iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

I always appreciated these words from Dolly Parton. The sentiment was something I needed when life was tough. I will miss her sparkle.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Spring bird migration often brings a few Tennessee Warblers through my backyard. My Honey Locust tree seems to be a favorite stopover for them. #birdoftheday #warblers #photography #minnesota #springmigration #bird #birds #nature #naturesoothes #honeylocust #birdwatcher #birdwatching

A Tennessee Warbler (small bird of olive green and yellow) picking at a bud of the Honey Locust Tree in springtime.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Lily of the valley: A woodland flowering plant with an arching stem and bell-shaped white flowers whose bright, lemony scent heralds a return to happiness. ~ Meg Donohue, The Memory Gardener #bloomscrolling #flowers #garden #nature #naturesoothes #photography #plants #blooming #happiness

A close-up photo of a blooming Lily of the Valley plant. The flowers look like little white bells.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Some of the oranges that I left out for the Orioles during spring migration fell to the ground, much to the delight of this little chipmunk. #photography #wildlife #chipmunk #spring #springtime #nature #naturesoothes #minnesota

A chipmunk sitting in the grass and eating an orange slice.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

So much fun when a bird poses very nicely on naturally occurring props! Here, a White Breasted Nuthatch takes a breather on a mullein plant still standing from the summer before. #photography #birdoftheday #bird #birds #nuthatch #minnesota #nature #naturesoothes #minnesota #wildlife #nativeplants

A White Breasted Nuthatch (blue and white bird) posed on a Mullein plant that has been left standing from the summer before.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

“You never saw a bluejay get stuck for a word. He is a vocabularized geyser.” ~ Mark Twain⁣ #photography #bird #birds #noisy #blue #nature #wildlife #marktwain #birdphotography #minnesota

A Blue Jay perched on a tree branch. The bird is blue and white with black accents.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Use those talents you have. You will make it. You will give joy to the world. Take this tip from nature: The woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except those who sang best.  ~ Bernard Meltzer #photography #bird #birdoftheday #easternphoebe #minnesota #nature #naturesoothes

An Eastern Phoebe - a brown, buff and white bird - sitting on the end of a dead branch.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

A Prickly Pear Cactus blooming, in spite of the harsh environment. May it serve as encouragement for Americans living during these challenging times. #perseverance #hope #photography #cactus #blossom #flower #desert #arizona #pricklypear #resist #naturesoothes #nature

A close-up photo of a yellow flower blooming on a Prickly Pears Cactus in the desert.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

On this Memorial Day may we honor and remember the American soldiers and their families who made the supreme sacrifice to protect our freedoms. #memorialday #freedomisnotfree #freedom #responsibility #remember

A photo of American soldiers holding a U.S. flag juxtaposed next to a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt - “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsiblity."

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

The Saguaro Cactus is so impressive. While visiting Saguaro National Park East, I took this photo of Saguaro Cacti that reminded me of stately gentlemen. #photography #saguaro #cactus #arizona #desert #wildflowers #nationalpark #beauty #landscape #nature #naturesoothes #bloomscrolling #tucson

A photo of stately, tall Saguaro cactus in the desert against a blue sky with wispy white clouds.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

“The desert is a place of silence, light, and space with beauty in its arid landscape, and wildflowers tucked into its crevices. Spend enough time here and the desert will weave a spell upon you.” – Victoria Geelan #photography #desert #saguaro #cactus #arizona #landscape #nature #naturesoothes

A landscape image of Saguaro National Park East. In the foregound, yellow wildflowers and a purple cholla cactus. Beyond the foreground, one can see Saguaro Cactus, brush, and then mountains.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

The 80-arm Saguaro Cactus in Avra Valley, Arizona was an amazing site to see. Amazing when considering that it takes 75 years for a Saguaro Cactus to grow its first arm! #saguaro #saguarocactus #photography #arizona #nature #naturesoothes #bloomscrolling #desert #travel #roadtripping

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Back in May 2024, I enjoyed taking photos of the Saguaro Cactus in bloom. Saguaro National Park, like all National Parks, is a wonderful place to visit! #bloomscrolling #photography #arizona #saguarocactus #saguaronationalpark #flower #desert #nature #naturesoothes #supportnationalparks #cactus

A photo of the Saguaro Cactus blossom. It is ivory in color with a pale gold center. In the background, one can see other cacti in Saguaro National Park.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

A local Pileated Woodpecker that can’t seem to get the hang of the suet feeder. I have seen it land on numerous occasions and eat in this same position. At least, she continues to visit! #birds #woodpecker #photography #minnesota #birdfeeder #nature #naturesoothes #wildlife #birdwatching

Photo of a Pileated Woodpecker trying awkwardly to eat from a suet feeder. Instead of landing on the feeder, she has landed on a tree and is leaning backwards trying to eat from the feeder in an upside down position.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

I’ve caught up on today’s news. Discouraging, to say the least. Here’s a handsome bird that’s migrating through my neighborhood. May it bring you cheer! Meet the male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. #photography #bird #birds #birdmigrations #minnesota #spring #nature #naturesoothes #cheerful #wildlife

Photo of a Rose-breasted Grosbeak sitting on a branch. A very handsome bird with a striking red breast against his black and white plumage.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Spring in Minnesota means love is in the air. This male Ring-necked Pheasant was crowing for a mate and, if you look closely, it seems a female is responding to his call. #photography #minnesota #spring #pheasants #birds #breedingplumage #nature #naturesoothes #springtime #wildlife #feathers

A male Ring-necked Pheasant stands in a cornfield looking for a mate. In the background, an indistinct female seems to be following him.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

If you need a little giggle, you might enjoy the name of this little bird — the Yellow-rumped Warbler. It is one of the first warblers that arrive in my neighborhood when bird migration begins in spring. #photography #minnesota #birdmigration #birds #spring #nature #naturesoothes #wildlife

A gray, white, and black bird with sharp yellow accents. A yellow mark on his lower back has earned him the name of “Yellow-rumped Warbler.” Here, this bird peers back over his shoulder as I catch a photo of him.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

For many of us, water simply flows from a faucet, and we think little about it beyond this point of contact. We have lost a sense of respect for the wild river, for the complex workings of a wetland, for the intricate web of life that water supports. ~Sandra Postel #photography #conservation #spring

Photo of a Minnesota wetland in spring. While foliage is still gold and brown from winter, a stream of water from snow melt flows.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson Anyone else looking for signs of hope? I sure am. #photography #minnesota #wildflowers #flowers #wildrose #nature #naturesoothes #hope #resist #blooming #pink

A wild pink rose on a bush filled with more pink rose buds.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

May the joy of this Minnesota meadow — taken a few summers ago — bring a smile to your face today. #photography #minnesota #wildflowers #flowers #smile #nature #naturesoothes #joy #daisies #hawkweed #colorful

Photo of a colorful meadow filled with wildflowers — taken in June in Minnesota.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

The American Goldfinch is a year-round resident in Minnesota. This male is sporting his summer plumage, ready to attract his lady-love. #photography #bird #birds #goldfinch #spring #springtime #plumage #minnesota #yellow #nature #wildlife #naturesoothes

A bright yellow and black American Goldfinch perched upon a tree branch in spring.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Springtime in Minnesota means the return of birds who breed here. The winter silence of the woods comes to an end. As each new species migrates back over the months of March thru May, the forest is filled with song. This is a male Purple Finch - a recent arrival. #photography #birds #minnesota

A Purple Finch (bird) peers at me from a tree branch on a sunny, spring day.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

When I was growing up in the 1960s we never saw wild turkeys. Never. Today I regularly enjoy seeing them stroll through the neighborhood. Conservation is a wonderful thing! #minnesota #birds #bird #turkey #suburbs #conservation #nature #environment #minneapolis

Two wild turkeys stroll across a sidewalk in a suburban neighborhood.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

April in Minnesota is a mystery. Temps range from freezing to the nineties. Some days there is sunshine; other days there is snow. What to wear is a daily quandry. Consequently, Minnesotans, like me, are so happy when the flowers start to bloom. #photography #flowers #naturesoothes #spring

Pink azaleas blooming in May, with lime green hosta in the background.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

"Mother Nature is always speaking. She speaks in a language understood within the peaceful mind of the sincere observer." — Radhanath Swami #photograph #flower #flowers #tulip #garden #minnesota #spring #springtime #nature #naturesoothes #hope #mothernature #peace

A portrait photograph of a single red and yellow tulip in a garden.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

The Mississippi River in Minnesota in March. Getting outside again in spring is good for the spirit. #minnesota #minneapolis #spring #springtime #naturesoothes #mississippiriver #photography #nature

A view in spring of the Mississippi river in Minnesota. The view is of the river near the branches of a fallen tree. Some snow still remains on the shoreline.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

Minneapolis brought the heat today even though it was -10 below zero. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all gathered to protect our community! #minneapolis #minnesota #iceout #protectingneighbors

Photo of a very large protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minnesotans are gathering to protest ICE’s activities in our communities.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

As someone currently living in Minneapolis, I think the hypocrisy of this post is stunning.

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practicaljourney.bsky.social @practicaljourney.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” — Elmer Davis #photography #birds #minnesota #baldeagle #birdphotography #nature #wildlife #wilderness #quotes #bravery #courage #resist #freedom

A Bald Eagle sitting on the limb of a tree on a sunny day.

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