1. Snowflakes
2. Birds of the Amazon Rainforest
3. Circle of Life
Have you ever been amazed by how beautiful things in nature can be? I have…
(Click picture for more)
Just yesterday, I spent an hour looking up snowflakes. Did you know that snowflakes are mostly particles of dust covered by frozen ice crystals? Yeah! So next time you open your mouth during a snowfall, make sure you’re in a city not completely polluted by smog or that an airplane didn’t just fly past your head. Seriously, you never know what crap (pun intended) could be covered by frozen water and falling into your open mouth. But, anyways, either way snowflakes are magnificent. I always thought (naively) that snowflakes were star-shaped—all very different from one another but still star-shaped. However, I learned yesterday, that I was wrong. Some snowflakes have cylindrical bodies. Others are comprised of two pieces layered on top of one another with one single pivot point, acting very much like a swivel, thus manipulating the structure depending on how the two parts overlap. And, some are even just plain prisms. It’s absolutely amazing. These tiny configurations are so intricate in design that humans who emulate them are considered creative geniuses. Yet, in nature, such beautiful complexity exists everywhere.
Take another example: the color palette in nature. Look at the numerous color combinations in the world: fish in coral reefs, plants in jungles and reptiles in swamps. Well… no need to even get that broad. Just look at the color combinations on the birds of the Amazon Rainforest. The Scarlet Macaw displays deep reds mixed with sharp yellows and bold blues.
Bird of Paradise
The Red Bill Toucan flashes exuberant reds and yellows amidst a dark feathered body. And, the most amazing bird in the Amazon, the Bird of Paradise has vibrant blues framed by pure black. Such color combinations in nature can do nothing but evoke feelings of awe in viewers. I mean, look at all the fashions and designs in the world that are inspired by nature. You know what I’m talking about, all you Cavalli lovers!
The first two examples can be considered masterpieces, but Circle of Life? Isn’t that the song from “Lion King”, you ask? 
True. However, I’m not talking about the song—though, I absolutely love “Lion King” and all things related, but that’s a whole different post. I’m talking about the concept. As Mufasa best described it: “When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life.” What can be more powerful than a concept that incorporates life and death?!
Such wondrous masterpieces not only inspire scientists to research, artists to create and people to learn, but they also allow me to appreciate what nature has to offer.
