A few months ago I left my corporate job in technology. I have been pursuing photography part time for years, but I suddenly found myself with extra time on my hands to practice my photography and improve my knowledge. So I signed up for Master Gardener training.

That might not make sense to some folks, but since I love gardening and photographing plants, I felt expanding my knowledge would greatly improve the stories I am able to tell about the photos I take. And as someone pointed out to me recently, stories are what make memories.

Yesterday, as I was among my 'tribe' of fellow Master Garden interns, someone pointed out a very special sight - an Anna's hummingbird nest. I love hummingbirds but have never spotted a nest, much less had the opportunity to photograph one. In training we learned that they use bits of lichen and moss for their nests and even spider webs to help hold them together. It was so exciting to actually see that in person. And the nesting mother was calm enough to let me get pretty close - most likely because she chose to put her nest in the middle of a busy garden!

I'm not sure what my future path is, but as long as it's filled with these kinds of stories, I'm certain it will be a joyous one.

Anna's hummingbird nest.She kept an eye on me, but allowed me to creep close enough to get a good picture of her nest. Anna's hummingbird on nest.Notice the spider webbing holding the nest to the tree limbs on this Anna's hummingbird nest.