Wildflowers and grasses in a meadow on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I had learned a new photographic technique at the Grandfather Camera Clinic that creates this effect — the flowers and grasses in sharp detail, the background blurry.  I’ve had great fun trying it out.  I like the random wildness displayed in this picture — the daisy-like flowers next to the two types of grass, the cheery sun-like flowers contrasting with the almost lacy grass and tall, straight grass.  Although I enjoy winter for what it is, I treasure having pictures such as this one to remind me on cold winter days of the pleasant weather of summer, easy to hike in and discover what nature has to offer on a particular day.  To remember the delights offered to us with no effort on our part, just there, doing their own thing, to add joy and splendor to our lives.