July 2021 - Beautiful Photographs

Cee’s FOTD Challenge: August 1, 2021

Published on July 31, 2026August 1, 2026 by Russell Smith4 Comments

Xingfu Mama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge 2021 #31

Published on July 31, 2026 by Russell Smith4 Comments

I was a bit late participating in the Pull Up a Seat Challenge #30, so this entry is close on the heels of the last one. A couple of these photos were taken only yesterday (July 30, 2026).

Pull Up a Seat

July Trees Squared Challenge: The Final Day

Published on July 31, 2026 by Russell Smith5 Comments

These are my humble submissions for Becky’s (Life of B) July Tree Squares Challenge.

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Tumble

Published on July 31, 2026 by Russell Smith6 Comments

It was a great day for the prime minister. For his many years of service to his King, he was to receive a knighthood. While his friends at court that it was about time he be so honored, there were others who felt that he was unworthy. After all, wasn’t he of low birth? Hadn’t he renounced his priestly vows? More than that, didn’t he enrich himself at the expense of King and country? Rather than see him achieve such high estate, they would prefer to watch him tumble down in disgrace.

Cee’s FOTD Challenge: July 31, 2021

Published on July 31, 2026 by Russell Smith4 Comments

I’ve never really been much of a fan of geraniums; however, I thought the color of this one to be extraordinary. Also, I thought the macro turned out very well. I hope you feel the same way! 😺

Flower of the Day

Butterflies

Published on July 30, 2026July 30, 2026 by Russell Smith2 Comments

Today I have the usual suspects: a brown skipper and her cabbage cousin.

This may be one of the best captures of a cabbage I’ve ever gotten.

Ragtag Daily Prompt: Over

Published on July 30, 2026 by Russell Smith3 Comments

Princess Pirouette was in audience with the old King. The prime minister, as always stood behind His Majesty’s throne, looking sombre and grave. “We have a surprise for you,” said His Majesty.

“It seems my entire life has been one big surprise,” she replied.

“Oh, this is a good surprise,” said le premier ministre who then clapped his hands just once.

To Pirouette’s shock, GarGar, le comte des Deux Chats entered the audience chamber through a hidden door to her right. Visibly shaken, she swooned. Alarmed, GarGar ran to her and took her into his arms. “I’ve returned to you, my darling! Your wait is over!”

Overcome with emotion, the Princess spoke with her eyes closed and tears running down her cheek. “They said that you were dead. That you were lost at sea.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Speaking quietly into her ear, GarGar said, “I was ill. I had a fever. I never even boarded that ship. God, in His mercy, spared me that I might come back to comfort you.”

“But why so long? It’s been ten days since I saw you last. It was like an eternity.”

“I was too ill even to move,” answered le comte. “But as soon as I was well enough to travel, I rode straight to the Capital.

“Is it really you? Or is this a dream?”

“It is real, my love. Never again will I leave you.”