Shelter Gardens - A Pictoral Tour

Every year, throughout the warmer seasons, I like to visit a place here in Columbia, Missouri called Shelter Gardens. Aside from the fact that it's tremendously beautiful, lush and fragrant and alive, it also keeps me inspired creatively. Isn't that funny? Just the simple act of being outdoors, reconnecting with the earth that gave you life can spark a light in you again. I think it's so important to do that as often as possible, because if we don't, we run the risk of forgetting that WE are alive... that we're part of something bigger than we could ever imagine. We're not pixels or megabytes or data files... we're one with this world and every life on/in it. We're organic and eternal.

Anyway, tree hugging spiritualist talk aside, as the last days of summer 2010 pass us by, I really wanted to share with you the photos that I've taken from this place--this haven that has given me so much writing inspiration over the last few years. My favorite time to visit was always dusk, when the sun is low and warm, and it casts the perfect sort of light on the trees and grass, making it all glow gold. By the way, feel free to take and use any of thee pics as you please. Love you guys!