Seattle Japanese Garden

All of the beautiful colors, the cool Seattle air, and my darling husband to keep me company – I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than to wander through the Seattle Japanese Garden.

Upon entrance, we are greeted with this peaceful path and the sound of water trickling for an unseen stream.  There are a few different types of flowers scattered off in the distant with bright green ferns intermingling with the trees.

Growing up, we had four Azalea bushes lining the walkway up to our house.  Every season there would be a burst of color – dark pink, white, purple.  But I’ve never seen an Azalea that blooms with pink and white striped flowers.  This was quite a treat indeed.

I was struck by the beauty of this tree – the bark peeling to reveal the new growth of the trunk underneath.  This tree reminds me of myself and my own change and growth.  I am reminded that we are ever-changing and evolving; that each person is made up of many layers each one slightly different than the last.

Rarely do I come across little streams and it is even rarer still to find little yellow flowers floating in them.  Such a wonderful sight to stumble upon.

These flowers were so beautiful but I have been unable to identify their type – does anybody know what they are called?

I’m always behind the camera, so the rare photo of me is always welcome.  My husband even got a little artsy with it.

What you see in the photo above is my darling husband playing model – what you don’t see is the nasty little mosquito quietly nibbling on the poor dear’s face.  Shortly after I finished taking this, my husband began swatting at the little bugger followed by a cheer of success at squashing of the bug.  I just looked at him and said sarcastically, “sometimes you have to suffer for art.” ❤

This photo is one of my favorite – the peace and tranquility of the water, the slight ripples from the bugs landing on the surface, the shifting shadows from the suns eminent setting.  As I write, I can feel the cool air on my skin.  Needless to say, there is a special place in my heart for this location.

Even the rocks have greenery growing on them!

On our way out of the garden, I heard some rustling.  I looked over to my right and notice this little guy scratching away at the ground.  We spent about three minutes watching this little squirrel hunt down his dinner only to be reminded that it was indeed time for us to find a little snack of our own.

Where are you favorite places to stroll?