Hello, dears!
A little while ago, I took a walk in the woods which I will never forget. I found a trail of mushrooms leading me into the forest, where I found more mushrooms with more variety than I have EVER seen before! I can’t wait to tell you that story and show you some of my favorite pictures. But before that, let me announce the winner of the giveaway so you guys can read in peace. π
Thank you SO much for entering my giveaway, guys! There were almost 40 participants, yay! Also, I absolutely loved reading your envelope art suggestions, and I’m working on adding new envelopes to the shop right now, starting with a book-themed set. π
But ANYWAY, back to the winner. LET’S SEE WHO IT IS.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Athaleyah Wolf! Congratulations, girl! I’ll email you shortly to send your the details and your free printable, and I’ll try and ship your goodies off soon! π Thank you again for participating, guys. If you want to buy the things from the giveaway yourself, you can find the sealing wax and washi tape on Amazon, and most of the rest of the items at my Etsy shop, The Color Box Studio. π
Now, for the actual post. *rubs hands* Sit back and enjoy! π A couple of weeks ago, I went for a walk to see if I could find any bits of fall. I wasn’t too successful, but I found several acorns and a few pretty leaves, and then sat down in a mossy spot beside a tree to inspect my collection. As I bent down, I saw two cheerful yellow mushrooms that made my heart smile. I LOVE mushrooms! Well, I love looking at them… not so much eating them.
Anyway, as I moved to take a picture of them, I saw another mushroom out of the corner of my eye – this time it was a red one growing from the green moss.
After I had taken a picture of that one, I looked up and saw even MORE mushrooms, farther into the trees. Excitedly, I left my acorns and leaves behind and set off to follow the trail.
Oh, it was amazing – each time I came to one mushroom I could see at least one, often several more ahead of me.
I could hardly kneel down to take a picture without kneeling on another mushroom I hadn’t noticed. In fact, if you’ll look carefully, you can find tiny, hidden mushrooms in some of these photos, like the one below, which I didn’t see until I was sorting the pictures!
There were mushrooms of all colors: red, pink, orange, yellow, greenish, white, black, brown…
Some stood all by themselves…
and others grew in dense clusters.
Some had strange shapes I didn’t even know existed.
I found smooth mushrooms…
and lumpy ones.
Some were huge…
and others barely visible.
Often the big and small grew right beside each other.
Some were sticky with slime…
while others felt like velvet.
The variation took my breath away!
Later I figured that I had seen at least 60 different kinds of mushrooms in that small space of forest! Is that incredible or what?? Obviously I didn’t take or post pictures of all of them here, but just from these pictures you can see a sampling of the wide range.
I had never seen anything like it.
I followed the mushrooms until I could see the stream shining up ahead, beyond a steep incline.
And there stood one big, bright, beautiful orange-red mushroom by itself in a little clearing. By that time my camera battery had run out, so I didn’t get a picture of it. But somehow I felt that I had reached the end, then; even though I knew there were more mushrooms, that was too obviously a finale, and I turned back, breathless with amazement.
As I mentioned, my camera battery had run out before I got the end of the trail, so I decided to come back the next morning.
This time, I brought my macro lens, a ziploc bag of rice to prop my camera on the ground, and other equipment, because I was determined to get some appropriately beautiful pictures. π
It took a while for the sun to start filtering through the trees, but once it did, it was lovely! I DID get some good pictures – at least I think so!
I know this might seem like kind of a strange thing to get so excited about it, but oh my goodness, it made my day. Probably most people would have seen the first mushroom and said, βoh nice, a mushroom,β and walked off.
But God knew how much I like mushrooms and photographing them, and he led me to that little patch β it was like he grew the mushrooms just for me.
Iβm sure no other human had seen it before. Mushrooms are too transient to have lasted long. Even when I came back the next day, some of the mushrooms (like the last big one) were already withering.
I just felt so LOVED, so overwhelmed that God knew something like that, even such a small thing, would touch my heart β he knew it forever and always, and he made it happen.
He not only died to pay for my sins and the sins of his people, but he is watching me and loving me even now, even still! And so it is for you. β€
It was just so special, and I’ll never forget it. π
It truly was like a magical mushroom trail, except I know it wasn’t magic – it was the Creator who made such beautiful variation for us, because he loves us and delights to bring us joy that reflects his glory.
I’m so glad I could capture some of that “enchanted forest” beauty, and I hope you enjoyed seeing it too. π
Have you ever had something like this happen to you, where you just knew you were loved? Do you like mushrooms? Which mushroom was your favorite? Did you find any of the tiny hidden ones? What about the tiny gnat/flying insect, or the slug?
Thank you so much for reading, dears, and have a lovely day! β€
***Allison***
Whoa, those are beautiful! I’m not a huge fan of mushrooms, but they are pretty, aren’t they?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hee hee, YES!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Those mushrooms are so cool! Congrats to the winner! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! π
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awe, this was wonderful, Allison! Not only were your pictures amazing, but I loved the story behind it.
LikeLike
Thank you SO much, Amie! β€ I'm so glad you liked it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You answered fast, LOL! I like the little tiny mushrooms best, and I do adore mushrooms, they just make you think of fairies!
LikeLike
HA HA, I know. XD I usually answer fast just after I publish a post since I’m still on the computer. π Ahh yes, they’re so magical and… strange! XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
That makes sense. I’m the same way. π
LikeLike
Heh heh. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love mushrooms too! We don’t have a ton on our farm but one time I found a mushroom that was ENORMOUS!! I am going to email you the picture of me holding it. XD It was super big! π Your pictures are so beautiful! I always get excited when I see in my email that you posted photography. π Congrats to the winner!! π
-Laura β€ π
LikeLike
Me tooo! Whoa, that’s so neat! I can’t wait to get the email. π Aww, that makes me so happy to hear – thanks, Laura!
LikeLiked by 1 person
π I just sent it! π
LikeLike
Hooray!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so awesome Allison! Itβs like God grew them just for you to find! π and theyβre LOVELY!
LikeLike
I know, right? I thought the same thing! β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
π I canβt believe how intricate some of them are!
LikeLike
Same here! :O
LikeLike
Congrats! Goodness those are all SO GORGEOUS! I love the little story behind them as well! π
LikeLike
AHHHH I know, right? And thank you! I do too. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
How special. β₯οΈ And what beautiful photos! A while ago, God used someone to speak to my mom, and I was feeling jealous because I wanted Him to speak to me. That night, I had a dream that He texted me. It sounds kind of funny that He spoke to me through a text, but it was so special for me. I was so very happy the next morning! So that was something very special that showed me that God cares deeply about us. I felt pretty much the same as you described you felt about the mushroom path! Thank you for reminding me of that dream, Allison! π
-Sara
LikeLike
Oh, it was! Thanks so much, Sara! Aww, and thank you for sharing your story! What a wonderful feeling, right? Of course, God speaks to us all in his Word, but it’s lovely to get reminders like the mushrooms that he is still active today, even other than through the Bible! You’re most welcome, dear. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so welcome! Yes!! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. That was such a neat post! π All those different mushrooms were amazing!!! πππ And I love your personal touch to this post too π
LikeLike
Aww, thank you, dear! I KNOW, right?? I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. π β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woah those pictures, and the mushrooms themselves, are incredible! I agree, it’s so amazing the little things God puts in the world for us to find and enjoy π
LikeLike
Aww, thank you! AHHH, YES!
LikeLike
Congrats to the winner!
These are so cute!
LikeLike
Thanks, Christina!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations to the giveaway winner!
Wow! The pictures of the mushrooms are amazing! You are a really good photographer! π God is so good!
Did you find any morel mushrooms?
-Brooklyne
LikeLike
Yep, congrats!
Aww, thanks so much, dear! He is indeed. β€ Sadly I didn't find any morels… π That would be fun, though! Don't they look so neat?
LikeLike
I never would’ve guessed that so many kinds of mushrooms would be in one area! π What a lovely walk with mushrooms. Your photography looks great! π
LikeLike
I felt the same way! O.o And thanks so much!
LikeLike
Wow! Iβm so glad I won! Thanks, Allison! I usually only find dying mushrooms. π¦ . I like the mushrooms right after you said: βoften the big and small grew right next to each other.β It looks very fantasy-like if you know what I mean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, you got the comment to work! CONGRATULATIONSSSSS! I can’t wait to send your package! (I emailed you about it. π ) Aww, that’s too bad. π¦ And yes, I agree! π
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, thank you so much for sharing these pictures!! Mushrooms do seem magical and they remind me of Hobbits. I love mushrooms so much. π
LikeLike
Ahhh, you’re most welcome. Hee hee, they DO!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Allison you did a great job taking the photos of the mushrooms.
Marilyn
LikeLike
Thanks, Marilyn! β€
LikeLike
Loved the photos of the mushrooms. Thank You for sharing.
Joan
LikeLike
I’m so glad you did – and thank you for reading!
LikeLike
What a variety of mushrooms. Who knew there is are so many different kinds of mushrooms.
Marion
LikeLike
I know, right? God’s creativity is incredible!
LikeLike
YAAAAYYYY, THE MUSHROOM PICTURES. I love them all! Especially the clusters. So pretty, dear!
LikeLike
YESSSSS! Thanks so much, dear! ME TOO.
LikeLike
Aw what a cool story! β€
And beautiful pictures!
LikeLike
Thank you very much, Natasha! β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
So Beautiful!!
LikeLike
Aren’t they? β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations to the winner! π
Wow, Allison!! Those pictures are gorgeous! Mushrooms are so cool! I can’t believe there were all those different varieties. π Thanks for sharing those photos. I loved the story that went with this post too! π
LikeLike
Yep, congratulations!
Aww, thank you so much! It was my pleasure. I know, right? I felt the same way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous pictures, Allison! I love eating mushrooms, the ones that aren’t poisonous. The mushrooms were so beautiful! Thank God for His wonderful creation!
LikeLike
Thanks, Carissa! Heh heh, it’s good you don’t like the ones that are poisonous. *nods* And YES, I agree 100%!
LikeLike
Congratulations Athaleyah Wolf!!!
That’s amazing how many mushrooms you found!
Gracie
LikeLike
YES! π
LikeLike
Wow ! Your mushrooms are a lot more colourful than mine are
LikeLike
Hee hee, aren’t they bright? I usually just see white or brown mushrooms, so these were extra special!
LikeLike
Congratulations!!!
LikeLike
Yes! π
LikeLike
Awwww I’m so glad β€ Gorgeous pictures and such a blessing to you!
LikeLike
Ahhh, it was. β€ And thanks so much!
P. S. You updated your profile picture, right?? You look so cute! β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! And I did ^-^ thank youuuu!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thyese photos are SO beautiful. Mushrooms are some of my absolute favourite things. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Ahh, THANK YOU! Me too. β€ You're most welcome, Miri! Thank you for reading! π
LikeLike
This was such a fun read, and the photography was stunning! π± I loved your message too, it was so true! I love photographed mushrooms but not eating them, hahaha! πβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ
LikeLike
Aww, you’re so sweet. β€ HAHAHA, I agree. XD XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the post, congrats to the winner!
My favorite mushroom was the short, lumpy one. I think that it’s originality and creativity was beautiful. It’s so awesome that you could find trails of mushrooms. Where I live we only really get the big, white ones that come after the rain. My version of the mushrooms would be small wild flowers or types of moths (butterflies also, but I like the weird patterns on the moths).
Larryn!!! π β€
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Larryn!
Oh, I thought that one was so neat too – I’d never seen one like that! Ooh, the big white ones are neat too. That’s wonderful, dear! I love those too… I mostly just love God’s creation in general! π
LikeLike
Lovely post, Allison! Your stunning, sharp pictures made the mushrooms look so nice! I don’t really like mushrooms that much, but in your photos they look almost cute. π I think my favorite photo is this one: https://allisonsblog2.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/mushroom-3.jpg?w=656&zoom=2
It reminds me of a fairy tale land. π
Your story about being blessed and feeling loved by the mushroom trail reminded me of a song called the Little Things sung by a group called Chosen Few: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbldwuM84Bk
The song says “It’s the little things that I can’t live without. It’s more than just miracles God is all about.” Anyway, that was just a random thought I had. π
LikeLike
Aww, thanks so much, Sassafras! Hee hee, well I’m glad to hear that. π Ooh yes, I love that one too! π
Ooh, thanks for sharing that song with me! I like those lyrics. π Thanks for the comment as well, dear! β€
P. S. I DID get your email, yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, this was so lovely! β€ I loved seeing all of the cute little (and not-so-little) mushrooms captured in your beautiful photographs! It's so neat that you got to have that experience and that God used it to remind you how much he loves you. π
-Clara β€
LikeLike
Ahh, thank you! I agree. β€ β€
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing!!
LikeLike
Isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person