minding my nest

practicing the art of an ordinary life

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About Me

Hi There! I’m Kelly. I am a wife, mom, light seeker, homemaker, and storyteller. From an empty nest to an abundant life, all it took was a little time, a lot of faith, and the courage to see my life differently.

You can read more about my story here.

So now, armed with my trusty Canon camera, here is where I share my journey to live an inspired and intentional life.

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Regular Contributor to Focusing on Life.

Story Teller for Ali Edwards Design Team

Currently Teaching at Big Picture Classes.

My Portfolio - Kelly Ishmael Photography

I first planted these ‘Oklahoma Salmon’ zinnas

I first planted these ‘Oklahoma Salmon’ zinnas from @floretflower four years ago and they have reseeded themselves each year since. For the most part, the flowers that grow from these seeds are double blooms, meaning they are specifically cultivated to have multiple layers of petals which is what gives them their showy, textured look. This year however, I also have quite a few of this single bloom style with only one row of petals surrounding the center of the flower.

Botanically speaking, as a member of the Asteraceae Family (Composite/Compound Flowers) the flower head of a zinnia (inflorescence) is made up of two different types of flowers. What we typically consider to be the “petals” are actually called ray florets and the ring of bright yellow, tube-shaped flowers around the center are the disk florets. Each individual disk floret has five petals and stigma (pollen receptor) in the center whereas the ray florets have stigmas that resemble two yellow antenna poking out from the inside. The anthers (pollen producers) are the rust-colored structures located in the center of the bloom.

I love both varieties of blooms, but there is something about the simplicity of these single-bloom zinnias that I find so charming. I love the delicate row of “petals”, and I especially love how the disk florets stand tall in center, crowning the whole flower and giving it an almost regal look.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little botany lesson today. 🤓 And as always, thank you for letting me share my fascination with flowers and love of the natural world with you. 💛

There’s so much to love about August. From the b

There’s so much to love about August. From the brightly colored zinnias standing tall in the garden to the best melons of the season to more hummingbird sightings in the backyard. It’s one of my favorite months of the year and my hope is to really savor all its special magic. 🌼✨💛

Butterfly sightings have been few and far between

Butterfly sightings have been few and far between for me this summer. Which is why it was such a happy surprise to find these Eastern Black Swallowtail larvae munching away on the parsley in my flowerbed. I counted eight in all, and every morning I grab my coffee and go out to see how they’re doing. Most of them have almost doubled in size since I took these photos over the weekend. 🐛

Swallowtail larvae have many predators including spiders, wasps, and small birds so I’m hoping that at least a couple of these caterpillars will make it all the way through their life cycle. So if you’re looking for me these next couple of weeks, this is where you’ll find me. 🤓

My flowerbeds, like just about everything else aro

My flowerbeds, like just about everything else around the house, took a backseat to all of the wedding planning and preparation this summer. So if felt really good this weekend to dig in the dirt and get things cleaned up a little. Fortunately, my garden doesn’t need a lot of help from me, and I am so thankful for all of the beauty it provides all by itself. 🌼💛✨

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