HYBYCOZO at Missouri Botanical Garden

 

In this review I will be reviewing my visit to the HYBYCOZO exhibit at Missouri Botanical Garden.

Missouri Botanical Garden has hosted works from some very talented artists over the years.  This year from April through August they are home to works by HYBYCOZO. This exhibit called Patterns in Nature, allows you to explore 21 intricately designed installations throughout the garden.

 In early May I visited the garden to photograph some of these beautiful works.  I went during the daytime, and they were stunning among all the beautiful blooming flowers in May.  The garden will also be open several evenings for special viewings of the sculptures called LightForm. 

About the Artists

The following information on the artists were copied from the brochure handed out at the garden.

"Artists Serge Beaulieu and Yelena Filipchuk began HYBCOZO in 2014, drawing inspiration from the inherent beauty found in mathematics, science, and natural phenomena.

Originally from Ukraine, Filipchuk attended the University of California, Berkeley and studied Conservation and Resource studies, concentrating on patterns in the natural world, biomimicry, and environmental science.  Beaulieu attended Carleton University in his native Canada and studied Industrial Design.

Together, their large-scale geometric artworks push the boundaries of technology, lighting, and fabrication.  HYBYCOZO has been featured in cities from San Francisco to London and from the galleries of the Smithsonian to the deserts of Burning Man.  The artists created six new custom pieces for St. Louis, inspired by the living collections and conservation mission of the Garden."

My Photographs of the HYBYCOZO Works

The sculptures were all so very different and with the theme of Patterns in Nature they all worked so well into the garden. Here are a few of my favorites.

Here is the sculpture that is at the entrance to the gardens.

This photograph was taken by reaching into one of the works and photographing the tops of the sculpture from the inside.

I love how this one sits between the columns.

These bright pink sculptures sit in the reflecting pool in front of the Climatron.

There are several sculptures in the gardens that are reflective.  They mirror the surrounding garden features.

The Iris were in Bloom

One of my favorite flowers to photograph at the Gardens are their beautiful Iris.  They have a huge area with lots of Iris in a multitude of colors.  They were in full bloom when we visited so I was able to take lots of photos.  Here are a few of them.

Many if my photographs are sold on Zazzle.  Here is a link to one of my Iris cards.

Iris Delight Card

More Reviews of Missouri Botanical Garden 

I have written several reviews on Missouri Botanical Garden over the years.  Here are links to a view of those reviews.

Missouri Botanical Garden in the Winter

Japanese Garden

Review of Missouri Botanical Garden

Origami in the Garden

Garden Photography Tips

Learn More about Missouri Botanical Garden

If you would like to learn more about the garden, here is an Amazon book that you will find interesting and informative. Missouri Botanical Garden

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Review-World Bee Day

 

World Bee Day in an annual day that calls attention to the critical importance of bees in our world.  Did you know that bees are very important to the production of food in the world?  They are among the most effective pollinators which enable fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits.  Approximately 1/3 of all the world's food crops depend on bee pollination.  Without bees many plants would struggle to live and this would lead to diminished food availablily.

World Bee Day

May 20th is an annual observance to raise the awareness of the essential role of bees.  In 2017 the United Nations approved May 20th to be the first annual World Bee Day.  This date was picked to honor Anton Jansa of Slovenia who was a pioneer of beekeeping that was born on May 20, 1734.

The 2026 theme for World Bee Day is "Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agricultural production."

I found the following YouTube video on World Bee Day.  It was written for children, but it can also be very educational for adults.  It tells about bees and their place in food production.

Fun Facts About Bees

• There is one Queen bee in each hive.  She is the only  one that produces new bees. She may live up to 5 years.  She can lay up to 2600 eggs a day.
• When a queen bee dies the worker bees create a new queen by selecting a young larva and feeding it a special food called "royal jelly" this enables the larva to develop into a fertile queen.
• The rest of the female bees are worker bees.  They all have assigned jobs.  They can live for just 5-6 weeks.
• The male bees are drones.  Their primary function is to mate with the queen bee and pass on their genetics to future generations.

The worker bees have duties assigned them from birth.  Here are a few of the duties I found interesting.

• Scouts- they go out to find where the pollen is most plentiful.  They also search for a place for a new hive.
• Funeral directors- when a bee dies the funeral team takes the dead body out of the hive and disposes of it.
• In order to keep warm in the winter, there are a group of bees that gather and block the entrance to the hive with their bodies.  They beat their wings to send in a warm breeze.  Even when it is below freezing they can maintain the heat in the hive to 90 degrees. 

What you can do to help?

Some of the ways you can help to save the bees include:

1. Planting  native, bee friendly flowers
2. Reducing or eliminating herbicide and insecticide use
3. Leaving patches of bare soil and untidy areas for nesting
4. Providing water sources with stones
5. Supporting local organic farmers

My husband has been learning a lot about bees and last year he encouraged me to plant more bee friendly flowers in my flower bed.

I planted sunflowers, cone flowers, black eyed susans and other bee friendly plants.  Here are some photos of the bees on our plants last year.

More Information on Bees

If you would like to learn more about bees, Amazon has several books available.  Here is a link to one that looks like it would have a lot of information.  https://amzn.to/4eVPt60

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Peg Unhinged-Book Review

 

Peg Unhinged- A Book Review

I have reviewed several books by Teri M Brown and I have enjoyed every one of them.  Teri is a talented author that has written works in several different genre's.  In her latest novel she explores a woman going through menopause, divorce, career issues and all the emotions these issues can cause.  The book is a real page-turner that is written with humor and compassion. In this book you will meet Peg and her sometimes helpful and sometimes not cast of friends and relatives. 

Book Synopsis

Peg is a successful real estate agent who has been the top agent in her agency for several years.  Peg has just found that her husband wants a divorce and to top it all off one of the new agents in her firm is a young ambitious woman who also has eyes on Peg's husband.  When this woman goes after the coveted award that Peg has always had, Peg becomes unhinged.  This is the last straw to all the troubles in Peg's life.

As the book progresses Peg is forced to pull herself together and rely on her strengths.  In her struggle to find herself she has conversations with God where she sometimes complains and sometimes pleads for guidance.  The book is written with humor in the crazy situations that Peg gets herself into and I often laughed out loud.   

The Book on Amazon

This book can be found on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.  Here is a link to the book on Amazon.

Peg Unhinged

Review This Reviews of Other Teri M Brown books

Book Review-10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure

Book Review-Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

Book Review of An Enemy Like Me

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow - A Book Review

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The Fatal Flotilla at Sea Oats Beach

 

This fun new cozy mystery by Karen Whalen is sure to delight all the cozy mystery fans out there.  I have been a fan of Karen's mysteries for several years now, and I always look forward to her new releases.  This latest book did not disappoint.  In this book she brings back Breanna Hart and her interesting group of friends.

Book Summary

Breanna Hart is an interesting character who is a real animal lover and volunteers at the local animal shelter.  As this book begins Breanna is at the Flotilla just before Christmas in Sea Oats Beach.  All of the boats are brightly decorated with shimmering lights as the parade in front of the beach.  Everyone comes out to watch the flotilla, and it is a delightful sight.  Breanna too is enjoying the festivities until they see an abandoned boat floating nearby and she discovers a dead body on the boat.  The victim is found to be killed by a gunshot.  He was a big supporter of the animal shelter where Breanna volunteers

Breanna takes it upon herself to go on a fact-finding mission to discover who the murderer was.  She gets the help of several of her friends and also a bloodhound from the shelter named Tracker.  She has several threatening incidents that occur that put her in danger, and she is warned by the police to stay out of the investigation.  Breanna cannot help herself though and continues to search for clues.

As the holiday approaches she is determined to discover the culprit.

Book on Amazon

You can find the book on Amazon at The Fatal Flotilla at Sea Oats Beach

Reviews of other Karen C Whalen Books

The author has written three different series of books.  The Tow Truck Driver Mysteries, the Dinner Club Mysteries, and the Sea Oats Beach mysteries.  I have reviewed several of the books and have thoroughly enjoyed them all.  Here are some of my reviews.

 

• Booty in the Backseat- Book Review
• Book Review-Stiletto to the Pedal
• Book Review - Friends Come to Call
• Book Review - Toes on the Dash
• Reviewing Murder at Sea Oats Beach
• Everything Bundt the Truth
  
• Washed Up on Sea Oaks Beach
  

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Outdoor Sunflower Decorations

 

I was out shopping at a local "At Home" store when I came across this cheerful little birdhouse.  I thought it would be perfect to spruce up my deck and backyard garden area for the spring.  I bought it and ended up hanging it on a post at the edge of our deck.  To my surprise by late that afternoon I saw some birds checking it out.  It is now a week later and if you look close at the hole in the front you will see the materials the birds brought in for their nest.  I was amazed they settled in so quickly.

I then decided to go on Amazon and look for some other sunflower decorations for my backyard.  Below you will find the results from my search.

Sunflower Solar Lights

Solar sunflowers are a great way to add some light to your garden at  night or light up your walkways.  As I was looking for sunflower decor on Amazon, I came across a variety of different sunflower solar lights.  I can see them in the garden around a deck as a great way to lighten up your flowers for an evening party.  Here is a link to some of the sunflower solar lights on Amazon. Sunflower Solar Lights

Sunflower Bird Feeders

In the photo above you see the sunflower birdfeeder, that I purchased on Amazon hanging on a post at the edge of our deck.  I tried to put in a birdseed mix, but found the smaller seeds went through the cracks.  I refilled it with sunflower seeds and they work perfectly.

When I looked on Amazon for sunflower bird feeders, I found they had lots from which to choose.

Here is a link to Amazon's page on Sunflower bird feeders.  I am sure you will find one to fit your needs. Sunflower Bird Feeders

Sunflower Welcome Mat

Do you need a new welcome mat to spruce up your outdoor area?  I love to see sunflowers on a welcome mat and I found that Amazon carries a large variety of different sunflower mats.  Here is a link to the Amazon page on sunflower mats. Sunflower Welcome Mats

More Sunflower Reviews

I love sunflowers and have written about them in past reviews.  Here are some links to sunflower reviews on Review This.

Fun Facts about Sunflowers

Sunflower Facts and Photographs  

Photographing Sunflowers

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Missouri Botanical Gardens in the Winter

 

Explore Missouri Botanical Gardens

In St. Louis we have a beautiful botanical garden that has been in continuous operation since 1859.  It was founded by Henry Shaw and is one of the few gardens to achieve National Historic Landmark status.  I have spent many hours visiting the garden during the spring, summer, and fall times, but until this year, I had not visited it in the winter.  What a delightful experience!  In February my son and his family were visiting us from New Hampshire, and I took my daughter-in-law and two granddaughters to visit the gardens.  We had a wonderful time.  

Orchid Show

I had often seen photos of the annual orchid show but had never been to the garden to see it.  This show is held in February when the more than 5000 individual plants are moved from the greenhouses to the Emerson Conservatory.  The botanical garden has over 700 unique kinds of orchids, which are cared for year-round by the horticulture staff.  Here are a few of my favorite photos from the orchid show.

Growing Orchids at Home

In the brochure we received at the orchid show there is a section that talks about how easy orchids are to grow at home under the right conditions.  Here some key points.

• Potting medium  - many orchids grow best when their roots are exposed to the air.  There are mixes for the pot that help with this aeration.
• Temperature- most orchids are comfortable at room temperature- 60-80 F 
• Humidity- 40-70% is ideal, this can be achieved by placing pots on a gravel-lined try filled with water.
• Light- Orchids like a sunny room or artificial lights.  If leaves turn yellow or lanky they need more light.
• Water- Make sure potting mix nearly dries out before watering again.

I found this book on Amazon that helps you in growing orchids.

No Stress Orchid Gardening for Beginners

Chinese Garden

It was a beautiful day out, so after visiting the orchid show I took my granddaughters and daughter-in-law to some of my favorite spots in the garden.  There were not any flowers blooming at this time of the year but the beauty of the sculptures and structures around the park made for a delightful visit.

Our first stop was at the Chinese Garden, this garden was designed by Chinese born architect Yong Pan.  It is modeled after "scholars gardens" in the southern provinces of China.  

Here are some of the photos I took of my granddaughters exploring the garden.

Japanese Garden

A favorite place of mine to explore at the gardens is the Japanese Garden.  I wanted to show this to my granddaughters, so we took a stroll to the garden and walked around the lake to experience all of the sculptures and features of the Japanese Garden.  This 14-acre garden is called Seiw-en and was dedicated in 1977.  I have photographed it often through the years. Here are some of my photos.

The Garden through the Years

I have taken photography classes at the garden and have enjoyed my visits through the years.  Here are some other reviews I have written on the garden.

Japanese Garden

Missouri Botanical Garden

Origami in the Garden

Garden Photography Tips

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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AI and Photography

 

AI generated image from original photograph

AI has come a long way since I last wrote a review on it two years ago.  You now hear a lot of negatives (mainly when people try to pass an AI feature off as their own) but I believe there are many useful purposes for AI in photography and editing.  I also believe it is important when a creation has added AI features that you represent it as such.

In the image above I started with a photograph of myself, as you see in the center of the collage.  I then went into ChatGPT and asked it to create a collage with my favorite pastimes: photography, Bible class, Book club, photographing lighthouses, and bird watching.

Caricatures using ChatGPT

Another fun thing to do in ChatGPT is to make caricatures.  These are very easy to make and ChatGPT allows you to make up to 4 images a day for free.  If you want to do more in a day then you would need to upgrade to their paid version.  I have made several of these caricatures and always enjoy the outcomes.  Here are the steps I take to make the images.

• Enter ChatGPT in your browser.
• Sign in to ChatGPT
• On the left side of the screen you will see images as a choice-hit that
• Now a box will come up asking you to describe image here
• This is where you list your activities that you would like to show in your caricature.
• Now to the left of the box you will see a plus sign and this is where you add your photograph
• When all is added you just click on the button to start and it will create your image.  This will take a few minutes.

Below you see a caricature I made of my dog Dixie.  I put her activites as running in park and chasing squirrels.

Dog Caricature created on ChatGPT

For my brothers-in-law birthday, I wanted to create a special card so I put a photo I had of him on ChatGPT and listed his favorite pastimes: the theatre, chess, visiting Branson MO and cigars.  I asked for a caricature and here is the resulting image which I then put on the front of his birthday card.

Caricature Created by ChatGPT from Photograph

 Generative Fill in Photoshop

Another great way to use AI is a fun feature in Photoshop called "Generative Fill".  In this feature you use a photograph that you had taken and add something to it.  You can do this by circling the area where you want to add something and then selecting generative fill in the Edit drop down menu.  You will have a box pop up where you can describe what you want to add.  Here is an example.

This is a photo I created an image for a challenge group I am in called" Monthly Artistic Playtime". They provided the hearts and lettering, and we were challenged to create an image using that.  I added a photo I had taken of the Northern Lights for the background and then with generative fill I added the two Cardinal lovebirds.

Valentine Greeting

Creating Images in Meta AI

In this one I had a photo that I took of my backyard when it was snowing, and I wanted to use it for Christmas.  I used Meta AI to add the wreath with the red bow, the twinkling lights and the greeting.  Meta AI is found on Facebook and is very easy to use.  You can find it on your home Facebook page in the lefthand column

Christmas Decor edited with Meta AI

2023 Review on AI and Photography

In 2023 I first wrote a review on fun ways to use AI and creativity with photographs. AI has come a long way in the past two years, but I thought you might like to see what I wrote two years ago.  Here is a link to that review.

Fun with AI in Photography

Zazzle Card from my Designs

Valentine Card

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of Renewed iPhones on Amazon

 

Renewed electronics on Amazon are a great way to get really good products at a reduced price. I have found that they offer a cost-effective way to own Apple products and they come with a warranty.  I have gotten my last three iPhones on Amazon using the renewed program and have been very satisfied.  The phones have been just like new and the process to get them and to trade in your old phones is great.

Key Features of Amazon Renewed iPhones

• Choose from service provider or unlocked
• Great selection of all models of iPhones--some as low as $315.00
• Choose memory size
• Choose condition- choices include Excellent, Good, and Acceptable and range from no cosmetic damage to lightly visible scratches.  All have battery life of greater than 80%
• Trade In of your old phone is available- you enter information on your old phone and they will give you an estimated trade in value.  If you choose to go with the trade in they send you a free shipping label.
• All come with accessories equivalent to those that were originally shipped in the box when they were new.
• Free Returns- 90 day refund/replacement

Here is a link to Amazon's Renewed iPhones Renewed iPhones

Amazon Renewed Store

In addition to the iPhones the Amazon Renewed Store carries a variety of expertly refurbished products at great prices.  Here are the categories I found on the Renewed page on Amazon.

• Cell Phones and Accessories
• Computers and Accessories
• Video Games
• Office Supplies

Here is a link to the Amazon Renewed Store Amazon Renewed Store

Buying a renewed phone or other electronic product is not only a great way to save money, but you are helping the environment at the same time.  I have been so pleased with the phones that we have purchased in this way.  Everything has always gone as smooth as can be and I love my new (renewed) iphone 14Pro Max!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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