Rise Up Joyful

 “When I rise up let me rise up joyful like a bird. 

 When I fall let me fall without regret like a leaf.”

 ― Wendell Berry

Another shot of the Pileated Woodpecker in flight with a bit more

of his wings showing.  From our visit to Claytor Lake State Park

on 10/11/24.

Pileated Woodpecker in Flight

 "If you listen quietly enough life will whisper its secrets to you." 

― Rasheed Ogunlaru

Pileated Woodpecker in flight from our visit to 

Claytor Lake State Park on Friday, October 11, 2024

Pileated Woodpecker

 "All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on." 

~ Havelock Ellis

Friday's bike ride (09-20-24) was 14 miles from Hiwassee to Barren Springs.

So far we are at 63.3 miles  of riding for the month.

Pileated Woodpecker Wings

 “Every second is of infinite value.” 

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 

 Have you ever noticed that pileated woodpecker wings 

look like piano keys when outstretched?

Print Available - HERE 

Pileated Woodpecker in Autumn

 From our visit to Fairy Stone State Park

October 23, 2021.

Pileated Woodpecker in the Autumn Forest 

Print Available - HERE  

Pileated Woodpecker in the Rain

"Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life."

- John Updike

Print Available - HERE

After several days of beautiful weather, the rain came.

I was fortunate to hear the call of a Pileated Woodpecker,

ran to the window, and captured this (through the window)

Male Pileated Woodpecker

Print Available - HERE 

Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go. 

~ Natalie Goldberg

Pileated Woodpecker

"What is this life if, full of care, 

We have no time to stand and stare? — 

No time to stand beneath the boughs 

And stare as long as sheep or cows. 

No time to see, when woods we pass, 

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. 

No time to see, in broad daylight, 

Streams full of stars, like skies at night. 

No time to turn at Beauty's glance, 

And watch her feet, how they can dance. 

No time to wait till her mouth can 

Enrich that smile her eyes began. 

A poor life this if, full of care, 

We have no time to stand and stare.” 

 ― William Henry Davies

Print Available - HERE 

Pileated Woodpecker

It's not necessary to go far and wide. I mean, you can really find exciting and inspiring things within your hometown. 

- Daryl Hannah

 I am not sure what Daryl Hannah was referring to 

in her quote - but I sure can find

a LOT of exciting things in my hometown...

I just have to step outside the door.