an adult Green Stink Bug.  They can, when disturbed,  emit copious amounts of foul-smelling fluid.  Both adults and nymphs (a nymph was photographed not long ago) possess large stink glands on the undersurface, opening through conspicuous slits.]

Watching me! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Watching me! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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It’s easy to belong to a group, a gang, or a herd; but to stand alone and…

August 27, 2014
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It’s easy to belong to a group, a gang, or a herd; but to stand alone and think and feel for yourself is arduous!

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[This is, of course, a Praying Mantis; it is a Chinese Mantid.   I will often, when I find them, pick them up and let them climb on my hands. At first, they bite viciously and don’t like it; but most, after around a minute or so, tame down and don’t want to leave your hand; apparently, it’s too much fun for them… the equivalent of a carnival ride or something!  They love traveling from hand to hand on your fingers!  At least that’s how they behave around here.   I only encountered one that persistently didn’t want anything to do with me.  Their long front “arms” are used as spike-vices to capture and subdue prey.  Often, they will “sway” back and forth with their entire body before striking something, simulating a twig or branch in the breeze!  They actively hunt or – often – they simply wait for something to come along.  (Alien-like for sure!)]

There are aliens among us! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

There are aliens among us! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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The keyhole to unlocking life’s mysteries and wisdom’s treasures lies in…

August 27, 2014
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The keyhole to unlocking life’s mysteries and wisdom’s treasures lies in silent awareness and magnanimous existence.  Love is the key.

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[These are dwarf tropical catfish of the species known as Corydoras trilineatus.   (In Latin, Corydoras means helmeted, and trilineatus means three-striped or three-lined.)  They only get around an inch and a half long.  These are one of the species of dwarf catfish that I keep as pets and that I occasionally get babies from.  All Corydoras species are extremely peaceful and non-combative.  Each species has a tank all to themselves.  I really like the patterns that this particular species has, once mature.]

Small bottom dwellers. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Small bottom dwellers. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Let’s take the overpass…

August 25, 2014
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Avoid the pitfalls in life if you are lucky… and relax and grow with nature!

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[Trees that have enmeshed themselves upon this planet.  In the foreground is lots of poison ivy.  Just being near it sometimes gives me rashes.  Poison ivy seems to have an endless vendetta against vegetarians, such as myself!  This year, it caused my arthroscopic knee surgery to be delayed by two weeks. Enjoy the photo!]

Let's take the overpass! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Let’s take the overpass! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

 

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Real learning is often an ongoing unlearning… a true and fresh reexamination!

August 24, 2014
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Real learning is often an ongoing unlearning… a true and fresh reexamination!

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[This is an annual Cicada.  They are the loud noise-makers high up in the trees.  Larvae of annual Cicadas take only five years to reach maturity; there are new batches, however, which emerge every year.  The periodical Cicadas emerge once every 17 or 13 years.]

Singer of songs... an annual Cicada. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Singer of songs… an annual Cicada. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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(Multi-photo)*** The silence that naturally — without practice — occurs between two sets of thoughts…

August 24, 2014
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The silence that naturally — without practice — occurs between two sets of thoughts… can be the beginning of profound wisdom and deep insight.

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[This insect is a Broad-winged Katydid.  Note (in the second photo) the openings on its front legs.  Those openings are its ears!  When one is a rather “narrow” insect… what better way is there to have true stereophonic hearing than to have your ears located precisely where your broad legs are?!]

Katy did... but I didn't! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Katy did… but I didn’t! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Those sexy legs have ears! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Those sexy legs have ears! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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(Multi-photo)*** Real perception is direct and present… not second-hand and hand-me-down.

August 23, 2014
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Real perception is direct and present… not second-hand and hand-me-down.

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[This insect is a Burying Beetle. These beetles bury the carcass of a small bird or mammal in a shallow pit.  Their larvae hatch and feed on the carcass; adults feed on carrion and fly larvae. Eating fly larvae gets rid of your competition while providing you with lots of needed protein.]

Stealing some sweets. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Stealing some sweets. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Stealing some sweets (2). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Stealing some sweets (2). Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

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Ponder beyond the ordinary. Go deep beyond the superficial.

August 22, 2014
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Ponder beyond the ordinary.  Go deep beyond the superficial.

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[A grasshopper with yellow coloration and nicely colored, large compound eyes.]

Going deep! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Going deep! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Post

To habitually take refuge in old fashioned beliefs may be like…

August 21, 2014
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To habitually take refuge in old fashioned beliefs may be like finding protection in a violent rainstorm by depending on an old metal umbrella.

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[This is a moth and is a Bilobed Looper Moth.  They feed on alfalfa, clover, and an assortment of other plants.  It hibernates as a pupa in a thin cocoon.]

Just another vegetarian! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014

Just another vegetarian! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014