Green/Nature [Nurture Photography]

Green was supposed to be my easy week. Three failed shoots and 500 photos later I am surrendering before I go into a computer induced cataract coma. And with only a handful of keepers... I'll have to schedule a big delete session for another day, but for now I've selected just a few of my favs to highlight the world I'm privileged to wake up to these days.
 

It really is glorious here at the moment. And if it wasn't for the yellow dusting of pine pollen everywhere and hub's absence I'd have enjoyed this week a little more. Hubs has been gone on business and I have slept nine hours over the last three days. I was always told as a child that an active imagination was a good thing, but as I lay awake in the wee hours- I was wishing it away. Sleep deprivation certainly does a number on me- but moms are not allowed to be tired or sick. As I have fumbled my way through this week, working and juggling kid's activities, homework and dinner- exhausted and habitually three steps behind- I have acquired great admiration for all you single moms out there as well as a renewed appreciation for all that hubs does to help out.
 

While shuttling kids to and from activities, I've had a chance to take in this new season that seems to have sprung up overnight and I'm in awe of the beauty. There's so many coniferous trees and when the deciduous start filling in it's quite a sight to behold- everything is green, green, green! Every shade of green on the spectrum. It's a vast change from the farmlands of Iowa.



There's plenty of new-to me "green" and I'm determined to learn all of the names of the trees. One of these days I'd like to do some South Carolina leaf prints for my walls. These were just a few I found in my neighborhood.

Note to self: Make better shoe choices when traipsing through groves and thick brush, aka home to poisonous snakes and spiders.
 

After such a hairy week, I was dreading this deadline. But, I have to admit- it's been gorgeous weather here and although none of my Pine Island photos made the cut, having a reason to sit and immerse myself in nature was just what I needed to unwind and recharge. Seagulls. Soothing water. Tall pines. And quiet reflection. My favorite kind of afternoon.



Earth Day is Monday, April 22nd- the one day a year set aside for the sole purpose of giving thanks for this beautiful earth that we've been given. I hope that you will make some time to get out and commune with nature. Get some fresh air! Take a walk through the woods to see what's sprouting up. Or go plant a tree.
 

We actually planted our little garden last weekend. It's a raised bed that hubs and little man put together last year, tucked away in our backyard. The kids do a remarkable job tending to it and they love to watch it grow. Here in SC you never know what kind of surprises you may find. As we were preparing the bed for our seeds and vegetable plants we found several ginormous, gnarled carrots that had grown through the winter to nearly the depth of our garden bed. If you follow me on facebook or instagram you may have seen them.
 

I'm not sure how it happened, as I don't have much of a green thumb despite my parent's best efforts to teach me, but both of my children seem to have natural instincts when it comes to gardening. They certainly possess an immense love of all things living and are often great examples to me. As a mother I love watching the world through their eyes.

Whether you have nature loving children or not, I hope that you will take up my challenge to get out and celebrate our remarkable earth this week. No matter where you live, beauty abounds. It's there for the seekers.

I’m teaming up with Rebecca of Bumbles & Light and Kristi of Live and Love out Loud for another inspiring adventure as we photograph our way through spring with the Nurture Photography Challenge - a seasonal photo challenge series chock full of tips and tutorials, inspiring weekly prompts, personal feedback and encouragement.

Just a few details:

All are welcome regardless of skill level, camera equipment or geographic location.

Share your favorite images inspired by our weekly prompts each Friday and grab our lovely button while you’re at it!

<a href="http://www.projectalicia.com/p/spring-challenge.html#.UUhuoRxnqEE" target="_blank"><img src="http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo34/iowalish/Project%20alicia%203/NurtureSpring2013Button250_zpsb4d9a776.jpg" border="0" alt="Nurture Photography Challenge - Spring 2013 Edition" width="185" height="185"></a>

The linky will remain open from 9am Friday – 9am Thursday CST. Don’t forget to visit and comment on the previous entry in the linky list.

We’re sharing the photography love and showcasing our talented photographers by pinning some of your lovely photos to our Nurture Photography Inspiration Board.

The Nurture Photography Challenge has taken to Facebook! Stop by, “like” our new Facebook fan page, ask questions and share your work on our wall as well.

We love Instagram just as much as you do! We’ll be on the lookout for your beautiful winter photos, so be sure to use the #nurturephoto hashtag. We’ll share a few favorites on Instagram each week, sending a little bit of love your way.

My Nurture Photography co-hosts, Kristi and Rebecca, also have some fabulous spring photos to check out today! Make sure to stop over and be inspired! Rebecca is sharing some fabulous tips on clean editing this week, such an important key element to post editing. And if you missed it, Kristi shared an easy to understand aperture tutorial last week with a wonderful graphic.