Tessera

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · yesterday

Elephants' personalities are often really beautiful.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust@sheldricktrust.bsky.social · yesterday

Female elephants usually love the opportunity to nanny younger siblings and members of their herd. Naleku takes this to the next level: In late 2025, she left the dependent herd early, refusing to enter her bedroom to instead spend nights out in the wild caring for ex-orphans' calves.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 2d ago

God’s heartfelt kindnesses, waiting to touch our minds, hearts, souls: Gentle evening, a desert celestial vista – bright moon with golden luminosity, illuminated airy clouds held aloft, amidst a lovely indigo-blue sky… #Photography #Kindness #Moon #Sky #BlueTue #ColorADay #Nature

Beginning at lower part of image – silhouettes of desert trees; above them a brilliant nearly-full moon, with golden aura shining across a rich-blue sky. The celestial light is illuminating both the sky near our moon, & the clouds above it which are mostly dark with lighter edges.

Kelly Lantana @kellylantana.bsky.social · 4d ago

“Creation’s beauty, lives among us as a sublime gift from God’s heart – calming for our minds, moments of quiet joy for our hearts, inspiring for our aching souls.” K.L. My apologies for being away for a while; needed some time to refresh, within. #Photography #ImageAndVerse #Flowers #Nature

A desert morning garden – Hibiscus flower almost totally unfurled, bright red center with artistic white edging.
There’s a bee relaxing in a little bit of shade (center-front of flower). Even bees take vital time to refresh!
Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Sunsets have a lovely way, of helping us to perceive, wonderful attributes of our Living God: ~ Bold, yet gentle grace within God’s deep heart ~ Delightful, and boundless sense of creativity of God ~ Generous, divine love that God always longs to give us #Photography #Sunset #Love #Wisdom

A wonderful, related Bible verse: “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature...” Romans 1:20, NLT (New Living Translation.) Image is of a desert sunset, last evening.

Kelly Lantana @kellylantana.bsky.social · 2mo ago

“Especially as life brings us deep challenges, heartache, suffering; moments of wonder amidst God’s creations, can bring calmness to our souls… Being quietly open, to such moments.” K.L. Desert sunset, & some glowing backlit trees from the golden-orange light. #Photo #Peace #Sunset #ImageAndVerse

Most of the glowing trees, are near center of image, on right side of the sun beginning to disappear beyond the horizon. Taken last evening…
Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Sunsets have a lovely way, of helping us to perceive, wonderful attributes of our Living God: ~ Bold, yet gentle grace within God’s deep heart ~ Delightful, and boundless sense of creativity of God ~ Generous, divine love that God always longs to give us #Photography #Sunset #Love #Wisdom

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The generosity of our Living God, is boundless in creation! When life becomes challenging, or painful, may we remember this loving attribute of God – Generosity – as we stroll amidst, or look about, or even rest a while, in God’s lovely creation. #Photography #Flower #Creation #Love #Wisdom #Peace

A bright red Hibiscus bloom, in morning desert light… This type of Hibiscus is a Dangling Hibiscus – when fully open, it dangles much like a Fuchsia flower does… Such variety, even in the details, amidst God’s creation!

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The generosity of our Living God, is boundless in creation! When life becomes challenging, or painful, may we remember this loving attribute of God – Generosity – as we stroll amidst, or look about, or even rest a while, in God’s lovely creation. #Photography #Flower #Creation #Love #Wisdom #Peace

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The little aspects of God’s creation, are deep gifts too… Moments of gentle love and inner refreshment, amidst a difficult, strange world. “Life is all around us… If we choose to behold with our hearts, and quietly hearken with our spirits.” K.L. #Photography #Love #Nature #Wonder #Peace #Wisdom

A little desert Honey Bee, just leaving a magenta Cholla Cactus flower. Some of the bloom’s pollen, has gently landed on the lower petals… Liveliness, and Peace.
Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The little aspects of God’s creation, are deep gifts too… Moments of gentle love and inner refreshment, amidst a difficult, strange world. “Life is all around us… If we choose to behold with our hearts, and quietly hearken with our spirits.” K.L. #Photography #Love #Nature #Wonder #Peace #Wisdom

Kelly Lantana @kellylantana.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Our moon, a wondrous part of creation: Maybe not thought of often, yet she always influences our ocean tides, which helps provide nutrients for our marine life. Impacted, at times profoundly, by her journey in life, yet resolutely persevering. #Photography #Moon #Scape #ECK #Nature #Resiliency

A crescent moon-scape, displaying various impacts of her celestial journey – yet our moon carries on, giving a sense of humble wonder.
Seen the other evening, in a desert.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 3mo ago

A desert spring evening… “Perceiving divine Love – Who created sunsets with golden accents, far-reaching light rays; a reminder, our God’s Heart is with us! As a soul listens, amidst silence, receives, with deep gladness; giving an inner smile, of loving gratitude.” K.L. #Photography #Sunset #Love

Across a natural canvas of light blue sky, clouds embark on a slow, sunset journey, some accented in golden hues. Rays of light reach out from behind darker clouds – radiating far across the celestial view. Seen the other evening... Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.
A lovely related Bible verse: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…” Romans 1:20 (New International Version.)

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 3mo ago

A desert spring evening… “Perceiving divine Love – Who created sunsets with golden accents, far-reaching light rays; a reminder, our God’s Heart is with us! As a soul listens, amidst silence, receives, with deep gladness; giving an inner smile, of loving gratitude.” K.L. #Photography #Sunset #Love

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 3mo ago

📷 #Morning Yellow-headed Blackbirds, after dawn 🎶 #Hymn “Morning has broken Like the first morning, Blackbird has spoken Like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning! Praise for them, springing Fresh from the Word!” Please read ALT #Photography #Hymn #BlueSkyArtShow #Birds

Original hymn, lovely words of God’s creation, written by English author and poet Eleanor Farjeon in 1931. Her entire lyrics are below. This became her ‘most widely published work.’ (Cat Steven’s song of this hymn, very popular in early 1970’s.)
Photo is of Yellow-headed Blackbirds, in the golden hour just after dawn, on an overcast desert spring morning.

Morning has broken
Like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken
Like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing
Fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall
Sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall
On the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
Of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness
Where his feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight!
Mine is the morning
Born of the one light
Eden saw play!
Praise with elation,
Praise every morning,
God’s re-creation
Of the new day!

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Since the Living God – lovingly created animals, artistically designed flowers, graciously gave us sunsets – may we often-times perceive how deeply, God’s heart loves us. Hummingbird visiting desert blooms of pink and gold. #Photography #Hummingbird #Flowers #Love #Wisdom #Nature #Blooms #Birds

A female desert hummingbird, seeking life-sustaining nectar from Lantana flowers. Seen in a desert garden, several years ago.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Since the Living God – lovingly created animals, artistically designed flowers, graciously gave us sunsets – may we often-times perceive how deeply, God’s heart loves us. Hummingbird visiting desert blooms of pink and gold. #Photography #Hummingbird #Flowers #Love #Wisdom #Nature #Blooms #Birds

Kelly Lantana @kellylantana.bsky.social · 3mo ago

“Genuine Light has a calming way, of giving inner illumination – For challenging decisions. In difficult situations. To our very lives.” K.L. Golden desert light, amidst voluminous sun rays, and gently around passing storm clouds. #Photography #Light #ImageAndVerse #Stunday #Sunset #Clouds

A sunset scene, during the desert summer rainy season; the sun having just dipped beyond the horizon… Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Desert evening clouds, that look quite similar to waves on a misty sea; with one frothy wave (on far right) actually breaking… “When gazing at the skies, beholding Your wonders, my soul is gently humbled, discovering peace, within.” K.L. #Photography #Clouds #Peace #Wonder #Creation #Sky #Scape

Seen the other evening. It had been mostly cloudy all day, somewhat rare in a desert… Quote in post by Kelly Lantana.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Seek, find Wisdom: through inner authenticity (honesty) a caring, compassionate heart (love) an open, quiet soul (humbleness) “Wisdom is directly in front of an understanding person, but the eyes of a fool [are looking around] all over the world.” #Wisdom #Photography #Nature #Flower #Peace #Faith

A Gazania flower, with a small butterfly alighted upon it; last autumn… Bible verse: Proverbs 17:24 from the GWT (God’s Word Translation.)

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Seek, find Wisdom: through inner authenticity (honesty) a caring, compassionate heart (love) an open, quiet soul (humbleness) “Wisdom is directly in front of an understanding person, but the eyes of a fool [are looking around] all over the world.” #Wisdom #Photography #Nature #Flower #Peace #Faith

Kelly Lantana @kellylantana.bsky.social · 3mo ago

A blessed, belated Earth Day to you – wouldn’t it be good, if amidst every day we appreciate, in some quiet way even celebrate, our one and only, lovely earth-home? Even small spaces on earth, have their special beauty... #NaturePhotography #EarthDay #Scape #Wildflowers

Amidst a desert – wild Mist Flowers, in a blue-purple color. There’s a blurry bee on one, in the background, top-left. Butterflies really enjoy these wildflowers! They prefer growing in dappled shady areas… Mid autumn, several years ago: yet they bloom in summer as well, if rains are decent.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Verbena flowers, gracefully blooming next to an Old Man Cactus, with soft white ‘hair’ and sharp spines. Those who are very different, can peacefully co-exist. For plants – no cease fires or peace deals required. “ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;” Job 12:8 #Wisdom #Plants

Bright purple, small flowers, blooming right next to a cactus, in a desert garden. They’ve been growing like this for months on end…
Bible verse is from Job 12:8, New Revised Standard Version.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 4mo ago

When seeing lovely butterfly scenes in creation, one’s mind, heart, soul may perceive a little more- certain aspects of the Personality of our Living God: ~ How lovingly creative God is, ~ The Personal artistic touches, ~ Deep sense of embracing Love. #NaturePhotography #Butterfly ##Flowers #Faith

Brings to mind a Bible verse: “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:19-20, ESV (English Standard Version.)…
Desert butterfly on flower, wonderfully accenting each other.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 4mo ago

When seeing lovely butterfly scenes in creation, one’s mind, heart, soul may perceive a little more- certain aspects of the Personality of our Living God: ~ How lovingly creative God is, ~ The Personal artistic touches, ~ Deep sense of embracing Love. #NaturePhotography #Butterfly ##Flowers #Faith

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Verbena flowers, gracefully blooming next to an Old Man Cactus, with soft white ‘hair’ and sharp spines. Those who are very different, can peacefully co-exist. For plants – no cease fires or peace deals required. “ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;” Job 12:8 #Wisdom #Plants

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 4mo ago

What a beautiful read, the article is.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust@sheldricktrust.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Keeper Peter has company wherever he goes – Brutus, Bombi the zebra, and Pips rarely leave his side. So inseparable that when Peter needed to step away, he'd leave his coat on a branch. A revealing look at the bonds that form here: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news/fieldnotes/march-2021

Kelly Lantana @kellylantana.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Creation’s blooms are not selfish, arrogant, or cruel. Flowers, are naturally what they are: Giving. Humble. Kindly. ~ Strength ~ Freely seen, wonderfully sensed, if perceived with an open mind, vibrant heart, seeking soul. #Photography #Flowers #Peace #Kindness #Nature #Garden

Globe Mallow blooms – cheerful, bright orange flowers with a yellow center. Blooms are only ~ ¾ inch across, yet they give us so much. Background is desert greenery. In a desert garden, the other day.

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Flying so free… Little desert hummingbird, hovering in mid-air for mere seconds, amidst a winter wooded area. My heart tells me, that even creation’s smallest, value their own sense of freedom… Please see ALT for interesting bird details. #Photography #Hummingbird #Birds #Wonder #Desert #Nature

A male Anna’s Hummingbird – instead of the usual bright pink, is displaying a lovely, vibrant raspberry color on his neck feathers. This deep raspberry may be observed, if the angle of ambient light is a certain way, or one’s viewing angle is different (like from the side.)
Seen Dec. 26, 2021, mid-day; taken with a telephoto lens so to not disturb. Anna’s Hummingbirds, are quite common to see in the desert in winter, where daytime temperatures are still relatively warm.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust @sheldricktrust.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Ndotto is the smallest elephant we have ever rescued: 40kg, premature, found alone on a remote mountain peak with his umbilical cord still fresh. A community member walked down on foot to raise the alarm. Now 11 and living wild. sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/ndotto

Kelly Lantana ~ 2 ~, Spiritual Author & Nature Photographer @kellylantana2.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Vibrant cactus flowers, bloom for only ~ two days, yet they give a deep sense of joy, vitality, that endure far longer… Easter Day may be gone, yet the inner heartfelt messages of spiritual vitality, vibrant new life, can be present for us a long, long time. #Photography #Flowers #Inspiration

Wild cactus flowers, their blooms gently unfolding on Easter morning, this year… Their soft, yet wax-like petals growing in various shades of vibrant magenta; darker near the center, gradually becoming lighter. This wild, desert plant looks to be a Fendler’s Hedgehog: flowers 4 - 5 inches across, plant stems 8 - 10 inches tall.