Enjoy the Beauty of Nature
83Admiration
By Dexter Yarbrough. I remember a scene from the movie The Color Purple, where Celie and Shug Avery are walking through a beautiful field of purple flowers. The scene I am speaking of can be seen in the video to the right. It is short so please take a moment to watch it. That scene has stuck with me for many, many years.
Many of us lead very busy lives. Nonetheless, how often do we take time to stop and smell a rose? How often do we admire the changing colors in the trees? How often do we sit beside a lake with friends or loved ones? How often do we admire the beauty in this world?
Fall Colors - A Reflection
I have been traveling lately for work and taking photos as I usually do. After driving and flying thousands of miles, I decided to take a few days to look at the beauty that surrounds me. Not in a passing sort of way, but really to take in this beautiful earth that we inhabit. If you haven't done this lately, you should.
I know that many of you who read this are aware that there is a lot of negativity in this world. Much of it was created by man. While man has created many great things, nothing is greater than the beauty of nature that we see everyday - and sometimes ignore.
A Waterfall
I took a walk in an urban area a few weeks ago. There was a modest house with a few flowers in the yard. The house was nothing special, but the flowers made that which was simple much more beautiful.
I have often wondered if The Creator looks at us individually and ponders why we stay more focused on ourselves and our problems rather than admire the beauty He provided. How often does taking the focus off of ourselves and onto a flowing waterfall surrounded by heavenly trees turn our bad days into special ones?
Path of Colors
Many people go for nature walks along a path. Some do it for exercise; others do it to get away from whatever troubles them at the moment. How often do we take time to feel different textures of the leaves and plants?
Nature displays its beauty and glory to us. It displays its harmony and perfection to us. And it displays its knowledge and wisdom to us. But do we pay attention? Do you?
It is up to each of us to explore, develop, take to heart and enjoy the treasure in which we all share. Some of us are led to enjoy its glory and splendor. Are we following the path in which we are being led?
Sitting by the Lake
Life passes us by very quickly. One moment you are in high school stressing over what clothes to wear to impress that girl or guy you like. The next moment (twenty years later) the stress has turned to making mortgage and car payments.
All the while, we yearn for the days of retirement when we will commune with nature. Often, we come to find that physical ailments prohibit us from now doing so. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Watching the ducks and geese play or marveling at the uniqueness of the rock outcroppings standing alone in the lake can cure a day of the blues. Are you taking notice?
Diversity
There is a message in the world that many of us don't get - but we would if we just look around. Isn't it wonderful how the trees and plants live among each other in harmony? Each has something to bring to natures' table in terms of height, color, contribution to the environment, smell and texture. All in beautiful harmony, serenity and perfection. Humans could take a lesson from the living plant life.
Plants and trees give praise to a Creator that sustains, preserves and supervises their daily needs. The birds worry for nothing and they play and are fed everyday. The beauty of nature.
No Fear Here
Caution is natural, but fear is not. This buck did not run away from me when I came within 10 feet of it. In fact, it posed (and ate foliage) while I took 24 pictures. Moreover, it sat down and rested right in front of me.
We often let our fears take control of our lives. Fear of failure, love, each other, taking the next step. I believe that many animals can sense when we (humans) are not feeling well, sad or angry. They also know when a threat is present. And when there is no threat present. It is a balancing act. The buck was at peace and so was I. A lesson for the world.
Taking Time to Fish
Technology is not always a good thing. Our kids are becoming unhealthy because they are playing games on Xbox instead of getting exercise. Do you remember playing "Hide and Go Seek?" What about stickball? "It?"
Remember when we use to talk to each other instead of texting - from the same room? There is nothing like parents and grandparents teaching technologically savvy kids how to hook a fishing pole while telling stories from the "olden" days.
When was the last time you packed a lunch and had a picnic in the park? By the lake? Life is too short.
Enjoy the Beauty of Nature
A father taking his child for her first walk in lake water. An expectant mother admiring the scenery. People fishing and laughing. Ducks playing. So much beauty surrounds us. But do we notice?
With so much bad news, it makes you wonder if there is any good left in the world. Sometimes we get lost and forget. If you have forgotten, I suggest you take a day or two away to find the beauty of nature.
So many people go through this short life and fail to admire the color purple - and red, yellow, green and blue in the beauty of nature. Don't let this happen to you. Don't walk through a grove and not notice the beauty and uniqueness of nature.
The world can be a beautiful place. Don't think so? Take a few days to touch, see and smell the beauty of nature. You will never walk through a field again and not notice. Enjoy the beauty of nature.
Thanks for reading my hub and for viewing my photos.
Dexter Yarbrough Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.
- On the Journey of Life
By Dexter Yarbrough. You have heard that life is a journey - that birth is a beginning and that death is a destination. We may take different paths but all of us are on a journey. - Dexter Yarbrough on Hubpages
By Dexter Yarbrough. When I first came to Hubpages, I didn't know what to expect. Within hours of signing up, I had fan mail welcoming me and a few followers. - My Amazing Trip Through the Rocky Mountains - Part 1
By Dexter Yarbrough. Oh, yes. I have been to the Rocky Mountains for short day trips. - My Amazing Trip Through the Rocky Mountains - Part 2
By Dexter Yarbrough. The great thing about Roosevelt National Forest in the southern Rockies is that if you plan a decent route, you are bound to run into a camping area with toilets. - My Amazing Trip Through the Rocky Mountains - Part 3
By Dexter Yarbrough. At the end of Part 2, you may recall, I had laid down among all the night time nature noises to get some much needed rest. - My Amazing Trip Through the Rocky Mountains - Conclusion
By Dexter Yarbrough. My amazing trip through the Rockies came to a very emotional conclusion that I was not expecting. What an experience! - Focus on the Eyes for Great Portraits
By Dexter Yarbrough. In the original movie 'The Karate Kid,' I remember Mr. Miyagi reminding Daniel-Son to always focus on his opponents’ eyes. - Great Photos with HDR Photography
By Dexter Yarbrough. As a true realist when it comes to taking photos, I, Dexter Yarbrough, was at first reluctant to begin using HDR in my photography. - Creative Photos with HDR Photography
By Dexter Yarbrough. Several weeks ago, I published a hub, Great Photos with HDR Photography, on my first experiences with HDR photography. - The Art of Black and White Photography
By Dexter Yarbrough. Depending upon your perspective, black and white photography is an art form based upon skill and ability or is as simple as 1 + 1 = 3. - Dexter Yarbrough, Photography
Dexter Yarbrough, Photography: The authoritative source of Dexter Yarbrough's personal information, links, and social activity.
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My God Dexter, these are really beautiful. The colors are really prominent. How did you get the colors to stand out so much? Especially the photo with the lake or is it sea?
Dexter! This hub is fabulous and your photos are breathtaking! You have quite a gift! :)
Thanks for sharing these photos that are bursting with color and for reminding us to stop and take notice of the beauty that surrounds us. I'm a firm believer in experiencing nature with all my senses and love to inhale deeply as I walk, and occasionally stop to run my hands across a leaf or tree limb. I love to kick off my shoes at the beach and wiggle my toes in the sand and ocean. I also love walking barefoot on a soft green lawn.
What beautiful photos and they are matched by your words of wisdom. There is nothing more beautiful or more relaxing than taking time to enjoy the beauty of nature. Up, useful and beautiful votes!
Fabulous pictures Dexter. I kind of like the HDR technique, I'll have to read up on it. It almost makes the photos look like paintings.
And you're so right, it's absolutely essential to get out there and take notice of the natural beauty in this world. I do it every single day.
These are gorgeous, Dexter. Whereabouts do you live?
Absolutely beautiful! I'm in Texas where we still have 99 degree days. It is so nice to see what the rest of the world has right now.
Hi Dexter!
Your hub is absolutely beautiful,especially with your incredible photography! You do indeed have a wonderful gift.
Did you see the info about the contest in November? You might want to enter it. With such talent you are sure to do well.
Thank you. Up and awesome.
I can so appreciate your hub Dexter. There is so much beauty out there if we just take the time to look and soak it up.
Your photos are just gorgeous
A splendid hub voted up
Hello Dexter,
At first I looked at the photos and was particularly struck by those with all the lovely reds and oranges. (I see the same colours when I look out my window just now.)
Then I read your words and they are honestly just as beautiful. I agree with you when you say that with so much bad news it can be difficult to believe there is any good left - and yet it is everywhere too. (In this hub for a start). I think it’s so important to do what the characters in the video-clip say and celebrate the good. What a good clip to show.
There is a lot of wisdom in this hub. I love your photo of the deer and what you have written about it, especially: "Caution is natural, but fear is not.” That’s a really helpful way to look at life. Thanks for the hub. I voted it up.
Dexter, you are quite the photographer! Love the fall colors and you truly have captured the beauty of nature. Excellent work! Voted up and beautiful! Steph
Dexter, I agree with your words. And yes, most kids don't get out enough today, and they are not as encouraged to appreciate the beauties of nature like they once were.
A beautiful, beautiful hub!
Hi Dexter, your photography is awesome and the technique you use really shows off all the remarkable colors. The fall has to be my favorite time of year, I really enjoy looking out of the window and enjoying all the different colors in the leaves... great stuff, I'm voting up and pressing all the buttons I can find.
Hi Dex, I have bookmarked this wonderful hub as I know I will read it again and again, and uncover something new each time.
You are so right, there is no promise of tomorrow and there is so much to love and enjoy all around us.
The HDR technique in your photos is amazing.
I am sure this hub would have won you prizes in the November competition, I hope you will be entering!
A fabulous hub and voting up everything! best wishes MM
You are so right. What a refreshing Hub and the next beautiful thing is, that these beautiful sceneries God blessed the earth with, are FREE.
On reflection, it makes us feel at peace, helps us think clearly and be in tune with our Creator - perfect place to bond with kids. I like the Fishing photo you have above. (Dad with his kids)
I enjoyed reading this Hub and will take your advice and take more time to enjoy the Beauty of Nature.
I agree with your philosophy about life, slow down, take time to enjoy the little things, smell the roses, go fishing. I loved the movie, ' The color purple ' and i agree, your photography is beautiful Thank you. May i say that you are a gifted writer... Thank you....
Thanks for the inspiring hub, Dexter! Yes, the world is definitely beautiful and the little things that so often go unnoticed can bring a lot of positive feelings.
Sometimes we just forget to 'stop and smell the roses'. This is a wonderful reminder why we should. Thank you! There is so much beauty in nature. Thanks, too, for sharing your talent with us! Looking at the pictures made me feel like I was there! Voted up and all!
Hi Dex, the link to the contest page is in this weeks newsletter.
http://hubpages.com/static/hubpatron_of_the_arts.p
Good luck!
Best wishes MM
Dexter Yarbrough, truly a beautifully authored with wonderful photos. Your words are inspiring and your images compelling. Gorgeous all around and, rings so true to me. UP Awesome Useful Beautiful
Your work is just outstanding Dex! No wonder others are so jealous.
Hi, Dex, thanks for reminding me to take the time to appreciate all the beauty I see around me. Your words alone would have been inspiring, but your beautiful photos are just perfect to illustrate your concepts. Well done.
So beautiful! I enjoy nature photos very much! Thanks for sharing.
Well done! Experiencing nature is one of the most healing things. It reminds me, there is someone greater than myself!
I was asking myself if you photographed paintings. Then you wrote about photographing the deer. I went back to the beginning...wondering how in the world you got these photos. (With 20 years experience in the visual arts world, I never saw anything like these.) Finally, I saw your links and realized what you're doing. I think it's great. Do you sell online?
As for the beauty of nature. I remember hearing some people talking about getting high, and thinking to myself I get high on a sunrise or a snowy morning or smelling the wonderful roses on that one particular bush...
Hi Dexter,
Nature is God's greatest artist.
Just this morning I was walking with my mother. We were on our way to have some breakfast. It was grey, cold and raining. Amongst the dry grass on the side of the road was a single yellow flower. I said to my mom, "Look at the beautiful yellow flower." It could have been a weed but that doesn't take away from the fact that it was beautiful.
This hub appealed to my eyes, my mind, my heart and soul.
Voted up, up and away!
Hello, Dexter,
This is a useful, awesome, beautiful and interesting post and I checked each of those boxes.
And thank you very much for writing and publishing this article because, for one thing, it provided me with a number of new and wonderful insights.
This time of year you write about, Fall, is the seasonI like best. The pictures are spectacular and the points covered in the hub are well taken. I think I will get from behind this screen and take in a bit of nature. Well done!
Colors are captivating in your pictures. Up, Awesome, and Beautiful this hub!
Dexter i really love your article..thats really impressive, love those beautiful colors, makes me wanna be there...
Hi Dexter,
What an amazingly beautiful hub,also very interesting and useful.
Your photography is amazing too!!!
I vote up and up here.
Take care
Eiddwen.
I don't know how I missed this terrific piece. Was I sleeping? The photos are exquisite. as i your writing. Up beautiful, interesting and awesome.
Confession: I skimmed the text...because the photos are plenty gripping enough all by themselves.
Finally figured out what it is about your pictures. We've all seen work by artists who can make a painting look like a photograph--but you reverse that, producing photos that look like paintings.
Voted Up and Over the Rainbow.
I came back to learn if you ARE selling your photographs. My suggestion? What do you have to lose? You could sell them framed and unframed. What I've always suggested to artists, (and they seldom listen), is to set your prices low. The idea is to sell in quantity, NOT to get rich on one photo or painting. The more you sell, the more they're out there for others to see and want. I've bought photos - my favorite is Bennington, VT on a snowy evening. It's a scene I saw often but never could have gotten a picture of. I'm sure many people would enjoy having one of yours hanging in their home.
This is a great hub Dexter. The pics are breathtaking. Voted up and well deserving. I love fall. It is the best time of the year for myself. Love the changing seasons. Good stuff and be good. See you soon.
Everyday I learn something more, just found your article and those beautiful photos. Wonderful way to start my day
Thanks
So very beautiful. Voted up, useful, beautiful and interesting.
Dexter,
Forgive me for previously only appreciating your wit, as I am truly awestruck by the wisdom of your words and the intensity of your photography. I feel as though I am a part of your photos, they are breathtakingly beautiful. I will bookmark this for frequent reminders of the truly important elements of a balanced life.
Voted UP and UABI and out of this world, mar!
I really like this hub. It's a friendly reminder to take a moment to appreciate beauty. Thanks!
...oh my dear friend and (gentle)man for all seasons - you know where this one is going - don't you - lol - on my Facebook page with a direct link for all of the world to see - to showcase a great writer and a world class photographer .......lake erie time 8:59pm and speaking of which let's pop in and check out Obama and Michelle .....
Dexter - You are great at portraits but even better at nature shots. I am lucky enough to live in a beautiful natural area of the country but even I sometimes forget to stop and appreciate. Thanks for the reminder and super Hub. Rated up!!
My first time visiting your hub and what a beautiful job you have done
These pics are great. I'm writing a fantasy novel and these...I'm certainly coming back to the second and the third.
You've such awesome pictures--they are beautiful and inspirational, just like your hub. I enjoyed reading this--I agree life is short and we should take time to go out and smell the roses, watch some squirrels or feed some ducks--nothing more healing to the soul than these simple acts. Thanks for sharing and rating it up.
Dexter! LOVED this hub, the sentiment is so true. The pictures are beautiful. I think the buck didn't run away and posed for you because he sensed your wonderful soul and you were not there to harm, but to appreciate. Just wonderful, seriously!
The photos were stunning, beautiful, sensational and awesome.
The words you wrote, simply divine.
You re wonderful for
sharing this gift of
nature with us.
Be blessed
I was so busy this fall that I didn’t take the time I really should have to enjoy my favorite season. Now there is talk of snow! The white stuff does have a beauty of its own and I will do my best to celebrate it! Thanks for the reminder.
Hi, Ipanfill. I am very glad to see your coment.
Dexter-This comes from the bottom of my heart;
This was truly the most beautiful hub I have ever read! The words, the philosophy, the wisdom, the spirit, the love and the pictures brought the same tears to my eyes, as it does when I see, touch and smell the beauty and wonders of mother nature.
My eyes, heart, mind and soul thanks you,
Sannel
What a beautiful photos! I adore them, I adore nature. I very like your Hub!
You have taken my breath away with these photos and such heartfelt words of wisdom. I agree, when you look at nature through a creative eye and stop to capture it, you notice a lot of its' beauty.
Thanks for sharing this gift of creativity.
Take Care :)
Voted up, awesome and beautiful.
Regards,
A.CreativeThinker
OMG Dexter-these photographs are just beyond awesome! Breathtaking that you actually came so close to that buck; and the colors in the woods, the clarity on the lake. What a cornucopia of delightful sights.
I love your explanations that go along with each other and I only regret that you had not waited to submit this into the patron of the arts contest...it's a real winner! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us. Rated up and across. God Bless.
Hi Dexter-I meant to add this to my earlier comment that I left for you-I loved the Color Purple clip you included here. It really does a marvelous job echoing the importance of recognizing the beauty around us.
That scene reminded me of a dream I had once of walking through a huge field of red tulips and I was a little girl just a bit taller than the heads of the flowers!
Enjoy your weekend.
..and you are something else Dexter my man - it took me so long to scroll down to the bottom of this screen that it's spring again - lol lol - and yes your pictures are postcard perfect - always have time to revisit a classic especially when it comes to world class photography.
lake erie time 8:11pm
Whew, what a huge response to your article. Think I might have gotten carpal tunnel wheeling down to the bottom to make a comment.
Seriously though, another great one Dexter!
Man, have to tell you that bit about fear was truly awesome. It's so true and I'm so glad you brought it up as fear is a constant battle for me. It is great to be reminded that fear slows us down and just gets in our way.
Great article!
...and quite possibly one of mine too .... not to mention the legendary White House conversations series.
lake erie time 9:24am
Dexter-I can truly understand the spiritual content of this hub. It is what resonated throughout the beauty of its words and photos. Allowing the essence of your soul to come through your work will make all the difference in the work; it lifts it up to a higher level.
Many blessings to you-
WOW these are some of the best pics ive ever come across!! i love the path of colours pic!!
carrie!!
What a beautiful hub! Well composed, amazing photographs...you rocked this one! Up and beautiful and interesting and following!
Its beautiful, each picture is a paradise.
I am SO glad I tripped over this astonishing article of yours...have a blessful day...
Lovely pictures, Dex. Great shoot. I miss America.
I cannot see such beautiful fall in my tropical country.
THE BEAUTY OF GOD’S LOVE By BERNARD LEVINE
God is amazing
He chooses every baby's DNA and blood type
He puts every star in place to float in the sky
He creates every fingerprint with a rare design
He makes an egg to burst open with life.
God is great
He selects all the love-songs for every bird to sing
He makes broken bones mend
He gives every flower its specific perfume
He cares for seeds and they turn to fruit.
God is awesome
He tells the seasons when to change
He gives us air so we can breathe
He feeds multitudes of living organisms on our planet
He waters fields of green carpets with morning dew.
Every leaf is a marvel of God's genius
Every baby is filled with God's love
There is nothing in this world more precious
than the beautiful kindness of God.
© Bernard Levine
Nice article.. we should always take time out from our mechanical monotonous life and get out there every once in a while.. because at the end of the day, we wont remember what corner office we sat at or what video games we have played! rather, we will remember the times spent with our loved ones and what we have enjoyed with them!
You are right Dexter, we need to take time to admire the beauty that is all around us in nature. As a kid growing up in New York, I always wanted to be in the country.
Absolutely stunning photographs.
Dexter,
Stunning photographs accompanied by beautiful words... my eyes were immediately drawn to your images, and then I read the words. Wow! What a talent!
I had to scroll down a while before I got to this comment box. I can see why you have so many fans. This Hub is where my heart has been drawn to of late. Nature, brooks, streams, flowers, fields. What a blessing to take a trip just within here! It's like taking a vacation. Unique, gifted by God. Keep writing. Glad I found your Hub through 2besure!
BEAUTIFUL photographs! I love the beauty of nature yet it often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Good work!
Dexter,
As always, beautiful and enriching. Your photos are exquisite and your words are inspirational.
thank you so much for taking the time to share the ways we can enjoy nature's bounty. i am so blessed as i grew up the child of a mother who felt, in part, her mission in life was to beautify the planet. she loved all of nature and was eager to beautify our property with it. when we sat at our breakfast nook, a sea of flowers, every type, size, and texture greeted us....the same was true as we sat at our dining room table. and she was eager to help me learn of the wild natural things that abound on our planet as well. she would take me on mini-field trips to explore the plants that grew along the shoreline. reading this has taken me back to that place....i have her affinity for growing things and feel so close to the land as if it might course through me..as i plant and till the soil..great hub....
Hi Dexter great article and those photos you took are gorgeous! I also have always loved that scene from The Color Purple. Thank you for sharing with us.
So beautiful. I love photography but I am so selfish with it, afraid it will be stolen. Does that not concern you? When I came to hubpages pictures I took I saw on other hubs changed up somewhat and since then I only put a part of one so I am the only one that has the rest of it. lol
I so want to get it out there though. We meet the best people taking photographs because bad people don't care about nature, don't you agree?
Great hub and fantastic pictures!
Yeah I really should learn to do that and I have thousands, maybe I will pull out a few. Got a new camera 15x I haven't even tried out yet. If you don't make a fortune with your people photos you should, everyone wants to look better and you sure do that, I showed that off to some others.
Thanks for the advice.
Polly
Truly beautiful and awesome pics Dex. Really appreciate all the beauties of nature and you've captured it so well. Nice hub, voted up of course. :)
Truly inspiring photographs. Thank you for providing me with a visual walk through your camera lens. Your subject and use of color is amazing.
Beautiful photographs along with beautiful words. I couldn't agree with you more. People need to slowdown and use all of their senses to be part of our world.
Dexter Yarbrough, What an inviting, lush, persuasive journey you offer through "pretty pictures" and thoughtful text! All of your photos coordinate harmoniously with your words. My favorite is the text before and after the photo which epitomizes the union of the opposites which doesn't have to be opposite: the naturalistic fence in the foreground merging with the vegetation of the rocky background.
Thank you for sharing, voted up + all,
Derdriu
Wow, you sure know how to touch a heart. :) This is purely inspirational and beautiful. I enjoyed the video and the pictures for one thing. You are right! When do we really just take a day or two to relax and smell the roses? Like with me, I used to worry about my health, and the stresses of which life sometimes brings us. We shouldn't let some earthquake or wave for that matter, ruin something so beautiful for us. I think we all deserve a day or so to enjoy the beauty of nature, that God created. Thank you so much for a very well thought out and creative hub. Cant wait to read more.
Will do! Thank you so much for the warm welcome. :)
Another great article Dex. This is such a well written article with great points. Beautiful pics Dex, as always. Another class "A" article my friend.
nice photo art with an explanation.
ITS SO FANTASTIC!!
Dexter,
I came back for another look at your photographs. This is such a beautiful Hub. Thanks for publishing it.
Wow! Such lovely photos and a beautifully written Hub! Voted up!
I am glad you took the time to "look at the beauty that surrounds me"/ My favorite caption was about "No Fear Here". I need to take a lesson from the buck.
Just beautiful!
What gorgeous photography! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos with us.
Absolutely stunning photos. Is it OK to ask what software you're using? (i'm starting a photography class soon as a hobby)
Mesmerizing shots!
Nice hub! The lake picture reminds me of my childhood and family vacations. ~ It's been too long, hmmm...
What a wonderful hub! You pictures are awesome and your words are wise. We should all take the time to appreciate the beauty that God has given us. Voted up, and beautiful! Have a wonderful day! :)
Very well done... lovely work...
Best from Canada
I love fall colors, Orange, green and red are my alltime favorite, love the video of the color purple seen, great hub :-) voted up for relaxation.
Fantastic photography! Thank you for sharing it this way! Just gorgeous!






















































































Sunnie Day Level 8 Commenter 8 months ago
Dear Dex,
I have to book mark this one. You wrote so much truth here and I love it so much. Lately I have been stuck at the computer and have felt that a break is needed to enjoy the outdoors..The weather is changing and I really miss stopping and smelling the flowers. Thank you so much for the reminder and taking the time to enjoy life.This is one of my favorite movies of all time..brings me to tears everytime..
God bless,
Sunnie