This is the reverse of the view from yesterday. Photographers are often encouraged to turn around and see if there's anything interesting behind you. I enjoy this photo as well. Exposure: f/4.5, 1/200 sec., iso 200.

I know the rules of composition. I try to be attentive to the placement of objects and the rule of thirds and noting where the scene is bright or dark. This photo from Bishop Hill, Illinois, breaks most of the rules. But it appeals to me. One thing I notice is how the fence draws your eye into the frame. Then your eye follows the windows in a counter-clockwise pattern to the leaves above and back to the left again where they obscure the columns. And the vertical columns direct your eye back to the fence. And then there's that tree, smack dab in the center of the frame. I suppose one could crop the two windows on the right, but then you omit the interesting wall detail. And how do you split the barrel of flowers that sits on the ground between the windows? I like it.

Bishop Hill was the site of a religious, utopian community founded in 1846 by Eric Janson. While it did not last long, some consider this town the beginning of Swedish America. At it's peak, more than 1000 lived here, but now the population is barely more than 100. Several buildings still stand and are part of historic preservation efforts.

Another parable from Matthew's Gospel has Jesus telling about two sons, each receiving a request from their father to do a task.  (21:23-32) One says he will do it but does not do it, and the other refuses initially but later complies by doing what was requested. Jesus asks which son was obedient. While the obvious answer for me is the one that did the task finally, there are cultures that respond that the second son insulted the father by saying no. So there is some ambiguity here, just as in the follow-up where Jesus says the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter heaven first before those who claim to be religious (without showing it). There is a difference between words and actions. And God's realm includes those we think are too far gone on the moral level.

I also hear something about nudges. I have a feeling I ought to do this thing or that or call this person. I'm surprised when I do how the timing was just right. I also regret ignoring so many nudges. Better late than never.

The days are getting shorter. The length of daylight is quite noticeable here as dawn arrives later and sunset is just after supper. But the weather has been glorious. I've resumed walking. It's not nearly as hot and I'm not swimming outside anymore. This shot is from last October when we went to Wisconsin for several days. I enjoy getting outside smelling and listening and seeing. It does me a world of good.

Last year we had red hibiscus flowers in the three large planters, but this spring Judy bought yellow ones. The open bloom is quite nice but I thought this flower was striking with water droplets on it. I had fun with my new camera and macro lens. I use a tripod most of the time to be certain that the focus is sharp. No tripod this time. f/13 at 1/320 sec. with iso at 400. Camera is incredibly fast at focusing.

Last year, about this same time, my photo group wet to southern Tennessee to photograph Falls Mill near Belvidere. Built in 1873, it still operates five days per week, year-round, grinding corn and wheat. Originally it was built as a cotton factory, and was used over the years as a cotton gin, and wood-working facility. The water wheel is 108 years old and is the sole power of the grinding wheel. So the massive wheel is turned by the force of water falling. And inside the noise is nearly deafening as gears and belts and wheels turn. No fossil fuels, no nuclear energy, no natural gas, no electricity; just water flowing downstream. Simple. Effective.

Complementary colors are those that are opposite of each other on the color wheel, as in this example of purple and yellow. The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look. Notice the yellow center in one of the flowers. And there are two bumble bees. I planned it that way! Another happy accident.

It is easy to over-saturate complementary colors and ruin the effect; it becomes jarring. The right balance, however, is pleasant and energizing. This could be said about human relations as well. Opposites attract, and if they are not overly-saturated, it can be an energizing relationship. And just like colors, the relationship is enhanced by balance. (I think you'll need to define "over-saturated" for yourself. You could probably recognize it when you see it!)

Some days end with us being weary. Our bodies ache, our minds are exhausted, our spirits are depleted. How much we need glorious refreshment, being renewed by visual celebration, hearing a song that lifts us. Every day needs a glorious ending.