i find myself fascinated with the complexity of inner spaces. there is a mystery and excitement to the depths of shadows, in man and nature. there is a wonderment and curiosity for both. some things will always remain a mystery, yet, there is a special beauty in mystery and the unknown. perhaps this is where the excitement is found, in the unknown spaces, where the spirit, mind, and heart choose to fill in those blanks with dreams, fantasy, creativity, intuitions, or hopes. there is an added excitement in discovery of closer looks. sometimes the camera will capture a view that might be missed, otherwise.

today i am venturing up to the volo bog, a protected and rare type of space in nature, that takes one from the manufactured surroundings in life to an inner space of nature, hidden beauty that emotes a time from the past, where mankind rarely interfered. where you might hear or feel the messages from long ago. where nature bares her sole. i hope to have some images to display from my visit, later today or tomorrow.

also see: photovault.com - Illinios Nature, Scenics, Travel: Images by Wernher Krutein, Volo Bog

i tried to get some very early morning storm shots, however, conditions and images turned out less than spectacular. all was not lost as later in the day i was able to obtain some garden shots. a few selections and re selections below, from today in late afternoon, early evening. nature had her own ideas about what images she wanted to share.

Nature goes her own way and all that to us seems an exception is really according to order.
~~ Goethe

The fern is a special beauty, she forms a fine and delicate interplay with light and shadows. she whispers in the wind and dances enticingly in a breeze, especially on a sun filtered day when she shows off those shadows of movement.

  close up of the graceful fern.

some people do not really see or experience what is in the shade or shadows. there is a lot going on in these areas. shade remains a challenge for many people, they often want to put in some very, very bright things. yet, looking a bit closer shows what may have been missed. there is a fine interplay of colors, spaces, textures, and shapes. the star shaped plant in the background is a woody area perennial herb known as, sweet woodruff. it is aromatic and dotted with tiny white flowers, and can be used to make some fragrant things or fine teas to drink. it loves the shade.

  much more to see with a closer look.

i never really tire of the views offered by nature. seen here is a spectacular interplay of color, a very exciting show offered up for the view on a spring day. this was not long after a gentle shower, the branches of this particular sand cherry shrub are resting with the weight of dampness on the very fine branches of the golden spirea. though more flexible and easy to bend, the spirea offers up some great support for its sturdier friend.

  exciting interplay of deep reds and lime yellow green.

another interplay of color, space, textures, and shapes. the bright lime golden leaves of this hosta are especially noticed against the sturdy dark green patterns of the holly. the red berries are an extra treat for the eyes and for the birds or animals. and the colors are a joy to see. the lines or channels in this golden hosta are an added beauty to this plant, and the lime gold green sparkles against the deep shadows of the open spaces.

  lime green channels and dark shaded spaces

this is a fairly large leafed perennial plant that grows tall in the shade. i find the chocolate colors against green interesting to see in the shade. rodgersia looks good mixed in with some hostas and ferns, and the jagged edges and textured leaves are added pleasure.
  rodgersia sparkles in filtered shade