before the storm

Wild thunderstorms passed through here this afternoon. Before the storms the sky was painted with wonderful clouds.

As I drove by the Parker River in Newbury I stopped to capture some clouds.

last iris

After (my favorite) bearded iris disappear for the season, Japanese iris start to bloom. The predominantly purple flower draws my eyes and the intricacy of the petals makes me smile.

spiky

Echinops ritro, also known as globe thistle, are starting to emerge. They are currently wearing green although if you look closely at the spikes you can see a bit of purple starting to show.

summer flower, opening

A walk in the garden this evening allowed me to enjoy summer flowers that are starting to open. This Calendula provided a splash of bright color.

sharing space

It was a cool this morning with a threat of rain, a good time for a walk in the woods. As I walked a loop at Maudslay State Park I shared the trail with birds and chipmunks.

It appears that my footsteps were quiet; at one point I looked up to see a deer feeding just a bit off the trail. I stood still and watched. The deer watched me too. Eventually I walked away while the deer stayed in place.

fleeting

Friday I headed to Hampton Beach to watch some talented artists create sculptures in sand. Today I returned to see the finished sculptures. I continue to be amazed by the level of detail that can be exposed using only sand and water.

I was delighted to find that my favorite sculpture finished the competition in first place.

Breaking Out, by Melineige Beauregard

I think it's interesting to see a tiny sculpture copying "the thinker" sitting in front of a large sculpted face. What do you think?

Outside In, by Abe Waterman

If you'd like to see more photos of both the in progress and the completed sculptures click to enter the gallery emergence :: Hampton Beach 2019.

wild roses

Wild roses decorate the outside of the greenhouse at the Stevens-Coolidge Place. I love the pop of bright pink.

sculpting

Yesterday I took advantage of a break in the rain to visit the sand sculptures in progress at Hampton Beach. I try to visit twice, once when the sculptors are midway through their creations and are actively working on the sculptures, and a second time after the work is complete.

I'm fascinated by the level of detail that is possible using sand as the sculpting medium. The sculptures are created using only sand and water.

The sculpting takes place this year on June 20, 21, & 22. I plan to return tomorrow to see the finished sculptures.

Breaking Out, by Melineige Beauregard


Outside In, by Abe Waterman

Information on the event can be viewed on the Sand Sculpture Event page of the Hampton Beach web site. If you're planning a visit, note that the sculptures will remain on the beach until June 27, 2019.

on the beach

When I arrived at Hampton Beach this afternoon I found what appeared to be a painting, patterns of clouds above a calm ocean.

open

This peony's petals are fully open, allowing the stamen to reach to the sun.