June 19, 2016

Peace and Quiet by the Susquehanna

Susquehanna River in Marietta, PA

I took my bike and hit the Northwest River Trail again, this time starting at Decatur St., in search of some peace and quiet.  The Susquehanna did not disappoint. 

Sambucus, common elderberry in bloom
There were lots of phenology changes since last week. The elderberries were blooming.
Sambucus, common elderberry flowers
As were the tawny daylilies.
Hemerocallis fulva, tawny daylily
These are common in semi-wild places, and sometimes disparaged as "ditch lilies" but I have always loved them.
Hemerocallis fulva, tawny daylily, macro
And the milkweed has begun blooming!  It's an important plant in the monarch butterfly life cycle, and many types of insects are drawn to the blossoms.
Asclepias syriaca, common milkweed
I spotted three that were new-to-me, including this 14 spotted lady beetle:
Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, Fourteen-spotted Lady Beetle
This soldier beetle:
Chauliognathus, soldier beetle, on milkweed
Check out the legs:
Chauliognathus, soldier beetle, on milkweed
And this gorgeous little grape plume moth:

Geina periscelidactylus, grape plume moth
Relaxed and refreshed, I captured this view  of an island and chose it as my inspiration image for week 51 of my self-directed project, 52 Ways to Look at the River.
52 Ways to Look at the River, week 51 image, by Sue Reno
52 Ways to Look at the River, week 51 image
I kept things simple and serene in the resultant fiber art panel.  The panel is 6" x 12", wool, silk and mylar, needlefelted and stitched.
52 Ways to Look at the River, week 51 panel, by Sue Reno
52 Ways to Look at the River, week 51 panel
It's hard to believe this project is coming to an end....It's been a big part of my life for the past year.  After I make the final panel next week, I will be assembling the panels into art quilts.

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So many of you have been engaged in this journey with me, and I greatly appreciate all your comments and support!

1 comment:

Vivien Zepf said...

I'm sure that getting to the river by bike is giving you opportunities to see things differently. Love all the insects and I, too, love ditch lilies. Can't wait to see your completed quilt after this exploration.