This blog is for my insights on life, the Bible, hiking adventures with my grandson and whatever is important to me
Sunday Stills: Color Prompt- Blue (Any Shade)
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Debbies One Word Sunday: Two
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Location: Last 2 – Rankin Lake Park, Gastonia, North Carolina Shot on Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF 75-300mm lens.
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WHATSOEVER IS LOVELY CHALLENGE-2023 WEEK 27
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters. All Rights Reserved
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF 75-300mm lens.
Location: Wildflower Garden, Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, South Carolina
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XingfuMama’s One to Three Processing Challenge: July 2023
Photo Credit: (c) Deb L, Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens. All effects were done on my Canon EOS Rebel T3i.
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Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge (FOTD)
Photo Credit: (c) Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: The Schiele Museum, Grist Mill Area, Gastonia, North Carolina
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Soaring through the Clouds:
My grandson kept watching the skies today. He has amazing vision and can see much better than I, so much so he’ll point to where things are in the vast sky when I can only hear and am unable to see. He recognises the sound of airplanes ✈️ and wants me to capture them on camera. Unfortunately I only had the camera on my iPhone today. You’ll need to click on each photo and look closely by zooming, if necessary, to be able to the various images of aeroplanes.
Hammad Rais’s Weekend Sky #106
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with a Canon EF75-300mm lens.
Location Rankin Lake Park, Gastonia, North Carolina
Leannes Monochrome Madness
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These particular Venus Fly Trap plants are on display in an aquarium in The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Cee’s Flower of the Day (FOTD) Challenge
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
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RDP TUESDAY-Ferns
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Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm Lens
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Boats:
Bikes:
Balloons:
Cee’s Black and White Challenge
Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Mid-Week Monochrome
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Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge
Photo Credit: (c) Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with a Canon EF75-300mm lens.
God Bless. Thank You for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate y’all.
Today in America 🇺🇸 we celebrate our country’s Independence from the rule of Great Britain which was won through the American Revolution. America’s Independence was voted favorably by the Continental Congress on July 2nd, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the delegates two days later. The delegates represented each of the original thirteen colonies. Since 1776, July Fourth has been celebrated as the birth of the American Independence. It is celebrated by many with a variety of festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
What are some of the Freedoms we celebrate?
As we celebrate with friends and family today, we also remember cost of our liberty.
Independence Day is more than a holiday; it’s a symbol of our freedom won by the bravery of countless men and women who have laid down their lives for this nation.
So, as you celebrate today, I encourage you to remember the cost of the freedom we celebrate, the Heroes who paid the ultimate price, and the resilience that defines us as a nation.
Let us also remember, if you shoot off fireworks, the affects they have on others ( humans and animals alike).
Cats and dogs both experience sounds at far greater intensity than humans. Fireworks appear for them as discordant noise without warning. Horses’ innate fear responses can take over when they hear fireworks. The dangers are serious for wild animals like birds, squirrels, frogs and fish too.
The negative impacts of fireworks extend beyond animals — they can also trigger refugees and veterans as well as others who suffer from PTSD.
No matter how or if you celebrate the Fourth of July, let us take time to remember the cost of the freedom we celebrate, the Heroes who paid the ultimate price, and the resilience that defines us as a nation.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. Happy Independence Day! I appreciate y’all.
While Coleman and I were visiting The Schiele Museum Nature Trail; I took several shots of Coleman’s actions.
Cosmic Photo Challenge-Three shots from one spot.
Photo Credit:©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Natural Amazement, The Schiele Museum of Natural History’s Nature Trail, The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Gastonia, North Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the Natural Amazement with Coleman and myself. I appreciate y’all.
Back of Firetrucks:
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: North 321 VFD Station 10, Lincolnton, North Carolina
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Here are this week’s questions:
Di is our gracious host for Share Your World
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These historic cabin windows are attached to the Crook Graham Cabin. The cabin is located at Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
What makes these windows and this cabin historic, you might wonder? Let me tell you a little something about the significance of this particular historic cabin. The Crook Graham Cabin once belonged to Billy Graham’s paternal grandfather, William Crook Graham. He lived in a log house in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Billy Graham’s hometown.
The Graham Cabin is preserved on the Anne Springs Close Greenway a few miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina and is open to the public.
William Crook Graham later acquired acreage along a dirt track called Park Road, that land became a dairy farm.
These photos were taken of the right side of the cabin and the upper front window. On the front side of the cabin are wooden rocking chairs for visitors to relax and enjoy the views. My grandson, Coleman loves to take a break from hiking and relax on one of the rocking chairs for a bit.
Ludwigs Monday Windows
Terri’s Sunday Stills – Historical
Photo Credit: (c) Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with a Canon EF75-300mm lens.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting Graham’s Cabin with me. I appreciate y’all.
After a week of solid rainfall Coleman and I were itching to get outside to roam around in nature. It was decided on Friday that we should be adventurous, after errands were completed. Our errands took us down to Lancaster which is an hour and a half away from our current home. Coleman was being extremely patient, he deserved a break on the way make home. Therefore, to relieve his itch to run around, we stopped at one of his favorite places.
What is that favorite place, you ask? It is the expansive Anne Springs Close Greenway. It was an extremely hot 🥵 and humid summer day. We walked around along the trails, across the swinging bridge, and up to the Wildflower Meadow to observe which flowers were thriving.
These coneflowers are common in the Mountains and the western Piedmont of the Carolinas. They are abundantly growing throughout the Greenway’s grounds.
We took a short break for a bite to eat at the Greenway’s Canteen. Enjoying the cool air was nice, but Coleman was itching for a different kind of relief from the hot 🥵 sunny summer weather. What kind of relief do you think he was desiring?
He was itching to get relief splashing in the water at the Greenway’s Spillway. The Spillway was low, however, it still produced enough water flowing across for many to cool 😎 off and enjoy a splashing 💦 wonderfully amazing good time. Coleman delighted in sloshing and splashing through the Spillway’s water 💦.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
John’s Cellpic Sunday
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Here you go I’ll pose for you. Which side do you think is my best side? The Left or the Right? Or maybe you need to take a closer look? I think I like the close-up view the best. How about you?
Photo Credit: (c)Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.
These coneflowers are native to North America, and there are nine known species of Echinacea. Echinos is Greek for “hedgehog” or “sea urchin” which is reflective of the plants spiny center cone. Pallida is Latin and translated means “pale.” This is in reference to their petal color which is a pale pink-purple.
Interesting Medicinal Information:
Echinacea was first used by Native Americans for treatment of insect stings and bites as well as snake bites. Currently, Echinacea is used to prevent colds, flu, and other respiratory tract infections. It has also been proven to boost the immune system and treat urinary tract infections. Echinacea preparations can also be topically applied for wounds or skin problems. The roots and whole plant possess a cortisone-like antibacterial property.
WHATSOEVER IS LOVELY CHALLENGE-2023 WEEK 26
Terri’s Sunday Stills Challenge
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF 75-300mm lens.
Location: Wildflower Garden, Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, South Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens
Location: Anne Springs Close Greenway, Dairy Barn Entrance, Fort Mill, South Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time ⏳ and thoughts 💭 . I appreciate y’all.
From my iPhone 14 Pro Max:
From my Canon EOS Rebel T3i:
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
The Misadventures to our Adventures began on Late Sunday morning, 2023 June 25th. Deciding not to use to much of my daughter’s gas (No car of my own), I chose to take my grandson to the South Fork Trail and Blueway Access to do some hiking. However, when we arrived, we encountered the Danger Trail Closed signs preventing us from hiking the South Fork Trail.
Upon seeing the Danger Trail Closed signs, we climb back into the car, and I search for where to go next to try to accomplish our hike for the day. I looked up the Carolina Thread Trail and it was closed for the day as well. The next stop on our Misadventure to Adventures was the McDonald Field at the Pharr Family YMCA. There didn’t appear to be a trail that we could hike at that location just a short Fit-Trail. Therefore, we decided to get back in the car and figure out where to try next.
After a short drive Coleman and I arrive at our fourth destination of the day, The South Fork River Park. This location looked more promising. So once again we climb out of the car, load ourselves with our backpacks (mine with camera equipment, his with snacks) and proceed to locate the trailhead. We found the trailhead with no problems and proceeded to hike on the natural surface trail which was approximately 1.25-mile loop trail and also included 800 feet of river frontage. The day was hot and humid; however, I believe Coleman enjoyed his time hiking by the riverfront.
Coleman enjoyed hiking by the river. He probably would have liked it better if I had allowed him to get in the river, but we were not prepared for that adventure. Even though this was a wonderful adventure, our day was not over yet.
On our way back to the car, Coleman heard some noise and thought we should investigate what was making the bleat or baaing sound. Located just across the road from the parking lot was a farm with several goats. I was not sure at first how close to allow Coleman to get to the goats. Turns out the farmer was out in the yard and heard Coleman approaching the gated area. The farmer was friendly and gave permission for him to pet the goats. He liked that idea but was a little shy about doing so.
This turned out to be a pleasant day even though it started out with a few mishaps. Once back in the car, the afternoon was still bright and calling for more adventure. I drove us to another park for more hiking and adventure. I will leave those tells for another day.
Lens-Artists #255: Telling a Story
God Bless. Thank you for partaking in our misadventures to adventuring. I appreciate y’all.
Denzil’s Nature Photo Challenge #18: Cacti
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Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge
Photo Credit: 1-3 ~ ©️Deb L. Waters
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If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?
If I were forced to wear only one outfit over and over again it would not be a problem for me. I would wear my favorite pair of blue jeans, my favorite Til Valhalla Thank You Vietnam Veterans Remembrance T-shirt and my hiking boots ( if I needed shoes). Why wouldn’t I wanna wear was comfortable and meaningful over and over.
God Bless. Thank you for listening. I appreciate y’all.
Do you practice religion?
Practicing religion is different than living a life of faith. According to Oxford, Religion is the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods. It also has 2 other definitions: 1) a particular system of faith and worship; 2) a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.
When I think of religion, I think of Catholicism, Protestant, Baptist, Methodist, and a few others which are all subsets under their banner of Christianity. I think of Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Islam. There are many different versions and belief systems under each of the basic religion categories.
I would not say that I practice religion, I would rather state that I try to live my life based on my faith in God and my belief that Jesus came into the world to save me and bring me to an everlasting relationship with Him. I believe that Religion can take away the closeness that God wants us to have with Him. It is more important to have faith and believe in God than it is to be caught up in the rituals that many religions practice on a regular basis.
My life is by no means perfect or what some would call religious but that does not mean that my faith and belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are not real. They are very real. I believe that God answers prayers. His answers may not be what I’m looking for, however, that doesn’t mean that He does not answer. I trust in God. I know He provides for me, protects me, and will never leave me.
God Bless. Thank you for listening to me. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Fire Station 10 North 321 VFD Lincolnton, North Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for visiting the Fire Station with Coleman and myself. I appreciate y’all.
Cee’s Black and White Challenge and Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Leannes Monochrome Madness
Photo Credit:©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens.
Settings: f/7.1 1/320s ISO500 210mm
Location: South Fork Trail and Blueway Access, McAdenville, North Carolina
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
This type of plants are DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. Their typical butter yellow autumn leaves fall leaving the flowers exposed on this later flowering selection with slightly larger flowers than the species.
These particular witch-hazels were located near the Lake Trail at Crowders Mountain State Park in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm lens.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.
Jez’s WWE challenge
Photo Credit:©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: Photos 1 & 4 – iPhone 14 Pro Max
Camera: Photos 2 & 3 – Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF75-300mm lens.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
Cosmic Photo Challenge-Music on Film
God Bless. Thank you for visiting with me. I appreciate y’all.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Terri’s Sunday Stills Challenge
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
Location: Crowders Mountain State Park Visitors Center, Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Thank you for visiting with me. I appreciate y’all.
Pull up a Seat Photo Challenge 2023-Week 25
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Altura Macro Wide-Angle Fisheye Lens for Canon EG-S18-55mm.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all.
Di’s questions for this week:
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Melody Beattie
God Bless. Thank you for sharing in a small piece of my world. I appreciate y’all.
My grandson and I spotted these spectacular flowers near the entrance to the Nature Trail at The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium located in Gastonia, North Carolina when we went there to go hiking this past week.
Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge
Photo Credit: (c)Deb L. Waters
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i with Canon EF-S18-55mm Lens.
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L. Waters
Cameras: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for visiting with me. I appreciate y’all.
Ludwigs Monday Windows
Photo Credit : Deb L. Waters
God Bless. Thank you for following along with my blog. I appreciate y’all.
Jez’s WWE challenge
Johns Cellpic Sunday
Photo Credit: ©️Deb L Waters
Camera: iPhone 14 Pro Max
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time. I appreciate y’all.
Photo Credit: ©Deb L. Waters
God Bless. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. I appreciate y’all.
What activities do you lose yourself in?
I lose myself in reading for at least thirty minutes everyday. Once a week or more I try to get out in nature and lose myself in the woods. Mind you I don’t actually get lost. I just enjoy communing with nature and enjoying the wonders of God’s amazingly beautiful creation. When I’m reading a book or hiking in the woods, I’m able to release any stress from the day or week & am able relax and thank God for the positives in my life thereby not focusing on negativity.
God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 