In the state park nearby (one of the reasons why we moved here) there is a walking trail that takes the intrepid hiker through a meadow with wetlands, host to lovely wildflowers like these prairie coneflowers and thick rushes of cattails. If you let the thickets engulf you, it’s easy to stop time while observing dragonflies buzz skim the surface of a pond not meant for humans. And if you arrive just after sunrise, the tips of the flowers and grasses will dazzle you with sparkling magic meant only for the eyes of early risers and a peaceful pause in a summer meadow.
This month I’m taking a photo a day and following the topics of Susannah Conway’s August Break 2014. And why don’t you join me? I double-dog dare you!
Suburban Satsangs 
Nature takes on a special aura in the morning. What a lovely scene you’ve captured here.
I’m not really a morning person, but I am learning to be. Aura is a great word to describe that light!
I am dazzled by those prairie coneflowers! I have boring old purple coneflowers, but these are so much more interesting, with their acorn-like cones. They do convey a peaceful feeling; it’s almost like they’re dancing!
Thanks, Bonny, your description of them dancing is perfect! I believe they are fairly low-maintenance, so I might try some the next time I get the chance to garden.
This is lovely. I particularly like the special effect of the buzz-skimming.
Glad you liked the buzz-skimming, Maureen. Wasn’t sure if you can combine sight and sound like that but I did it anyway.