What happens when you shoot directly into the sun?  I could launch into a technical & scientific explanation on refraction and defraction of light on the lens elements, but I'd prefer you just enjoy the lovely results of lens flare.

This feathery little flower, found in my Mother-In-Law's garden, reminds me so of one of Dr. Seuss' little "Horton Hears a Who" flowers. 

The woodpeckers have been drilling away at this tree for a couple of seasons now; it finally gave up and crash landed in the garden this past winter.  Now it is ever so skyscraper-like in appearance, soon to be completely felled.