Japanese Garden also called as The Garden of Three Islands is one of the many gardens within the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Here it is indeed easy to overlook how the Japanese respect for nature and age are revealed. If you look closely, though, the effect is evocative, as seamless as a traditional haiku. The larger rocks are partially buried, as if they have been in place forever. Flowering plants have a short bloom time, reflecting the yin-yang balance between the ephemeral existence of human life and the timelessness of nature. Many of the trees are pruned and trained to give the illusion of age. This 17-acre lakeside garden includes three islands. Only two (Island of Clear, Pure Breezes & Island of the Auspicious Cloud) are open to the public. Across the lake, the inaccessible island (Island of Everlasting Happiness) is symbolic of paradise—in sight yet elusive. Sunset is particularly an awesome time to take a walk by the lake around these islands :)
I am not much of a wildlife photographer, but once in a while I do get lucky, This was one such instance while scouting the Thatcher Woods in the suburbs of Illinois, for capturing the fresh snow. The snow was still falling with a light drizzle. The white blanket of snow was spread around everywhere. It was biting cold, but there was a serene feeling in the air. As I was snow shoeing thru the trees, there she was. Just at hint of slightest sound, she turned back, posed for a second & went back to what she was doing. ignoring me completely. Luckily had my camera ready to get that shot :)
