We humans as a whole I am afraid are very disconnected with nature, and with each other for that matter. But it is the former I want to talk about here. I lived for 30+ years of my life in small cities but had family from small towns that were connected to nature and the farming community. I really did not pay much attention to the details of nature’s life cycles other than from one season change to another. Going on 15 years ago I moved with The Bride to a small home with 3+ acres in the country.Here, through photography, I have been more connected to nature and how our behavior effects it both in a positive and negative way. I do not use weed killers anymore and very few pesticides: Spiders and ants are to stay outside the house, that’s the rule around here. Also my world has been expanded by observing nature through the lens. One case in point is I had always hated wasps. That was a social norm and I too went with it till I started looking at them through the lens. As I waited for a good angle, or the right light, I observed something that puzzled me and that was the wasp got its fuel from flowers. “If that is so” I thought, “then Wasps must be pollinators ” and that is what they are. And they are great at pest control as well. Unfortunately they have had some bad press due to everyone having a “my friend almost died after being stung by a wasp” story. Don’t get me wrong I understand how dangerous a wasp sting is to a very small percentile of the population, and we need keep those folks safe through education of the signs and treatments for such stings, but for the record I never have had a wasp “come after me”. I have laid my arm on one and trapped one between my body and arm while painting and got stung for my efforts both times. That is their defense mechanism that is not however what the are. What they are is a vital and necessary link in natures ability to survive and thrive. In that light here is a photo of a Wasp eating on a Common Wood Aster and I hope you are more connected to their place here in the world we share with them.
In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Connected.”
Daffodil Hill Photography 
Very nice capture but, oh, what to do when they are building their nest along the roof line of one’s garage, or by the front door of the house? 😦
I leave them if they are not in direct line with door ways and such but if they are or you or yours are highly allergic…..you do what you have to do.
great pic!
Thanks man, I am glad you liked it.