The other day I had to run into town to do a little errand. The sun was shining, and the leaves along the creek were just starting to turn from green to gold, and I couldn’t resist taking the photo that you see above. It’s that time of year when even ordinary, everyday spots look pretty. In fact with all the showy leaves, you almost can’t see the not especially pretty industrial sort of building sitting on the other side of the creek.

I have to admit that I’m guilty of not always seeing the beauty that’s all around me. Maybe sometimes I just need a wake-up call like the leaves putting on their showy autumn display to remind me that there’s beauty even in ordinary everyday things like running errands.

The day after this photo was taken, I was startled when I glanced out the sliding glass door and saw we had a visitor on our deck. It looked a bit like an alien from another planet, but was, in fact, a praying mantis. Naturally, I couldn’t resist taking some photos of our unexpected guest who was beautiful in its own strange way:

So, this is your friendly reminder to take a break now and then to appreciate the ordinary, everyday beauty that’s all around you.

— Alissa

---

Weekly Inspiration

What I’m Reading: The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner

What I’m Watching: Wellmania

What I’m Listening to: George Costanza’s “Greatest American Hero” Answering Machine Message (it’s a long story)

---

Find out more about my books at alissagrosso.com

Find out more about my digital art at alissacarin.com

---

---

My apologies for the typos and such this post is almost certainly riddled with.