One of the things Glimsen readers enjoy is features of other people who love the beauty around us, so here’s a new one for you.

When we first met in an online writers’ forum many years ago (back when online forums actually existed), my friend Bonnie Bruno was focusing on her writing: articles, devotionals, and several kids’ books.

A few years later, Bonnie and I met in real life at a writers’ conference. She was gentle, quiet, and gracious, exactly as I’d expected her to be from her email posts in the online group.

Fast forward again, and Bonnie decided to change her focus from writing to photography. By then, Facebook and Instagram had come along. I saw her photographs and followed her accounts right away.

Now, she sells prints of her photos as well as products that feature them. Her images have appeared in retail and online stores. (Check it all out on her Instagram bio at Instagram: Instagram.com/bonniebrunophotography LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/bonniebruno)

Since I started Glimsen five years ago, Bonnie’s photos have inspired me, and her comments about this blog have encouraged me. Today, I thought I would introduce you to my friend, share some of her recent work (with her permission, of course), and some of her messages to me about beauty.

“You asked readers if they’ve come across beauty in unexpected places recently. Yes! I discovered all kinds of pretty plants growing in a tangle of weeds alongside a creek on the coast. The creek wound its way to the Pacific, and debris catches in the winding stream, as it chisels out a path in the beach. I spotted these tiny lavender flowers, plus a tiny wild berry plant. The berries looked like blackberries, except they were more pinkish and blue pastel tones. Also, I found wild buttercups and some sort of sand-loving plant that stretched out its ‘feelers’ and produced deep purple blossoms.

“Thanks for reminding me why I do what I do—photographing surprises along the way. God plants each experience (I believe it) to bring back the wide-eyed child in those who will just slow down and simply look for His fingerprint.”

Bonnie also wrote,

“I love hints of orange and gold as morning sunlight eases through a thick fog.”

And this:

“I love birdsong in the treetops at dawn! Even on those occasional drizzly mornings, they’ll sing their little hearts out—a beautiful example on how to respond to the ups and downs of life.”

And this:

“I totally get the healing found in nature. That is why I tell people that photography is pure worship. God’s Creation is so overflowing with his love for us, and grace oozes out of every detail. Your writing blessed me greatly today, LeAnne. Thank you!”

“The images in your current post are the exact gems of Nature that set my heart to worship. I love the forest, coast, and all the pretty castoffs I often find laying on the beach, forest floor, and mountain paths: leaves, rocks, pine cones, wildflower petals. God puts all these there because he knows...He KNOWS how happy they make us. Just had to pause for a quick hello, and to thank you for your beautiful blog.”

Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing your gift of photography and your eyes of wonder with the world. I am honored to be a kindred spirit.