A smile, a hand, a kind word, an anonymous act of kindness.  Will we ever be able to give back as much as we have taken?  I'm not sure.  But I have learned the great rewards of an occasional act of kindness.  It is a challenge to keep a  kind act anonymous.  We are by nature egotistical and want to say,"Look at what I have done for you."  When I give to others I am the one that receives the reward.  Not an easy task but a rewarding one.

     Beaked Dodder or Love Vine.    The Cherokee called it Love In A Tangle.  This vine has no chlorophyll to produce it's own nutrients so it relies on the plant it entwines and connects to for it's own life.  In this spot the Love Vine has entwined with Blackberries to survive.  There is the true nature of Love.  Everybody needs somebody.  We all rely on each other.  It doesn't seem to me that we were created to be entirely self sufficient.  It's a good day to think about someone you need, rely on and Love.

    I went to town for a few days to take care of some things.  While I was there I had the opportunity to take my Niece, Erica, to vote for the first time.  It was an exciting event for both of us.  Congratulations Erica and thanks for doing your civic duty.  You make a positive difference in our community. And I Love Ya!

    When this flower started blooming it just blew me away.  The delicacy and the detail just reminds me that  Of Myself I Am Nothing.  There's something much greater than us out there directing all this.  Today I'm going to try to keep it simple and trust that Everything has already been worked out just fine.

    I don't know my butterflies.  This could be a moth.  I do know that it was a beautiful sight to capture.  I'll have to do some research on it now.  These mountains never cease to offer beautiful sights.  I'm grateful to be able to share some of them.

    My friend Dorothy asked if I would share an image of the beautiful Monk's Hood in bloom here on LeConte.  Here it is!  The flowers are coming in beautifully here.  The sunny days and cool nights have everything growing and blooming like crazy.

    I have enjoyed this view many times and I am always humbled by it.  I have found that balance is more important to me today than ever before.  Nothing gives balance to life like humility.  I'm not a real humble person.  But I have found that in seeking humility I have a lot of peace in my life.  When I take in a view like this one on  a clear day I am filled with a genuine humility.

    I spent a few days away from the mountains and away from the blog.  I'm glad to be back.  It's hot in the valley!  It's been a hot and dry summer but it's still been beautiful.

    July has been a beautiful time to hike the higher elevations in the Smokies.  It's still relatively cool up here and the wild flowers have yet to peak above 5000 feet.

    I'm enjoying a birthday in the mountains today.  What a blessing.  When I enjoy the blooms in spring and summer and the vast expansive views in winter I am humbled and filled with gratitude to be able to enjoy my time here in these mountains.

    I hope you enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate your freedom this past weekend.   I believe we live in the best  Country in the World and the best state in this Country.  God has been good to us here in the Great Smoky Mountains.  I for one am grateful.

    July is the right time to reflect on Freedom.  At the heart of my personal Freedom is Serenity.  When I have Serenity with myself, Serenity with others and Serenity with my God, then I enjoy true Freedom.