Paradise Found

I am so fortunate that I get to live in paradise. I sometimes forget how beautiful our area here in South West Florida is. No matter what direction I travel I can find the natural environment I crave. From beaches to swamplands it’s all here. Today my travels took me to Sanibel Island and the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

While driving slowly down the scenic drive and stopping when something caught my interest, I felt so blessed to be able to have the day off and enjoy such natural beauty. From birds to butterflies the day was full of surprises. A lone Roseate Spoonbill and White Ibis looking for their breakfast and finding it.

A curious Little Blue Heron signaling a warning of the alligator who was lurking close by.

A lovely Common Buckeye butterfly unknowingly pollinating the flowers as it gathered life giving nectar.

Even the pungent smell of fermenting palm berries carried in the warm breeze was refreshing in it’s erthereal own way.

The nutrient rich tannin stained waters were bringing forth life to the White Ibis as it was searching for a quick meal.

As I watched nature doing her thing, I was reminded that I am just a very small part of all of this, yet just as important. Each of us have our place in this world, the birds, butterflies, the water, the land, all celebrating our creator.